Mock Draft 4.0: Falcons select DE Cameron Heyward
Cameron Heyward picks up a fumble and returns it for a short gain. The defensive tackle who earlier in the season against Miami returned an interception 80 yards, called the short fumble recovery return "unacceptable." (Terry Gilliam, Associated Press)
BIRDLAND – With the 27th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Falcons will select Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward.
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Cameron Heyward speaking to the media at the NFL scouting combine. (Associated Press)
The set of defensive ends for the upcoming draft is talented and one will slip to the Falcons. Offensive tackle, cornerback and possibly wide receiver will also be considered with the 27th pick.
Heyward had elbow surgery this offseason and hasn’t been able to lift for NFL scouts. However, there is plenty of tape of him destroying Big Ten offenses.
Pro Football Weekly’s Nolan Nawrocki is not a big fan of Heyward’s. Nawrocki is the scribe who had the scathing review of Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. In the Pro Football Weekly’s 2011 Draft preview, Nawrocki wrote this about Heyward:
“Looks like Tarzan and does not play like Jane, but will always leave evaluators wanting more. Overrated and Overhyped.”
Former Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green with his agents Tom Condon (L) and Ben Dogra (R). (D. Orlando Ledbetter/DLedbetter@ajc.com)
Heyward is 6-foot-5, 294-pounds. Has started 43 of 52 games in four seasons at Ohio State. He recorded 163 tackles, 37½ tackles for loss, 15½ sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Also, in Mock 4.0 we have Newton going to Carolina with the top pick. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is headed to Cincinnati, Ryan Mallett to Minnesota and Jake Locker to Seattle.
“I don’t think there’s a Matt Ryan or Sam Bradford in this class,” ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said. “What do I mean by that? At the time that those quarterbacks came out, last year with Bradford and two years ago with Matt Ryan. . .I just had no doubt in my mind those guys were ready mentally and physically to contribute in the NFL.”
Some are starting to place Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones ahead of A.J. Green in their mock drafts. That’s a mistake.
“Throw the combine numbers out and just study the tape of these two receivers,” McShay said. “Julio Jones is very, very, very good, but A.J. Green is special. I think he’s at a different level.”
Well, I got a little ambitious for this Mock draft and went ahead and made all of the picks for the Falcons.
PROJECTED 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS DRAFT PICKS
Ricardo Lockette at the NFL scouting combine. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/DLedbetter@ajc.com)
First Round: 27 – Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Second Round: 59 – Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy
Third Round: 91 – James Carpenter, OT, Alabama
Fourth Round: 124 – Akeem Dent, LB, Georgia
Fifth Round: 158 – Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville
Sixth Round: 192 – Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware
Seventh Round: 209 – Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State. 228 – Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State. 229 – Byron Maxwell, CB, Clemson.
LAST POLL RESULTS: Who should the Falcons select with the 27th pick in the draft?
* Trade out of the first round and amass picks (40%, 266 Votes)
* Missouri DE Aldon Smith (37%, 247 Votes)
* Pittsburgh WR Jonathan Baldwin (15%, 100 Votes)
* Mississippi State OT Derek Sherrod (8%, 60 Votes)
Total Voters: 673
AJC’s 2011 Mockiavelli 4.0
Staff writer D. Orlando Ledbetter projects the first round:
Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton (2) throws a pass as Chattanooga's La'Nard Carr (96) moves in during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
1. Carolina: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn: I found it instructive that Carolina general manager Marty Hurney spoke up after the shameless bashing of Newton by Pro Football Weekly.
2. Denver: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: He’s a prototype defensive tackle.
3. Buffalo: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M: After whiffing on Aaron Maybin with the 11th pick in 2009, Chan Gailey gets a legitimate defender in Miller.
4. Cincinnati: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: The Bengals QB situation is up in the air with Carson Palmer demanding a trade.
Monday February 28, 04:10 PM Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
5. Arizona: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn: The Cardinals need to add some more bite to their defense.
6. Cleveland: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia: The Browns have to surround Colt McCoy with some weapons.
7. San Francisco: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: He could take over as the 49ers’ press cornerback.
8. Tennessee: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson. The Titans hope to get perhaps the top pass rusher in the draft.
9. Dallas: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska. The Cowboys need help in the secondary and will go for the big cornerback here.
10. Washington: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: Started his college career as at tight end at Central Michigan. He played hockey in his youth.
11. Houston: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina: He worked out as a standup linebacker for 3-4 teams during his workout at Carolina’s Pro Day and was impressive.
12. Minnesota: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas: The Vikings have to make a move at quarterback and they decide to roll the dice on Mallett’s big arm.
Mike Mayock has Missouri's Blaine Gabbert as the top rated quarterbackentering the NFL scouting combine. Gabbert throws a pass during his team’s Setp. 19, 2009, game against Furman in Columbia, Mo. (The Associated Press/L.G. Patterson)
13. Detroit: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College: The Lions have to get some protection for Matthew Stafford.
14. St. Louis: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: The Rams get a weapon for quarterback Sam Bradford.
15. Miami: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama: The Dolphins look to improve their rushing attack.
16. Jacksonville: Cameron Jordan, DE, California: Steve Jordan, his father, was a six-time Pro Bowler at tight end for the Vikings.
17. New England: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado: He’s a massive anchor at 6-foot-8 ¼ and 314 pounds.
18. San Diego: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri: They Chargers get some help for their defense. Smith could contribute as a pass rusher immediately.
19. New York Giants: Tyron Smith, OT, USC: The Giants can’t pass up this blend of athleticism and power.
20. Tampa Bay: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue: The Bucs drafted defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price last season. This year they try to get some help at defensive end.
21. Kansas City: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin: Projects as a right tackle in the NFL. He played left tackle for the
Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 28, 2011. (Associated Press)
Badgers.
22. Indianapolis: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois: The Colts elect to get a disruptive force for the middle of their defense.
23. Philadelphia: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado: He is rugged with his hands in press coverage. He is a tall corner at 6-2 3/8.
24. New Orleans: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: “Clayborn’s stock has dropped to a certain extent because of that arm situation,” Kiper said. “He’s dropped to the late first round.”
25. Seattle: Jake Locker, QB, Washington: He will get a chance to sit and watch Matt Hasselbeck for a year or two. Locker is athletic, but needs to work on his accuracy.
26. Baltimore: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami: He was a three-year starter for the Hurricanes.
27. Atlanta: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State: Some are worried that he’s adding weight while rehabbing from an elbow injury.
FILE - This Nov. 7, 2009, file photo shows Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis (9) being sacked by North Carolina's Robert Quinn (42), left, and Zach Brown (47) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., The NCAA declared defensive end Robert Quinn permanently ineligible, the team said Monday, Oct. 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)
28. New England: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida: The Patriots stay along the line here.
29. Chicago: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor: Is shooting up draft boards. Started his career at Penn State, but transferred after running into some legal problems.
30. New York Jets: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia: The Jets are counting on Houston developing into a big-play artist.
31. Pittsburgh: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State: The Steelers have to improve their offensive line.
32. Green Bay: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech: He’s a hard-charging runner, who’ll fit in the offense nicely.
ON THE FRINGE
Pittsburgh wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, right, makes a catch for a first down over Notre Dame cornerback Darrin Walls in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009. Pittsburgh won 27-22. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Akeem Ayers , LB, UCLA
Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Titus Young, WR, Boise State
Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois
Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
Danny Watkins, OL, Baylor
Martrez Wilson, LB, Illinois
Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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93 comments Add your comment
Marcus
April 4th, 2011
5:28 am
1st?
Big Ray
April 4th, 2011
5:30 am
DOL! Nice work. I’m sure that a half dozen (or close to it) DEs will go in the first round, and we’re likely to have a shot at one of them. Will it be Heyward over Clayborn?
Much of this will depend on which guy Tampa Bay takes. They’re almost sure to take a DE.
Marcus
April 4th, 2011
5:32 am
Interesting ……….. have the Falcons shown more than passing interest in Heyward?
I thought TD has a perceived “Big 10 bias” in his drafting resume’?
I was more excited about Aldon Smith ……. but I guess the perception is that he will be grabbed before we get to pick. Well at least we aren’t like the Hawks and kept our 1st round pick …
Marcus
April 4th, 2011
5:35 am
speaking of which (da Hawks), with a blog crossover ……..
Big Ray, what will we do for improvement in 2011-2012? No 1st rounder, cheap ownership, weighty contracts, failed to use our one bargaining chip (J-Crawford’s expiring contract), and traded away our 2010 1st rounder (who arguably could have been the “new” J-Crawford, figuratively and literally)
Rashod
April 4th, 2011
5:36 am
No to drafting Heyward.Akeem Ayers,Martrez Wilson & Justin Houston are much better than Heyward !!!
Rashod
April 4th, 2011
5:37 am
We really need Jimmy Smith !!!
Marcus
April 4th, 2011
6:00 am
1st – DE Aldon Smith – Mizzou
2nd – WR Jernigan (Troy)
3rd – DB Ras-I Dowling (UVA)
4th – LB ???
5th – RB Phillip Sylvester (FAMU)
…after that, up for grabs … it would be nice to somehow snag a TE, but it doesn’t fit the “speed and urgency” mantra to address our deficiencies.
Larry
April 4th, 2011
6:18 am
DOL,
If you want your readers to respect and take you seriously, you should resist the temptation to let your emotions overrule your intelligence…at least I hope this is what happened.
Cam Newton #1 overall? Come on man! You never take a project–and he IS a project for the NFL–as the top pick, especially a QB project. Bradford, Stafford, Manning, Bartkowski, Bradshaw, Plunkett, Elway, Aikman–former NFL #1 picks were/are not projects.
Newton is not only short on brains, he also has run nothing close to an NFL offense and has questionable accuracy at best. Remember a couple of other former #1 picks short on brains, Jeff George and JaMarcus Russell? How’d that work out?
As a Falcon fan I hope you’re right. Facing him after a Brees or Freeman would be a breather.
I’ll offer you 10-1 odds…name the amount!
dirtyo11
April 4th, 2011
6:59 am
I still don’t understand why everyone is so harsh on Newton. How many of us made the wrong decisions or said the wrong thing when we were coming out of college. Matter of fact some that are talking negative about Newton are still making dumb decisions. Newton is a kid, that right I said he is still a KID….give the KID a break.
We worried about what he said or did….let’s not forget those athletics that siad or did the right thing in college but end up doing or saying something stupid after they got in the league.
SeenThisB4
April 4th, 2011
7:08 am
Newton won’t be the overall #1. And the falcan’ts need some one to add some speed to that molasses slow defense.
Orlando: Your picture caption says that Ohio and Miami played last week! Really?
Paddy
April 4th, 2011
7:29 am
Marcus…..I will make you a little wager. Philip Sylvester will not be drafted. My best guess he is only a 50/50 shot at getting a tryout with no chance of ever signing a NFL contract. IMHO
Paddy
April 4th, 2011
7:37 am
dirtyo11…..I agree. Get off of Cam’s back. Let the scouts deciede his draft position and make their reccomendations. As for being a kid. Not hardly! He is a grown man about to go to work in the ultimate “big boy” job. dirtyo, a kid is someone still in HS. Don’t give anyone that kid crutch at 23 yrs old.
WC_Falcons_WC
April 4th, 2011
7:41 am
what would it take to move up in the draft to get bowers?
BYRDDAWG
April 4th, 2011
7:41 am
As a Falcon season ticket holder I’d love to have him….GO BIRDS!!!!
Sweet Old Buck
April 4th, 2011
7:56 am
No DB? Thought that was an area of need!
Atticus
April 4th, 2011
8:02 am
No way the Falcons take Heyward. They need a big pass rush and SPEED and I agree with Nawrocki, the guy is a good player but overrated.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
8:09 am
Marcus — Congrats. Yeah, I think T.D.’s Big Ten bias is more a coincidence. (Blog Crossover, watched the NCAA games with Mike C. He’s getting ready for a long offseason. I’ve heard D. Howard and CP3 want to come here, but the Hawks don’t have any cash left.)
Rashod — Jimmy Smith won’t fit in the locker room.
Homer
April 4th, 2011
8:09 am
Let’s entertain trading down. I think our 27th pick is worth more to someone else and we could load up with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks. Any takers?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
8:12 am
Larry — You have to explain away Cam’s 50 touchdowns last season. I saw the Alabama game. You have to explain to be why Marty Hurney was so quick to defend him. You saw Jimmy Clausen play last year. I stand firmly behind this No. 1 pick. (United Way could benefit from a wager.)
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
8:14 am
Homer — Washington and some of the other QB-deprived squads may want to come up to get the TCU QB Andy Dalton
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
8:27 am
Atticus — Thanks for checking in.
SOME CAM HEYWARD STATS
Cam Heyward is 6-foot-5, 294-pounds. Has started 43 of 52 games in four seasons at Ohio State. He recorded 163 tackles, 37½ tackles for loss, 15½ sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Jimmy Crack
April 4th, 2011
8:29 am
DOL, maybe the Carolina GM is defending Newton for another reason. Maybe he is propping up Newton because he WANTS other teams to think that Carolina MAY pick him, and trade up with the Panthers to grab him. From Carolina’s perspective, if there was ever a year to trade down from the #1 pick it is this year because there is no surefire Number One guy (unless a team desperately needs a WR and then it would be A.J. Green).
Jeffro Bodeen
April 4th, 2011
8:41 am
DOL…Don’t set yourself up for future “I told you so” emails…..Get Kris Durham into that Falcon draft! I’m tellin ya, the man is a better player right now than Finneran ever was.
Mike Jay
April 4th, 2011
8:50 am
DOL,
So you are thinking the Falcons will try and improve their secondary in FA? Makes sense, they have missed on some CB’s in the draft and really they need immediate help. Any player in particular you think they will target?
falCants4ever
April 4th, 2011
8:58 am
yup, they’ll probably draft hayward…either try to move him inside…he wont be able to bullrush NFL tackles…falCants….
Rob
April 4th, 2011
9:00 am
Why waste your pick on Heyward?
He is a 2nd round pick at best – don’t give him bonus points because his father played for the Falcons
Paddy O
April 4th, 2011
9:05 am
this is a better draft, but I think we take Pouncey if he is available. That elbow injury most likely will bump his off the Falcon radar. Almost up to Cocoa Mels standards, especially like Rd 2 & the Lockette selection. If Houston is available, I also see him over Mr. Heyward.
334 Falcon
April 4th, 2011
9:09 am
DOL. What are the chances of them picking up TE DJ Williams in the 3rd to 4th round? The GOAT is not going to be around much longer and Peele is strictly a #2. I say get your DE, then speedey WR/RB, then 3rd round go TE. Any word on Sidbury taking the next step?
PMC
April 4th, 2011
9:15 am
Love this pick DOL. It’s the 27th pick so it’s tough to find solid players with everything you want.. He’s good against the run and he’s fundamentally very good. He’s seasoned, the transisition shouldn’t take him a long time. He’s going to tackle well, the only think I’m a bit concerned about is his sack numbers which are low for what we were hoping. He seems to make tackles in the backfield quite a bit though.
There really aren’t that many options this high in the first round anyway. They HAVE to find pass rush. It was awful from that edge last year.
Newtonlied
April 4th, 2011
9:19 am
If they’re taking a Cam – better Heyward than Newton any day.
Marcus
April 4th, 2011
9:20 am
Paddy,
No thanks. Not a betting man. That said, I would LIKE the Falcons to take a chance on P. Sylvester, but most likely he will be late-round or UFA.
QB/DB
April 4th, 2011
9:38 am
The Falcons should go after these 3 guys in the later rounds, they are FOOTBALL players and better then all this running through the cones stuff these so-called TV DRAFT experts who sometimes scandalize good football players and kids (Tebow, Cam Newton)
take GT Anthony Allen in the 5th, UGA Kris Durham in the 6th and D. Gamble with one of the 7th’s. I’m telling you these guys will be steals! That’s what was different about the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS the Packers. What they get 3 or 4 starters out of their late round picks! Come on TD PLEASE, stop the BULL, THESE KIDS CAN play and help the FALCONS!!!!!!
kd
April 4th, 2011
9:38 am
Exactly how does Heyward fit the Falcons needs? He is a 5 technique. That isn’t an “end” in a 4-3. He is a 3-4 “down end”. Why would we draft a guy that doesn’t fit the scheme.
Come on DOL. Do your homework and understand that “Defensive End” doesn’t mean the same thing for all systems. I like Heyward, but he doesn’t fit our system.
And yes, Newton will go 1 based on potential at the QB position. I didn’t say he SHOULD go 1. I said he WILL. These GMs continue to select on potential over reality. They see Cam’s size, speed, arm and highlights and can’t stand it.
BigTimeTECHFan
April 4th, 2011
9:50 am
1. Patrick Peterson will not last to 7th pick, he one of those players the top 5 teams can’t pass on.
2. I would say Green and Jones are about the same level, some teams would favor Jones, some will favor Green.
3. Jernigan and Lockette would be nice but ATL likes WR they picked last year that got hurt.
No to Hayward – Trade pick and stock up later picks.
Falcon57
April 4th, 2011
9:55 am
@ Jeffro Bodeen, the Falcons got their replacement for Finneran when they drafted Kerry Meiers last year. Almost a mirror of Finneran and his style of play. A couple of inches shorter but sure handed and can find the open hole. I don’t see anyone coming out of the draft that could come in and contribute right away the way Finneran did.
Dave
April 4th, 2011
9:58 am
Larry’s just a stupid racist. Get a life.
Hamad Meander
April 4th, 2011
10:02 am
Cameron is a fine player, but he seems more like a run stuffer than a pass rusher. One sack every three games started at Ohio State doesn’t impress me given the quality of competition they played.
I like the position of DE in the first round, but I want a pass rusher, not another run stuffer. Tell me what makes Cameron an upgrade from Jamaal Anderson? They seem very similar.
Falcon57
April 4th, 2011
10:02 am
Hey D-Led, talking about needing a TE to groom for when TG decides to retire, enlighten me on our 3rd TE Palmer. What kind of speed does he have? I know last year as a first year free agent he caught almost everything thrown his way. The guy looks like he has tremendous hands and seems to be able to make the clutch catch??? Just wondering about his ability to get down field.
Newtonlied
April 4th, 2011
10:03 am
Larry seems to make an educated argument without being racist at all.
Interesting
April 4th, 2011
10:06 am
“but A.J. Green is special. I think he’s at a different level”.
And in spite of that, a losing season.
Pitiful.
eddie
April 4th, 2011
10:29 am
DOL, What are the odds the Falcons try to get Nnamdi in Free agency?
Don!
April 4th, 2011
10:29 am
Cam Newton will not go to the Panthers. There are too many red flags, and with the lockout, too little time to prep any quarterback to be ready to play in 2011. Drafting a quarterback now, unless he can step in and start — which Cam can’t do — is basically wasting a pick for a rebuilding franchise.
If Carolina takes a QB at #1, it would be Gabbert, based more on his projectability than his skill set — and that would be a mistake for the Panthers as well. If they’re smart, and I think they are, Carolina will take the best defensive player on the board and wait for Luck, or several other more polished QBs to come out in the draft next season when there’s definitely going to be a rookie salary cap.
This year’s crop of college QBs is just not that good. To take one is a risk, especially in the fact that there isn’t likely to be a rookie cap this year, and there is likely to be a rookie cap next year. The strength in this draft is on the defensive side of the ball — and Carolina isn’t as dumb as some of the pundits here are hoping for. As a Falcons’ fan, I can only hope the Panthers overreach for a QB, because that will help us for years to come. But I don’t think that’s going to happen.
Later,
Don!
Infamous
April 4th, 2011
10:49 am
Waiting until the 7th round for a TE?? I don’t think so.
Lester Miles
April 4th, 2011
10:58 am
Jughead Heyward is a turncoat that left the state of Georgia after getting his education and training paid for by Ga taxpayers to play for an out of state team. My personal opinion (which is not shared by some dimwits – which their comments will attest to their being dimwits) is that if a fink leaves the state to play for the enemy then don’t return here looking for a job. He can play elsewhere but not in the state that he turned his back on, This shows a lack of loyalty and a big character flaw. And please don’t some idiot say that we have people coming from other states to play in Georgia, I know that and that is ok with me but if the people in the other states feel the same way I do then I don’t blame them for calling these players unloyal finks because they are. No thanks to Jughead being a Falcon. Have a great day
Falcons 2011
April 4th, 2011
11:33 am
DOL, what do you think the chances of the Falcons going for Kris Durham? He would be a great get!!!
Dawgfan0711
April 4th, 2011
11:34 am
This kid reminds me of Jamel Anderson, if we draft a DE we need to get one who can get off the ball and around the edge. Heyward would fit nicely with a team that uses a 3-4 base defense.
PMC
April 4th, 2011
11:36 am
Lester what are you rambling about?
He played high school ball at Peachtree Ridge, then got a scholarship to play for Ohio State.
What exactly did Georgia Taxpayers pay for…a few more wall murals in North Gwinnett?
Lack of loyalty? Really? So you hated Chuck Smith too?
1Michael
April 4th, 2011
11:50 am
So guys! Please tell me what you think of this possible draft scenario:
1. Justin Houston – DE Georgia
2. Jerrell Jernigan – WR Troy.
3. Jacquizz Rogers -RB – Oregon State
4. Korey Lindsey – CB = Southern Illinois
5. Ricardo Lockette -WR – Fort Valley State
6. Mark LeGree – FS – Appalachian State
7. J.R. Bryant – LB – Oklahoma
7. Richard Lapham – OL – Boston College
7. Weslye Saunders – TE – South Carolina
****** INVITEES TO CAMP
1. Da’rel Scott – RB – Maryland
2. Derrin Nettles – DT – Morehouse
******** NFL Free Agents To Falcons
1. Zach Miller – TE – Raiders
2. Charles Johnson – DE – Panthers
cantondawg
April 4th, 2011
11:59 am
Cam Newton was perhaps the best college football player for one season that i’ve ever seen. How people can even question him going #1 in the draft is beyond me to believe. He has great size for a quarterback 6′6 250, has a rocket arm and can run. Also, he’s a winner. What else could you possibly want in a Quarterback?
GTBob
April 4th, 2011
1:04 pm
Cam Newton was basically a RB/QB in college. He averaged almost 20 rushing attempts and passing attempts per game. His teams offense was unlike anything in the NFL and he would be out for the season by week 5 playing like he did in college. Therefore it comes down mostly to his passing ability which people have a very good reason to be skeptical of. Especially after his weak combine performance. Making him a number one pick, and giving him number one money just seems like a major risk.
cwltank
April 4th, 2011
1:17 pm
I rather they trade for more picks to go with a Heyward. He is big & average speed, so that will make him 4th on the debt chart. I really doubt he will be the pick.
cwltank
April 4th, 2011
1:20 pm
I rather they trade out of the 1st rd than
for them to draft Heyward.
cwltank
April 4th, 2011
1:21 pm
Heyward is a good player but I rather they trade out of the 1st rd than to draft him.
reginald
April 4th, 2011
1:23 pm
falcons need to try and get robert quinn or bowers, in the second round get a cover corner like patrick from louisville also in the third go after stevan ridley rb from lsu..they can get wr in the forth round like little from north carolina…than improve on depth with ol and dline…please dont pick the lockette kid he cant catch and ive seen him play for three years now he didnt dominate at fort valley he is only a track guy only and he is overaged athlete which i think he is 25 years old already
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
1:30 pm
1Michael — Too high for Quizz. Like most of the other picks.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
1:32 pm
eddie — I don’t think they’ll spend that much money after spending a lot last year on Dunta.
coachx
April 4th, 2011
2:57 pm
Cameron Heyward is 5 technique in a 3-4………….not a 4-3 DE.
Love the rest of the mock.
coachx
April 4th, 2011
2:59 pm
Jernigan in Round #2 would be ideal………..then I think they are going after a OLB or nickle back a look in the 3rd round.
I think they give D. Locke / RB a hard look in round 4 if he is still there. His sub 4.4 speed on a team that normally plays 11 of its 16 games on artificial turf would be a dangerous weapon to have.
Paddy
April 4th, 2011
3:02 pm
Marcus….I would not be opposed to the Falcons giving Slyvester a try-out. I only saw him play one game (in Tallahassee) and he looked like a good Div 1AA back. Good against his competition that day but no wow factor. Just solid!
Dawg Consultant
April 4th, 2011
3:08 pm
Lester Miles, that may be the most idiotic take on a blog I have read in some time, and that my friend, is saying something. Please stop drinking whatever it is you are drinking. You honestly believe if a kid is from Georgia, but decided to play out of state instead of accepting a scholarship from one of our state universities, he should no be allowed to return to the state to seek employment? Wow, just when I thought I had heard it all….
Head-Mo-Fo
April 4th, 2011
4:12 pm
This would be a good year for us to move down. We can give up our first round pick and grab a few extra picks. We should be able to move down from our 27th pick with a team that wants a QB but didn’t take one high. We should be able to pick up a their 2nd rounder (plus) and turn that extra pick into a pretty good player. Two 2nd rounders could mean: DE (Romeus/Acho) and TE (Rudolf). Two 2nd rounders could mean DE and OT. Two 2nd rounders could mean CB and RB. Two 2nd rounders could mean WR and OG.
Paddy
April 4th, 2011
4:13 pm
Lester Miles…..you give a whole new meaning to the term “uneducated”, WOW!!! Did you not realize that when any player is drafted he has no say in what state, city or team he will be playing for. My suggestion is, never go to a game anywhere or turn on a tv, you are bound to be dissapointed in what you see. I thought cavemen were all dead!!!! No room in your heart for a kid choosing a school he likes. The coaches he likes. The teammates he wants to play with.
Einsteindawg
April 4th, 2011
4:21 pm
With a rookie salary of $500,000 and playing incentives of up to $5M the first two years, you would see some really good football. The structure in place now usually produces mediocrity.
Mike
April 4th, 2011
4:40 pm
Remember, TD has yet to pick a player from the Big Ten.
Falcons relax...
April 4th, 2011
5:29 pm
D-led did you ever surprise me. C’mon D….Heyward. Hes a 5 technique. I guessing you just threw something together since you can’t predict if teams will trade back and forth. But I think in that situation if poucney is on board they will definitely get him OR TRADE BACK IN THAT SITUATION. I doubt TD will reach for a DE that isn’t 1st round grade. And don’t like the jerrigan pick in the 2nd round. How will he contribute?
Rob
April 4th, 2011
5:58 pm
Trade up for AJ keep him in red and black!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
6:48 pm
kd — Do your homework. Cam can play in 4-3 and 3-4.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
6:51 pm
Mike Jay — Coach Smith is confident in the staff’s ability to develop corners (Grimes). He noted that Owens was hurt and that he can play inside or outside. So, I think they like their top three corners. Also, Franks is in the developmental stage. It’s been hard to do any work on free agency with the lockout.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
6:52 pm
Reginald — I don’t think Quinn or Bowers are slipping to 27. I could make the pick if that happens.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
6:55 pm
Seen — Thanks, for the cutline notice.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 4th, 2011
7:10 pm
Falcons 2011 — Kris Durham had a great Pro Day. He was productive in college. I’m not sure he’s on their radar screen.
cwltank
April 4th, 2011
7:17 pm
I still think we need a reciever whether a rookie or free agent we need a play maker.
Lester Miles
April 4th, 2011
7:28 pm
PMC, DAWG CONSULTANT, COW PADDY. I knew you dimwits could not hold back your ignorance and stupidity. I don’t hate anyone, don’t drink or smoke, or do drugs. Only a moron would do any of those things but I do have a right to have an opinion without a bunch of high school dropouts attacking me personally. I wonder if any of you were born in Georgia, You sound like the kind of bum Jughead is– Moving into the state for employment if you are old enough to work or have an inclination to. FYI Dawg Crap some of us own homes and our tax money goes to the schools but since you probably rent a trailer you wouldn’t undrstand that. I’ll waste no more time on you nitwits so go on and show your stupidity and Have a great day.
Paddy
April 4th, 2011
7:56 pm
Lester Miles…..I don’t believe you need to say anything else. I think we all suspect that you are lacking some spots on your dice.
North Ave Trade School Hater
April 4th, 2011
8:45 pm
Not a chance if Justin Houston is still available
A. Thomas
April 4th, 2011
9:30 pm
Not that high on Heyward but over all, nice mock DOL. A lot of people say we should address TE in the early rounds but I disagree. If there was prospect with rare skills then yes but I don’t see any V. Davises or Dustin Kellers or anything close this year. My favorite pick was Julius Thomas in the 7th (not just because his great name). Thomas’ hands looked incredible and his route running was really smooth in his combine highlights. Another sleeper could be Jeffery Anderson out of UAB (Roddy’s alma mater). His youtube highlights look great! he’ll almost definitely be there in the 7th or could be a UFA.
cwww
April 4th, 2011
10:49 pm
I dont know if you watched any LSU games this year but this kid they had Drake Nevis was a beast, he spent the entire Fla and Alabama game breaking through lines and hammering QB’s and RB, I think we could get him 2 or 3 round. I think worth a pick, Also WR from Auburn dont know his name but was a stud comming out early.
Facethenation
April 5th, 2011
1:01 am
Carolina, please do not take Cam Newton! We have enough problems facing Drew Brees and Josh Freeman twice each year. I do not want someone as talented as Cam added to the mix.
Marcel Dareius of Alabama looks awesome to me. Please take him or Nick Fairley.
VChan
April 5th, 2011
8:26 am
Who died and made Narwocki the master of the Universe? Never heard of the guy and now he can tell from seeing someone on tv that they arent a leader? Wow, I didnt know draft “experts” had universal mind control.
Doug
April 5th, 2011
8:47 am
I think the falcons should trade up and take Cam Newton.
We need a QB that can also win in the postseason.
James
April 5th, 2011
10:46 am
Absolutely not!! Attitude is terrible.
boozer
April 5th, 2011
12:12 pm
consensus is that the falcons need to upgrade the dl then why not draft a de and try to get haynesworth from the redskins since he wants to play in a 4-3 scheme: of course the cba has to be done. On the rb issue go after ronnie brown he is a free agent.
boozer
April 5th, 2011
12:17 pm
front 4 of heyward-haynesworth-babineuax-abraham would be a scarry 4-some
Die Hard Falcon
April 5th, 2011
1:31 pm
I like much of the mock draft, I am not big on Heyward for the Falcons, more of a 5 technique (even if he can play 4-3) I still think it’s not the type of DE we need, we need a pass rusher, but w/ the development of Kroy and Sidbury, I don’t think it’s our biggest need in round 1. If something crazy like Quinn fell to us, you nab him, highly unlikely though. I am still big on getting a playmaker, at WR, I’m not opposed to trading up to get Julio Jones if it’s w/ Vikes at 12 or Lions at 13, if the price isn’t too high, otherwise I like Torrey Smith at 27. I wouldn’t mind trading down w/ someone and getting a few extra picks especially if we trade down to the first 10 picks of the 2nd and can also get another 3rd or a 4th & 5th, there’s a lot of value in rounds 2,3,and 4 this year. I like the TE Thomas in the 7th, I just don’t think we’ll get him that late, it’s very en vogue to pick former b-ball TE’s right now and he might need to be picked as early as the 5th to get him, I’d still like him there if TD believes in him, if he’s worth a 7th, I think he’ll be worth a 5th or 6th. Lockette only in round 7, worth the chance there, especially w/ all our 7th rounders this year. I guess we’ll see, must be very difficult to evaluate for GM’s w/o FA figured out or what tags will stick, etc. Fortunately most Falcons will be there, the big names anyway. I guess I’m not sure if Grimes’ tag will stick or not, that’d be a HUGE concern and priority if it’s not, we cannot afford to go backwards in the secondary. Thoughts?
Olik
April 5th, 2011
2:44 pm
Heyward is a bad call. Not the speed rusher we need.
Three paths:
1. Wouldn’t mind Die Hard Falcons’ suggestion to trade down 10-15 spots and picking up a 3rd rounder. Then you’ve got picks in rounds 2, 2, 3, 3, and 4 to take a DE, WR, OT, OLB, TE. Rounds 5,6,7 are for the RB and depth elsewhere. Would see if I could package the 5/6/7 round picks to get back up in the draft.
2. If Green, Jones, Aldon Smith, Bowers, or Quinn are still out there in the late-teens, trade up to get them.
3. If I can’t get a trade done, and the draft plays out like DOL projects, then I’d pick either Houston, Sherrod, or Baldwin instead of Heyward.
Falcon James
April 5th, 2011
7:31 pm
Falcon news must be slim these day! Gots to be something we can talk about. Has the burmuda grass starting growing on the practice field yet?
Chop Buster
April 5th, 2011
7:33 pm
These mocks are pitiful. There’s no way we are taking Heyward with the 27th pick.
Bro. Falcon James
April 5th, 2011
10:01 pm
Let us all pray.
Dear most gracious loving and wonderful heavinly father. We call on you this hour as our hearts are troubled and our souls are in turmoil. Of gracious, loving, father, we pray that you interecede in the labor talks between the two heathern sides even though we know that you don’t get your 10% cut and have been completely left out of the barganing table. Now, oh wonderful one, we pray that you will use your devine powers to bring back football to the ones who love you so much, the Fans. And should you see fit to cause Dunte Robinson a hamstring injury to prevent him playing this years, we would be most gracious. And one last request, Ryan needs a stronger arm. Please help with that also. We ask these things in the most holy of holy names. Amen
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 5th, 2011
10:32 pm
Bro. Falcon James – Call for the collection plate to go around one more time.
Bro. Falcon James
April 5th, 2011
10:42 pm
Now if you would all take the plate and pass it around. Part of the money will go to help buy Brother Ledbetter a new bow tie and a small 85% for administrative costs. The rest will go into research and developement on educating rich heatherns like players and owners that you can’t take the money with you when you go and the Fan’s have the last call. For without the Fan’s, all of you will be broke.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 5th, 2011
10:54 pm
Bro. Falcon James — Thanks. I could use a new bow tie or two. Also, you know since we are praying for football, let’s see if the almighty can reduce the price of Stadium beer to say $2.50. You know, for the fans and all.
Bro. Falcon James
April 5th, 2011
11:00 pm
LOL I am all for that one too. If HE intervenes in the CBA, Dunte;s Hamstrang, and Ryan a stronger arm, maybe we can get the cheap beer too. We will have to ask for the “Fruit of the Vine” though. HE will know what we are talking about!
The War Eagler
April 6th, 2011
9:02 am
The Falcons need to move either way with the 27th pick. There will not be any exceptional value at 27. They could trade down to early 2nd round and still get the speed WR (Torrey Smith, Titus Young, Randall Cobb) and get edge rushing DE in the 3rd. If we draft Heyward or Clayborn at 27 its a wasted pick. Neither of those players will see the field very much. They are not “explosive” players, and that’s exactly what TD is looking to draft. That means speed, especially off the ball. Heyward and Clayborn don’t have that. I would also like RB Mikel Leshoure early in the 2nd. A speedy RB that can catch the ball out of the backfield is an absolute must in this draft. We have a big, slow “grind it out” team that can impose their will on most teams, but SLOW is the key term. We need speed. The other option is to trade up. We could spare one of our mid round picks because we have the 3 picks in the 7th. If we could get in the 12-16 range, we could possibly get Julio Jones. If he is gone, then we could revert back to DE and get Cam Jordan, Aldon Smith, or maybe Quinn.