The 2011 Mockiavelli: Falcons to take DE Allen Bailey
Miami linebacker Marcus Robinson (56) and defensive lineman Allen Bailey (57) bring down Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon in the second half. (By J. Pat Carter -- Associated Press)
The plan is to debut “The 2011 Mockiavell” next Friday right here.
We’ll have my Mock draft every Friday right up to draft day, they we can turn our full attention to the NFL Labor madness. (Split up the $9 billion and keep it moving!) You all like the Mock Draft so much last year that I had to give it a corny nickname! Hope you like!
Since we didn’t do a full review, I’m going to take some time pat myself on the back. Last year’s final Mock was super strong. I correctly had the Falcons selecting Sean Weatherspoon on the Friday before the draft. I even went on
Maryland's Torrey Smith is projecting as a DeSean Jackson type game breaker. (Richard Shiro/associated Press)
ESPN on Tuesday and nailed the pick on national television.
But I’d gotten a call about the Falcons holding a late workout for Demaryius Thomas and somehow I read that to mean they wanted Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham, my final pick. (So I guess I really didn’t nail it.)
By that point, I’d gotten off of Maurkice Pouncey as their pick because Pittsburgh was going to take him. I remember most of you called me crazy for considering a center. Now, Todd McShay has them drafting his brother.
There were some major whiffs, too. Nobody had Jacksonville taking Tyson Alualu with the 10th pick. Also, I had Jimmy Clausen being selected in the first round. I had Bryan Bulaga going way too high.
Here’s the last FINAL MOCK draft. You all can evaluate it for yourselves. If a player is taken in the first round and I have him going somewhere in the first round, that’s a correct pick. Looks like I had 27 of the 32 picks.
I whiffed on Tebow, Aluala, Devin McCourty, Jahvid Best and Jerry Hughes.
However, while I’ll have the full ” 2011 Mockiavelli” ready next week, I already have the Falcons’ pick at No. 27. You all better start doing your research on Mr. Allen Bailey, defensive end from the U. He’s stout at 6-4, 285 pounds and blazes the 40 in 4.65 seconds.
Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith is a possibility. Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi is a possibility.
On shelves next week: The 2011 Mockiavelli 1.0.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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84 comments Add your comment
Rikus
February 11th, 2011
12:46 pm
First, DOL I should apologize for ridiculing your pick of Pouncey last year. As it turns out, it would have been great if he fell to us. I love these mock drafts… there’s something about the unlimited promise of the future, and the excitement of “what-ifs.” Last year, we had a big FA signing before the draft, which changed things. This year, there might not even be Free Agency before the draft. Will make this interesting, because none of our needs will be addressed before draft day, while our OL will still be a huge question mark.
I would really love for us to draft a WR or DE in the first round. Someone we can get excited about, that might make our team more dynamic on that side of the ball. We should definitely target linemen, a TE, and additional WRs in later rounds.
This Gets Old!
February 11th, 2011
1:24 pm
If Carolina goes DL (Fairley or Bowers then take the best OL. Otherwise, goodbye Matt Ryan.
waynester
February 11th, 2011
3:16 pm
Dirty Bird 4 Life
Thanks for the correction. My point still stands, though–a rookie DE won’t have the impact/production that we desperately need….
Die Hard Falcon
February 11th, 2011
3:16 pm
I am just hoping we have a season on time this year. Just a question if anyone knows and then a couple comments.
Question:
If the CBA expires, will the NFL still have the draft and other off season activities?
Comments:
In a great, dream scenario, I would address what are 3 greatest needs are in the first 3 rounds (this is assuming no quality FA come our way). I think DE in the 1st round, pressure makes the LB’s and especially the secondary way better, need to get sacks from more than just Abe (who’s getting older). Also, I would ask what someone earlier asked but no one responded D-Led maybe you can say why Sidbury was always inactive, the reports were the staff like him, are they just developing him or was he not up to snuff? Second round should address WR, stretch the field, take some pressure off Roddy, I think if the right guy falls, flip 1st and 2nd depends on quality available, take the best player. 3rd and 4th rounds, we need to start looking for Tony G’s replacement at TE (hoping he plays this year) and then OL depth or secondary depth. After that it’s a crapshoot as to what’s on the board. I believe in Dimitroff and hope we’ll have Super bowl this upcoming year and some revenge on GB (really hope they don’t get Asomughua). I think in FA, we get who we can, look at trades whatever is necessary, we are PRIMED and only need a couple of things to go our way. I wish Nnamdi would consider ATL, but it looks like it’s a no go, I would love to see him opposite Grimes and Robinson take FS duties, we would be tough w/ that and Franks/Owens at nickel.
Paddy O
February 11th, 2011
5:53 pm
DE will take too long to develop – if we aim for the Super Bowl in 2011, we need a QB squashing FA DE. I see us drafting either Torrey or RB LeShore, or another LB – Houston would be a fine pick.
hbcuclassics.com
February 11th, 2011
8:25 pm
You are cordially invited to a birthday celebrationin honor of Coach Eddie G. Robinson,
on Sunday, February 13, 2011 from 4:00-6: 00 p.m. in the Doris Robinson Banquet Hall in the Eddie G. Robinson Museum.
Come help us celebrate the 92nd birthday of “Coach Rob “ and …tour the beautiful museum and celebrate his legacy.
This event is free and open to the general public.
http://www.hbcuclassics.com
DrJ
February 11th, 2011
8:36 pm
I still think we will go Defense first. In the NO game, our DE got back to Brees a bunch but he mostly took one step forward, and that was it. With the Packers, we weren’t chasing Rodgers around, but we had no push up the middle. The point being we need to collapse the pocket via the middle, without having to blitz.
Cairo91
February 11th, 2011
10:52 pm
D Led,
I have taking a strong interest in Torrey Smith of Maryland. I hope 26 other teams fall asleep on him. The guy was a quiet beast at Maryland. I would love to see him in a Falcon uniform. I like the thinking with him. No one else is mentioning this and that is the way I am liking it.
Matt Hudnall
February 12th, 2011
3:00 am
D’Andre McDaniel SS a great need and a worthy spot I would think
chickenman
February 12th, 2011
1:35 pm
torry smith is a speed demon like jermey maclin/percy harvin… he is a much better receiving threat than heyward bey and atlanta needs play makers…
Headin' to Indy in '11
February 12th, 2011
4:47 pm
http://isportsweb.com/2011/02/12/atlanta-falcons-nfl-draft-preview/
maddawg
February 12th, 2011
8:44 pm
Randall Cobb is very reminiscent of Hines Ward; you can’t measure heart with a stop watch or in the weight room. He is going to be a great NFL player. love to see him in a Falcon uniform!!!!
The Truth
February 12th, 2011
11:42 pm
The Falcons better draft Mark Ingram for their future before the Saints scoop him up and the falcons have to face him two times a year. Mark Ingram is a physical back that would be perfect for the falcons system
Ted Striker
February 13th, 2011
7:00 am
“2011 Mockiavelli.” I like it. If I were Lamborghini, I’d be on that name like a rat on a cheeto.
TommyP
February 13th, 2011
8:12 am
Here’s why the Falcons won’t take Bailey….he peaked too early in life.
The kid looked like Tarzan getting recruited by UGA & Miami but played like Jane. He has a bodybuilder’s physique but has been that way since high school. That’s why he dominated in high school-he was so far physically ahead of everyone else.
In college, everyone caught up and surpassed him with strength. His ceiling is not very high…
Do not draft Bailey.
willie
February 13th, 2011
12:48 pm
The entire free world had the Falcons taking Spoon last year so don’t hurt your arm patting yourself on the back. They clearly should have taken Dez Bryant. I hate when teams lock on a need. Take a stud if he slips. Ask GB about Aaron Rodgers.
Jeff
February 13th, 2011
2:16 pm
YOU NAILED IT D-LED. NAILED IT. BE PROUD. TROPHY’S IN THE MAIL, BIG HOMEY!
TLH
February 13th, 2011
6:07 pm
We need to go after Charles Johnson via Free agency and draft Titus Young. The end.
Fire Porn Stache, draft Heyward
February 13th, 2011
6:39 pm
The only guy at Miami that fits for the Falcons this early is Hankerson in round 2. Bailey is not a DE that can affect much here, he’s more of a 3-4 OLB…..as in an incomplete speed rusher.
We need a guy like Heyward from Ohio State. I wouldn’t mind Randall Cobb around here, who can act as our Antwaan Randal-el but ONLY if we take a DE in the 2nd round. Otherwise, trade the pick and move down!!
Oh, and if we keep Porn Stache, teach him this: Giving Aaron Rodgers 30 minutes to find a receiver time and time again on 3rd down is stupid. And I don’t even get paid 6 figures to give up 50 points at home.
Mike
February 13th, 2011
8:10 pm
TLH I second Titus Young. Most mocks have home in mid second to late second. His biggest knock is his size, however this guy can get down the field and really open things up for our offense. I would love Johnson via free agency, unfortunately I do not think with the lockout that TD and company can count on being able to get Johnson. I think if Kerrigan or Heyward is on the board in the first then the Falcons will take one of them. I like Kerrigan, but think he will be off the board before Atlanta picks.
Falcons relax
February 13th, 2011
8:28 pm
Sorry to bust a lot of you guys bubble but we aint drafting a WR in the first 3 rounds. Why should we? White-top 5 WR, Tony G. top 5 TE and security blanket. Have yall forgotten about Kerry Mierer who is gonna be another security blanket for Ryan? Imagine White, Tony G., and then Kerry in the slot. With a better o-line that can pass protect. Thats more than enough for ryan to hold it down, UNITL NEXT YEAR FOR US TO TAKE A SHOT AT MEGATRON. A better offensive scheme wouldn’t hurt either.
Ryans rookie year was the best year for explosive plays, AND THATS WITHOUT GONZALEZ. Its because they let ryan rip it. The offense is getting worse. Spending a 1st pick on a WR is a waste of a pick, ESPECIALLY IF THE GUY ISN’T A TOP 5 WR PROSPECT. Remember it isn’t about WHERE YOUR DRAFTED, but where YOUR RANKED PROSPECT WISE. Jenkins was a 1st round WR pick. BUT WASN’T A TOP 5 WR PROSPECT. He was a reach. Dominique Franks last year draft we got him in the 5th round. BUT HE WAS A TOP 5 CB PROSPECT. He had a 2nd round grade in most mock drafts.
If they’re any weapons we need, ITS FOR THE O-LINE. D-Led was right last year, Pouncey would’ve been a great pick. We need to build the o-line for the future. Dahl, Blalock, and Clabo time is up
count_schemula
February 14th, 2011
1:34 am
Bailey and Hankerson are flying pretty low and under the radar. There is some reason to believe that Randy Shannon and his staff did not unlock a lot of potential down there with their coaching. So, while they may look like tools players that have not delivered the goods, it’s also possible that they may just need some coaching. With Abraham schooling Bailey, who knows. And I watched Hankerson all year, and I saw a good #2 WR. He was solid this year after his workouts with Mark Duper and all we need him to do is what Jenkins has not been able to do.
old man
February 14th, 2011
7:30 am
DOL
You’re right about Snelling catching a lot of balls. But the problem is that on 1st and 2nd down, with Turner in, the defense knows it has only 4 receivers to cover. On passing downs, Snelling comes in, but then the running play is not a practical option, and the defense is in nickel or dime coverage. So even though we get receiving yards out of Snelling, the single dimension nature of Turner puts us at a built-in disadvantage. It would be nice if the player who got the bulk of your carries was also a receiving threat. We would be far less predictable, and my guess is that Ryan, Roddy, Gonzo, Douglas, and Jenkins would all suddenly look like better players.
Don’t get me wrong, Turner is the best possession rusher in the league. For whatever reason, he’s also the worst RB receiving threat in the league, and it’s just frustrating.
joey563
February 14th, 2011
10:37 am
Two questions I really want to know before I start to really care much about this news.
1. What exactly does a Quarterbacks coach do besides just coaching up the quarterbacks?
2. How does he actually influence the play calling and the game it’s self?
Kane337
February 14th, 2011
1:25 pm
Falcons Chic
February 11th, 2011
7:38 am
Excuse me? There is a high character player coming out of The U?
———————————————————————————————-
Miami has a lot of high character athletes. This isn’t the 80’s anymore.
http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121009aaa.html
Dec. 10, 2009
WACO, TEXAS — The University of Miami and University of Notre Dame will share the American Football Coaches Association’s 2009 Academic Achievement Award, which is presented by the Touchdown Club of Memphis. Miami and Notre Dame recorded a 100 percent graduation rate for members of its freshman football student-athlete class of 2002.
Kane337
February 14th, 2011
1:26 pm
Spencer Adkins is a special teamer on the Falcons and was drafted from Miami. He is also a very high character guy. Geez, you don’t know know members of your own team.
Kane337
February 14th, 2011
1:29 pm
Andre Johnson from the Houston Texans is known to be a high character guy from around the league and one of the best WR’s. Guess where he went to school at? The U
MaxxFalcon
February 14th, 2011
5:20 pm
DOL- Last yr you had us taking Pouncey the whole time up until right before the draft, when you finally listened to the rest of us and put Spoon there. Allen Bailey is NOT the guy we need, he is way too slow off the edge. I hope you are wrong here. If we go DE, I’d rather see us take Justin Houston or J.J. Watt if available, if not maybe we take a corner like Aaron Williams from Texas. If not, I’d love to see us take the gamebreaker Randall Cobb from UK if available, although I’m not sure he would be considered to fill an immediate need. If we don’t take a DE in the 1st or 2nd rd, I’d like to see us grab a pass rusher later like Brooks Reed from University of Arizona or Bruce Miller from UCF in a later round.
Dominic Hughes
February 14th, 2011
8:47 pm
Physical freak that needs coaching? That sounds an awful lot like a Vernon Gholston type of “prospect”. No thanks.
Rellis
February 15th, 2011
1:25 am
Can someone please tell me how many draft picks we have for 2011????I think 9 (2 #6’s & 2 #7″s). Please let me know if I am wrong or right.
tbhawksfan
February 15th, 2011
6:41 am
Looks like BPA at a position of need is going to be OT, RB maybe. I wouldn’t mind a top four OT to integrate into next years new OL (3 FA and McClure’s age).
Kentucky Falcon
February 15th, 2011
11:54 am
I would like to see us with a “Matthews-Long Hair Don’t Care” on the team…
D-Bird
February 16th, 2011
7:46 am
Why do we always pick the guys that like to pile on for assist tackles.
D-Bird
February 16th, 2011
7:52 am
We pass on Clay Matthews, Brain Cushing, and the kid that end up with the Bengals. All from USC and having great NFL pro seasons. If I recall we ended up with P Jerry out of OLD MISS. WOW! Looking forward to having my season tickets paid back to me during the lock out.