Here’s what it would take for Falcons to get A.J. Green
An NFL rule prevented scouts from watching A.J. Green's workout because the quarterback throwing to him, Justin Roper, lives too far from Athens. Brant Sanderlin, bsanderlin@ajc.com
BIRDLAND — My esteemed and most humble colleague, AJC columnist Jeff Schultz, has forwarded an interesting proposition to the Atlanta Falcons’ front office.
With the offense is need of creating more explosive plays, in his column today, he is directing them to pull out the stops to get Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green.
Director of player personnel Les Snead, director of college scouting David Palmer and assistant area scout Anthony Robinson attended Georgia’s Pro Day for the Falcons. But they had to leave because quarterback Justin Roper, who’s from Buford, was determined to live 6.2 miles outside of the radius of the Athens metroplex.
They had the option of watching the workout on the Internet.
Former Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green with his agents Tom Condon (L) and Ben Dogra (R). (D. Orlando Ledbetter/DLedbetter@ajc.com)
General manager Thomas Dimitroff, the two-time Sporting News executive of the year, has been a busy bee in his three drafts with the Falcons.
In 2008, he traded back into the first round to get offensive tackle Sam Baker with the 21st overall pick after selecting quarterback Matt Ryan third overall. Washington traded its first-, third-, and fifth-round selections (No. 21, 84, and 154) to the Falcons for two of Atlanta’s second-round selections and its fourth-round selection (No. 34, 48, and 103).
The 84th pick turned into wide receiver Harry Douglas. The 154th pick became defensive end Kroy Biermann.
In 2009, the Falcons traded with St. Louis, which gave up its fifth- and sixth-round selections (138th and 176th overall, respectively) to Atlanta in exchange for wide receiver Laurent Robinson and Atlanta’s fifth- and sixth-round selections (160th and 196th overall, respectively).
They 138th pick was used on cornerback William Middleton, who is now with Jacksonville. They selected linebacker Spencer Adkins with the 176th pick.
In 2010, the Falcons acquired St. Louis’ fifth round selection (135th overall) in exchange for selections in the fifth (149th overall) and sixth round (189th overall). The Falcons had also acquired Detroit’s sixth round pick, and a conditional seventh round pick for the 2011 draft in the Chris Houston trade.
They moved up to the 135th pick to select cornerback Dominique Franks. They selected safety Shann Schillinger with the 171st pick.
For the upcoming draft, the Cincinnati Bengals (fourth overall) and the Cleveland Browns (sixth) are considered strong possibilities for Green. Carolina, which has the No. 1 overall pick, is likely going defense or quarterback. Denver (second) and Buffalo (third) are not heavily scouting receivers. Arizona, in need of a quarterback, is picking fifth.
So if Green gets past Cincinnati, the Falcons will be on the phone with Mike Holmgren and the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns, who may want to amass picks, traded out of the No. 5 spot in 2009. Under a different regime, they sent the No. 5 pick to the New York Jets (Mark Sanchez) for the 17the pick, a second rounder and three players that were coveted by their former coach Eric Mangini.
Green wouldn’t come cheaply. The Falcons, since players can’t be traded because of the labor situation, would have to yield their No. 1 and No. 2 this year and likely their No. 2 for next year.
Green played 32 games at Georgia, made 166 catches and 2,619 yards and scored 23 touchdowns.
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock directs those wanting to evaluate Green to look at the tape of Georgia’s game against Colorado.
So under this scenario, would you pull the trigger to land A.J. Green?
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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272 comments Add your comment
MaxxFalcon
March 23rd, 2011
12:59 pm
Look, AJ Green may end up being one of the greatest to ever play the game, and that being said, I think we could definitely give up a 1st and two 2nd round picks. Our picks (hopefully) are going to be late picks, end of 1st and 2nd rounds so the damage is actually minimalized there. I think he’s worth it, I would pull the trigger if that’s what they are asking fo him
Time
March 23rd, 2011
1:03 pm
Yes, you do it. I believe the Falcons top priority in this offseason should be to upgrade our #2 receiver spot. Gonzalez, while still a good TE, is no longer a elite pass catcher. Ryan needs weapons. Outside of White, our receivers are pure garbage.
A White/Green combo instantly becomes the NFL’s most dynamic duo on the outside. Matt Ryan becomes a 4000 yard passer. Turner’s life going up the middle becomes much easier as defenses will be forced to concentrate on stopping the passing game.
Of course, this is all just AJC desperately trying to get blog hits by combining UGA and Falcons theories into one blog. It will never happen.
done
March 23rd, 2011
1:04 pm
An NFL rule prevented scouts from watching A.J. Green’s workout because the quarterback throwing to him, Justin Roper, lives too far from Athens
What???
Rubin
March 23rd, 2011
1:07 pm
Is the same article that was written when Calvin Johnson was coming out? Must be running out of material…
Loyal Falcon
March 23rd, 2011
1:08 pm
As much as I love AJ, I just can’t see giving up a 1 and 2 this year and then a 2 next year. I could see if we had some comp picks.
Keith Mercer
March 23rd, 2011
1:14 pm
Take him, he is the best player on the Board.
cyberfalcon
March 23rd, 2011
1:20 pm
I agree with the many others who say that would be a terrible trade even if you used the Colorado game for evaluation. In that game A.J. played against some good college corners, but NFL corners are much much better. Even if AJ is destined to be great it may take a couple of years before the team that drafts him gets their moneys worth. The Falcons would be better off (and cheaper) signing a proven NFL receiver who can step right in and produce.
JimmyT
March 23rd, 2011
1:23 pm
Give up this year’s #1 and #2, and next year and possibly next year’s #2? No way. As much as I like A.J. and believe he will be a very productive and explosive receiver in the NFL, I can’t see giving up that much when the Falcons need a pass rush, better pass coverage, and maybe a running bak that go the distance (and stay healthy). Not to mention more depth on the O.L.
Joycee Banicheck
March 23rd, 2011
1:30 pm
This move just would seem so out of character for TD that I can’t imagine he’d give it more than 5 minutes of thought. Just doesn’t fit his MO on building a team.
Bill Bagley
March 23rd, 2011
1:30 pm
Mr. Green post a 61 Pre-Draft Index. He has 61% of the Performance Potential, of the average WR, at the Draft. Low Index players have a very high correlation to problematic behavior, that can be impulsive, reckless, and indicative of poor judgment. I recommend that the Falcons keep looking.
With Mr. Blank’s, Stuy, Babson, and CFO background, Mr. Green is likely to end up on the wrong end of a Cost-Benefit Analysis.
BULLDOGMANIAC
March 23rd, 2011
1:31 pm
I am a huge dawg fan and even I wouldnt do it. If I was going to give up 3 draft picks it would be to Arizona to try to get Fitz. I think Green will be good maybe even great in the NFL but we all know the Fitz IS great!
Singletary
March 23rd, 2011
1:32 pm
We go for smart players. I like that he’s a Georgia product, but people still point V Testeverde’s “lowest Wonderlic ever for a QB” as a forecast of his play level in the NFL. Count me with the Teacher & PMC.
*I have not checked that rating post-Jamarcus…
John
March 23rd, 2011
1:34 pm
That is too high a price to pay for someone with possible character issues and reportedly less than impressive work habits. And (with the exception of Hines Ward), UGA isn’t exactly known for producing quality receivers. I’m not even sure I’d take Green with this pick if I were the Bengals. Julio Jones (Alabama) seems to be a better overall WR with near equal speed and his character/work habits are not in question.
I hope the Falcons don’t try to over-think this and reach for Green. He’s not worth it even though he may turn out to be a fine NFL player. Never pay $1.50 for a dollar.
GaDawg
March 23rd, 2011
1:40 pm
Heck yea! bring in AJ and any former DAWG you can get. That brings in the money when you showcase in-state talent. By the way who’s calvin johnson?
Joycee Banicheck
March 23rd, 2011
1:41 pm
Aside from Hines Ward “UGA isn’t exactly known for producing quality receivers”. That’s like saying Miss. Valley St. isn’t exactly known for producing quality receivers aside from Jerry Rice”.
Just a bizarre point to try and make. Makes no sense actually…
kgb
March 23rd, 2011
1:46 pm
Dumb and dumber – way too steep a price. The only way it would be worth it is if it came with a 100% guarantee of a SB appearance for the next two years. And since nothing is guaranteed in life – forget it.
Jason
March 23rd, 2011
1:48 pm
No way would the Lions or Cards give up Calvin or Fitzgerald for a 1st Round pick and two 2nd round picks. The price would be MUCH higher. Even if they did, Fitzgerald carries a HUGE salary against the cap. So, if the cap is still around whenever a labor agreement is reached, the Falcons would have a lot of money tied up in Ryan, Turner, White, and Fitz and would be left unable to afford many quality players at other positions. Calvin is a little more affordable right now, but realistically the Falcons would need to sign either Fitz or Calvin to a long term deal because both of their contracts only have a couple more years left on them The Falcons certainly wouldn’t give up picks like that for a player to only leave after 2 years.
The trade for AJ Green doesn’t make any sense. Yes, he looks like he’ll be a great pro. But, the successful teams in the NFL are willing to pass on those talents because the path to success is in getting guys at great VALUE. The bottom of the 1st round allows you to get great players at reasonable salaries. The top of the round allows you to either draft a legend or a bust at an outrageous cost.
Whopper Dawg
March 23rd, 2011
1:55 pm
Given that nothing materialized out of that TD wheeling and dealing you described, and given that in the last two drafts we have gotten zip for players. I would trade all of the 2011 picks (TD ain’t gonna do squat with them anyway) and move up to take Peterson the CB from LSU NOT GREEN.
Joycee Banicheck
March 23rd, 2011
2:00 pm
yea, how’s that trade up for Sam Baker workin’ out..
Halsey
March 23rd, 2011
2:04 pm
I don’t think picks from future Drafts can be traded during the lockout…
mark
March 23rd, 2011
2:06 pm
I love Green, but we need a DE and secondary help way too much. We lost the last game b/c of lack of pressure and coverage problems. The only way to beat a team like NO or GB is with a top 5 def. Offense should be more focused on replacing Turner and finding an explosive slot guy (Cobb). You can get a reciever in FA, which is where I would go. By the way if you want an explosive deal sign the CB out of Okl. Imagine him back there with Robinson and Grimes. Nightmare for Spread teams b/c now option 3 or 4 are being covered by a guy like Grimes and/or More. Nickle package would be outstanding and if you draft a DE that stays healthy imagine Abe and new DE guy w/ 5 or more seconds to get to the QB to say nothing of Spoon coming off the edge.
Bill Bagley
March 23rd, 2011
2:07 pm
Mr. Green cannot be compared to Hines Ward. Mr. Ward posted a 143 Pre-Draft Index. Hines showed the potential from the start, and realized it during his career. Please, keep looking.
Prof
March 23rd, 2011
2:12 pm
He’d come cheaply salary wise.
Tell him that 5 million will come in the form of Yen – Japanease currency is very valuable.
As evidenced from his Wunderlick score, he’s stupid enough to believe it.
Dave
March 23rd, 2011
2:12 pm
Joycee Banicheck – it’s working out quite well, thanks! (get a clue)
MaxxFalcon
March 23rd, 2011
2:13 pm
DOL- Is there anyhting to this? You say “Falcons likely would deal with Browns to move up to No. 6″, is that pure speculation or do you think the Falcons will actually do this?
Bill Bagley
March 23rd, 2011
2:15 pm
Let the Cowboys have him. Jerry Jones loves those bad boys. He’s going to need a new PR, because Dez Bryant, last year’s 1st Round Pick, just recently got arrested.
Joycee Banicheck
March 23rd, 2011
2:16 pm
If you think Sam Baker has been worth it you obviously don’t watch many Falcons games. I suppose you think Dunta Robinson was worth his $$ this season too.
Sounds like you need to get one buddy.
Joycee Banicheck
March 23rd, 2011
2:17 pm
Can you share some of whatever you are smokin’ with the rest of us??
Tiger Tanaka
March 23rd, 2011
2:20 pm
Absolutely. Green is a guy that will be a pro-bowl caliber player for the next 10-12 years. I would encourage the front office to package Mularkey in the deal and we would really see some gains on the offensive side of the ball. This year’s draft is not deep with really skilled players and/or sleepers.
BlackMoses
March 23rd, 2011
2:21 pm
They should do this all day everyday. Sometimes a team needs to make a bold move. If you can’t see that having A.J. opposite Roddy would make the Falcons the most dangerous team ( offensively ) in the NFC…then you guys need your head examined.
Joycee Banicheck
March 23rd, 2011
2:23 pm
Dave would rather we trade up and get Cam Newton…
absolutely
March 23rd, 2011
2:45 pm
since we awould get a high 1sdt rd pick back (Green) essentially we would only be spending two 2nd rd picks for a future stud receiver which would compliment White. Yes do it….absolutely.
bjohnDawg
March 23rd, 2011
2:48 pm
too many total needs to trade away that many draft picks.
Go for the best WR or DE in round one and reverse the need and take best available of the other in round 2.
Keep your pick for next year for next year.
You would have to trade away all your draft picks like George Allen use to do with the Redskins, and that did not work out well either.
DMR
March 23rd, 2011
2:56 pm
No. It would be a big mistake for a team that has several needs. I would love to see Green in Atlanta, but the costs would be too high for what you would have to give up. Since free agency is so up in the air and the lock out is still in tact, it is hard to make such a bold move before you know if you could solve other problems. See if free agency happens before the draft, which looks unlikely.
Dan
March 23rd, 2011
2:59 pm
I say get Michael Floyd ND WR in the Supplemental Draft.
zombiewoof
March 23rd, 2011
3:08 pm
NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!NO!
There’s no doubt that AJ would be a great addition to the Dirty Birds and would be a contributor for a long, long time. But a #1 WR is NOT a priority for this franchise, esp. at the cost that AJ would come. Have you forgotten what Aaron Rogers did to this secondary?
BMDPD
March 23rd, 2011
3:10 pm
He is special. Remember that! I would do everything I could to get him. He makes tremendous catches.
BMDPD
March 23rd, 2011
3:11 pm
He is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ players. Bank on it! Those that say no will be eating their words one day.
AJ WILL BE THE BEST RECEIVER IN THE LEAGUE
March 23rd, 2011
3:14 pm
ok do you all really want another perry jerry or sean weatherspoon who we have gotten in the last two drafts in the late first round. OR would you rather get someone who mel kiper says is the best wide reciever prospect they have seen in the last 10 years except for maybe calvin johnson. SO DO YOU WANT THE NEXT GREAT RECEIVER OR a little dinky crappy defensive end like jamaal anderson GET AJ GET AJ GET AJ GET AJ GET AJ I LOVE YOU AJ
IceColdATLien
March 23rd, 2011
3:16 pm
I completely understand the position that three top-2 picks is too much for 1 guy, but this is one of those situations where a dollar is worth more than 4 quarters.
He could completely remake that offense simply by lining up on the field because of the threat he would pose… and he’ll play against the other teams’ #2 corner EVERY GAME (cuz of Roddy, of course). Roddy and AJ on the edge, Technician Tony G. roaming the middle, Harry being our Welker.
None of that is truly scary if you sub ANY 2nd rd WR for AJ. So, instead of three really good guys, you can get the Falcons’ version of Nique. Homegrown stud star that would instantly drive fan interest spaceward.
Sometimes you just gotta cup ‘em and just pull the trigger. Nobody would blame them if they did.
GIVE ME A BREAK
March 23rd, 2011
3:16 pm
He’ll be a ” BUST. “
IceColdATLien
March 23rd, 2011
3:18 pm
C’mon Dmitrof, you got the brass ones, right?
lazydawg
March 23rd, 2011
3:19 pm
No thanks, T.D. will find team talent. Get more players for your buck, helps a team win.
IceColdATLien
March 23rd, 2011
3:20 pm
@GIVE ME…
Why is that?
IceColdATLien
March 23rd, 2011
3:21 pm
lazydawg,
I don’t want 3 Toyotas, which are great… but I’d rather have one Benz.
BMDPD
March 23rd, 2011
3:22 pm
Those who think Green has character issues are not very smart.
John Waynesworld
March 23rd, 2011
3:26 pm
Give me a break, he is NO bust.
In his first season he had to shag some pretty wild deep throws by Mr. Stafford, then he had to work with Mr. Irrelevant, Joe Cox, and finally last year he had a freshman to work with. Between him and Calvin Johnson, I don’t know who to feel more sorry for for their troubles with quarterbacks in college…
…Oh never mind it was Calvin, hands down! BWAHAHAHA
reggie, reggie, reggie
IceColdATLien
March 23rd, 2011
3:26 pm
I wouldn’t even bother discussing character issues, BMDPD, cuz if I coulda sold one of my shirts for $1k when I was 20… I wouldn’t have even thought 2 seconds before grabbing the loot
The Real Falcon
March 23rd, 2011
3:46 pm
Oh hell no!
gg
March 23rd, 2011
3:56 pm
Cowboys just made this mistake with Dez Bryant, see how that is turning out? Doesn’t sound like a Dimitroff move. Don’t do it.