Falcons are unlikely to trade the 27th pick
Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith introduce their first round NFL draft pick, Peria Jerry, Ole Miss defensive tackle, in 2009. Who will be the top pick in 2011? KENT D. JOHNSON / kdjohnson@AJC.COM
BIRDLAND – Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who was New England’s director of college scouting and played a key role their drafts from 2003 to 2007, is used to being in the second half of the first round.
He was a national scout with New England in 2002. He was named the Falcons general manager on Jan. 13, 2008.
With the Falcons, Dimitroff entered the last three drafts with the third, 24th and 19th picks in the first round.
From 2003 to 2007, New England picked 13, 21, 32, 21 and 24.
Here’s who the Patriots selected.
- 2007 – 24 overall – Brandon Meriweather, s, Miami.
- 2006 – 21 - Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota.
- 2005 – 32 – Logan Mankins, OL, Fresno State.
- 2004 – 21 – Vince Wilfork, NT, Miami.
- 2003 – 13 – Ty Warren, DE, Texas A&M.
There has been a lot of draft talk about teams trading back up into the first round to pick-up one of the second-tier quarterbacks. Texas Christian’s Andy Dalton and Florida State’s Christian Ponder are targets of a few teams.
If Washington’s Jake Locker gets past Seattle at 25, someone may covet the Falcons’ pick to select him.
But those teams will need to call with a really sweet deal. Dimitroff is clutching that 27th pick pretty close to his vest.
“There is no question that we’d contemplate that, but with that said, you go into each draft thinking that you want to get the players that you want,” Dimitroff said. “There are going to be a lot of players there in my mind at 27 that can still help us. That would have to be a strong proposition from a team behind us.”
Basically, don’t expect the Falcons to trade out of the 27th spot.
The Falcons are likely leaning towards taking the best pass rusher left. This week Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan, Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn and California’s Cam Jordan are coming for visits. Also, don’t dismiss UCLA’s Akeem Ayers.
The Falcons worked out Ayers on April 9 in Los Angeles. They had him do defensive end and linebacker drills. He’s pretty versatile. While, he ran slow at the combine, he ran a 4.69 at his Pro Day. Check out this video of Ayers, which is designed to show his versatility. CLICK HERE.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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106 comments Add your comment
President Obama .@ Larry give me a call
April 19th, 2011
10:59 am
I need your advice on this deficit thing. call me
FACTS
April 19th, 2011
11:03 am
This is much to do about nothing…..teams can only trade picks or the rights to players that get picked because of the lockout & CBA fight.The Falcons are much improved under TD & MS for sure…..until they get that first playoff win I cannot label them contenders.
DC Dirty Bird
April 19th, 2011
11:05 am
Joe Tess, comparing Welker and Jerry is comparing apples and oranges. 1. One is a 200lb receiver the other is a 300 lb lineman. 2. The extent of damage and/or set backs in rehab has a lot to do with when you get back on the field and are productive. 3. You ever notice how it takes RB’s longer to come off ACL than QB’s? Same concept.
Joe Tess Fish House
April 19th, 2011
11:06 am
Lets compare appels 2 organges.
Perrier Jerry – BUST
Wes Welker – Not a bust.
There that was easy
UGASlobberknocker
April 19th, 2011
11:09 am
@Falcon for Life..I get your sentiment, but disagree with the premise that season ticket holders are any better fans than those who don’t. I personally have had Falcons ST’s for periods in the past, starting with my Dads tickets in 1966. Just because I dont have them now doesnt make me any less of a fan than anyone who does..Ive been a fan since 1966. No one can best that date, only tie it.
p.s. I do have Georgia season tickets and have had them for 37 years. (The main reason that I dont get Falcons tix)..but there are plenty of Dawg fans just as passionate as I am who dont have tickets for one reason or another. That doesnt make any of them any less of a Dawg fan than me.
FACTS
April 19th, 2011
11:14 am
TD has not exactly been a draft guru since coming to ATL…..of course Matt Ryan was his best to date….Ryan was a no-brainer given the state of the franchise at the time…the rest of his choices are not exactly HOF material!
Rikus
April 19th, 2011
11:16 am
What the… is that the real JTFH? That last comment almost made sense?!? I say give Peria one more year to prove himself. If not, he becomes Pariah Jerry.
TommyP
April 19th, 2011
11:16 am
Dimitroff is NOT going to come out and tell the beat writer that they’re looking to trade the pick. Or they probably will trade the pick.
Name 1 NFL GM that has ever come out and said, “We’ll probably trade our 1st round pick.” It kills value.
Dimitroff will see how the draft plays out. If there are several guys they like, they could definitely trade back. If most are gone, they’ll keep it.
Called maximizing your pick(s).
DC Dirty Bird
April 19th, 2011
11:17 am
I wish there was an EASY button to get Joe Tess, Larry, and those weak Saints fans off legitimate comment blogs.
tell it like it is
April 19th, 2011
11:17 am
UGA slobberknocker—Well said!
FACTS
April 19th, 2011
11:29 am
With a projected 16 DEs or lineman that may get drafted in the 1st or early 2nd round…..will the Falcon get value when they at 27th…the law of averages says that if all 16 of these players do get picked only a handful may actually make meaningful contributions to their team….simply put we may get the exact player we want when we pick…unfotunately we can’t measure heart during these workouts!
Joe Tess Fish House
April 19th, 2011
11:39 am
U could always leave DC Dirtybird. Just becuz U don’t agree with me does not mean I am wrong and should not be alowed 2 post here. I dont make fun of what U say. If U can prove 2 me that Perrier Jerry had a couple of good sesons with the Falcons then you can say I am wrong. He has not had even 1 god seson here.
cwltank
April 19th, 2011
12:35 pm
No GM can pick the perfect draft. They do there homework and choose the best player available. The more picks the better cahnce you have. Sometimes they get lucky & find a gem. Who thought that Jerry Rice would become a Hall of Famer. Jerry is still young and he was injured the 1st part of his career. I think he will bounce back, along with Anderson. He was not really the best DE coming out. His speed was average and he wasnt very strong. He has worked very hard these past few years. We do not need a DE, Bierman & Sidbury can produce sacks. It would be a waste to continue address an issue that is not in need of adressing. We need to score points, the elite teams out score teams, Saints, Colts, Patriots, Packers, we have the running peronell we need to give Matt Ryan speed & playmakers. That will allow our defense to mix up there coverages and take chances more. Playing games with a 3 point lead dictates your defense. Im just saying………..
cwltank
April 19th, 2011
12:36 pm
Excuse the spelling, I did’nt proof read lol
DC Dirty Bird
April 19th, 2011
12:40 pm
JTFH, when you call a low first round draft pick DT a bust after his second year in the league and compare his injury recovery to a veteran WR, I have to question your football acumen. I won’t make fun of what you say, but I will continue to challenge you. I unfairly put you in the same group as Larry and SeenThisB4 and maybe that was over the top. I’ll tell you what, instead of me trying to prove to you that our second year DT can be good, why don’t you tell me how many DT’s you know of that dominated the line of scrimmage in their first year. Why do i say first year, because Jerry essentially played his rookie year this past season since he only played in 2 games after he was initially drafted.
DC Dirty Bird
April 19th, 2011
12:44 pm
Can’t argue with cwltank, we do need to get away from the “ball control” offense. When was the last time a team won a Super Bowl with that. Don’t say Steelers because our defense is no where close to being as dominant as their defense was when they won it in Big Ben’s second year.
Mocking your Mock
April 19th, 2011
1:29 pm
Falcons57
Nothing you said made any sense. I don’t know what game you watched, but our Dline stunk. Just getting to the QB is not good enough. Don’t tell me you got to the QB, tell me you SACKED the QB!
Rodgers had 25 receivers? You might want to look at the NFL rule book.
I guess I really do need to spell it out for you… WE NEED A DEFENSIVE END THAT WILL SACK THE QUARTERBACK. THIS POSITION IS INCLUDED IN THE “TRENCHES.”
Also, in case you haven’t noticed, we have a need at guard, center, and offensive tackle.
This “concept” is very well understood. Quarterback can’t throw the ball if he is on his a$$.
You’re welcome Tough Guy.
Joe Tess Fish House
April 19th, 2011
1:37 pm
Its simple Perrier Jerry did not make an impact like a fist rounder should. Stop blaming hsi injruy for his 2nd year. He had the first year 2 learn so he could put that to use in his 2nd year.
Did he make an impact? No. Thus, he is a bust.
The Real Falcon
April 19th, 2011
1:39 pm
UGASlobberknocker,
Wrong!
Those of us that are Season Ticket Holders (investors) are paying for the right to express our opinions about the products we are purchasing.
If you are simply sitting on your duff watching TV then yes, you are indeed less of a fan and you should always yield to those that invest the time and the price to attend the games.
You are in second place is this discussion with a meek and weak voice!
jerry
April 19th, 2011
1:55 pm
What I didn’t like about the Peria pick was the fact that he had already had a knee injury in college and the fact that he would be 25 years old when he played his first game for the Falcons. Was he slow in school or what?
gk
April 19th, 2011
2:09 pm
I want Brooks Reed even if its in the 1st round. He is the most explosive defensive player in this draft. A lot like Clay Matthews
DC Dirty Bird
April 19th, 2011
2:15 pm
Mocking your Mock, its hard to argue against you. Quite frankly we have a need for playmakers on both sides of the ball. It depends on what you value. I’m not sure many people understand our O-Line situation with respect to free agency. One thing is for sure, we do not have a dependable left tackle whom one would consider the protector of the franchise. Joe Tess, IMO, late first round picks aren’t supposed to be impact picks but value picks. That’s why most of the good teams draft best available there instead of greatest need. You’ll be glad to know that I never agreed with the pick. We left Clay Matthews, Zig Hood, and Vontae Davis on the board that day. I’m just not for labeling the guy a bust because he’s been injured. If he stinks up the joint this season, he’s a bust and a black mark on TD.
crawdaddy
April 19th, 2011
3:10 pm
The Falcons have so many needs that they should draft the best player available with the 27th pick. My feeling is the first round talent is not that great, but the later round talent is very good. They can take a chance on some of those guys.
Mocking your Mock
April 19th, 2011
3:16 pm
Thanks DC.
As long as we have TD running the show, we will not draft a wide receiver in the first round. He came from the Patriots. He knows how to build a team. Say what you will about the guy, but he has done an incredible job building this team. Many people put too much emphasis on the 1st round. Look at what the guy has done in the other rounds.
It has been proven that you can find a good WR in the later rounds. If you don’t believe me go look down in Tampa, Carolina, or NO. Tampa got two GOOD receivers late in the draft, Steve Smith was a 5th round pick(?), and Marques Colston was a 7th round pick.
Go for the grit, not the glitter with your late 1st round picks.
Joe Tess Fish House
April 19th, 2011
3:41 pm
pleez perdon mi engless – eyi oz et awl 2 huuked awn fonecs!
ugaclassof2004
April 19th, 2011
3:42 pm
Gosh I sure do hate spending first round money on a DE. We’ve gone defense the last couple of seasons with marginal results. I think the Falcons are in a good position to build for depth. I say opt out of the first round and stack the cupboard with defensive players, O-Line, and WR’s/TE’s in the later rounds. I think most of the really talented guys on defense will be gone by 27th anyway.
chris in canton
April 19th, 2011
4:20 pm
I love reading all the mindless comments like larrys and kenstricklands.Thomas Dimitroff make his living by picking talent for our PRO football team. Since coming to Atlanta the FALCONS or 33-15 n the NFC the only team to come close is Philly at 30-18 in the AFC Indianapolis 36-12,New England 35-13, Pittsburgh 33-15 have better records. I would think that is the reason they are where they are in life and TD is making the MILLIONS where he is.Making comments and having a fantasy football team is as close to Pro Football as they will ever have THANKFULLY. I hope they are as good in their lives as TD is at football
FalconsFan13
April 19th, 2011
4:30 pm
I like the fact that we are bringing in Kerrigan, Cam Jordan, and Ayers for workouts. I like all three of these guys and if we could get anyone of these guys our defense would be that much better. I’m not too high on Clayborn though, he just doesn’t seem to have that disruptive motor that we need and he doesn’t seem to be an elite pass-rusher. I don’t think any of us can anticipate what TD is going to do with #27 pick until draft day. He has shown he can and will be aggressive if need be. I have all the faith in TD though, the “Process” continues starting April 28th.
denverfalcon
April 19th, 2011
4:36 pm
TJ Hook, I love that trade idea, but unfortunately, without a CBA players cannot be involved in trades, so we would have to give up too many draft picks to get the number ten pick, unless of course a miracle transpires in the next week and a half.
Delbert D.
April 19th, 2011
4:40 pm
Watching that Ryan Ayers video, I didn’t realize he is 6′4 255. Really good motor, and big hitter.
logan30228
April 19th, 2011
5:59 pm
Kerrigan or Clayborn would be my choice, and I hope one of them remain when 27 comes. if both are gone, and someone calls, make the deal and do like the Pats have done for years, trade down, get more picks and pick up late round value that can develop into a solid perrenial contributor to the team. many of the star, stand-out players that the pats currently have came from late round value picks. I say take the time to build it right and have years (plural) of sustainable domination over this division and league down the road. And irregardless of the pick this year it won’t matter as there will be no football this year anyway!
Wheel Barrow
April 19th, 2011
5:59 pm
This tells me TD will look to trade down and pick up extra picks. Never trust anything a GM says this week or next. He said that to make sure the other teams know that he really likes the 27th pick and they will have to pay handsomely to move up. He is just increasing the value of the pick.
bama52
April 19th, 2011
6:07 pm
If Cameron Heyward is available at 27th we better take him.
Bobby Petrino
April 19th, 2011
8:11 pm
Soooooooooooooooooooeeeeeiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ken Strickland
April 19th, 2011
8:15 pm
REAL FALCON-You’re welcom. You can always tell when you’re dealing with an ignorant, sensitive little B!TCH by the way they respond to getting their feeling hurt by the truth. Posting under someone else’s name and believing everyone is stupid enough to think it’s not him/her, says it all.
To even think about pulling that mindless stunt, one has to believe everyone else is as stupid as he/she is. As I’ve said before, STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!!
cwltank
April 19th, 2011
11:04 pm
I wish I knew some of you guys personally. I would break you. I will bet all I have the Falcons will not draft a DE in the 1st round. 1st rounders start, they dont ride the pine. We drafted debt at OL last season. We have guys on the practice that are primed and ready. We may lose Clabo or Dahl but I sure we will keep one of them. Abraham & Moore missed multiples sacks. They got there & choked. The Falcons need to put up more points. A predictable offense keeps your defense on the field. Its my guess they were exahausted. I like the defense add a player or 2 and we are top 10. I hated the offensive play calling last year. It reminded me of Pop Warner. Turner, White, & interception lol
cwltank
April 19th, 2011
11:07 pm
Oh yea, I may not be the sharpest pencil in the box, but did’nt the Packers win the Super Bowl. Also, I think the Falcons were the NFC champions. So can some explain how can the Falcons have so many needs. They lost to the Superbowl Champs & Split with the defending Super Bowl Champs. Im just saying………
Big Ray
April 19th, 2011
11:55 pm
Aight, so we’re not going to trade the first round pick unless somebody makes a sweet deal.
Well, uh, that’s what happens when people trade up. They have to offer a sweet deal. This is just Dimitroff selling/shopping his pick in case anybody’s interested, and telling all that it won’t come cheap.
Dimitroff is comfortable with the pick, but believe you me, he’ll sell if the deal is right.
As far as I’m concerned, this is the smoke and mirrors that always goes on this time of year. It’s a poker game, never tip your hand. The possibility of a pick trade is just as strong (or weak, depending how you see it) as it was a week ago.
JONESBORO SLIM
April 20th, 2011
12:09 am
I want to see Atlanta get Okla RB DeMarco Murray for two reasons 1. He’s a great running back with speed (4.3 40) and good pass protector 2. Excellent as a slot receiver…therefore the “Birds” get two positions filled with one player….
TD Has Yet To Prove He Can Draft Winners!
April 20th, 2011
12:21 am
Obviously most on this board still have confidence in TD’s ability to draft quality players that are a fit on the team. I’m sure I’m probably one of the view in this city that thinks TD don’t know what the H#&*ll he’s doing. He’s way in over his head. The quicker Arthur realize this he will save himself a lot of time and heartache in the future.
Case in point- out of our last four top 1 or 2 rd draft picks, we still can not claim we’ve drafted bonafide play-maker on either offense or defense. Not good….if we did he played sick or dead in January.
John
April 20th, 2011
12:22 am
Joe,
Please lay off the crack pipe, and take some English lessons. He had a bum knee. They let him rest because they wanted to protect their investment. I say the Falcons were lucky to draft him. If Bowers falls to 10 I hpe the Falcons trade up for him if and only if they are sure his knee will heal.
Todd
April 20th, 2011
6:10 am
The real sweepstakes begins next year when Andrew Luck enters the picture. I would offer Ryan and the Falcons first rounder for the rights to draft Luck, he’s that good. This franchise has only been around since ‘66, yet no super Bowl W’s. The blue print has been set for cookie cutter dome teams, St. Louis, Indy, New Orleans. Dominant defense’s don’t exsist indoors, might as well give it up. I’d go nothing but skill position players in this draft.
Smooth
April 20th, 2011
6:57 am
Steve > Roswell the only thing plain and simple is you.
cwltank
April 20th, 2011
8:38 am
I predict Snelling being traded. He has value & Turner is our featured back. We can at least get a 3rd for him & find a speed back. Norwood, if he is resigned will bounce back & give us that playmaker we need. If we had a deep threat, no team could stack the box & Turner would be free to run.
coleski
April 20th, 2011
9:11 am
Who are thes crazy people, always downing smith & td?
Todd
April 20th, 2011
9:17 am
I like smitty, my only problem with him is he just seems happy to be there. TD is overrated, no doubt. Like I said the blueprint has been made, better add speed to burn. Matty has shown cracks in the pressure, that’s why I would give him up next year for Luck. I’d Trade Turner this year if the labor situation is solved before the draft, better to get rid of these guys a year early.
Mocking your Mock
April 20th, 2011
9:41 am
Todd
Please give it a rest. “Matty cracks under pressure.” Really? Really? I mean, really? The guy has lost 2,yes 2, games at home in his career. In all his wins, at least 7 were coming from behind. What are you talking about man?
Please get some sleep and use a condom every time. Can’t fix stupid.
Todd
April 20th, 2011
9:51 am
0-2 in the playoffs…nuff said. Luck is exponentially more talented than Ryan, he’s bigger, stronger arm, more accurate, smarter, and YOUNGER!!! Mocking you mock….UNBELIEVABLY STUPID. My guess is your parents are siblings, good luck dude.
Ken Strickland
April 20th, 2011
11:14 am
TODD-It appears from your comments that you have delusions of being a one of a kind GM and HC all rolled up into one. Anyone that would even think about trading a QB that’s made 2 Pro Bowls in his 1st 3yrs, while coming off a 13-3 season, plus a 1st rd pick, for an unproven college QB is beyond delusional.
Making dumb trades like the ones you’re suggesting would only contribute to helping other NFL teams become Super Bowl contenders. And yes, MRyan is O-2 in playoff gms, but how may playoff or national title gms has Luck won, or even played in? You’d actually suggest trading away proven Pro Bowl commodities just to acquire unprove college players just because their POTENTIAL might cause you to have an erection?
Stick to what you do best, which obviously doesn’t require using any common sense.
cwltank
April 20th, 2011
11:28 am
I agree, Todd your parents wasted that sper_. Matt is just fine & Smith has improved also. Why do you think our offensive coordinator is gone. He was so predictable, we need to become more pass orientated. 3 & 4 reciever sets.