Brandon Lang could land with the Falcons
Troy's Brandon Lang (91) and Eugene Kinlaw (99) combine to drop Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFebvour during the GMAC Bowl on Jan. 6, 2010 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. (Mobile Press-Register, Chip English)
MOBILE – Troy State defensive end Brandon Lang is a player worth tracking for the Falcons leading up to the NFL draft.
If they go cornerback in the first round — Boise State’s Kyle Wilson or Oklahoma State’s Perrish Cox — they would be back in the defensive end market.
Lang, of Tucker High, who had a strong week at the Senior Bowl, is trying to become the latest stud defensive end from Troy.
New York Giants’ Osi Umenyiora was drafted in the second round (56 overall) of the 2003 draft.
DeMarcus Ware went to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round (11th overall) of the 2005 draft.
“They went through this same process and made a name for themselves,” Lang said. “I just hope that I can do the same thing.”
Lang, who is represented by Atlanta agent Hadley Engelhard, was pretty popular during the interviewing process as he met with more than 20 of the 32 teams, including the Falcons.
“I don’t know who has the most interest, but I talked to just about every team here,” said Lang, who ranks third in Troy history in tackles for losses, trailing only Ware and Umenyiora.
At Tucker, Lang played for head coach Bill Ballard, who’s now at Peachtree Ridge.
Roddy White is working on special teams at the Pro Bowl.
“In high school, I played tight end, defensive end, some linebacker, some wide receiver and quarterback,” Lang said.
PRO BOWL UPDATE: Falcons wide receiver Roddy White is set to play on the kickoff coverage and return teams in the Pro Bowl on Sunday.
OWENS HOPING FOR COMBINE INVITE: Georgia defensive tackle Jeff Owens is hoping that a strong showing in the Senior Bowl will help him get an invite to the NFL scouting combine.
THURMAN COMEBACK?: Former Georgia standout and Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman has attracted some interest from NFL teams, according to his coach in the United Football League, writes our good buddy Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com.
Thurman would have to start the reinstatement process first. He was suspended indefinitely by the league in June of 2008.
SPILLER NOT COMING HERE: The Falcons will not use their first round pick on Clemson running back C. J. Spiller.
The position is just not that high of a priority.
“The running back position is interesting because I think there are a bunch of guys you can get in the third or fourth round that can help you,” NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “Especially some of these SEC running backs. I’ll tell you the guy who just really intrigues me is (Dexter) McCluster.”
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83 comments Add your comment
D-bird in Chucktown
January 29th, 2010
11:54 am
I’m not saying it, but is it me?
chipperdawg
January 29th, 2010
11:59 am
Hope they go DE and they could do worse than this guy.
chipperdawg
January 29th, 2010
12:00 pm
D-bird, it was you
Magic Man
January 29th, 2010
12:01 pm
So, are you saying that Lang could come to the Falcons in the third round? We don’t have a second round pick. And, you said if we drafted Wilson or Cox, which would have to be in the first round, then De qould become a priority.
I think Lang would be a great pick in the third. I like Cox and Wilson, but I think the first round would be reaching for those guys. I do like Cox better than Patrick Robinson though.
I would rather us go DE in the first round. Maybe Dunlap if we interview him and feel character isn’t an issue. If not, maybe Everson Griffen falls to us, although he never really prodcued as his talent said he should. Jason Pierre-Paul is intriguing and may still be there at 19. Freak athlete, but raw in technique.
J dubb
January 29th, 2010
12:06 pm
Everybody is talking about Defense (and rightly so)….but I sure hope they get some deeper round O-line help too. I thought when we added TOny G last year, we would be unstoppable every posession; not only did we have trouble scoring against better defenses, but Matty got smacked around like a pinata A BUNCH!
D-Led, am I the only one who thinks the Birds UNDERachieved offesively last year?
I thought our run defense was respectable, but our secondary kept putting us in bad spots due to PA-INT penalties or just bad coverage. Defintely looking foward to TD’s draft wizardry again this year to re-make our DBs.
Nookah
January 29th, 2010
12:06 pm
DOL, nuff respect for the info. Personally I’d like to see us go DE or OLB (with lots of speed off the edge).
Go Falcons!!!
Ivan
January 29th, 2010
12:07 pm
Draft a defensive/offensive linemen first, please.
Nookah
January 29th, 2010
12:12 pm
J dubb, I’m with you on that, our offence did under achieve. We certainly didn’t scare anyone IMO. With all the weapons we had “on paper”, the full potential was not realized on the field. I do admit we had some injuries but that’s part of the game, every one has injuries at some point. Perhaps that may be an indictment on our depth.
Go Falcons!!!
J dubb
January 29th, 2010
12:22 pm
Definitely got to get some BIG DBs….I don’t care how fast they are; if they’re shorter like Houston, or can’t turn and jump in the air (like Houston), I say pass on ‘em.
LOVE DeCoud and I hope the Christopher Owens kid can fulfill the promise he showed at the end of the year.
You know, Nookah, maybe its telling that this was the first year TG didnt go to the ProBowl…..he just seemed to have less of an impact than I thought (don’t worry, I know he still had one ofthe better years for all TEs) but I thought our offense would be closer to the Saints or Cardinals or Packers………why wasn’t it? Mularkey? I used to think he was one of the best – maybe I thought wrong?
I surely don’t know why we had trouble getting into the endzone from 5 yds out when we have Snelling, Muhelli, Turner and Gonzo – thats just ineptness.
tbhawksfan
January 29th, 2010
12:48 pm
Mularky didn’t have a good year. The one before was nice though.
OL had a lot to do with it. Love to have a,other quality OT. Baker’ll be OK, Clabo and/or Dahl stay in the rotation, but need to upgrade the talent.
With JA98 better as a rotation DT, and Sid/Beer no sure starter (much less real talent) a stud DE is a must.
We need a starter quality OLB.
I’d prefer the AJC spend more time evaluating the early picks. I’m not sold on a diamond in the ruff draft theory. The best guys are early for a reason and the excetions are one in a hundred and they take time to develop.
Headmofo
January 29th, 2010
1:03 pm
We have no choice but to grab our DE in the first round. The defensive end position is one that we simply can’t afford to miss on this year. This draft is full of possible corner help but less Defensive End help. Our young corners didn’t play well early yet they continued to improve throughtout the season. If we don’t get pressure on the opposing teams quarterback it won’t matter who is playing corner for us. Look at the Jets Defense. Revis is great, but if you look at total defense it is the pressure that the opposing QB is under that makes what they do tick. Revis couldn’t cover for 9 seconds so why are we expecting Grimes or Houston too? Just a thought.
We need to simply move down in the 1st round and possibly pick up a 2nd round pick for giving up our 19th pick slot. We can then pick late in the first grab our pass rusher and acquire our corner in the 2nd round. There will be plenty of guys that emerge at the combine that can help us at corner. If we are able to move down and draft needs in the first two rounds we will be in better position to build the team up in rounds 3-6.
Sly Ty
January 29th, 2010
1:10 pm
Enter your comments here
planb
January 29th, 2010
1:13 pm
DOL
You know more than us and have a better inside. Tell us what you think about how we stand at each position. Whether we need help or do we need to draft or would FA be the way to go. What pos. have good depth etc.
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January 29th, 2010
1:14 pm
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Chuck Town
January 29th, 2010
1:17 pm
The Falcons, crazy Ga freaks and the AJC need to move past these players that played high school ball in the state of Ga. Look at the over all talent of everyone. There are plenty of needs DB, LD, DL ,OL ,WR, ST. Start drafting better play makers.
Sly Ty
January 29th, 2010
1:20 pm
As a fan of the birds, and of the Mad Scientist Dimitrof, I would like to draft….whoever it is that the Mad Scientist wants to draft. This “psychotic” evaluater of talent has brought of the Beer-man, Sidbury, Chaveous Jackson, Matt Ryan, Curtis Lofton, Harry Douglas, Thomas DeCoud, TONY GONZALEZ, and Christopher Owens. He has an abnormally high success rate in his decisions. If you don’t believe me, go an ask a Brown’s fan, or Lions fan, or Bill’s fan. After the Petrino Project, we were supposed to be where these franchises are. We are not only competetive, but we will be for a long time like the Eagles, Chargers, New England. So I simply say, I want whoever it is Dimitrof decides we need.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
January 29th, 2010
2:28 pm
J. dubb: I think the offense played about as good as expected with the injuries to Turner, Ryan, Norwood, Douglas and Baker playing with one arm (elbow injury).
The key is that they need a play maker on defense. One will drop to them. It could be a DE or a CB. Jason Pierre-Paul is going to rise and not be available when they pick if I go by what Mike Mayock and some of the other league folks told me down in Mobile.
I’m really intrigued by the Kyle Wilson kid. Here’s some youtube video on him.
They don’t have to go DE if think think Sidbury is a major comer. They let him learn his rookie year and with an offseason of working on his techniques, he could be a bigtime player. That would allow them to get a corner for the 28th rank pass defense and pick up another end (Lang) in the third.
Joseph
January 29th, 2010
2:38 pm
Falcons need to draft a shut down corner in the first round, then get a d lineman or de then do whatever they can to get Mc Cluster, even if he has to be taken second
D. Orlando Ledbetter
January 29th, 2010
2:40 pm
As noted by the Magic Man, the Falcons do not have a second round pick. They traded it to Kansas City for Tony Gonzalez.
JB FALCON
January 29th, 2010
2:40 pm
SLY TY Said it all!
Observe & Report
January 29th, 2010
3:16 pm
What is it with cornerbacks and corn rows??? Is that a requirement?
D Money
January 29th, 2010
3:35 pm
We should address either the DE or CB position via free agency and get the other in the first round. I don’t want two rookies on the field trying to learn at key positions. One is enough.
tbhawksfan
January 29th, 2010
3:46 pm
On the DL of the four starters we have one about avg (abe unless he bounes back), a couple nearing avg (Jerry, Babs) and JA98 and Sids Beer, Lewis, Davis as below avg back up types (at best).
On the OL we have maybe a couple avgs and the rest below avg with a couple of very raw, totally unproven back ups. The OL over-achieved two years ago and could still do worse than last year if not up-graded.
I know we need an OLB, but I draft the lines. BPA is likely to be an OT or DE.
Skiingdawg
January 29th, 2010
3:47 pm
The Falcons trade their current (19th or 20th) first round pick for a late first round pick plus an additional third round pick. We still pick up the CB or DE plus can add a DE or CB and a LB or OLB with our two third round picks.
ATLJBO
January 29th, 2010
3:48 pm
D.Led… Check out Perrsih Cox
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma_n9K3stn8
I really like this guy… I think he has what it takes to be a #1 CB that can follow #1WR’s around the field (like he did in college)
J dubb
January 29th, 2010
4:02 pm
Yeah D. I realize injuries were rampant, but early in the season is when I was remembering, and it didn’t seem as if they were firing on all cylinders too often.
I can’t fault any of TD’s drafts moves yet…(He is LIGHT YEARS AHEAD of how McKay and Dan Reeves used to pick!)
I for one, am always more intrigued by the mid to later rounders because you don’t know much about them and they can really turn out to be a pleasant surprise. THe First rounders are great, but more of a flash in the pan if they can’t crack the starting lineup and impact right away. All the rookies have to ride the learning curve. (Well, I guess not M Ryan and C Lofton…)
I can’t wait to watch. Just re-upped my season tix.
GO BIRDS!
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
January 29th, 2010
4:15 pm
what about the supplemental picks might the falcons get a two or a three ? is that a possibility ?
Bangkapi Ajarn
January 29th, 2010
4:26 pm
I THINK (if I recall) that the highest a supplemental pick can be is at the end of the third round. Best case scenario I have seen for the falcons, if the stars aligh correctly, etc., is a 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th.
FoxNoise.net
January 29th, 2010
4:47 pm
Are the Falcons getting supplemental draft picks for losing all those FA’s last year? If so when we will hear about it and where will they shake out?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
January 29th, 2010
5:43 pm
Observe & Report: The cornrows don’t make the player.
J dubb: I think everybody had high expectations for the offense. They drop 45 on the 49ers before Matt started struggling with the INTS and Turner was hurt.
Bangkapi Ajarn: That’s definitely the best case scenario. They will definitely get some for Foxworth, Brooking and Boley. And might not get anything for my man Big Grady!
ATLJBO: I’m going to check it out. But after talking to him at Mobile, I don’t think he’s getting by the “character” police. He looked at me like I was crazy when I asked him if he was married to the mother of any of his three kids. But dude can cover and is supposed to be a great blitzer.
Don’t tell anybody, but I’m writing while Dr. Phil is on TV in the background. (The Pro Football Writers of America might snatch my card if this goes public.)
BT
January 29th, 2010
6:20 pm
Could Odell Thurman get through the Falcons Filter?
Dan
January 29th, 2010
6:42 pm
I am thinking draft Dunlap for DE and sign Dunta Robinson as a free agent to play CB
falcon21
January 29th, 2010
6:53 pm
DOL, I see you have been busy. This is good stuff, keep it coming.
ATLJBO
January 29th, 2010
7:24 pm
D.Led
Did you hear that Thomas Dimitroff nfl sirius radio interview ?
If so… Did he say anything interesting ?
Mavericknroddy0284
January 29th, 2010
8:35 pm
OMG..Falcons fans…can we please stop making excuses for the terrible offense we witnessed this year…THE MAJOR INJURIES DIDNT START UNTIL WK 10 AGAINST CAROLINA (minus harry douglas)…that was when turner initially went down…minus the performance against San Fran they really underachieved…from turners fumbles, to matt ryans int’s, to jenkins just being one of the falcons most useless players..I don’t know about you all but I expected a lil more (which is why i spent my hard earned money on the NFL TICKET and numerous falcons jerseys)…i know we need to fix this defense but i honestly feel like we are a Great OTackle away from being a Dynamic offense. I say use the first round pick on that…then get Wilfork and Cromartie in FA..cmon Mr. Blank i know we got the money…show your fans that you truly want to win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
January 29th, 2010
9:18 pm
ATLJBO: I was in the press box writing the Tebow story and heard the questions from Ryan and Kirwan. But didn’t hear what Thomas was saying. He was talking through Jim Miller, who was down on the field with the mic. I will try to get a copy of the interview from Sirius. They asked about Douglas, congratulated Thomas for extending Babinueax. (Kirwan really likes Babineaux).
Falcon21: Thanks for the kind words.
BT: I need some more information on his struggles. If he’s matured and is over his Grandmother’s death, Georgia might be the right place for him.
Mike in Savannah
January 29th, 2010
9:27 pm
I’m sorry to disappoint everyone, but there are no CBs or DEs worth the 19th pick. There is no way TD is drafting anyone with character issues either (Parrish Cox). And how would you justify the Falcons drafting yet ANOTHER young CB who needs to learn the system? They should be looking to sign a veteran CB who can help right away and let Biermann or Sidbury take over the DE position fulltime. DT is a need that can be filled later in the draft, but we also have Jerry coming back from injury. We don’t need Taylor Mays because we have DeCoud, Moore, and Coleman already at the safety positions. Mike Peterson is going to be 34 next year and Stephen Nicolaus was barely average. We need a standout LB who is not prone to injury and can play with a high motor and is a great blitzer. Sean Weatherspoon is that guy.
Delbert D.
January 29th, 2010
11:07 pm
Patrick Robinson? Oh, no. He wasn’t even the best (was there a best?) in the FSU defensive backfield. And please don’t draft another DE. What will he do, tutor under Sidbury? Play Kroy Biermann more.
What the Falcons really missed was their 400+ pounder at tackle.
ATLJBO
January 29th, 2010
11:20 pm
I just dont think Perrish Cox “character issues” are as major as some are making them.
I cant wait to see what direction Thomas Dimitroff goes in.
Explicit
January 30th, 2010
12:22 am
I thought Brandon Lang was a former QB and gambler? Is this not the same guy?
Also I am not big on Perrish Cox coming to the ATL. After I watched him play against GA in the opener this season I thought he would be good for us but now I am not so certain and I certainly don’t think that you should take him in the 1st. If we end up with a 2nd round pick then it’s a possibility but you can get better value in the 1st than Cox.
What about Sergio Kindle? Also nobody is mentioning Earl Thomas who I think would be a great pick for us in the 1st.
I actually like Jonathen Dwyer from GT as well to strengthen the RB position and set up Turners replacement but obviously we aren’t taking a RB in the 1st.
Mike in Savannah
January 30th, 2010
1:36 am
Explicit, Sergio Kindle is a DE/LB tweener, better suited in a 3-4 defense. Earl Thomas is a safety. We don’t need another safety. We are pretty set at the position with Moore, Coleman, and DeCoud.
ATLJBO, Parrish Cox was held out of the Cotton Bowl for violating team rules, was arrested for driving without a license, has 3 kids that we have no idea how he is contributing towards, and gives a terrible interview. http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Wilson-Perrish-Cox-QA.html Sure he doesn’t seem so bad now, but how is he going to react after a big payday? Just don’t see anybody stretching to get him in the 1st round.
Mike in Savannah
January 30th, 2010
1:54 am
http://www.orangepower.com/showthread.php?s=1577acbd2c1c14c9093083604e4ee41f&p=1032692#post1032692
Perrish Cox a prima donna? Please, TD, don’t draft another Meangelo.
ATLJBO
January 30th, 2010
2:21 am
Coming in 30 mins late is a dumbass mistake… so is driving without a license…. Ive done both and i know im not a bad guy…. I know its a difference but a young dude will make dumbass mistakes sometimes…
Ive never seen a guy having kids as bad thing like yall are making it out to be… ill see if the man was in a situation like Mcfadden was… Like 8 chics saying he got them prego..
You guys are acting like this man was caught drunk behind the wheel of his car… Oh… That’s Dunlap…. Or caught with drugs.
IDK…I guess i don’t see things like you guys see them….. I agree that we don’t need any bad character guys on this team. I dont look at youth mistakes as bad character issues.
I’m sure Thomas Dimitroff and the FO is doing research on the guy.
Ken Strickland
January 30th, 2010
2:26 am
Drafting a DE with our 1st pick doesn’t automatically mean he’ll have an impact of our pass rush. We have several options to consider that could render picking another DE too early a moot point.
(1) We always have the possibility of DE JAbraham returning to form.
(2) We have the possibility of 2nd yr DE LSidbury making the same leap in progress made last yr by 3rd yr starting DE KBiermann.
(3) We have the possibility of 3rd yr DE KBiermann taking another leap in progress and having a real breakout yr.
(4) WE HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF ALL OF THE ABOVE, OR ANY COMBINATION THERE OF.
I also see us having vast improvement in our DT’s. DT VWalker has a yr under his belt after a strong rookie season. DT TJohnson has a yr under his belt after a strong season. DT/DE JAnderson has a successful yr of experience under his belt while primarily playing DT. PJerry is returning from IR, and TLewis will return from completing his 1st injury free season. The fate of JBabineaux will be the only question mark at DT.
I see us drafting either a CB or LB with our 1st rd pick. With the jury still out on CB THill, and with CB BWilliams being a FA, we’re rather thin at CB. With TGilbert, CWire, 2nd yr LB SAdkins and RJames, who weighs only 220lbs, as our backup LB’s, we need to upgrade the position.
Marcus
January 30th, 2010
6:03 am
DOL,
I agree with poster “Joseph” and Mayock: Luv Ole Miss’ McCluster as our change-of-pace RB, but I bet a lot of other teams do, too and see him as a poor man’s Percy Harvin. No way he is around by the time we get to our 3rd round draft spot.
You hit the key … our 1st round selection depends (ironically) on how much upside TD/Smitty believes Biermann and Sidbury will make in 2010. No way we get a starting DE in the 3rd round.
TD must work a plan to get back into the 2nd round, esp,. once we find out our compensatory picks.
collegeballfan
January 30th, 2010
8:57 am
The Falcons can always trade for a second round pick if there is a player available they feel they must have.
Falcons Won’t Go High on a RB in the Draft » Falcons Gab
January 30th, 2010
9:43 am
[...] already on the roster, don’t look for the Falcons to go high on a running back in the draft, including Clemson RB C.J. Spiller: The Falcons will not use their first round pick on Clemson running back C. J. Spiller. The [...]
JabboRockefeller
January 30th, 2010
10:08 am
I think we should draft future Pro-Bowlers in each round.
This draft thing is a piece of cake!
Falcons Fan
January 30th, 2010
11:37 am
I know running back is not top priority for the falcons but lets keep it real which Michael Turner do the falcons have 2008 or 2009? I was not impressed with his backups either. I not saying mortgage the future for C.J. Spiller or Jonathan Dwyer but if they are the best player available when the falcons pick then so be it, why reach for another Jamal Anderson/ Peria Jerry bust! Picking another loser that will only set the falcons back further. Draft Playmakers regardless of who is on the roster. Competition breeds better overall play for the team!
D3
January 30th, 2010
11:52 am
DOL – Fantastic job my brother! Thanks again for the kind words the other day.
Not as Bad @ CB – I may run the risk of being called an eternal optimist and wearing rose colored glasses, but I don’t think we’re as bad off at cornerback as many of us believe (including myself in the until the end). Chris Owens and Brent Grimes played really, really well at the end of the year. Owens might as well be penciled in, IMO, because he only got better when he finally took one of the starting positions. He had a few hiccups, but not many for a third round draft pick. And Grimes has finally proven to be a legit corner in the NFL (and proven many doubters wrong in the process, including me). He may not be the tallest, but his effort and intensity is unparalleled. He tied for 5th with 6 ints, in limited starts, and only 2 CB’s had more picks (Asante Samuel, Charles Woodson) not bad company.
CB Depth – Speaking of the cornerbacks on our depth chart, there’s some talent there as well. While Houston should not be starting on the outside anymore, he still has a lot of talent, quickness, and speed to use and is stull very young. He could be a big asset in the nickel, but I get the sinking feeling that Coach Smith and Co. will plug him back in at starting CB next year (which will be an outrage). Also, we’ll have Tye Hill (who showed flashes, was a 1st round pick, and we gave a 7th rounder for), and Chevis Jackson (who digressed some after an impressive rookie campaign). Doubtful we re-sign Brian Williams due to his terrible injury and we only inked him for a one-year deal. Why draft a CB in the first round not named Haden, which carries huge risk, and we already have a pretty deep pool of D-Backs? Not to mention the fact that William Moore will be adding excellent depth as a 3rd safety, backing up two good ones already on the roster. A CB in the 3rd or 4th round will give the same advantage (particularly with TD’s ability to mine CB talent). Final Question: would Kyle Wilson, Donovan Warren, Patrick Robinson, or Perrish Cox make an immediate impact next year? That much better than Grimes or Owens? JMHO.
BOB
January 30th, 2010
12:04 pm
Richard Samuels should be available because of an expiring contract. With his Georgia and TD connections, he becomes an option for strengthening the defensive line.
Concerning the offense, I still believe that a big ,strong and fast receiver is needed. TG is big; RW is allegedly fast but a receiver like the kid in Denver would help MR ’s growth and development.A trade would be the first option regarding a big, fast and stong wide out.
IF, the Falcons have any money then Free Agency should be the to get a left tackle and a cover corner. Won’t win with inexperience at those two key positions.
NFL News and Notes - January 30, 2010
January 30th, 2010
12:25 pm
[...] defensive end Brandon Lang has caught the eye of the Atlanta Falcons, reports D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta [...]
[Falcons] Falcons Won't Reach For A RB Early In The Draft - GridironFans.com
January 30th, 2010
12:42 pm
[...] [Falcons] Falcons Won't Reach For A RB Early In The Draft The Falcons will not use their first round pick on Clemson running back C. J. Spiller. The position is just not that high of a priority. "The running back position is interesting because I think there are a bunch of guys you can get in the third or fourth round that can help you," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. "Especially some of these SEC running backs. I'll tell you the guy who just really intrigues me is (Dexter) McCluster." Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]
Ken Strickland
January 30th, 2010
1:02 pm
D3-NO, no one with any football intelligence would label you an ETERNAL OPTIMIST. You’re just an Atlanta Falcon fan with an indepth understanding of football, period. Although, there seems to be a noticable shortage of Falcon fans that can claim that distinction, based on some of these posts.
Some, for some unknown reason, seem to be obcessed with wanting the Falcons to draft a RB with our 1st pick. They seem to think MTurners injury, and the fact he didn’t duplicate his previous yrs Probowl performance, means we have to automatically consider RB our #1 priority, like there’s a RB in this draft, especially one available at #19 or 20, would automatically do better.
Then there’s the camp that insists on us having to draft a shutdown CB that’s 6′ or taller, like there’s one in this draft that will fall into our laps at #19 or 20. There are simply too many Falcon fans that can’t seem to differentiate between real football and fantasy football. I see the key to improving our overall DEF being improving our pass rush, which I think will happen based on the individual improvement of the DEF linemen already on our roster.
On OFF, the biggest improvement we could make is to get our OFF Coordinator to do a better job of utilizing the talent at RB. This will be OC Mularky’s 3rd season, and he’s never taken advantage of JNorwoods speed, quickness and elusiveness, by using screens and/or swing passes to isolate him on LB’s out in space. Mularky seems to have some fixation with end arounds, which hasn’t produced any favorable results. It makes no sense to spend a high draft pick on another quick, fast, elusive change of pace RB if our OC is going to insist on running him between the tackles like a power RB. His narrowminded approach could likely be the contributing factor to Norwood’s injury problems.
ATLJBO
January 30th, 2010
1:20 pm
MAN…D3… I think you guys are erasing the first 13 games and just remember the last 3 games… The last 3 games were awesome but you cant forget about how our CB’s played before those 3 games…. When Abe came out and complained about the CB play….
I like Owens… I think the guy has what it takes to be a really good CB in this league… I feel like Grimes would be a really good NB because the guy can really show his ball when everything is in front of him…. I think we need one more CB to put on the island opposite of Owens.
If you listen to Coach Smith and Thomas Dimitroff end of the year press conferences it sound like they want another CB…. It sound like Coach Smith wants a bigger type CB.
Falcons Won’t Go High on a RB in the Draft | Atlanta Falcons Blog
January 30th, 2010
1:28 pm
[...] already on the roster, don’t look for the Falcons to go high on a running back in the draft, including Clemson RB C.J. Spiller: The Falcons will not use their first round pick on Clemson running back C. J. Spiller. The [...]
D3
January 30th, 2010
1:57 pm
1st Round Draft Pick Corners Since 2002
2002
-Quentin Jammer (5th) – Legit starting corner
-Phillip Buchanon (17th) – Been released and bounced around (Oak, TB, Det)
-Lito Sheppard (26th) – Made Pro-Bowl, but was expendable by Eagles, benched this playoffs
-Mike Rumph (27th) – Out of football since 2007
2003
-Terrence Newman (5th) – Legit starting corner, made Pro Bowl
-Andre Woolfork (28th) – Out of football since 2007
-Sammy Davis (29th) – Didn’t get picked up by any team last year
-Nnamdi Asomugha (30th) – Beyond legit, one of the best CB’s in the game
2004
-Deangelo Hall (8th) – Enough said
-Dunta Robinson (10th) – Legit starting CB
-Ahmad Carroll (25th) – Lost starting job after 2nd year, started 1 game since; been w/ 3 diff teams
-Chris Gamble (28th) – Legit starting CB;
2005
-Pacman Jones (6th) – Enough said
-Antrel Rolle (8th) – Legit DB, but moved to FS
-Carlos Rogers (9th) – Legit CB
-Fabian Washington (23rd) – Up and down career, lost starting job in Oak; Reprised in Balt
-Marlin Jackson (29th) – Only played in 11 games since 2007, starting 7 of them
2006 to present to come……….
ATLJBO – I certainly don’t disagree that we should draft a corner (hoping for 3rd round), but IMHO, I think taking a chance on a CB that’s not a lock (Haden) is too big of risk, and TD being able to mine out a player like Chris Owens could do just as well as a first rounder. Chris Houston starting was one of the main reasons for the really poor pass coverage, IMO. That being said, if we were to trade down and pick up a second rounder I wouldn’t have a problem taking a chance on a CB in the first. Not sure many teams will be wanting to let go of a 2nd rounder this year, though.
D the Man
January 30th, 2010
2:53 pm
I played with this guy at Tucker (Thomas Brown, too)….He was a hig quality individual and a good guy all around. Hope TD brings him home.
ATLJBO
January 30th, 2010
3:14 pm
D3.. Lets look at the recent years
2007
Leon Hall- Legit CB (was one of the best in the NFL last week)
Darrelle Revis- Legit CB (Best in the league)
Aaron Ross – up and down…mainly because of injury
2008
Leodis McKelvin- looks like a good #2 CB (was injured this year)
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie- Legit CB (Probowl)
Mike Jenkins – Legit CB (Probowl)
Antoine Cason- a up incoming CB
Aqib Talib- Legit CB
If we can get a good CB in the 3rd round that’s cool…. I used to be one of those guys that never wanted to draft a 1st round CB… But after i saw how guys like Leon Hall and Mike Jenkins has become really good CB’s (i didnt think they were going to become good CB’s)….I feel like Perrish Cox could be one of those types of CB’s… Ive watched dude games all year…. He is very good… So is Kyle Wilson.
But yea… If we can find another good CB in the 3rd round… Thats cool.
D3
January 30th, 2010
4:05 pm
ATLJBO – Great point. We’re right on the same page, because I just finished that research and it seems that GM’s have figured something out, because they’ve been hitting on them the last couple of years. I agree with you, if one of those guys (Kyle Wilson, Perrish Cox) is the next Mike Jenkins or Darrelle Revis, than pull the trigger, but if not I’m confident TD can mine another CB in the later rounds. I think Tye Hill will surprise some people next year (let’s hope) and Houston could be a solid Nickel. We’ll see today at the Senior Bowl.
Question?????
January 30th, 2010
6:04 pm
DOL:
How are the sides of the Senior Bowl picked? Is it based on where the kids are originally from? I see Clemson players on the north and players who are from the state of Florida on the North team as well. Can’t figure it out….
richbrave
January 30th, 2010
7:51 pm
So how did the receiver from CLEMSON and the DE from RICHMOND do this past season?
D3
January 30th, 2010
8:34 pm
richbrave -Aaron Kelly (Clemson) was cut in last round of cuts before the season and Sidbury Jr. (Richmond) nabbed a sack and touchdown in very limited snaps. Possibly our DE of the future.
geno
January 30th, 2010
9:29 pm
Forget the defense guys……defense no longer wins championsips…..only two defenses have won championships in the last decade….Baltimore and tampa bay….sure pittsburg and the giants had good defense but the offense (rothlesberger and manning) made the key plays that won the big game…….If we believe that M Ryan is the real deal, then lets build a juggernaut offense like INDY and NEW ORLEANS……Defense is dead…offense rules
chuck-chuck
January 31st, 2010
7:21 am
sidbury and owens were quality picks from last years draft that will only be better with experience.I look forward to TD drafting that one impact player that can contribute and hopefully be a starter as a rookie.
santa cruz dawg
January 31st, 2010
7:57 am
I would love to see the Falcons draft Brandon Graham, from Michigan. He dominated the Senior Bowl Game.
gdg73@yahoo.com
January 31st, 2010
10:47 am
What happened to the cornerbacks drafted in 2006 in the 1st round ?
gdg73@yahoo.com
January 31st, 2010
10:52 am
I listened to Brandon Graham on an interview on Sirius. Pat Kirwin had him projected as a 3-4 LB, even though he played DE in college. They guy has an amazing motor and had a ton of TFL and sacks in college. He remindse me of Dwight Freeney. I wish we had a second round pick. I say trade down out of #19 and recoup that 2nd round pick and get our DE here. Our first pick should be used on an OLB.
Tweets that mention Brandon Lang could land with the Falcons | Atlanta Falcons with D. Orlando Ledbetter -- Topsy.com
January 31st, 2010
11:27 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ajc sports editor, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Towing, ATLHOMER, Anastacia and others. Anastacia said: RT @AJCFalcons Brandon Lang could land with the Falcons http://bit.ly/bLyihh [...]
Tweets that mention Brandon Lang could land with the Falcons | Atlanta Falcons with D. Orlando Ledbetter -- Topsy.com
January 31st, 2010
11:50 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ajc sports editor and Matt Nestor, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: Troy State's Brandon Lang could land with the Falcons – http://shar.es/aPqdi [...]
Tosin
January 31st, 2010
12:38 pm
I believe we should get a DB in the first round, then get a sleeper DE in the third round. (Ex. Tyson Alualu from Cal)
The Real Falcon
January 31st, 2010
3:58 pm
Just saw TD at the High Museum. Glad to know he knows how to relax! Also told him I was re-upping my season tickets.
ATLJBO
January 31st, 2010
7:34 pm
I just heard that Adam Schefter said the Panthers will let Julius Peppers walk… Adam Schefte said the three likely teams are Baltimore, Atlanta, and New England.
TD Bring Him HOME
RA
January 31st, 2010
10:00 pm
They need to sign Julius Peppers. You put him on one side and Abraham on the other, and you will have dramatically improved your secondary.
Tosin
January 31st, 2010
10:17 pm
With Peppers and Abraham on the ends then Babs and Jerry in the middle, there is no such thing as double team and running the ball against the falcons would be HELL.
MarkTwain
January 31st, 2010
10:37 pm
We here in Atlanta hit the panic button on character issues. Fair enough. I go back to the Carl Nicks argument. Two years ago what should have been no later than a 2nd rounder drops late 5th round because the cops storm through the door at a college party and when asked to leave essentially responds, “I’m of legal age to drink, bite my crank.” He was part of the Saints O-line that made the Vikings D-line look like they were wearing dresses recently. CB and DE are not the critical needs unless a game changer is available. If Cox is a game changer I’d take him unless his work ethic is in question or it is clear he has Adam Jones issues.
I cannot understand why there are so few talking about our weak O-line. This has to be addressed. Also, Curtis Lofton would look like Ray Lewis with rotation of Jerry, Babineaux, and Terrence Cody playing in front of him. I like picking a linebacker but not with the 19th pick.
Oran
February 1st, 2010
1:13 am
First, get Julius Peppers in Free Agency. Also, try to get another Brian Williams type in Free Agency. The Falcons have very little LB depth; and, OLB needs upgrading. PICK#1: OLB Weatherspoon. Next, the running game needs more OL strength/talent/depth. PICK#3: A huge, quick, smart right tackle like Jared Veldheer. Move Clabo to right guard & put Veldheer at RT. This will also likely improve right side pass protection for MR. With PICK#4a, another OLB like A.J. Edds. PICK#4b, a DT like Cam Thomas. PICK #5a: If RB/WR Dexter McCluster is still on the board, grab him. After that, the best defensive players remaining.
BOB
February 1st, 2010
10:57 am
BOB
January 30th, 2010
12:04 pm
Richard Seymour should be available because of an expiring contract. With his Georgia and TD connections, he becomes an option for strengthening the defensive line.
Concerning the offense, I still believe that a big ,strong and fast receiver is needed. TG is big; RW is allegedly fast but a receiver like the kid in Denver would help MR ’s growth and development.A trade would be the first option regarding a big, fast and stong wide out.
IF, the Falcons have any money then Free Agency should be the to get a left tackle and a cover corner. Won’t win with inexperience at those two key positions.
Update: if Peppers is available get them both- defense by itself may not win championships anymore but a good , well balanced offense and defense wiil.
ATLJBO
February 1st, 2010
5:26 pm
D-Led…Do you think we will go after Peppers ?
richbrave
February 1st, 2010
10:08 pm
“Lang, of Tucker High, who had a strong week at the Senior Bowl, is trying to become the latest stud defensive end from Troy.”
So what’s wrong with SIDBURY? There’s not two of him?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
February 2nd, 2010
1:15 am
ATLJBO: No, I don’t think they’ll go after Peppers. He’s not the “missing link” and costs too much.
RICHBRAVE: Sidbury had a tough time getting on the field last season. But this would be more a Jamaal/Davis replacement while Sidbury gets to keep developing.
SEYMOUR costs too much.
BOB
February 2nd, 2010
5:54 pm
No, I don’t think they’ll go after Peppers. He’s not the “missing link” and costs too much.
SEYMOUR costs too much.
Are the Falcons trying to win a championship or become cost accountants? Being penny wise and puond foolish is the downfall of substandard organizations.
Brandon Lang could land with the Falcons | Atlanta Falcons with D … | NFL Topics Blog
February 16th, 2010
7:49 am
[...] Garry Cobb wrote a very interesting post today. Here’s a quick excerpt:MOBILE – Troy State defensive end Brandon Lang is a player worth tracking for the Falcons leading up to the NFL draft. If they go cornerback in the. [...]