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
Dawg28
March 24th, 2011
1:21 am
Oh hell yes. He may have tested poorly, but he has MAD ball skills. We don’t want a rocket scientist, we want someone (opposite of Roddy) to catch a tough ball and run 80 yards!
why go for a dumb second rate talent when
March 24th, 2011
2:24 am
one could trade for the real deal.
http://40-yard-dash-times.com/detroit-lions-2009.html
10 wunderlic vs 28 wunderlic
calvin johnson beats greene in every single measureable and he is smart too. also he didnt try to outwit the ncaa.
class vs a%%
Facethenation
March 24th, 2011
2:58 am
AJ is a rare talent who will be an All Pro this year. However, Our greatest need was exposed by GB and Aaron Rodgers. We need a pass rush and nickel and dime coverage in the secondary. Thus with #27 we take Heyward, Kerrigan, Houston or Jimmy Smith. Hopefully, one of them will be there for us.
Fussball Fan
March 24th, 2011
3:11 am
Interesting. There have been numerous comments and thoughts, but I am shocked that no one has brought this to the table…..how about thinking outside the box and going a receiver that did not play college football in the state of Georgia or in the SEC. All I have heard is get Calvin Johnson or get Julio Jones. How about doing some homework and going and getting a Defensive lineman in the 1st round and getting a WR in the 2nd round. There are several that may be available. They may not be A.J.Green, but they can still be very good WR in the league. There is a kid from Pittsburg and Hankerson from Miami. I have seen both of these guys play and believe that they will be very good player in the NFL. They both are expected to go in the 2nd or 3rd round. Oh, and before you say “well they are not 1st round talent like A.J. or Julio”, think about where Terrell Owens, Mike Wallace, and numerous other very good receivers were drafted. Before Calvin Johnson,look how all those 1st round receivers worked out for the Detroit Lions.
Lace 'em up
March 24th, 2011
5:59 am
This type of kibbitzing over one WR is nuts. 3 picks for an unproven talent. Do not do it.How many times (thinking back to the Smiths) has mgmt.considered such a wasteful move and the Falcons have ended paying for a poor trade for years. We are in a new era. Falcons found 84 at a small college. I’d expect the same M.O. We need a special secondary player and a pass rush, plus a running back. And a complimentary player at WR . Best served via FA.
Raygee
March 24th, 2011
7:16 am
He ain’t THAT good, geez. We need defense.
old man
March 24th, 2011
7:37 am
First round we either trade out to get more 2 and 3 picks, or go defense, or work a trade for defensive player.
In the 2nd or 3rd round, what about Jordan Todman, RB, 4.4 time?. I think we improve our offense more with a RB as opposed to WR.
PapaDawg
March 24th, 2011
7:57 am
I don’t think a high 1st round draft choice should be used on any reciever. 1st round is for QB, RB and defense. He certainly is not worth giving up a lot of draft picks for
milford snow
March 24th, 2011
7:59 am
I know A.J. is great, but what about Julio Jones? Maybe the Falcons could land a great receiver just behind A.J. and not have to give up as much. Just a thought!
observer
March 24th, 2011
8:28 am
There are 3 categories of people who would think the Falcons would make such a stupid deal to get Green. These are, poor sportswriters and tv analysts, bloggers, and delusional dog fans. Only a delusional dog fan would suggest the Falcons waste a draft pick on Durham. He won’t get drafted. The biggest problem with both these kids is they might bring the “loser” mentality from the poor uga program.
joewhite
March 24th, 2011
8:37 am
Get him at all cost give up a 1st and 3rd round if u have too, the more weapons matty has the better. Imagine white,green,jenkins and tony. and I am willing to bet if the people on this blog took that test over 60% would have a bad grade as well, the man can play football the test is bull crap anyway.
20ozBulldog
March 24th, 2011
8:52 am
As great as it would be to keep a UGA star in Atlanta, I doubt this happens.
You guys and gals that love to talk sports, come check out a great forum! VLEsports.com great group of guys and loads of fun. Tell them 20oz sent you, any GT fans out there, come rep your Jackets, I need someone to argue with outside of the Gators!!
Dawgfan4Christ
March 24th, 2011
9:44 am
YES, Just imagine him and Roddy together! Then send more picks away to get back in 1st rd and take Justin Houston!
coleski
March 24th, 2011
10:16 am
__NO||||||||||||| To much to give up. DEFENSE||||||||||||
I Saw It On TV
March 24th, 2011
10:26 am
Amazing how many comments on a fiction fantasy.
aj
March 24th, 2011
10:33 am
if the falcons really want a receiver why not save a little less picks and try to get julio jones!
james
March 24th, 2011
10:37 am
Before acquiring AJ Green, Falcons’ management should not ignore their mantra, “Character, Character, Character”. If he wasn’t disciplined enough to better attend to his studies, judging from the lowest Wunderlick score ever for a WR, and it didn’t occur to him it was unethical and against the rules to sell his jersey, chances are, he would not be a good fit for the Falcons. One of the very things that makes me a proud Falcon fan and 11-year season ticket holder is the fact I know many of these guys could excel off the gridiron and are the type of guys I would be glad to have as neighbors. Stick with the Character content, Falcons, it is serving you well.
Chucktown38
March 24th, 2011
10:54 am
Why Green? Jones is better,he just not a smelly dawg. I am from CHARLESTON
geno
March 24th, 2011
10:55 am
Simply: No Way. The worst wonderlic score ever. This guy may never understand the complexities of an NFL receiver. Plus, there are plenty of talented receivers in the draft, stand pat!!!
Falconsfan13
March 24th, 2011
10:55 am
We have far too many more needs to be wasting that many picks on one player, especially when we can address our Speed Receiver issue later in the draft, RD 2-4. I think we need to go DE 1st. The way a lot of mocks are looking, Kerrigan looks to be the best of the DEs left when we pick. I don’t really like Clayborn, he doesn’t have that explosiveness that we need plus the production wasn’t really there. Now, I’m not opposed to trading up if we value a higher rated DE, as long as we don’t have to give up too much. It would be nice if we could secure before our NFC South rivals NO, and TB. I hope we can get one of the bigger DEs, I feel like we need a bit more muscle on our D-line, preferably +270, while still meeting the explosive criteria of course.
The Great Northwest
March 24th, 2011
11:02 am
Not necessary! Skip Green….Take Julio Jones. He’s gonna be a better NFL player.
LiberalDawg
March 24th, 2011
11:15 am
Durham would be a better choice for the Falcons, and they could wait until the 3rd/4th/5th round to get him.
LiberalDawg
March 24th, 2011
11:17 am
Wow! Suddenly some stupid test (Wonderlic) is how we judge the intelligence of people. I think it would be smarter to use stupid blog posts as judge of intelligence.
Falcons Likely To Contact Browns About No. 6 Overall Pick?
March 24th, 2011
11:23 am
[...] Falcons 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. For the upcoming draft, the Cincinnati Bengals (fourth overall) and the Cleveland Browns (sixth) are considered strong possibilities for Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green. 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 Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]
James
March 24th, 2011
11:33 am
A.J. would be a great addition to the Falcons but let’s not forget that they have adopted the New England policy of not drafting underclassmen.
Kenny
March 24th, 2011
12:25 pm
Why talk about AJ Green ? The Falcons need to improve on Defense……
Old Dog
March 24th, 2011
12:57 pm
We could have had Hines Ward and didn’t draft him…and now the Falcons need to get Green at any cost! Georgia people don’t forget!
Robin Of The Hood
March 24th, 2011
1:01 pm
Calvin Johnson only has like 2 years left on his contract maybe 3 but when those are up. We should make a run to get him. Itd be nice if we could get another Elite outside option for Matt as soon as possible
BAMA CHIK
March 24th, 2011
1:04 pm
I’m all about giving up picks or players when u have the personel to do it…we’re NOT the Pats and we need every pick we have to build into a better team…AJ is awesome, but im still not sure about putting all of this into a receiver…we need to fill some holes in other places and giving up all those opportunities for 1 guy who ISN’T a “franchise” player isn’t worth it…
Jimmy
March 24th, 2011
1:10 pm
Unless you are trying to add to your season ticket waiting list, why would you waste a 1st round pick on a dime a dozen position? Ask yourself, can AJ Green rush and bring down the QB, tackle a back in or outside the tackles, or defend someone as good as he is on the outside? If your answer to any of the questions is NO, Then they do not need him.
waynelaster
March 24th, 2011
1:11 pm
How can the Falcons have to many needs. We lost to the super bowl champs. We won our division & split with the defending superbowl champs. We are a few players away for graetness. We do not have a deep threat- We have never in the history had one. White works better in the slot & AJ will free up Turner. We have the pieces to trade up, Ryan is a young QB give him weapons, the defense will get better with time. We are close get a receiver & a beast LB. Sidbury is ready to replace Abraham, we must go draft playmakers in the draft. We only have 1 & thats Roddy. U cant coach speed either u have it or u dont. lol
B
March 24th, 2011
1:12 pm
While a wideout would be great, the falcons have more pressing needs. Offense already scoring 25 pts/game and had the best record in the NFC. They need a RB to replace Norwood. To make the offense less preditable. Someone to throw screen passes to and quick outs which have been nonexistent. That will make everyone else’s job a lot easier on offense and throw a new wrinkle at defenses.. Harry Douglas shoud be more involved this year coming off that knee injury from two seasons ago. Defense is what the Falcons should be focusing on. if that game against Green Bay didn’t show you that, you weren’t watching. Better pass rush, besides Abraham, We have been trying to blitz from the second level and that hasn’t been working. Too much time for QB to react, especially a good mobile QB like Rodgers. That too will help out the seocondary. Get a good catching RB in a later round and focus on the defense. Don’t forget too, that WR we got last year that got hurt, in preseason i believe should be back this year.
Westside
March 24th, 2011
1:13 pm
We need a big play receiver who can stretch the field, make the splash. Dimitroff will not do that he not built that way. Can someone tell me why Dimitroff has been Executive of the Year 2 years in row. Let’s recap>(1) Matt Ryan-excellent pick but he fell into our lap and QB was a huge need (2) Peria Jerry-has not produced (3) Sean Weatherspoon-injured has not yet produced. (3) Sam Baker-average good job with Michael Turner and Gonzales in free agency but he let go of the best Scout he had Bruce Plummer to bring in his boy from Cleveland after he got fired-shady!!
badger58
March 24th, 2011
1:23 pm
No, you’re price is too cheap, it would be more than that to move up that far. If he somehow fell to the high teens, then you can think about a deal.
NFL Rumors - NFLTradeRumors.co
March 24th, 2011
1:30 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Atlanta Falcons may consider trading up for Georgia WR A.J. Green if he falls to No. 6 which is held by the Cleveland Browns. [...]
Jason
March 24th, 2011
1:32 pm
That would be the logical thing to do but there is so many Falcon hater in this area and so many people that don,t know JACK about the Falcons or football, even though the Falcons, brass don,t read this trash that is being written on this spread it might not happen, but it would be nice.
Jimmy
March 24th, 2011
1:32 pm
Anyone noticed where the two teams playing in the Super Bowl ranked defensively? Yeah, top 5 enough said. Now let’s end this nonsense over drafting a wide receiver #1.
wayne hunnicutt
March 24th, 2011
1:48 pm
why don’t we consider getting some defensive players, did anyone see there losers trying to play GB, they would need to improve 10 fold to be awful. besides, green is dumnber than a sack of hair. I would’t want him in the fifth round. I wish we could snag fitzgerald, once green is suspended for substance abuse he could come home and shine fitzgerald’s shoes.
ASHCAN.
March 24th, 2011
3:17 pm
It don’t matter the falcons will not trade for him anyway.But i see the falcon fans and front office have something in common,Don’t know squat diddley when it comes to talent.One blogger had a nerve to comment on a dumb wonderlic score and selling a jersey to trash green.He’s only gonna be one of the top 5 players selected.And if you think NFL scouts are dumb enough to trash green off of a jersey and a wonderlic score,you need to check your brain for dumb thinking and dumber comments.
ASHCAN.
March 24th, 2011
3:29 pm
A wonderlic score? if i was speaking for green ill tell all you haters to wonderlic these nuuuuutts! wonderlic don’t define skills and talent on the field.Wonderlic won’t stop the millions a player will recieve when he sign the contract.Looks like hateraid to me.
Sebastian
March 24th, 2011
3:33 pm
nah, I would draft robert quinn or da’quan bowers instead if they did trade up
P.M. Cleveland Browns links: A.J. Green and the Browns’ pick; Sheldon Brown’s shoulder | Entertainment Cleveland
March 24th, 2011
4:43 pm
[...] White didn’t torch the Browns — and the rest of the league — last season. But D. Orlando Ledbetter, a blogger for the paper’s ajc.com site has this offering, which presupposes that Green still will be available at the No. 6 pick: So [...]
cwltank
March 24th, 2011
5:41 pm
I agree, who care about a test, most of the players from the 70 and 80’s could’ntread & write lol
Many made it to the hall of fame. That test only shows one thing, its highly likely he will be bank rupt in 10 years. I hope we win a few Championships in between his demise. lol
Valdosta Native
March 24th, 2011
6:49 pm
I say pass on the Green Dream. There are other holes to fill like many have said. Why not pick up Chris Durham in the late rounds? When Green was out, he was Mr. Sticky hands…they guy is a hoss too. He played hurt and is very intellegent. Go get our defense straightened out, and pick up Durham late. I’m sure he’s a diamond in the rough. Not talent wise, but definately has the drive to be a good receiver.
Roberto Duran
March 24th, 2011
7:09 pm
Falcons Need secondary help much more than WRs
Kevin
March 24th, 2011
7:48 pm
The Lord Of Football Here!
The falcons only need to concentrate on 1 player in this draft and that is moving up to take [ Von Miller } He is the best player in the draft. He will be the Next Lawrence Taylor! Cmon Birds Don’t be Bird Brains and go for quantity of players, start going for Game Changers!!
ATL FAN
March 24th, 2011
7:53 pm
Hell yes.
cwltank
March 24th, 2011
8:29 pm
The falcon defense is fine, they had to blitz try to compete with the high scoreing packers. Owens will be better this year & if we dont stretch the defense we cant produce enough points to compete with the Saints & Packers. We drafted Defensive Lineman, we can only trust in the guys we have we need speed & play makers. Sidbury & Bierman can rush the passer. If we can outscore other teams we can rush the passer the Falcons can not put pressure on other teams to pass. Dont let one game dictate your feelings about the Falcons.
Ueeediot
March 24th, 2011
10:03 pm
Dear Kroy Bierman,
Congrats on the newcomer on the way. Congrats on the new house.
Please, please, please, do NOT get married.
Dear AJ,
I hope you are picked up by Cincy or Cleveland. Have a great time up there.
sports
March 24th, 2011
10:46 pm
AJ Green will be a better receiver than Randy Moss. The falcons want get him though, but if they did, they would trade him like they did with Brett Favre. This the reason they will be forever losers.