Florida CB Joe Haden could slide to Falcons at 19
Alabama running back Trent Richardson eludes the tackle of Florida cornerback Joe Haden in the SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome on December 5, 2009. New secondary coach Tim Lewis would have to teach Haden how to Hit-Wrap-and-Lift. None of this arm tackling. (Brant Sanderlin bsanderlin@ajc.com)
COMBINEVILLE – The NFL scouting combine is over and it’s time to digest all of the information.The really hard work leading up to the draft starts now.
One head coach told me that teams know who can play football by the time they arrive at the combine.
The coaches really need the interviews to determine if they want the players in their locker rooms.
The interviews and medical information are much more important than the 40-yard dash times to most coaches.
But there is one little combine fact that I can’t get out of my head.
Why were the Atlanta Falcons first in line to interview Florida cornerback Joe Haden? Most of the pre-combine
How would the massive CB Chris Cook look matched-up in man-to-man coverage against the New Orleans Saints WR Marques Colston?
information had Haden going much higher than 19. Most had him rated as the top cornerback in the draft and we had him going No. 8 to Oakland in Mock Draft 1.0.
In the Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Guide, they have Haden landing in Flowery Branch with the 19th pick.
Haden ran 4.57 and 4.6 in the 40-yard dash and could be dropping out of the top 10. But will he slide all the way to 19?
Here are the top 40-yard times of the cornerbacks who ran at the combine: Wake Forest’s Brandon Ghee (4.45), Virginia’s Chris Cook (4.46), Indiana-Pennsylvania’s Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (4.47), Purdue’s David Pender (4.47), Rutgers’ Devin McCourty (4.48), Kevin Thomas (4.48) and Alabama’s Kareem Jackson (4.48). (Source: NFL.com).
If the Falcons want bigger corners, Haden, at 5-10 ½ and 190 pounds, doesn’t fit the prototype of a big corner – 6-2, 210.
Keep an eye on Virginia’s Cook because he’s 6-1 ¾ and 212 pounds and Indiana-Pennsylvania’s Owusu-Ansah, 6-foot-5/8 and 197 pounds. Pender is no smurf at 6-0, 174.
If Haden slides to 19, should the Falcons take him?
COMBINE INTEL: Got this intel from the last day of the combine: “Falcons are looking hard at offensive linemen. DBs are the main focus, though. They also love LB Sean Weatherspoon.”
AT THE POLLS
Sean Weatherspoon wants to be Thomas Dimitroff's third consecutive high defensive pick from the Big 12. (Photo by Parker Eshelman)
Last week, we asked: “Which cornerback should the Falcons take with their first round draft pick? Here are the results.
- None of the above, take a defensive end or linebacker. (39%, 223 Votes)
- Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State (25%, 141 Votes)
- Jerome Murphy, South Florida (19%, 107 Votes)
- Patrick Robinson, Florida State (14%, 78 Votes)
- Devin McCourty, Rutgers (3%, 19 Votes)
FOLLOWING BIERMANN
Falcons defensive end # 71 Kroy Biermann got a chance to perform kickoffs with injuries to the Falcons normal specialists. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
Defensive end Kroy Biermann is giving fans a behind the scenes look by sharing exclusive video on his Facebook and Twitter pages. You can follow him at www.facebook.com/biermann71 and twitter.com/KroyBiermann.
You can follow the Falcons Beat and Falcons Fan blogs on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.
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154 comments Add your comment
Blue Fender
March 3rd, 2010
8:00 am
Uh-oh. Could it be??
BP
March 3rd, 2010
8:03 am
First????
Blue Fender
March 3rd, 2010
8:04 am
Anyway…
If Hayden falls, is it solely because of his relatively slow 40? we all know if he’s still on the board and Oakland picks, he’s safe. However, if his true game speed is better than the others mentioned, then let’s get him.
Vinny D
March 3rd, 2010
8:06 am
What a silly question. As much as I hate UF (lived in Gainesville the last 4 years), I would most certainly take Haden with the 19th pick. In fact, If he was sitting around a few picks before that, I would make a deal to trade up. The dude can play, thats all there is to it. If I remember correctly, Percy didn’t have a crazy fast 40 time. Anquan Boldin years ago had a PEDESTRIAN 40 time. Some players get faster in pads. Plus, I watched Haden’s 40 and his technique out of the gate is bad. If he is there at 12, trade up and take him. By the way, I STILL HATE the Gaytors but Haden can play.
Blue Fender
March 3rd, 2010
8:06 am
Personally I think TD is taking a LB first. He may try to trade up to the second round to get one of these CBs since all the comp. picks will make up for any picks traded away. Who knows, maybe he could trade away some dead weight and get picks.
Time will tell.
Halsey
March 3rd, 2010
8:07 am
Everyone seems to take it for granted that Haden is a top CB prospect, but I wonder if he’s really as good a prospect as the majority thinks. He played behind a very good front 7 at UF.
Walker, Texas Ranger f.k.a. Bank
March 3rd, 2010
8:08 am
Witherspoon or Haden. Those other guys may be bigger or faster but can’t cover like Haden.
GT GRAD
March 3rd, 2010
8:10 am
Slow and/or small corners get beat way too often in the NFL…………………..we have many needs and there are better players (who do not have ????) that we should draft at #19. Falcons should not be taking chances on players with ????? in the first round!
Vinny D
March 3rd, 2010
8:15 am
I mentioned Percy didn’t have a crazy fast 40. I was comparing that to the 40 that UF says he runs which is a 4.28 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Haden-Mays-reminds-us-again-to-beware-the-cult-?urn=ncaaf,225322 I have seen that board, its a good recruiting ploy.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
8:22 am
I don’t like his tackling form in the photo. He’s up to high and getting ready to get the stiff arm! He should be bending his back and exploding into Richardson’s hips with hit-wrap-and-lift form tackle.
I always thought that if you are a small corner — I’m thinking Darrell Green was the best ever — that you have to be super fast. That 4.57 is scary slow for a CB. I wonder if he was running on a bad hammy or something.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
8:30 am
Congrats Blue Fender!!!
come on
March 3rd, 2010
8:31 am
who cares what his 40 is clocked at. look at game film. the film shows he can play, and that is all that matters. jerry rice was clocked at like a 4.6 or 4.7. it does not matter how fast u run in shorts and a tshirt, it matters if u can still run that fast with pads on
jpage327
March 3rd, 2010
8:36 am
We already have 6 defensive backs and a new secondary coach. We won’t spend a first round on another. With the right training, they cover pretty well.
We need a pass rush, so thinking Weatherspoon or Kindle. We can trade up to secong round for OT. Then get a WR/TE in the third.
Looking forward to the draft though!
Elliot Garcia
March 3rd, 2010
8:39 am
The Gators hate you too, Vinny D!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
8:45 am
jpage327: Kindle is long gone by 19. How did those six DBs play last year? They are part of the 28th ranked passing defense. Improvements will not enough if there is a talent issue.
Vinny doesn’t “hate” the Gators. He just doesn’t like them very much. “Hate” is such a strong word. Let’s not get into a Gator dust up. Haden to the Falcons? Buy or sell?
blindog
March 3rd, 2010
8:51 am
With a better pass rush,the cornerbacks we have now will be much better!We need someone who will be in the QB’s face every play!And NO that player is not Peppers!!
DC Dirty Bird
March 3rd, 2010
8:56 am
Did DLed just type cast a player based on a photo? Wow. If Haden and Weatherspoon are there at 19, we’re in a can’t lose situation. However, we absolutely cannot go into the next season with the same CB on our roster. Anybody see the SD preseason game when our first teamers got annihilated by the big SD receivers. We can’t “if” our SB chances away by continually gambling on if a player gets better. Thats not the way the teams that have won the big dance have done it, why should we.
**Frederick(Bailey)Douglass**
March 3rd, 2010
9:02 am
At 4.6 in the 40, why would the Birds want a small corner? Isn’t that the point of having small corners like Darrell Green or Brent Grimes…that they are speed demons that can run down the ball? WHY WOULD WE DRAFT A SMALL, INEXPERIENCED, SLOW CB WITH OUR FIRST ROUND PICK????
Remember the formula DOL:
Young Athletic Defensive Lineman and DEs + Mix of young and experienced LBs + Veteran Defensive Backs = Solid Team Defense
blord
March 3rd, 2010
9:03 am
When looking at a corner you also have to look at reaction time. From my understanding at the combine the NFL starts the official time from the first movement of the player running which is different then from a gunshot start. It makes certain players look better that run fast in a straight line; however, if that same player doesn’t have a fast reaction time then they will still get beat consistantly. Reaction is huge for a corner!
If there at 19 I think I would have to consider him depending on what else is on the board. TD will do the work to make sure this guy has the skills to be productive.
willdave
March 3rd, 2010
9:03 am
I don’t know about taking Haden in the first round. If the goal is to take a bigger CB, I don’t think Joe would fit the bill. Moreover, I would be concerned about a potential draft pick whose ranking had fallen so significantly among expert observers. Do we know why?
Blue Fender
March 3rd, 2010
9:10 am
Let’s hope the Falcons get someone who can play right away. While Owens looked good at the end of the season, he took most of the season to get his game. Grimes will make an excelent nickel corner. What is needed is a physical CB with speed that can swivel his neck so he can look for the ball. Simple…
matt r
March 3rd, 2010
9:10 am
D-Led, you gotta put the http:// on your links
John
March 3rd, 2010
9:10 am
Haden is a lock down corner, period. He’s a legit 4.4 guy and two runs in the combine should not scare anyone away. Look at his three years a Florida and he had no problems with on the field speed against the best WR’s in the SEC. The comment about the front seven is inaccurate. Although Florida’s front seven has been stout their QB pressures are average. He’s a stud and the Falcon’s should lock him up!
nes
March 3rd, 2010
9:10 am
i am sick of hearing about defensive cornerbacks! if T.D. is such a great talent picker how in the world did he let two rookie starting cornerbacks from last year’s draft fall thru his lap without drafting either one? i’m talking Vontae Davis and Sean Smith both have size and speed! Wouldn’t even have to trade up to get them, fell right in the falcons draft slots. just had to let you readers know! we need a super fast outside linebacker who can rush and cover!
DC Dirty Bird
March 3rd, 2010
9:16 am
Fred Douglas/willdave, Joe Haden is not a small corner. If a 6 foot corner is considered big, how could a corner 1.5 inches shorter be considered small? He’s actually an average height for corners. Our corners are around 5′-8″. They are small. Darrell Green was 5-8. Teams that allow the combine to dictate how they draft are doomed to fail. Chris Johnson’s 40 time didn’t get him drafted. It got him drafted a few slots higher because the Titans didn’t want to lose him since they had a low 2nd round pick that year. At the end of the day, Joe Haden will not be around at 19, lets just pray that Weatherspoon is.
SirReal
March 3rd, 2010
9:32 am
D Led, do you really think the Birds need to draft a corner. I like what I saw from the secondary late in the season (when Houston was injured the secondary got better). I think pass rush needs to be addressed first if they want to compete defensively.
DDawgDavis
March 3rd, 2010
9:34 am
TAYLOR MAYS: Let’s abandon the William Moore experiment and bring in a Brian Dawkins-esque Safety. Good pairing of DeCoud who could be a Ed Reed-esque Safety. I don’t have time to present numbers or validate my outlandish name comparisons, but I had to put some names for you mouth breathers to recognize.
Get a late round 6′0 plus DB, then fill the rest of the roster with quality players. But I do trust Dimitroff and Smitty way more than my judgment and even more than what I see on here. Go Birds!
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 3rd, 2010
9:41 am
SELL DOL!!! Falcons need CBs who are at least 6ft- just watch the tapes from last year. Re-sign Williams, put Moore back in there after injury (he’s a CB, right?) and try to sign Dunta Robinson.
DOL- do you have the heights for all the “top” DBs in the draft? What about the kid from Boise?
blindog
March 3rd, 2010
9:42 am
D-Led,you tell them,they are not paying attenion to me….BETTER PASS RUSH=BETTER PASS DEFENCE !!
Nique
March 3rd, 2010
9:45 am
Sell, they’re is no way he drops from no question top 10 all the way to 19, I agree that he could drop some but there is no way he drops past 15, to grab him i agree that we’d have to trade up a little bit & that’s the ? to ask, if he’s there at 13-16, are we willing to go up & get him?
& D come on, who couldn’t you find one picture of over the course of their career where they had bad tackling form? Haden is a very willing & able tackler in run support & is a cover corner. This 4o crap is being way overblown & he he’ll come back at his proday & run a sub 4.5 & everyone will be ok again. If we get a Gator at 19 it will have to be Dunlap, which I am surprised that I have not heard more rumors about & i don’t want to heard it’s only because of character issues bc we are obviously interested in Weatherspoon. Dunlap is a player & is the best pure DE in the draft, while he hasn’t shown as well as Graham lately, i will admit, I still wonder if Haden & Graham are off the board, which i am expecting, & just for the sake of argument, Weatherspoon as well, do we take Dunlap & if not, why?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
10:01 am
DC Dirty Bird: Bad photo. Poor form. He’s too little to come in that high. Needs to be waist high. HIT-WRAP-AND-LIFT = FORM TACKLE. He’s clearly trying to “Grab” and not “Hit” Richardson.
Matt R: Fixed the twitter and facebook links. PFW link seemed fine. THANKS!
SirReal: The young DBs looked good against young QBs — Sanchez, Brohm and Freeman.
Dr.KennethNoisewater: I’ve got most of the official HTs and WTs from the combine. Kyle Wilson is 5-10, 194.
Blindog: The return of Peria Jerry makes the pass rush better, according to TD.
McBubba
March 3rd, 2010
10:02 am
D-LED When do the falcons find out about compensatory picks?
What are they looking at for Foxworth, Brooking, and Boley?
is a 3rd, 4th, and 5th, unreasonable?
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 3rd, 2010
10:03 am
Illusions, Illusions, Illusions!
Do you suppose, perhaps, Haden demonstrated a poor performance to intentionally fall out of the top ten? Who wants to play/live in Cleveland, Oakland, Buffalo, Seattle or Denver? I don’t believe he’ll be around at 19 but please don’t be misled by his performance.
Take ’spoon in the first round and concentrate on efforts to grab A.O.A.O.A.O.A.O.A.O.A.O.A
Without-a-clue
March 3rd, 2010
10:07 am
If Haden is still there when the Falcons draft(19), I think they will take him. They would be foolish not to. But, that said, I don’t think he will be there and they will draft Witherspoon or an offensive tackle.
Tailback U
March 3rd, 2010
10:09 am
I doubt he falls that far but if so don’t see how you could
justify passing him up.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
10:10 am
McBubba: We will hear about the compensatory picks during the Owner’s meeting in a few weeks in Orlando. A three, two fours or two fives (Foxworth, Boley, Brooking and maybe something for Big Grady, too).
Stirg: His agent wouldn’t let him do that. The difference in money is to great. 8 to 19. Need to look up the numbers, but I’m sure that’s at least $10 million drop on the overall deal.
HGN
March 3rd, 2010
10:10 am
Haden to Birds: Sell…We need a second line of defense, thats Weatherspoon. And lets not forget that our CB’s starting coming on and playing better towards the end of the season. Mike Smith and TD may be happy with their progress and not invest a No.1 in another small and slow corner. If we go DB let it be Taylor Mays , if he’s there. If its a LB/DE let it be Weatherspoon or Brandon Graham. With no No.2 we can’t screw up our 1st Round pick.
Trying to trade up to the 2nd Round would be a waste. There are too many quality players available in this draft to give away a pick or another player to move up.
Hopefully our Compensatory picks will be at the end of the 3rd Round so we can get additional quality players.
SirReal
March 3rd, 2010
10:10 am
Very true sir….well said. I stand corrected.LOL
Falcon Devil
March 3rd, 2010
10:11 am
LOL at DDawgDavis, “let’s abandon the William Moore experiment”. Wow great idea, lets cut our 2nd round draft pick from last year because of one injury. You’re ludicrous logic is reminiscent of Al Davis, I’m surprised you aren’t running a NFL team with those brains!
SEC fan
March 3rd, 2010
10:17 am
Dont care how fast or tall he is; he shut down AJ Green and Julio Jones this year. Says enough for me.
blindog
March 3rd, 2010
10:19 am
Perry will help the pass rush the corners will be fine,we need a stud linebacker with speed that can help with the pass rushing.
SEC fan
March 3rd, 2010
10:23 am
We need a new DC. Did you see Smitty and Van Gorder get into it on the sidelines last year? Van Gorders $hit doesn’t work with grown men.
GATORZONE
March 3rd, 2010
10:24 am
Haden will be gone, they should take Dunlap.
GATORZONE
March 3rd, 2010
10:28 am
WHy would people push for Taylor Mays who proved he cannot cover at the Senior bowl and all season at USC? Haden has been a complete shutdown of some of hte best receivers in college football.
The Truth
March 3rd, 2010
10:32 am
I have changed my mind… I was hoping Haden would drop to the Falcons but now I hope Weatherspoon does….. as far as CB go out and sign D. Robinson….
SaintsLSU
March 3rd, 2010
10:38 am
Haden was great against everyone he played in college. Would be a great pickup for the Falcons. Many LSU players said that Haden was the best corner in the league, other than Patrick Peterson of course. I’m sure that A.J. Green would say the same.
J.J.M.
March 3rd, 2010
10:45 am
Dont draft a CB in the first. sign Dante Robinson…draft LB Daryl from TCU in the first round.
Nique
March 3rd, 2010
10:54 am
D. Orlando
First i sell the Haden deal, this 40 stuff is being way overblown, he’ll come back at his proday & run a sub 4.5 & all of this will go away. Im convinced that if we do get a Gator at 19 it will be Dunlap, but i haven’t heard any real talk about this. Do you know if he interviewed with us at the combine? I am surprised that I have not heard more rumors about think as our pick & it can’t be all about character issues we are obviously interested in Weatherspoon & have been mentioned with P. Cox alot. Dunlap is the best pure DE in the draft, he’s stout against the run, & is a beast in pass rushing situations. He absolutely took over the National Championship game a few years ago & while he hasn’t shown as well as B. Graham has lately (Sr. Bowl & measurables), i will admit. I still wonder if Haden & Graham are off the board, (which i am expecting)& just for the sake of argument, Weatherspoon as well, do we take Dunlap & if not, why?
blord
March 3rd, 2010
10:54 am
I keep hearing that we need 6ft corners which sounds right in theory. Even though it sounds right the theory I don’t think it is that important when it comes down to it. Not many probowl corners measure much over 6ft. Just be physical and cover is all we really need.
Also, guys lets not be fooled by how well our corners played to end the year. It was good to see but they were also playing against 2 rookies in Sanchez and Freeman. Plus they also played against (the dude from Buffalo that got cut by the Packers who many of us wanted when we drafted Ryan and I can’t think of his name now). It was good to see them step up but it doesn’t prove we still don’t need help at corner.
Wildgator
March 3rd, 2010
11:00 am
One of the best Gators and NFL RB’s ever, had a slow 40 time. And I think one of the best WR of all time, in the NFL, had a slow 40 time… Running track, and playing football are to different things. Sometimes being quick, is more important then being fast.
Dan
March 3rd, 2010
11:00 am
Bolden, Robinson or Cromartie they are all there for the FALCONS taking. I would be upset if they dont get 1 of these 3. I guess they all have their issues Robinson has the me pay me factor and Cromartie should take a cue from Justin Timberlake and keep it in a box and Leigh Bolden had that issue with the police at Cleveland airport. I would say Robison is the least of the 3 evils he just wants to be shown the QWAN…Show me the money !!! I also say draft the SPOON MAN I can see the advertising and SoundGarden gimmick song already being played…
SEC fan
March 3rd, 2010
11:11 am
Ray Perkins (genius) was the HC at Tampa Bay when Emmitt Smith came out, and he said that Emmitt was too slow for the NFL. Same idiot got rid of Steve Young and drafted Testeverde.
Debose
March 3rd, 2010
11:23 am
He doesn’t want to be drafted by the Falcons! He has seen UGA fans in action with their excuses, delusions, and turning their beautiful campus into a garbage dump…… he only assumes Falcons fans aren’t much different.
http://www.gatorenvy.com/wallpapers/gator-bg1-800×600.jpg
Dan
March 3rd, 2010
11:24 am
Sighn a Free-Agent Corner !!! Draft LB Weatherspoon and draft DE Greg Hardy …our DEF would be complete then start drafting Offense
jpage327
March 3rd, 2010
11:27 am
Ledbetter: If you put M. Stafford against the best defense in the league, even he could pick them apart with ten seconds to find a reciever. Our cornerbacks have tons of talent, but with no pass rush, receivers will get open. With Jerry back and a good DE/OLB to create pressure, our corners will look like studs.
Plus Dimitroff is picky with DB’s and won’t draft unless he’s absolutly the best.
You may be right about Kindle, but I think we can agree that we have the best staff to fully trust and make the best decision for the team.
Supes
March 3rd, 2010
11:31 am
I sincerely hope the Falcons pass on Haden. Don’t need another smallish CB, we’ve already got our fair share of those.
Improve the pass rush and your DB’s instantly GET BETTER. You don’t have to cover guys for as long.
Falcons need to draft a DE pass rusher in the 1st round. If NOT…then I hope they go O-Line and look at Bulaga who manhandled Derrick Morgan from GT during the Orange Bowl win for Iowa over Tech.
I’ll be thrilled with a DE or a O-Lineman taken with that 1st round pick. In the NFL you win at the QB position and in the Trenches. Falcons already have a franchise QB, now time to strengthen the lines.
TD is not wrong when he says that Jerry will help tremendously as our DT instantly get better if he’s healthy and playing. Still, need more depth on the lines.
Wildgator
March 3rd, 2010
11:42 am
I am a Gaints fan and a Gators fan, but I don’t think the Falcons need to draft Haden, all though he is good. They need to get some DEs. Jamal Anderson isn’t doing anything since being drafted. And although he is still somewhat effective, its time to look for a replacement for John Abrahams. He is getting old and the injuries are taking a toll on him. They also need to probably look at picking up another RB some where along the process, because Norwood is fast, but I think Snellings is more effective.
Marcus
March 3rd, 2010
11:46 am
DOL
here’s a quote from PFW on the 10 risers from the NFL combine:
“DE-OLB Jerry Hughes, TCU
A college defensive end who projects to rush linebacker in the pros, Hughes was not asked to drop heavily at TCU, but he looked as smooth and fluid as any defensive lineman when he was passed through LB drills, with very clean footwork and balance that should allow for a wrinkle-free transition. Was clocked at an exceptionally quick 1.53 seconds in the 10-yard dash, showing the type of burst and acceleration that could make him a feared pass rusher in an even or odd front. He very likely solidified a spot in the first round, with much better production and tape than Larry English had a year ago.”
Marcus
March 3rd, 2010
11:51 am
DOL
here’s a quote from PFW on the 10 sliders from the NFL combine:
———————————
“OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
For as well as Weatherspoon worked out on the field and for as much as his “character” is praised within the Missouri program, he has turned off a number of decision makers just as much with his outlandish, look-at-me, loudmouth personality and has been criticized for worrying too much about his image and post-football career aspirations before he has accomplished anything in the National Football League. “He never shuts up,” one top executive said. “He was the loudest guy in the room for the bench press. He gives me a headache. I think he is full of (it). It’s all about himself. I don’t want him in my locker room.”
=====
CB Joe Haden, Florida*
“Expected to clock in the 4.3s heading into the Combine with explosive short-area quickness out of his breaks on tape, Haden ran slower than some linebackers in the 40-yard dash, timing above 4.6 on some watches and appearing heavy in his movement. Although he does play faster than he timed, his marginal times will force evaluators to revisit his tape and could quite possibly knock him off the perch as the draft’s top corner. Taking false steps out of his transition while making speed turns and not appearing crisp with his footwork in drills did not help his cause, as he appeared very ill-prepared all the way through the event. With a chance to have warranted top-10 consideration had he lived up to the hype, the 40-game starter now has questions to answer and may want to consider finding a more experienced speed coach than his overinvolved father before the Gators’ pro day in several weeks”
* – highly scrutinized underclassmen marked by an asterisk.
Tnfalcon
March 3rd, 2010
11:57 am
With the 19th pick the falcons should take a player that can help stop the run and the pass. Taylor Mays is a freakish athlete that can do it all. SS is becoming a very important position in todays NFL. Mays is a hammer with speed. The 40 yd dash times can be deceiving but this guy has all the tools. A lot of teams that pass on Taylor Mays will regret it.
TommyP
March 3rd, 2010
12:08 pm
Taylor Mays is way too stiff to be a safety. He’s a LB in the NFL.
In the DB drills, he fared miserably.
Mark W
March 3rd, 2010
12:13 pm
I think the better CB ot go for is the kid that played opposite of Arenas at Alabama. If we do go LB then I would go for the kid Weatherspoon out of Mizzou. However, anohter quality OL probably would be hte most prudent move.
Tnfalcon
March 3rd, 2010
12:14 pm
TommyP You may be right. Linebacker is a Falcon need.
SEC fan
March 3rd, 2010
12:18 pm
Screw the 40 times at the combine; I would choose based on football speed (on tape) if a corner was what I wanted. Coming out of the Belichek mold, Dimitroff will rely heavily on his scouts. Personally, I think the Falcons need help with the pass rush before getting a corner.
vafalconfan
March 3rd, 2010
12:22 pm
Listen, 4.6 is slow for a safety, much less a corner. And we all know that the FL players are unprepared for the NFL. I say pass and get Graham or Spoon..
SEC fan
March 3rd, 2010
12:25 pm
vafalconfan, I would agree about Fl offensive players but they have had a number of defensive players start as rookies.
C-Man
March 3rd, 2010
12:26 pm
I’d like to see the times in full pads…
GATORZONE
March 3rd, 2010
12:26 pm
Marcus, I kind of got this impression from Weatherspoon at the pro bowl. He seems like a “look at me” type guy that constantly demands attention even for mundane plays. It will be interesting to see how good he is in the pros.
DC Dirty Bird
March 3rd, 2010
12:28 pm
DLed, you simply restated what you said earlier. The point is, you can’t summarize a players overall game with one photo. At the end of the day, you’re not a Thorpe award finalist if you’re slow and can’t cover. I wish some of you would comment based on actually seeing these players play and not by something you heard some sports writer with no NFL experience say. And when did 5-11 become smallish?
GATORZONE
March 3rd, 2010
12:29 pm
vafalconfan, that is absurd. Rookie of the year was a GATOR!!!!
Paddy O
March 3rd, 2010
12:31 pm
If Haden falls, you must select him. Bad teams are bad because of stupid decisions, we are good and rising (we should have been 11-5 last year).
mountain_jim
March 3rd, 2010
12:33 pm
I am glad to hear they are looking to upgrade the oline. IMHO, our oline was exposed last season against the better defenses, and it hurt Ryan’s ability to look downfield and he took too many hits. The pass blocking was not up to playoff-team standards last year.
Section 108
March 3rd, 2010
12:34 pm
Anybody who thinks CB should NOT be our first priority needs to go rewatch the Giants away game from last year………
BG
March 3rd, 2010
12:36 pm
I hope the Falcons stay away from Haden.
GATORZONE
March 3rd, 2010
12:36 pm
mountain_jim, I wonder how much of that was a function of Turner’s slow start. He seemed to lack the explosiveness from the previous year untlil late in the season. I think all of the extra carries from 08 took its toll on him the first 1/2 of 09. I think the line is pretty good overall, but we have to have a RB that will hit the holes fast and keep the defense honest.
mountain_jim
March 3rd, 2010
12:45 pm
GATORZONE, I am not saying the run-blocking was poor as I agree Turner had a poor start, I am saying our oline can’t pass protect nearly as well as they run-block. Our center is old, so I see a center-guard for grooming being taken, but I would also like to see another OT who can pass-block better for RT (or LT when ours gets injured) be found somehow somewhere.
Tnfalcon
March 3rd, 2010
12:46 pm
I agree the falcons need an OL upgrade. I am not sold on Sam Baker being the answer at LT. I think he would be a better insde lineman. But a franchise left tackle will not be available at #19 plus a defensive player is needed worse. But not Weatherspoon. Too much mouth. We don’t need an all about me player.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
12:48 pm
Got the Biermann links fixed. You can go to his pages and follow him now. –DOL
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
1:03 pm
GATORZONE: Mays doesn’t make sense. The Falcons drafted the same player — William Moore — last year. Mays was a three-year starter and had TWO career picks. Those are not Ball Hawk numbers.
Blord: It was Brian Brohm’s first career NFL start. Yes, he was in the Matt Ryan Derby. If Bobby Petrino was still . . .
jpage327: Think you’re over-rating the corners. Under-rating a determined ABE (he’ll be out to prove he can still ring up double-digit sacks next year), an improving Biermann and the upside of Sidbury.
Marcus: Good finds for us. THANKS!!!! Didn’t know Spoon was rubbing folks the wrong way. When he got off the podium, I pulled him off to side for a chat. He was engaging while talking about Moore, the Falcons and my little cousin Robert Steeples Jr. (a DB at Mizzou). I know the Falcons are doing their “due diligence” on him. Also, the word is that the 3-4 teams really like Hughes.
jpage327
March 3rd, 2010
1:11 pm
Don’t get me wrong, I love Abe. Biermann has great talent (kicking too), but where was the pass rush? Sacks?
Peterson is old and shows signs of slowing later in the season, although he played awesome at the beginning.
After underwhelming at the combine, Haden a real possibility « control+ATL+delete
March 3rd, 2010
1:17 pm
[...] D.Orlando Ledbetter knocks Haden for his size, nothing that at 5′10, 190 lbs., he doesn’t fit the ideal body type the Falcons are looking for out of a defensive back this offseason. He then goes on to hilariously suggest that 6′2 210 would be a more prototypical size. While everyone loves defensive backs who can backpedal, open their hips and change directions at 6′2 210, the truth is they just don’t exist. [...]
(Dude, Mike Smith told me at the combine that everybody would love their corners to be 6-2, 210. But he’ll settle for anything over the average height of 5-11. That’s where that came from. Stop chuckling so hard — DOL)
waynester
March 3rd, 2010
1:18 pm
If Haden drops to 19 it still wouldnt be a value pick based on positional value which rates certain positions as mor valuable than others. QB, LT. DT. DE & OLB are the top 5 value positions. Dimitroff has already gone with the top 3 values in the past 2 drafts and will do so again this year. Looking at it from a value perspective Graham or Witherspoon offer the best value for us at 19. Under no circumstances shoul we even consider trading up for Haden (or anyone else, for that matter) rather we should be looking ffor a trade down partner in the late 1st where either Graham or ‘Spoon should still be on the board AND more importantly, pick up a late 2nd to insure our draft. Plenty of good DB’s will be there in the 2-5th range such as:A.Owusu-Ansah 6′0/ 193lb/4.43(40) a great special teams contributer right away–AJ Jefferson 6′0/193lb/4.43(40) 44″ Vertical return specialist on ST year one–Amari Spievey 5-11/195lb/4.43(40) — Myron Lewis 6′2/203/4.45(40) versatile can also play FS. Several others like P Stoudamire or Rafael Priest can be had in the later rounds. Yes to a DB in FA or the draft– NO to Haden in the 1st.
David
March 3rd, 2010
1:24 pm
Dont draft Flordia players. Look at the history of them in the NFL.
waynester
March 3rd, 2010
1:27 pm
tnFalcon
You bet we need OL help and there are still gong to be some good ones mid-late in this draft. One guy you might be familiar with: Chris Scott OT Tenn 6′4 319lb can (and has) played every position on the line at one time or another and that versatility is what we need in a depth guy. What can you tell from having watched him more closely than I have?
Blue Max
March 3rd, 2010
1:32 pm
David, lets see; compare UF’s greatest RB in Emmitt Smith and UGA’s in Hershel Walker. Which one was the better NFL player?
Old Fan
March 3rd, 2010
1:42 pm
Here’s what Tony Pauline wrote about Haden at the Combine:
Joe Haden/CB/Florida: He was really slow in the 40. His hand times of 4.58 translate into electronic times that will broach 4.65. Haden looked terrific in drills, with outstanding ball skills and showing the makings of a starter at the next level. He was projected as a potential top-eight pick, but as we saw last April with Malcolm Jenkins, cornerbacks who time poorly in the 40 are not early selections in the draft.
DC Dirty Bird
March 3rd, 2010
1:49 pm
Why is there so much focus on having a CB over 6 ft tall. Is our defense doomed if we don’t have one. Being under 6 ft tall doesn’t seem to bother any of this years Pro Bowl corners. I’d love to have a Nmandi, Champ, or Woodson, but those are special players who were special in college. I haven’t once heard anyone talk about how well any of these big corner backs cover, how well they operate in space, or what type of ball instincts they have. To the geniuses who have started saying stay away from Weatherspoon because of his mouth, when was the last time you heard Ray Lewis or Urlacher shut up. I don’t mind trash talk as long as he’s droppin slobberknockers on the opposing teams tight end and running back.
Mario
March 3rd, 2010
1:53 pm
Why Would MS/TD draft another 5-10 Corner ? I think we all saw what every tall receiver did to all of our 5-10 corners last year. Why not go after Cook who is @ least 6-0 or so. He may be a hair slower than Haden but wouldn’t he be the smarter pick?
For Real
March 3rd, 2010
1:55 pm
1. If Suh, McCoy or Berry are not available at #19 then the Falcons better take the best OL that’s available. DL, RB, WR, CB, Safety and LB can be had in the later rounds.
2. In the NFL this isn’t much difference between 5-11 and 6-2. The best CB in the league is list at 5-11. QB, WR, and CB are position of technique. Talent at these positions cannot overcome skill.
Blue Max
March 3rd, 2010
1:59 pm
For Real whats the difference between talent and skill?
Falcon Phil
March 3rd, 2010
2:10 pm
Haden ran a 4.6 40—too slow for the Falcons’ needs. The Falcons need dlinemen and LBs, not a slow corner.
The Real Falcon
March 3rd, 2010
2:20 pm
Just what we need, a CB who runs a 4.6 40. Not!
Steve C
March 3rd, 2010
2:22 pm
“TAYLOR MAYS: Let’s abandon the William Moore experiment and bring in a Brian Dawkins-esque Safety. Good pairing of DeCoud who could be a Ed Reed-esque Safety. I don’t have time to present numbers or validate my outlandish name comparisons, but I had to put some names for you mouth breathers to recognize.”
The William Moore experiment?? Dude was hurt his rookie year, I’d hardly call that an experiment, as we haven’t even seen him play. Now the Jamaal Anderson Experiment, that’s a different story.
Blue Max
March 3rd, 2010
2:22 pm
That kind of sounds like what Dallas fans said when Emmitt ran a 4.55 Real Falcon.
GATORZONE
March 3rd, 2010
2:30 pm
DOL, I think you misread my post. In no way was I lobbying for Mays. I think he might be a bust.
tbhawksfan
March 3rd, 2010
2:39 pm
I’ve been thinking OL all the way. There are 4 OT’s ranked in the 10-20 or so. Another in the mid 20’s and moving up. One of the four will likely drop to us and probably be the BPA. Okung, Bulaga, Williams, Davis and Campbell moving up. WSpoon is still hovering in the late 20’s.
Dawgforlife
March 3rd, 2010
2:39 pm
Gatorzone…the only difference between Emmitt, Jerry, and Haden is..Emmitt and Jerry didn’t have to catch or cover anyone…and as far as Dunlap goes, would you mind waking him up…he’s over there at the redlight…hope he fares as well as the other Fla defensive ends that have been drafted in round 1…glad they weren’t overrated
Hollywould
March 3rd, 2010
2:41 pm
Give Moore a chance. I liked Owens at the end of the year. Not afraid to stick his head in there, I still believe Grimes can play. Need a lb for Peterson who is too slow or offensive lineman.. Get ben Tate in 3rd. As an Auburn fan I watched him for 4 years. Gonna be a good pro.
Blue Max
March 3rd, 2010
2:44 pm
Dawgforlife, I agree about Dunlap. If he ever matures mentally (he’s only 20) he could be a beast though. But it is a very big IF.
Clyde
March 3rd, 2010
2:50 pm
Terrance Cody
gdg73
March 3rd, 2010
2:53 pm
trade our third round pick to San Diego for Antonio Cromartie. There is your big, young, proven corner right there. He is in the final year of his rookie contract, so we will get him at his best. Then draft LB Sean Witherspoon to team with our rookies from last year who didn’t play last year (Jerry and Moore). Our defense would be upgraded tremendously.
Vinny D
March 3rd, 2010
2:57 pm
No, I hate the Gators. However, I also love my Falcons and I am not too stupid to realize talent and skill just because I do not like a team. I hate having to root for a Gator but I loved Al Horford the second he became a Hawk. The same would happen with Joe Haden. Besides, it gives something for me and my gator buddies down in Gville to agree on. If Haden falls anywhere close to a tradeable pick, get him. The guy can play. Maybe I can out run him in spikes and shorts, but he can still play. All I can think about is Anquan Boldin and his 4.8 or something. Then I remember Hines Ward never ran a sparkling time but who remembers when he caught a pass and took it to the house with DeAngelo (one of the fastest men in football) Hall chasing after…I believe he only had on one shoe when he did it. Give me the Hadens and Boldins of the world who play fast with a helmet and pads.
Blue Max
March 3rd, 2010
3:00 pm
Vinny D, Hines isnt a great receiver, he is just one hell of a football player and can take over a game by himself. 40 times dont mean squat compared to football times.
GATORZONE
March 3rd, 2010
3:01 pm
dawgforlife, I think the jury is still out on Harvey and Moss. However, I would take either one of them over JAMAAAAAL! He is turrruble!!!!
Hamad Meander
March 3rd, 2010
3:02 pm
You guys are still crazy. There is no such thing as a 6-2, 210 lb cornerback that can turn his hips, change direction quick, and run a 4.4 forty. Taylor Mays ran a 4.3, but that isn’t going to make him a great defensive back (safety). I have seen him run (quickly) right by players he was supposed to tackle.
SIZE DOES NOT MATTER at the CB position. Smarts, speed, tackling ability, and quickness do. I’ll take a 5′9″ CB all day long as long as he has those traits.
As for the 19th pick, I’m sold on Weatherspoon. What’s not to like about him, and it’s a need position. We have enough ends and corners.
John
March 3rd, 2010
3:03 pm
I would take Kareem Jackson. The guy has been a three year starter under the best DB coach in college football. He never had gaudy stats his sophomore and junior years because teams threw away from him. The only question on him was his speed and he proved he is fast enough at the combine. Plus, he is a local kid from Macon.
Old Fan
March 3rd, 2010
3:31 pm
Someone mentioned Cody as a possibility. Here’s what SI had to say about Cody at the combine:
Terrence Cody/DT/Alabama: It seems to go from bad to worse for Cody. He started off on the right foot, tipping the scales at 354, 20 less than his weight at the Senior Bowl last month. Cody’s performance after that was abysmal. His 40 times barely got under 5.8 and he was slow from start to finish. During drills, he showed little explosion or athleticism and seemed to quickly wear down. Cody chose not to lift on the bench during the combine, which won’t sit well with scouts.
BigTimeTECHFan
March 3rd, 2010
3:38 pm
If Tebow is there at 19 and we pass him up, I will be tee’d off.
Mave2124
March 3rd, 2010
3:40 pm
The deal with ‘Spoon is if you can deal with the mouth….he really does never shut up, a la Chad ‘Dancing with the Stars’ OchoCinco. Haden has to be a smoke screen…we need a bigger, faster CB…and I now feel we go LB or DE in the 1st and pick up the kid from Rutgers in the 3rd roun at CB.
Mountain Man
March 3rd, 2010
3:42 pm
John Gault… a can’t miss CB.
Richard
March 3rd, 2010
3:44 pm
Personally I think these articles are a joke. Why not ask if Atlanta should take Gerald McCoy at 19 if available? Of course they should take Joe Haden at 19 if available, but if he is, there’s about a dozen GMs that should be fired on the spot. Hell, I’f I’m Atlanta and Haden drops past 7, I’m burning up the phone lines offering the kitchen sink to trade up.
I’m told today in South Florida a guy on the radio was saying that the Dolphins should take Derrick Morgan if he’s available at 12. Thanks buddy. Just like the Saints should take him at 32. He wont be there so you can stop with the stupidity!
The real question is who the teams would be justified in trading up or down for and how high they should trade up to get a particular player.
Percy Harvin
March 3rd, 2010
3:46 pm
David,
Yeah Florida players never do anything in the NFL.
Signed,
NFL Rookie of the Year
Percy Harvin
Doug
March 3rd, 2010
3:58 pm
Clyde: Terrance Cody??? Are the Falcons starting a Old Country Buffet franchise?
Brett
March 3rd, 2010
4:01 pm
Haden is one of the best tacklers in the nation. Not a good assessment by the writer of the article. Coached by Chuck Heater one of the country’s finest coaches. Ask UGA if Haden can tackle.
Hamad Meander
March 3rd, 2010
4:02 pm
The problem with the Falcon’s draft this year is that they don’t have a 2nd round pick. Having said that, trading UP is nearly impossible, and would be EXTREMELY costly. I guess we need to look at this years draft afterward and consider Tony Gonzalez as our 2nd rounder. All this means that the 19th pick and the 83rd pick are very important not to mess up.
I am most comfortable with Weatherspoon @ 19. He went through the combine with ease, has said he wants to play in Atlanta, and fits a position that truly needs upgrading. Most impact early.
Hard to tell who will be left @ 83, but I do like Cam Thomas DT, and I also like Javier Arenas CB. Myron Rolle could be there in the 3rd, and it would be nice to have a safey that can cause and fix concussions…..
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
4:42 pm
Clabo and Koenen receive tenders.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2010/03/03/tyson-clabo-michael-koenen-receive-tender-offers/
Greg
March 3rd, 2010
4:54 pm
Some people think the quickness drills are more telling for a CB than the 40-yard sprint. But I don’t see Haden’s name on the NFL Combine 3-cone drill results or the 2–yard shuffle results. Did he not participate? This would be very disturbing to me if I were trying to evaluate him. I would pass on him.
pmc
March 3rd, 2010
4:57 pm
If haden falls because of a slow 40 time in a non football event these guys are freaking nuts.
pmc
March 3rd, 2010
4:58 pm
I’d like to put him next to Jacoby Ford in a passing drill and see how that worked out.
Magic Man
March 3rd, 2010
5:05 pm
DOL:
Did your intel say that the Falcons were looking hard at OL for the first round, later rounds, or just that they were looking at them hard? It is no secret that we need to add depth along the O-line, but I for one think we can upgrade over Clabo. Someone with the versatility to play LT as well as RT is preferred for if/when Baker gets hurt. Would love to see us draft Bulaga or Trent Williams at 19 if no LB, DE, or CB fits there.
Magic Man
March 3rd, 2010
5:07 pm
I am surprised Haden ran that slow. He was known as a speedy, cover corner in the SEC. I always read about his ability to flip his hips and run, slow CBs can’t do that. I also remember him having the requisite recovery speed.
He may have been hurt, I don’t know. I am really interested to see what he runs at his Pro Day.
MSS
March 3rd, 2010
5:14 pm
i say no to Haden and yes to Witherspoon he would bring us lots of energy and if Myron Rolle is there in the 3rd i would like us to take a chance with him
Magic Man
March 3rd, 2010
5:18 pm
MSS:
Where do wish Myron Rolle to play? He is a safety. We already have Moore, DeCoud, and Coleman. That would be a luxury pick in the “best available player” mode. Super Bowl contending teams can afford those picks, not teams needing to continue to rebuild their defense so they can get back to the playoffs.
JKA
March 3rd, 2010
5:34 pm
Take a look at the interview with Perrish Cox on the Sporting News website before falling in love with him….he broke curfew TWICE prior to his bowl game before the coach finally suspended him, and he says he’s “learned his lesson”…..guess it just took two violations. Then he complains that coaches are “harrassing” him about the incident….those ol’ nasty coaches ! This guy sounds like another MeAngelo/Pacman disaster waiting to happen….hopefully Haden will drop or Kareem jackson is available.
Old Bird, Retired
March 3rd, 2010
5:35 pm
I know this would be a boring pick, but I would take an OL with the 19th pick. We should be able to get one of the best available since everyone is picking defense. Since we don’t have a 2nd round pick, we need to sign a great (and I mean great), but not Julius Peppers, defensive LB or cornerback from the free agent list. Then with the 3rd round pick, #57, pick either corner or linebacker. We just need to sign a good free agent since we don’t have a 2nd round pick.
willieg hates bill shanks
March 3rd, 2010
7:08 pm
the falcons need to get taylor mays usc, then ol , and id draft tebow to back up ryan, tebow will be a winner in the nfl, i dont care what the other idiots say about him, he is determined, to prove himself, and then get a linebacker, but if C.J.SPILLER OF CLEMSON IS THERE , OR EVERYBODY GETS DRUNK AHD FORGETS ABOUT SUH, WHEN THEY SAT FALCONS AT 19 NEXT THROW THE CARD AT THE COMMISSIONER AND GET SUH,HE IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE DRAFT, AND DONT FORGET THE CAMPBELL GUY OUT OF MARYLAND, IN THE 5TH OR 6TH.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
7:17 pm
Magic Man: Not OL in the first. They need to get a center/guard for the interior of the line. McClure is not going to play forever. Might as well get the understudy.
willieg hates bill shanks
March 3rd, 2010
7:17 pm
trade down get suh, give this years first next years second, to get him , and give them jamal anderson also.for free, in the trade, or C.J. SPILLE, THE REST IS HISTORY TILL THE SUPER BOWL.IN DALLAS.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
7:18 pm
Willie g: Why do you hate Bill Shanks. He’s a super guy.
Mike
March 3rd, 2010
8:19 pm
I think this discussion is pointless. No way Haden gets out of the top 10. I think Falcons have to take Weatherspoon at 19. Then trade Jenkins and a 4th rounder for a 2nd and draft a receiver opposite of Roddy that can actually catch. 3rd round we can look at Arenas or Brandon Ghee if he is still there. I am hoping we can land a CB through free agency. Not sure what the Cards intentions are w/ A Rolle. I know they want him back, but I an hoping he gets away and comes to the Falcons. I would not mind seeing us grab Robinson or Bodden, but not sure if they are even on the Falcons radar right now. Someone here mentioned Daryl Washington as a draft possibility, if he is on the Falcons radar I like a trade down for more picks and get him in the 2nd.
Big Ray
March 3rd, 2010
8:30 pm
With a chance to have warranted top-10 consideration had he lived up to the hype, the 40-game starter now has questions to answer and may want to consider finding a more experienced speed coach than his overinvolved father before the Gators’ pro day in several weeks”
Never thought I’d see the day that a young black athlete’s father could/would be called “overinvolved.” The writer of this should be ashamed, pure and simple.
Luke Mayeux
March 3rd, 2010
8:52 pm
Big Ray: Ever heard of Richard Williams?
DOL: To suggest we shouldn’t draft Joe Haden because he’s not 6′2 210, while ignoring the fact that there aren’t any (good) 6′2 210 corners, is indeed hilarious. When Mike Smith threw that “prototype” out there, he was exaggerating for effect, was he not? I don’t think we need bigger cornerbacks, we just need better ones. I’m no Florida fan, but I saw enough of Haden to know his height did not hinder him against the bigger WRs of the SEC last year, as he held AJ Green and Julio Jones to just 5 catches combined.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 3rd, 2010
9:13 pm
Luke Mayeux: I gave you three big corners: Cook, AOA and Pender. Closer to 6-2, 210 than some of the others. Sorry Luke. They want bigger corners. The new secondary coach stopped short of saying that. Just look at the bigger receivers around the division. BIGGER CORNERS ARE ON THE WAY!!!! What if Jimmy Williams had worked out?
Big Ray
March 3rd, 2010
9:46 pm
Luke Mayeux,
No, I’m not. Enlighten me.
Big Ray
March 3rd, 2010
9:48 pm
DOL ,
If that’s the case, then maybe Haden isn’t headed here. Maybe one of those bigger corners is headed this way in the second or third round (yes, I know we have no 2nd round pick).
thats right
March 3rd, 2010
9:49 pm
Take Joe Haden, and pick up a line backer in a later round (maybe Rennie Curran) the guy has a motor that wont quit……….
Luke Mayeux
March 3rd, 2010
9:59 pm
For the record, i’m in the draft Weatherspoon camp, but Haden would be hard to turn down. At a spritely 5′10.5, he’s still taller (and better) than Chris Houston.
As for Jimmy Williams, he serves as an example of why bigger corners are usually just non-physical safeties in disguise.
Moskew
March 3rd, 2010
10:18 pm
Weatherspoon is 100% legit. It’s no act. He is the same way on the field as he is off. Genuine good guy. Takes time with kids, fans of all ages and the student body adored him. Not the least bit a “loud mouth” I’m guessing the “insider” is a stuffed suit, 60 something year old white guy. You would be lucky to get him in Atlanta
Bret
March 3rd, 2010
11:01 pm
I hear he is a communist and hates every city in the draft from 1 to 18. You guys should not take a chance on him. I saw him out partying with PAC-man Jones. He also kicked a few dogs around and probably carries a gun….
mystikal
March 3rd, 2010
11:29 pm
I haven’t personally seen what all the fuss is about with Joe Haden. I didn’t watch him closely at Florida, but wonder if he like Spikes benefited from playing with so many other superior defenders around him. I don’t wanna end up with a Chris Houston clone. I’d rather take a flyer on Chris Cook, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, or Jerome Murphy. I think whatever corner we get is goin to have a learning curve so why not get a bigger, faster guy to handle the tall receivers we struggle with? Plus we could trade down to get one of these guys and gain extra picks.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
March 4th, 2010
12:56 am
Haden will be drafted in the top 15 … Falcons won’t trade up for him.
Maxx
March 4th, 2010
3:11 am
DOL- If Haden is there, he is a tempting pick, but how good is he really? Do you think he will be a better pro than Sean Weatherspoon? I don’t think so. Unless he is another Revis type then we should not pick him, because it looks like there will be some good corners with size available in the 3rd round. I say draft Sean Weatherspoon!
Q-DOG
March 4th, 2010
7:31 am
Halsey that a good point concerning Hayden, He did play with a good front 7 plus WR’s in the SEC really wasnt that great. Personally I think the Fallcons need to go BIG by selecting Virginia’s Chris Cook who I think is a Solid 1st rounder and pick up Dunta Robinson from Houston and figure out how to get Elvis Dumerville. We need to be agressive because the NFC south is very tough and the NO Saints aint letting up. We need pressure on Brees and lock those Recievers down. C’mon Falcons make us proud this off season. One more thing I think Kroy Bierman would make a solid pass rushing Linebacker.
Q-DOG
March 4th, 2010
7:36 am
One more other thing lets not forget Aaron kampman is on the market. we need some solid veterans. Plus keep an eye on Antrelle Rolle. VETERANS!!!!!!!!
Coach Chris
March 4th, 2010
8:24 am
Look are we running a track meet or are we playing football. DEFENSE = GREAT REACTION TO THE OFFENSE, Hell if he can’t read the play after snap, what we happy because our CB can Run a 4.3 and MAY run down a RB or WR at the 5. C’mon Football Guru’s its not even close, as a SEC fan and a UGA man, I’ve watched Hayden for 3 years. His reaction time is unbelievable and get this I haven’t even check the stats yet but in his 3 yrs check out his opposing WR YAC……..I bet it is an unbelievable ratio, the kid can flat out play corner. Place him on the outside and move our best corner who happens to be Brent Grimes to the Nickel on 3 man sets we got killed over the middle last year.
Coach Chris
March 4th, 2010
8:41 am
And then the fuss is, well he hasn’t played against any WR??? ARE YOU SERIOUS??? In the past 3 years we’ve watched sidney rice, Devery Henderson, Hell Massaquoi and A.J. Green. Do I need to go further more, Robert Meachem Julio Jones, probably I mean just probably practiced against Percy Harvin shall I continue
Magic Man
March 4th, 2010
8:59 am
Q-Dog
Florida’s front seven isn’t that great. Their front four was really good and Spikes was really good, but their SLB and WLB both were below SEC average. What made Florida so good was their secondary, which all started with Haden. Janoris Jenkins may end up being better than Haden, but Haden was the best they had last year.
The WRs in the SEC weren’t that great. A few names for you to peruse: Greg Chiles and Joe Adams (both studs at Arkansas – Adams has first round talent), AJ Green, Julio Jones, Shay Hodge, Bandon LaFell, Rueben Randle, Alshon Jeffrey, and Terrance Tolliver. You are right, no WRs in the SEC. He really shouldn’t get credit for being a shutdown corner in the best conference in the country.
Magic Man
March 4th, 2010
9:00 am
Q-Dog,
You also realize that Antrel Rolle played safety last year, not CB. He projects much better at safety than CB. In fact, he was moved to safety because of his sub-par play at CB.
HGN
March 4th, 2010
10:29 am
I would think that Weatherspoon is at the top of the board for the Falcons…Lets not forget that TD has been watching and keeping an eye on Weatherspoon since 2008 while scouting William Moore. So the Falcons have plenty of tape on Spoony. We have a bevy of DB’s around but light in the LB corps. Plus, with Spoony’s supposedly ‘gift for gab’ and overall confidence, did you see those white tights he wore at the Combine ? He could become a good lockeroom presence, always talking.
But in the end The Falcons will choose between Weatherspoon, Mays, or Brandon Graham. Whichever one is so lucky to fall to 19…Let’s cross our Birdwings and hope its ‘The Spoonman’.
All I'm Saying Is...
March 4th, 2010
12:28 pm
Big corners are hard to find so if you have the chance to get one with some speed — CHRIS COOK of UVA — then you have to take them. TD: draft Cook! Falcons will improve the pass rush via returning-from-injury lineman and could pick up a LB via free agency. With the rest of our picks, I’d say to be sure to get an OL and fill in some other gaps or improve our talent depth overall.
LET’S GO FALCONS!
I MUS WRITE
March 5th, 2010
1:22 pm
Are you guys serious….come on- Weatherspoon talks too much???? Ray Lewis and Warren Sapp talk/talked more than anybody in NFL History and we know how that turned out….uhhhh 2 future HOF’ers…. If Hayden falls then grad him but he wont fall that far becuz of a 4.6 40 time.
With that said I would target Spoon,Baluga or possibly Hughes
Cook is the 3rd rd pick
t-plunk
March 6th, 2010
3:03 am
yeah he could slide to the falcons @ 19…. then keep sliding…. and sliding… and sliding….
Notso Fast
March 6th, 2010
6:55 am
The Falcons just spent a pile of money signing 2 corners so I can’t see them spending 1st round money to get another. DE or LB will have to be it. Defense Defense Defense wins games.
NEWS-AND-NOTES (3/1-3/7) :: 2010 Fantasy Football - Leagues and Games, Free News and Headlines, Cheatsheets, Rankings, and Advice.
March 8th, 2010
7:10 pm
[...] The Falcons reportedly “love” Missouri LB Sean Weatherspoon. Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]