The Real Deal Mock Draft: Trades affect Falcons’ board
090426 FLOWERY BRANCH Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith introduce their NFL draft pick, Peria Jerry, Ole Miss defensive tackle, during a press conference at their facility in Flowery Branch Sunday morning. KENT D. JOHNSON / kdjohnson@AJC.COM
FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has watched the flurry of trades in front of the team with intense scrutnity.
First, it was the Washington’s trade for Donovan McNabb, which effectively took the Redskins out of the quarterback
Broncos Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall was traded to Miami. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press)
market at the No. 4 spot in this draft.
This week, Miami’s trade for Brandon Marshall took them out of the Dez Bryant derby at the 11th spot. Denver, which picks 12th, is now free to take Bryant or Georgia Tech’s Demaryius Thomas to replace Marshall.
Miami can now take defense. Both of those deals had the Falcons re-adjusting their draft scenarios.
“For instance, Miami ,we now know they are not going to go in a certain direction,” Dimitroff said. “Does that make them more apt to pick a defensive end that might affect us, of course it does. We consider that. But it’s not something that’s going to drive our focus going forward. Our focus right now is our final comparatives.”
Also, don’t be surprised if the Falcons are active during the draft, making a move to get into the second round. New England coach/czar/emperor Bill Belichick, owner of three second round picks, called Dimitroff during coach Mike Smith’s golf tournament on Tuesday.
I don’t think he called just to chat about old times.
Belichick might want to move up to 19 and sling one of those second rounders to the Falcons, with the Falcons dropping back to 22 and still getting their man, Florida center Maurkice Pouncey. That’s a likely scenario if, as predicted in The Real Deal Mock 1.0 (below), Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon and Michigan’s Brandon Graham are off the board.
The other previous seven Mock were simple warm-ups, here’s the “Real Deal Mock 1.0″ that will run in Sunday’s newspaper. Also, we’ll have the final version on Thursday morning the day of the draft.
AJC’s 2010 MOCK DRAFT: The Real Deal 1.0
Staff writer D. Orlando Ledbetter projects the first round:
1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma, 6-foot-4, 236-pounds. In the last two drafts, the Rams passed on quarterbacks Mark Sanchez, Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco. This time they pull the trigger.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska, 6-4, 302. Head coach Jim Schwartz, a former defensive
Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is headed for St. Louis in the Mock Draft 3.0.
coordinator, values a strong front line.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma, 6-4, 298. The Bucs get someone to anchor the defensive front and hope that he’s another Warren Sapp.
4. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma, 6-5, 318. New coach Mike Shanahan wants someone to help get his running attack rolling.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State, 6-5, 307. The Chiefs go with Okung to help anchor the line with last season’s 15th pick Branden Albert.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech, 6-4, 272. With the retirement of defensive end Patrick Kerney and the trade of defensive end Darryl Tapp, the Seahawks take Morgan.
7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee, 5-11 5/8, 211. Only five safeties have been taken in the top 10 over the last 10 years. Berry, of Creekside High, becomes the sixth.
8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers, 6-6, 325. The Raiders are comfortable with the explanation from Rutgers coach Greg Schiano about Davis’ fluctuating weight.
9. Buffalo Bills: Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa, 6-6, 312. Chan Gailey gets a road-grading blocker to help power the Bills rushing attack.
Some have Clemson flash C.J. Spiller going to Seattle as high as No. 6.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama, 6-4, 256. The Jags are not scared off by the fact that McClain has Crohn’s disease.
11. Denver Broncos: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma, 6-2, 225: With the trade of Brandon Marshall, the Broncos are thin at wide receiver.
12. Miami Dolphins: Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas, 6-4, 255: The Dolphins have to replace outside linebackers Joey Porter and Jason Taylor.
13. San Francisco 49ers: Joe Haden, CB, Florida, 5-10 ¾, 193. The 49ers are not afraid of the slow 40-time he ran at the NFL scouting combine.
14. Seattle Seahawks: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson, 5-11, 196. He’s been compared to Reggie Bush and gets picked by Bush’s former college coach Pete Carroll.
15. New York Giants: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri, 6-1, 241. The Giants must replace Antonio Pierce, who was released over the offseason.
16. Tennessee Titans: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida, 6-6, 265: The Titans are in the defensive end market after losing Kyle Vanden Bosch in free agency.
17. San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame, 6-2, 223. The 49ers have seen enough of Alex Smith to know he’s not a franchise quarterback.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan, 6-1, 263. He can play on three downs right away and
Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham could be selected by the Falcons. (Tony Ding / Associated Press)
provide a pass rush.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida, 6-5, 318. If Weatherspoon gets past the Giants, he’s the pick. If not, Pouncey will get a chance to man one of the guard spots while learning how to play center at the pro level under Todd McClure.
20. Houston Texans: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State, 5-10, 194. The Texans get a prospect to replace Dunta Robinson, who signed with the Falcons in free agency.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma, 6-5, 261. The Bengals add a weapon for quarterback Carson Palmer after revamping the receiving corps.
22. New England Patriots: Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State, 6-5, 301. He has the size to play that hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker spot in the mold of Mike Vrabel.
23. Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown, OT, USC, 6-5, 292. The Packers have to add some offensive line help, but could trade down and add picks.
091205 - Tampa - GA Tech's Demaryius Thomas (8) tries to break away from Clemson's Crezdon Butler (18) in the first quarter during the ACC Championship game on Saturday, December 5, 2009 in Tampa, FL. (Johnny Crawford - jcrawford@ajc.com)
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama, 5-10, 196. Played his career in the shadows of Javier Arenas, but he’s the better pro prospect.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech, 6-3, 224. Perfect spot for Thomas, who can learn from veterans Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee, 6-2, 329. He is a brute force player who’ll fit nicely along side of Darnell Dockett.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Earl Thomas, S, Texas, 5-10 ¼, 208. The Cowboys like his versatility in coverage.
28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State, 5-11, 220. The Chargers try to replace LaDainian Tomlinson with the NCAA’s leading rusher in 2009.
29. New York Jets: Everson Griffen, DE, USC, 6-3, 278. Is a natural fit for Rex Ryan’s defense.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Chris Cook, CB, Virginia, 6-2, 212. The Vikings need a big cornerback to go against the receivers they face in the NFC North.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Michael Iupati, G, Idaho, 6-5, 325. A small school product, who fits nicely in the Colts’ blocking scheme.
32. New Orleans Saints: Jerry Hughes, DE, Texas Christian, 6-2, 257. Hughes reminds some of a young Dwight Freeney.
On the fringe
Florida quarterback Tim Tebow puts the move Georgia cornerback Vance Cuff for a long gain. Tebow broke Herschel Walker's career SEC rushing touchdown record of 49 with a 23-yard running TD in the second quarter. He would add another to start second half. (Brant Sanderlin, bsanderlin@ajc.com)
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland; Colt McCoy, QB, Texas; Tim Tebow, QB, Florida; Taylor Mays, S, USC; Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State; Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech; Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida; Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida; Brian Price, DT, UCLA; Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama and Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers.
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217 comments Add your comment
PMC
April 16th, 2010
11:16 am
If that’s the pick then we need to trade down to the back of the 1st round.
I’m going to be happy this year with whomever they get but if it’s Pouncey I’d like to get a 2nd rounder out of the deal too.
Lou Gehrig
April 16th, 2010
11:17 am
Hey!…..I died of Lou Gehrig’s disease…..Imagine those odds! I don’t know who Crohn plays for, but you may want avoid picking him.
PMC
April 16th, 2010
11:18 am
I still don’t get why people like Iupati so much.
PMC
April 16th, 2010
11:21 am
It definately will not hurt us to spend early picks on the OL anywhere.
I sure wish Bulaga would could fall to 19.
truth
April 16th, 2010
11:27 am
hawesg…..isn’t the Falcons a run between the tackles team also? So wouldn’t make since that the Falcons pick him, given Pittsburgh don’t.
truth
April 16th, 2010
11:28 am
I meant, wouldn’t it make since that the Falcons pick Pouncey.
coach C
April 16th, 2010
11:30 am
After the impact that Cushing and Matthews had last year you would think that the Falcons would want to draft an outside linebacker that can actually make plays
BigTimeTECHFan
April 16th, 2010
11:31 am
Nice draft but I still see NE pulling the strings and getting Tebow at 22.
Pouncey would be nice pick but I also like Jerry Hughes of TCU
What round is Morgan Burnett rated – I think he’ll be a nice pickup, I’m guessing mid-late 2nd round but I don’t know what NFL teams are saying about him.
waynester
April 16th, 2010
11:33 am
DLed
You have a few players falling way past where I believe they’ll be chosen. It happens every year but in the case of Earl Thomas, D Williams and Iupati, I really can’t see it. The Eagles love Thomas and I don’t think they’ll take a 2nd rd CB over a 1st rounder they love. The Chargers need another RB but they need a Nose Tackle worse. Unless they’re betting that Cody will still be on the board in rd 2, I don’t think they’ll let the top-rated NT go past them in rd 1. Since I think Thomas is off the board before #27, Dallas will take Iupati (whom they’ve loved since the Senior bowl) to replace Flozell A.
I’m not just nit-picking here, as all 3 of those guys could play into trade-downs with the aforementioned teams. If the Iggles believe that Houston is eyeing Thomas, we could pick up a second(or 2 if we go that route) since the have 2 2nd’s. If SD sees (as you do) AZ taking Williams, they could swap 1st’s with us and throw in their 2nd. Dallas is less likely, but Jones is a wheeler-dealer so you never know. Still a proponent of trading down just as you are for taking Pouncey. Stubborn,aren’t we?
Michael
April 16th, 2010
11:33 am
I seem to remember Tony Sparano saying how he didn’t want brandon marshall a few weeks ago, then suddenly he’s a dolphin. Weird how coaches and gm’s don’t tell the truth about draft or free agency. If you actually think TD is being honest when he tells you where they are going in the draft, you are naive. There are way too many ways to get a good center in the 3rd or 4th. Plus if Pouncy plays guard, who are we moving? Blalock? Dahl? And I also have a problem with your Trent Williams pick at 4. Okung will go before him, plus if your offensive linemen rankings a few days ago you had him at like 6, makes no sense.
TMoney
April 16th, 2010
11:36 am
I’ve actually seen a couple of mock drafts that have Weatherspoon, Graham, and Pouncey gone before the Falcons pick. (Weatherspoon to the Giants, Graham to the Titans, Pouncey to the Steelers). What would the Falcons do in that situation?
Also, talk on sports radio out of Pittsburgh is that St. Louis has contacted them about trading Big Ben and picks for the number one and picks. DOL, have you heard anything similar to this?
tnfalcon
April 16th, 2010
11:45 am
This year the falcons are in the perfect area of the draft to trade back and acquire more picks. Trading with New England would be a good move. New England needs to jump ahead of Cincinnati to grab Gresham the TE they covet. I think the defensive players the Falcons are hoping for will be gone by the 19th pick. I agree with DOL that the O’line needs upgrading. I am not sold on Sam Baker as the franchise left tackle. Why not move him inside and pick up an athletic LT such as Bruce Campbell? There is plenty of defensive talent in the second round. One good thing is. The falcons are in a great position to make moves in a lot of different directions to improve the team. But first of all ATL must protect the franchise which is Matt Ryan.
Star
April 16th, 2010
12:02 pm
FYI… McClain doesn’t have Crohn’s disease. His mom does, but they said on NFL network he has been cleared and doesn’t have it.
teamguy
April 16th, 2010
12:05 pm
Not sure Shanahan will take an offensive lineman that high in the draft. He always seemed to be in love with that zone blocking scheme in Denver. But good mock, though. I still wish Spiller would somehow wind up in a Falcons uniform. I may be wrong, but I think he’s the most dynamic player in this draft. I won’t be surprised if he’s taken in the top five. I guess we’ll see pretty soon.
FalconsFan284
April 16th, 2010
12:06 pm
DOL—-This may be the saddest mock yet. You have Graham going to Pittsburgh just so Pouncey is available to fit your agenda. Earl Thomas makes a lot more sense going to Blitzburgh then Graham, simply because of the poor play of the safeties without Palamalou. Tryo has had injury issues for the last four consecutive years. Plus, Pittsburgh has the worst O-line of any team picking after the 10th spot! They’re much more likely to draft Pouncey then the Falcons are.
Your pick for Jacksonville is also flawed. They need help at corner and safety. They are more likely to take Joe Haden then Rolando McClain. That means that McClain will be available for the Miami Dolphins; whom they love. That means Kindle falls and goes to the Giants; where he fits into their scheme much better then Weatherspoon. The G-Men have been using their backers on the blitz more since their Superbowl run and that is why Kindle makes more sense. I will also add that the Lions could select Russell Okung over Suh and McCoy. They have a real need for O-line help and have spent a lot of money on the D-line in the off season.
Even if the Falcons trade down, we are more likely to take a massive Defensive Tackle then Pouncey. Unless you discount reports that have Coach Smith saying he wanted to get bigger on the D-line. I know the report came out way back on Tuesday but you should have had time to read it. If you go by that report then Dan Williams, Jared Oderick and Terrance Cody all make more sense then Pouncey.
The way I see it is that you have no less then six picks that aren’t even in the ball park of being correct and at least that many that are questionable at best. Also, where is Mike Iupati? He is seen by most experts and GM’s as being a better player, with more potential, then Pouncey, and you don’t even have him listed as a First Rounder. It does explain why 6 of 8 mocks have the Falcons taking a Third Round talent with the 19th pick!
Bangkapi Ajarn
April 16th, 2010
12:06 pm
DOL. Thanks! I have been surfing the web looking for nuggets where eer I can find them, and while I understand that they have talked to a lot of DT’s (including 4 in the last week), it seems counter-intuitive to me unless they have given up on Babs (falcon filter foul).
They consider Jerry a high profile rookie this year, so this would be 2 1st round picks in 2 years on DT, placing 2 rookies in the middle of the D-line, with a 1st year starter on one end (Bierman if he beats out JA) and an aging injury prone Abe at the other end that needs a frequent rotation (with Sidbury?). Doesn’t make sense this year to me, from TD’s public comments.
Marcus
April 16th, 2010
12:12 pm
One other thing to consider, in regards to the Pouncey pick:
Reading a mock on NFL Network (Bucky Brooks?), he had the Eagles grabbing Pouncey @ 24 due to an ACL injury to the incumbent starter (Jamaal Jackson).
Now, Andy Reid luvs some linemen, as he seems to take OL/DL in 1st round many of his drafts during the 2000s.
Any chance we field calls from the Eagles looking to trade up … or we draft Pouncey then they draft some guy we want @ 24 and swap picks?
marko
April 16th, 2010
12:15 pm
Most consider the Rolondo McClain workout a smokescreen. I’m not so sure. The Falcons ran him through his paces, and if they feel he can play Sam and he’s still on the board, he’s our guy. High character, workaholic that has to be literally run out of the film room.Definately Dimitroff’s kind of guy. Not suppossed to be there at nineteen? Mauluga went in the second round last year. Many of us remember that he was supposed to be a top fifteen lock. We got Loften in the second. Middle linebackers are the Rodney Dangerfields of football they just don’t get no respect. This is my story and I’m sticing to it.
2nd Annual Bird Cage Mock Draft Competition | Atlanta Falcons: Bird Cage
April 16th, 2010
12:19 pm
[...] DOL is steady on the Pouncey Train with his latest Mock………. [...]
falconsforlife
April 16th, 2010
12:22 pm
Pouncey is a good pick. DLed got me from hating the pick when he first mentioned it, to loving it. We need linemen. Yes obviously the D should come first but if Spoon and Graham are gone Pouncey is a great pick.
marko
April 16th, 2010
12:32 pm
Orlando, has Jacksonville snapping up McClain at ten. He thinks that they won’t be concerned about his crohns disease. Maybe we should let them know that he hangs out with Tiger and Ben, I’m sure they’d like to know that he only scored three and half on the wonderlic, Runs seven second forties, tears the wings off butterflies, drop kicks puppies. Do yourselves a favor Jags draft Tevo. He walks on water. Just think of all the tickets you’ll sell.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 16th, 2010
12:33 pm
etadog — Iupati played an Idaho and has a steeper mountain to climb in the NFL.
GT for life — I spoke to Dwyer’s agent, Adisi Bakari, earlier this week and he’s holding out hope that San Diego will take him in the first round. He could also go to New England with one of their second round picks. He had a private workout for the Patriots earlier this week.
Mountain_Jim — Walton is the 3rd rated center.
Screg – Danario Anderson, Missouri, WR, 6-5, 221 (nice size). My info has him going in the 5th or 6th round.
Nick — McClain said he has Crohn’s disease. I would think, he’d know. You know what I’m saying. http://blog.al.com/tide-source/2010/03/tides_mcclain_discloses_that_h.html
Waynester — I’ve got good intel out of Dallas. The Cowboys have never taken an OL in the first round under Jerry Jones.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 16th, 2010
12:46 pm
FYI — Getting ready to do a phone interview with Spoon at 1 p.m. for our Draft Series. He’ll be featured in our Linebackers story.
O'Brien
April 16th, 2010
12:52 pm
Ree Roe,
I would hate to see our 19th pick not getting consistent minutes. Oh wait. This is the Falcons blog, not the Hawks. My bad. I’m just messing with you.
DOL,
Given the BC center’s familiarity with Matt Ryan, and the fact that he has a second or third round grade, doesn’t it sound more logical that the Falcons could wait until then to get their center?
If none of their choices are there at 19, then trade back, and pick Pouncey later. If one of their guys are there, they can get him, and still get a top 3 (grade) center with the BC guy.
I can’t imagine Pouncey being the pick at 19.
Bangkapi Ajarn
April 16th, 2010
1:02 pm
DOL – Looking forward to your spoon interview.
Question – IF the falcons progression of options brings them to a DT in the 1st, does that mean the end of Babs as a Falcon (because of legal issues yet to be resolved)?
ATLJBO
April 16th, 2010
1:07 pm
D-Led…. My good sir…. Whats going on with you and this Pouncey theory …lol.. You are riding this till the wheels fall off..lol
Delbert D.
April 16th, 2010
1:14 pm
D-Led is still finding ways to Proclaim The Pounce as Falcons #1. Sometimes I wish I still got AJC home delivery, cause I could fold the paper up into a barf bag.
The Real Falcon
April 16th, 2010
1:17 pm
After watching TD’s full presser it seems he may indeed take an offensive player. I just hope it’s a tight end, though.
Old Man
April 16th, 2010
1:25 pm
DJ at 9:39 is right. Gil Brandt said today on the radio that through pick 45 would have been a first rounder in most years. One of our players will be there at 22, we need to trade positions and pick up one of NE’s first two picks in the 2d round. That’s only 95 value points versus 460 or 430 for the second round pick–what else will ATL throw in to the deal? Any ideas, guys?????
blord
April 16th, 2010
1:27 pm
I would not be surprised it Miami takes Spiller instead of a defensive player. Yea they have Ronnie Brown but he has some issues and Ricky Williams doesn’t have but a year or so left. That would make for a scary offense.
In listening to TD in the radio interviews he isn’t shy about his desire to trade back. At this point I would be surprised if we selected somebody at 19. Maybe that means Pouncey but I wouldn’t rule out Price in that case either.
waynester
April 16th, 2010
1:35 pm
DLed
Thanks for the heads-up on Dallas, but what about the other two players/teams for a possible trade-down? I don’t have to tell you (you were there) what Dimitroff said at the presser re: trades–give me your assessment of the possibilities for trade partners, please……
kelvin davis
April 16th, 2010
1:51 pm
We should trade down with the Patriots and get their 2nd Round pick… Get Sean Weatherspoon and with the 2nd Round Pick we get the best WR available.. I’m guessing it will be Golden Tate who is there with the pick… But I hope Demaryius Thomas slips to us in the 2nd Round if all this happens
south ga boy in the ATL
April 16th, 2010
2:08 pm
first DOL, I love the info on the call to TD from bellichek. I have belived all along that TD will trade down to get us a 2nd rd pick and NE is the obvious partner. Swapping 19 and 22 with us picking up a no 2 and prob having to throw in a 4 or 5 is the perfect deal for us in this draft. DOL, you seem to set up your mock as though your trying to fill an inside straight. everything is set up perfectly where Pouncey is the only thing left, just so you can have us taking him. First, i think your ignoring the high probability that Williams goes above 19 because he is the only true NG for a 3-4 def, Greshem is a highly coveted TE that almost every mock has him going higher than 19, there will be the inevetiable run on OT and Brown will prob go higher than 19, and the same can be said of Iupati. Dude, with TD being a great believer in positional value, I refuse to believe we take a Center at 19 that wont even start yr 1. Too much money has to be invested on a No 1 to have hi sit, and as I have said before, show me how many times in the history of the draft a Center has been taken that high. The trade is the most likely scenario for us. However, if TD picks Pouncey I will man up and be right back on your blog next week to say I was wrong and you were right. Keep up the strong work DOL
singndablues
April 16th, 2010
2:08 pm
Just don’t believe the Falcons will pick someone (Pouncey) who won’t be counted on to start right away. Don’t think we’re in a position to draft for depth in the 1st round. But just my thinking.
tpay
April 16th, 2010
2:15 pm
If TD trades down with NE or Philly, look for Jared Odrick to be the first round pick.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 16th, 2010
2:21 pm
SPOON UPDATE: Just talked to Spoon. Super kid!!! He’s in Columbia for the Mizzou Tigers’ Spring game tomorrow. (Hope my little cousin CB Robert Steeples Jr – All-Academic first team Big 12 – puts some hits on people. They know he can cover!!) Spoon said he had to play some golf in a benefit in the morning and that he’s looking forward to the draft. He plans to head home to Texas for the draft and spend the rest of the time with family. He thinks its down to the Giants, Falcons and Saints, but isn’t sure. The Falcons clearly spent the most time with him during the draft prep process. 3-4 teams don’t like him outside because he’s not a “pass rusher.” The Falcons did not specify with him if he was a weak or a strong, just that he’s an OLB. Look for the LB part of the NFL Draft series on Monday and another Spoon blog early next week.
south ga boy in the ATL
April 16th, 2010
2:31 pm
One other thing DOL, McClain doesnt have crohns disease, his mother has it. Heard that on the NFL network or ESPN yesterday. However, Im a RN, crohns is hereditary and if he is showing some symptoms of the disease, a team may be worried that it will go full blown at any given time. There are new meds that have come on line in the last 10 yrs or so that reduce the flare ups and should not keep teams from shying away from him.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 16th, 2010
2:35 pm
He said himself he has Crohn’s disease. Maybe he thought he had it?
Row 3
April 16th, 2010
2:48 pm
TD and Smith have their own draft status on the players they have worked out, they are not relying on the draft Guru’s assessments to grade talent. In their evaluation they may have a #19 grade on Daryl Washington(TCU).
Terrell
April 16th, 2010
3:06 pm
I remember a few years ago we all agreed that we needed Dorsey at the Dline and who did we take? There were other QBs we could’ve developed in later parts of the draft but we went with Ryan, so who is to say TD is crazy is we take a center? I’m just weary of any guy coming out of the Big 10 because to be honest the Big 10 wan’t really that good this year. Bright spots? yeah but not really good.Who is to say that our 1st round pick would start right away anyways if we did go defense?
GetwhatUpayfor
April 16th, 2010
3:07 pm
UUUGA, I’ll buy your tickets buddy.
TD is the man and I’ll go with who he picks. Hope he gets a 2nd round pick also. Would love to see Spoons in Atlanta.
Terrell
April 16th, 2010
3:12 pm
Here’s my question to everybody who thinks our 1st round pick is going to start. Why? If we get a DE does that mean he’s already better than the other DEs we have outside of JA55? No, but you all seem to think that.
If we go WLB will he start right right away? We don’t know that for sure. Just because you are a beast in college doesn’t mean it will automactically translate into the NFL. It may take time before they are ready.
south ga boy in the ATL
April 16th, 2010
3:43 pm
charlie casserly on NFL.com and the NFL network said McClain has now stated he does not have crohns disease but that his mother has it. He reported this on April 13th
phoenix falcon
April 16th, 2010
3:44 pm
@Terrell
1st round draft picks are supposed to come in and contribute right away, if your 1st draft picks are not doing that, then you are picking the wrong people, i don’t care what position, 1st round draft picks come in and make an impact.
by the way, nice name.
D3
April 16th, 2010
3:52 pm
DOL – Nice job my brother. I like your mocks because they at stir discussion that often isn’t found in many of the other “safe mocks” that are all very similar. We also know that due to trades and the like, draft days almost never go according to planned (Heyward-Bay in the top ten?).
On Pouncey, I will say that I will begrudgingly accept the pick like medicine, I know it’ll be good for the team to build the OL long-term, but I don’t have to like the taste of it right now. I will say that I have my doubts however, because I still to this day haven’t had anyone explain to me how Pouncey was so dominant and the Florida Gators had zero inside running game and commentator Gary Danielson mentioned it as the reason many times that Florida’s offense wasn’t successful, with them not being able to run that quick-inside-give-option. I think he’ll be good, but let’s not crown him the next Tom Nalen or Steve Hutchison just yet.
I know I’ll sound crazy, but given the choice and possibility of having Jermaine Gresham and Tony Gonzalez on the the field at the same time sure would give some defenses major pause.
Seattle Falcons Fan
April 16th, 2010
3:53 pm
I like trading back to #22 to get a second rounder…… Grab Pouncey at #22 and grab a LB or DE in round two…. Maybe trade our Second round and one of our third rounders to move up in round 2 and grab one of the TCU prospects….
Bill E. Goat
April 16th, 2010
3:54 pm
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater-
While Herchel Walker is the best RB ever in the SEC claiming it took Tebow to do what Walker did in 4 is really just some sour grapes on your part.
In 3 years Herschel Walker had 994 rushing attempts: 274 as a freshman, 385 as a sophomore, 335 as a junior. His 49 TDs came at a rate of 1 TD per 20 carries.
In Tebow’s 4 seasons — his freshman season he was only a role player who got carries in spot duty– Tim Tebow has had 596 rushing attempts: 89 as a freshman, 210 as a sophomore, 176 as a junior, 121 as a senior. Tebow’s 49 TDs came at a rate of one TD for every 12 rushing attempts.
So in reality Herschel had 66 percent more carries than Tebow. Tebow could play SIX years in college and not get as many carries as Walker got in 3.
I will also find it funny when UGA fans who will try and base Tebow’s status as one of the greatest college football players ever on what he does in the NFL. I guess by that rationale then we can go ahead and say Emmitt Smith was the greatest running back in college football history right?
singndablues
April 16th, 2010
3:54 pm
TD has stated numerous times that his philosophy for the draft is to draft based on need. So am I hearing from some here that we have no position on defense or offense where we can’t find a better talent in the first round to step in and start? Of course there’s no guarantee that any drafted player will start but I think most here respect TD’s ability to evaluate talent and I believe he would prefer his 1st round pick be a on the field his first year. Too much money involved and I believe he wants a difference maker in round 1 not a player that may not start for the next couple of years.
Plus at the moment we won’t have another pick till the third round. With the approach some are proposing we may not have a single new starter from this years draft. Just don’t think the teams good enough at this point to spend the draft on bench players. Too many areas need an upgrade.
D3
April 16th, 2010
3:56 pm
Florida Gators offense wasn’t “AS” successful. That obviously was a typo.
Seattle Falcons Fan
April 16th, 2010
3:59 pm
I hated the Pouncey pick at first but this time next year it might be a smart move because really are we going to make a pick that wins us the Super Bowl this year???? Prob not….Build for the future….