Birds could go up to get Julio Jones, Green costs too much

Alabama's Julio Jones (8) makes a catch for a touchdown as Georgia's Bryan Evans defends during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Athens, Ga., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Alabama's Julio Jones (8) makes a catch for a touchdown as Georgia's Bryan Evans defends during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Athens, Ga., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

BIRDLAND –   The bat phone has been shake, rattling and rolling all day on vibrate.

No, the Falcons are not getting ready to mortgage the future to get Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green. The cost to get up into the top five is prohibitive.

It would cost the Falcons’ their first round pick this year, their first, second and third next year.

However, Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones could be in play.

Here’s how that can happen.

Jones has to slip outside of the top 10. Most have him going to Cleveland at No. 6, but the Browns may go defense and take LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.

If Houston, which needs secondary help, takes Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara with the 11the pick. The Detroit Lions, who pick 13th, could be looking to trade out of their spot.

The Falcons could send their first, second and fourth round picks this year along with next year’s second to the Lions.  The key would be to get in front of St. Louis to take Jones.

If Jones doesn’t slip, look for the Falcons to hold onto the 27th pick.

–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog

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144 comments Add your comment

Paddy

April 27th, 2011
6:39 pm

Sounds about right!

Doug

April 27th, 2011
6:39 pm

How is it that Julio wouldn’t cost too much as well?

AlanFalcon

April 27th, 2011
6:46 pm

Stupid !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bgfalcon

April 27th, 2011
6:47 pm

julio jones is more of a receptions type of guy isn’t he? i’d just try and wait on titus young or jerrel jernigan in the second round. julio would take a bunch of receptions from rhoddy.

MR.true fan

April 27th, 2011
6:49 pm

he is only worth a 1st and 3 round pick this year and maybe a 4 round pick next year but not a 1st and 2 round pick i would say no to that!!!!!!!!

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 27th, 2011
6:51 pm

Doug — Not as much. TD likes to keep his picks, but might be tempted. Did you see Matt Ryan fawning all over Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson at the Pro Bowl?

bgfalcon

April 27th, 2011
6:52 pm

titus young is also a good team guy too. he is most comparable to D JAX in philly

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 27th, 2011
6:53 pm

bgfalcon — I’m hearing that he’s a jerk and is not on the Falcons’ board. Was told, “You can forget that guy.”

Hoof Hearted?

April 27th, 2011
6:53 pm

Don’t mortgage your future! Stay the course, trade down if possible and acquire more picks. Most mocks still have Mallett on the board at 27. I think there will be a run on QB’s late in the first. Stand your ground TD.

hmmmm.........

April 27th, 2011
6:54 pm

Yeah i’d wait and pick a guy in the 2nd or 3rd round. There are alot of free agent receivers that could fill in for a year or 2. Like moss, holmes, edwards

bgfalcon

April 27th, 2011
6:55 pm

@ D. really?? well what about jernigan?

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 27th, 2011
6:57 pm

hmmmm — You know they are not talking Holmes or Moss. They are “challenged souls.”

bgfalcon — Jernigan is not going to be available at 59. 27th is too high.

bgfalcon

April 27th, 2011
6:59 pm

do you even believe falcons are going WR in 2nd round then?

hmmmm.........

April 27th, 2011
7:01 pm

Do you have names of guys that they may be interested in?

bgfalcon

April 27th, 2011
7:07 pm

@hmmmmm…… here ya go. check the link http://t.co/UZy58Ad

Todd

April 27th, 2011
7:20 pm

I certainly would not give up all that for Jones, I think he’s a talent for sure, this cat gets injured just working out. Too much of a risk. Jernigan will be available at 59, no doubt. If they keep their 1st RD. pick, I would rather see them select Reed over Ayers. Is it me or was team better off 3 years ago? It’s sort of amazing everybody thinks TD is a genius because he selected Ryan, give me a break.

usbummer

April 27th, 2011
7:37 pm

That sounds like a lot of valuable draft picks to give up for one man.

Larry

April 27th, 2011
7:43 pm

The Falcons are more interested in Jones than Green.

Why? Simple! He’s bigger, faster and stronger than the wiry Green and the Falcons like WR’s that can block too!

The Dude Abides

April 27th, 2011
7:43 pm

lol the Falcons have been playing it safe for the past 2 years, its time to win in the postseason and getting AJ Green will do that.
If AJ Green Slips past the Bengals, we can unload enough draft picks in this years and next years draft to get him. The Cardinals look like they want Kolb and Kolb is definitely not worth a #5 pick so we give them their 27 and other draft picks and they get their QB and then some and we get that EXPLOSIVE player. Akeem Ayers is not explosive lol.

Arthur Blank

April 27th, 2011
7:47 pm

I TOLD THOMAS I WANT A .J . GREEN OR HE’S OUT THE DOOR

The Dude Abides

April 27th, 2011
7:54 pm

And the future is not getting scrub players in the late 20s of every draft.

MonkDaddy

April 27th, 2011
8:01 pm

Clayborn – check
Carimi – check
Maurice Pouncey – check
JJ Watt – dream check
Kyle Rudolph – Please don’t draft a TE in round 1
A 265 DE? No way. I won’t a 265 speedy linebacker but not another 265lb undersized end

bgfalcon

April 27th, 2011
8:02 pm

@ dude abides

Patriots do that almost every year and they turned out alright didn’t they??

MonkDaddy

April 27th, 2011
8:03 pm

Sorry . I WANT a 265lb speedy linebacker but not an end that size… Not “I won’t”.

My Dalton, GA is showing

The Dude Abides

April 27th, 2011
8:03 pm

@bgfalcon i guess you referring to them getting beaten in the postseason a lot lately.

The Dude Abides

April 27th, 2011
8:04 pm

i mean whooped

jojo

April 27th, 2011
8:06 pm

ARE YOU PEOPLE CRAZY! WAY TOO MANY TOP DRAFT PICKS. IF THEY ARE GOING TO TRADE, THEN TRADE OUT OF THE FIRST ROUND AND PICKUP MORE DRAFT CHOICES. THEY HAVE NEEDS AT EVERY POSITION. NEW ENGLAND HAS DONE PRETTY WELL WITH THIS CONCEPT. ONE PLAYER IS NOT THE ANSWER.

MonkDaddy

April 27th, 2011
8:07 pm

The Dude can say beaten OR whooped as long as he says so while holding a white Russian

Todd

April 27th, 2011
8:14 pm

I agree with jojo, if a team wants to trade back in at 27 to take a QB, got to do it. I would rather have multiple 2nd rounders than select any of these dudes at 27. Got to add speed, Jernigan, Taiwan Jones, Murray all have to be on the radar. If your going to play in a cookie cutter dome, got to have more speed on offense. Turner looks done to me, White is 30, got to get younger.

Dominic Hughes

April 27th, 2011
8:14 pm

DOL your analysis sounds about right. I also wouldn’t rule out a multi-part trade to move up. Given TD’s past with the Pats, he could trade up to their 17th pick and then deal that again to move up to grab Jones. But like everybody, I’m just guessing. It’ll be interesting.
Don Banks seems to think Jonathan Baldwin is a possibility for the Falcons at 27, but with his off-field dramas and locker-room antics, do you think TD and Smitty would want him? He certainly has the talent. But I’m not sure he fits the Falcons mould.

The Dude Abides

April 27th, 2011
8:21 pm

@MonkDaddy

I’ve got my White Russian in my hand, and i am standing on one foot on my new rug.

Way too much.

April 27th, 2011
8:24 pm

If we’re going to give up a ton to Detroit for a WR that can be the guy who gives us a Super Bowl, might as well give Detroit our entire draft. And Jerrious Norwood. For Calvin Johnson. And they can have Porn Star Stache as their LB coach too.

MonkDaddy

April 27th, 2011
8:24 pm

@The Dude Abides

It pulls the place together

DLed – Do you know the injury status of Kerry Meier? It seems as though they were really high on him but I haven’t heard anything positive about his recovery. Has anyone else heard anything?

AhhLast

April 27th, 2011
8:27 pm

i wonder since they want draft a def player( that is explosive), if Cam jordan is still there, why not trade with new england at 17 get Cameron Jordan ?(think pats at 17 will trade it down)

No uniform sellers from Clarke County High

April 27th, 2011
8:30 pm

Seriously. Selling a uniform for a little spring break outing. Class. Oh, and the ole High Times at Clarke County High LB Justin Houston…….makes perfect sense if that scumbag Rex Ryan takes him.

Cam Heyward. Akeem Ayers if they want to reach, I’d rather trade down. We need a DE. Please don’t waste our 1st rounder on an OL. We did that with Sam Baker, and we’ve gotten more out of undrafted free agents like Tyson Clabo. If we can’t get an end, lets trade down and get some more picks. If nobody wants to trade,

We want a WR? Randall Cobb, round 2. The next Antwaan Randle-el.

TampaDAWG

April 27th, 2011
8:41 pm

don’t trade to get julio, thats too much, there are plenty of speed receivers that ATL could pick in the 2nd round, def stay the course and if there are a lot of DEs left at the end of the 1st round trade down and get more picks. Seems to work for NE doesn’t it?

MaxxFalcon

April 27th, 2011
8:45 pm

I would give up a lot for AJ, but I wouldn’t give all that up for Julio

hiramsaint

April 27th, 2011
8:51 pm

if ryan can’t or even if he doesn’t like to throw the long ball , then whats the point? you need a t.e. to replace the aging gonzales if you want to go reciever though overall your D is what really needs the most attention.

knewhotness

April 27th, 2011
8:51 pm

d-led i hope you were right about falcs taking ayers in the 1st. can play strongside lb for us and also be in rotation at left de. hes a playmaker with good football quickness….also jernigan likely will be there with our 2nd pick. in fact gosselins list of top 100 came out today and hes down in the 80-90 range which is the area of our 3rd rd pick.

Supes

April 27th, 2011
9:01 pm

I wouldn’t give all that up for Julio Jones…I think he’ll be a very good WR, just not worth all those picks overall when u consider what else could be had there (as far as team needs).

If A.J. Green could be had, they need to pull the trigger. He’s once in a generation WR.

hiramsaint

April 27th, 2011
9:11 pm

try to be objective and you have to give a slight nod to jj over aj

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 27th, 2011
9:20 pm

Dominic — Thanks. One of my agent friends said he’s hearing about them considering an OL at 27.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 27th, 2011
9:23 pm

MonkDaddy– Yes. I spoke briefly to Kerry when I went to the offseason workout program in Cumming. We were going to a long interview, but he had to leave for a rehab session. He should be cleared by training camp.

Reggie

April 27th, 2011
10:08 pm

Yeah lets get another reciever so the “Iceman” can have another target to throw 5 yard passes to. We need more impact defensive players on the line…Cam Heyward in the first and move up in the second and get Marvin Austin from North Carolina.

Big Ray

April 28th, 2011
1:27 am

I don’t see the trade up for Julio Jones. That’s way too many picks to give up for a WR, even a very good one, and Matty Ice is not a longball thrower by rote.

However, there was that “fawning over Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald.” Hmmm…

But no, not tradeup. And I’ll probably go on a drinking binge if we go OL in the first round. Even if it’s the right choice.

GHunt

April 28th, 2011
2:12 am

WAY TOO MUCH TO GIVE UP FOR JULIO. Greg Little in the 2nd will produce better results than JJones. Jerrell Jernigan will be a third round pick. Birds to trade down and still get their man, Clayborn and will have a chance to chose one of the highly rated WR at #59.

jonnava

April 28th, 2011
3:27 am

Refinance rates were higher today with PNC and Chase raising them but Bank of America and Citibank lowering them to find your rates with out SSN “123 Mortgage Refinance” is the best

Birdthethird

April 28th, 2011
5:21 am

Ochocinco is on the market. Just sayin’…

dawgfan13

April 28th, 2011
6:46 am

In my opinion, the draft is about getting the best player you can possibly get at the position you are in. If the Falcons can get Julio by trading some of these useless picks, then they should. Jenkins is not the answer! They need a threat on the other side of the field! Many of these late picks are bust and never make a roster. Julio Jones will be a faster version of T O! Take him at all cost and work the free agent market.

IceFan

April 28th, 2011
7:14 am

DLed,

What are you hearing about the Falcons’ interest in Randall Cobb? If they are taking a serious look at him do they think he is there at 59 or would they have to move up to get him? Cobb is a homer pick for me since I was a Kentuckian before living here and have seen almost all of his college games. The dude is special though…..

Falconschick

April 28th, 2011
7:49 am

Julio is going to make A J look like a peewee player once they get to the NFL. Julio may get hurt working out, but he plays right through it. He loves the game and will be a game changer for years to come. If we want a Super Bowl, we give Matty Ice a target. Julio is the target we need!!

JONESBORO SLIM

April 28th, 2011
8:16 am

An unproven college player isn’t worth that many picks….DL you know that deal will not happen in this lifetime

JONESBORO SLIM

April 28th, 2011
8:31 am

It seems we have all forgotten WR Kerry Meier plus WR Douglas and DT Jerry will be improved with a year of knee surgery recovery under their belts..you see everyone not like New England’s Wes Welker……

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 28th, 2011
8:39 am

MonkDaddy — The Falcons linebackers are smallish and fast. Not in the 265 range.

IceFan – I haven’t heard much on Randall Cobb. He was a beast at UK. I will call his agent and try to get you an update. I know that like Troy’s Jerrel Jernigan.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 28th, 2011
8:42 am

JONESBORO SLIM – It could go down. Detroit may want to fall back if the right guy isn’t there.

Nik

April 28th, 2011
9:28 am

Unless we find a pass rusher, we’re going to see more games like that Green Bay playoff in which the other QB picks us apart because he has ALL DAY to throw…A big name WR would be nice and exciting, but no reason to reach and lose a bunch of picks…And still not have a pass rush.

Nik

April 28th, 2011
9:29 am

PS thanks for the inside information D.Led, I’m glad there’s on beat writer that actually puts something worth reading on the sports blogs instead of filling them with music lyrics and telling us things we already know…

JONESBORO SLIM

April 28th, 2011
9:52 am

DOL

I’ve been saying all week lets get DeMarco Murray a RB/ slot reciever with great speed..move him to WR…what do you think?

cwltank

April 28th, 2011
10:23 am

I will recommend the Falcons select Jones or another big speedy reciever. Jenkins is ok but he doesnt really stand out in games. He has not had a 1000 yard recieving year & I think this is his 7th year.

PMC

April 28th, 2011
10:35 am

Julio is probably one of the only guys in the draft the Falcons could get that has the explosiveness that they covet.

I love that he works his behind off and will block like a beast.

I don’t love that he has iffy hands, but maybe Roddy can work with him on that.

PMC

April 28th, 2011
10:36 am

Jonesboro, I love your thinking with Murray too. I think he caught 71 passes last year. That’s the kind of back we need to compliment the guys that we have.

Blackoutanyone?

April 28th, 2011
10:36 am

Julio is the piece this team is missing. I don’t understand the people who say the Falcons have needs everywhere. Sure every team has needs but the Falcons have fewer holes than most teams. Julio would add another weapon in the passing game but his down field blocking and physical presence in the running game is something to consider. I really hope TD makes this move.

PMC

April 28th, 2011
10:38 am

It wouldn’t be mortgaging the future at this point. It’s getting the guy you need that’s available.

They need playmakers. Jones is a playmaker.

Birdman

April 28th, 2011
10:49 am

I dont think this is in DTroff’s DNA to buy high. And trading that number of high picks is buying way too high. Explosive players can be found outside the top 20. The more time goes by the more I think maybe this Kyle Rudolph will be a Falcon. We will trade down with Cincinatti and select him in the early 2nd though. Think about Mularkeys offense, not a lot of downfield throws, so put another body inside the 10 yard box with Gonzalez that will be a challenge for any linebacker to cover, meaning they have to help by keeping the safety closer, and let Jenkins and Roddy run fly patterns all day. That will open up the deep game by making teams commit db’s to help cover 2 stud TE packages.

falconsfan87

April 28th, 2011
10:52 am

I like what Mel Kiper Jr. projects. Keep the 27th pick and go defense. He has Daquan Bowers going to the Falcons. If he is on the board take him. I don’t take much stock in what Daquan says about his knee but ive heard he’s 100% by a lot of people. Lets not forget he was once the TOP prospect on the board. Besides in my opinion, a talented pass rusher is our greatest need. Abraham is getting old and Green Bay told us what we need to do to compete with the top teams in the NFC. Furthermore there are a lot of talented receivers that we could take later in the draft. Randal Cobb, Hankerson, Titus Young…etc

PapaDawg

April 28th, 2011
10:53 am

Cmon leave it along, keep the 27 pick and get us some defense

Barry

April 28th, 2011
10:54 am

Hey Y’all:

WHAT ABOUT PLAXICO BURRESS???!!!! THE MAN IS THE BEST WIDE RECEIVER IN FOOTBALL. WE NEED TO PUT HIM IN THE MIX WITH OUR RECEIVING CORPS.

LETS GO FALCONS!!!!! DRAFT IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” . THE PROCESS CONTINUES!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thisis a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!

………………….”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!………………

Myrak43

April 28th, 2011
10:54 am

I think that WR from Maryland would be a nice pick up. Torrey Smith.

Naah!

April 28th, 2011
10:55 am

Only way I would give up multiple picks is if we had a chance at Aaron Rogers. Giving away the farm seldom works. In fact, it usually works the other way. Look at at the Dallas – Minn trade involving Herschel. Look at the Saints trading all their picks for Ricky Williams. Look at the Braves – Rangers trade. Unless you are going for a franchise quarterback, or it’s more of a lateral trade where you give up a later round pick to move up to get a special player, it seldoms works. I think T.D. and Smitty know whats going on though. I

Falcons Fan

April 28th, 2011
11:01 am

That’s too much to give up to get Julio. The top priority has to be a pass rusher. There are plenty of good/fast receivers available in the draft that will be available in the second round. There are also receivers that will be availble after a new CBA is done. (Steve Smith wants out of Carolina)

JONESBORO SLIM

April 28th, 2011
11:11 am

Here is the focus… we have to get LOTS of pressure from our def. line and if it’s Daquan Bowers then lets reel him in…. afterall teams will say anything to throw other teams off the guy they really want…the players that have been said to be “BAD BOYS” bring them in… and then after practice everyday WHIP his a$$ until he straightens up let him know this is the NFL not some punk baby college team…”see you on the hill”

JONESBORO SLIM

April 28th, 2011
11:14 am

@BARRY

Good move.. yea Plaxico will have something to prove

Edward

April 28th, 2011
11:16 am

I hope Julio Jones is gone before the13th pick that’s to much to give up for him.

TAMPAFALCON

April 28th, 2011
11:27 am

I wouldn’t at all be surprised if the Falcons go after and sign Sidney Rice once Free Agents can sign with another team. TD and Smitty always have tricks up their sleeves. I don’t think one 1st round DE can make as much as a difference than signing Rice and maybe picking up Mark Ingram or the tight end Rudolph. In todays NFL the teams with the most explosive offenses and a mediocre-but consistant defense seem to win championship’s.

dbsham

April 28th, 2011
11:29 am

People. Do you not remember anything about our playoff loss to Green Bay last year? Did we really lose that game because we did not have another playmaker receiver or was it because we needed another playmaker defensive end? Its called pass rush. We got behind in the game because we didn’t have one and when we got to the QB, we whiffed on tackles. Our ball control offense is not built to come back from huge deficits. Let’s fix the defense first and get the toys later.

Mikey

April 28th, 2011
11:31 am

some of you, not all, have made the arguement that “trading up is too much to give away on an unproven player”…now, if a first rounder and one of the best recievers in the draft is unproven and not worth much, then what are the 2nd and 4th rounders worth? i say, if you can do it, then do it…the falcs are not in THAT bad of shape….sure, we can use a DE, but everyone is saying to draft a DE at 27, when the arguement is that first rounders are unproven…see my point? trade up and when the NFL opens up free agency, sign a DE that can help now.

truth

April 28th, 2011
11:34 am

So you are comparing Julio Jones to Andre and Fitz???

umm I highly doubt he will be that good

Avant23

April 28th, 2011
11:42 am

DOL, Is Hankerson out of Miami a possibility or is he not the type of receiver TD is looking for. I know Hanks pro day wasn’t the best in the world, but the guy can play and he’s a big target.

slim

April 28th, 2011
11:44 am

Why Trade that many draft picks away when all the receiver class has about 10 2 11 good receivers no our team isn’t as good as y’all think we had a soft schedule and we won to many last second games our defense is atrocious. Trade down and get more picks we need 2 defensive line that can rush the passer also our linebackers are good against the run the scheme we run calls for good quick n fast in coverage linebackers with speed Curtis Lofton and Mike P need to be replaced on passing downs don’t u fools watch any of our games that’s why so many running backs in tight ends catch complete passes we need also 2 linebackers who can cover in space with speed and blitzing ability also a Receiver with speed who can block a running back with speed and pass protecting ability and a offensive lineman we have 9 picks if we pick up 2 more we can acquire these type of players Trade down Please Mr D

slim

April 28th, 2011
11:48 am

The pass 3 years of our defense has been at the bottom it should not take 4 years to build an elite defense Green Bay did not punt they did not punt the only dam team in the playoffs that didn’t punt that’s a dam shame. IT exposed our D Coordinator Brian Van Gorder go back to College

Mike Jay

April 28th, 2011
11:49 am

6th-7th best DE or 1st-2nd best WR….. which will be more impactful? Now I think it is a slightly too high price to pay but I am intrigued by this. Very intrigued.

cantondawg

April 28th, 2011
11:50 am

No way would i trade a first rounder, two second rounder and a 4th rounder for Julio Jones. Sure, he’s a great receiver but you can fill three or four positions with those picks. We need DE, TE and some OL’s

Frontman

April 28th, 2011
11:58 am

Have you guys watched our linebackers? None of them covers well at all. Weatherspoon will hopefully be a beast next year, but Lofton is adequate at best and doesn’t look like he’s getting any better. We need one more playmaker at that position, whether it is by the draft or FA. D Led, what is the take on linebackers in the draft (not hybrid DE/LB, but true linebackers)?

Phattso

April 28th, 2011
12:00 pm

Steve Smith, WR Panthers. That’s our guy. Go for it!!!

James

April 28th, 2011
12:06 pm

Orlando it sounds nice but I think the Falcons have a non written policy of not taking underclasman.Look back over the drafts when was the last time they took one?

cantondawg

April 28th, 2011
12:07 pm

Icefan,

I would love to see the Falcons get Cobb too…He’s a multi-dimensional player that the falcons could use. He can play RB and WR

cantondawg

April 28th, 2011
12:09 pm

The only way i would trade up for Julio is if i felt that i could sign a Free agent DE that would be better than any in the draft. If we feel that we can go the free agent route to meet our other needs then JJ may be a good choice

D. Orlando Ledbetter

April 28th, 2011
12:13 pm

JONESBORO SLIM — I like him. Murray can catch the ball.

F-105 Thunderchief

April 28th, 2011
12:22 pm

“The Falcons could send their first, second and fourth round picks this year along with next year’s second to the Lions.”

That sounds like an awful lot to switch first round picks. Three other picks, including two seconds? Nah, don’t do it.

JONESBORO SLIM

April 28th, 2011
12:26 pm

DOL

Thank you DL..I’m glad somebody listening to me Murray is two players in one…for those you who don’t know him….check him out…the guy got speed speed speed 4.3 forty

KC in Smyrna

April 28th, 2011
12:29 pm

What about trying to sign Steve Smith as the #2/#3 WR to get down the field? I’d rather sign a veteran WR instead of trading up for a rookie who has to learn how to play WR. Only AJ Green will make a major impact next year.

DC-5xSB Winners

April 28th, 2011
12:30 pm

To me Julio Jones is another Rody White. I don’t mean he’ll come in & play like Rody does now. Rather it’ll take him time to develop into the WR people thing he can be.

Mike S

April 28th, 2011
12:32 pm

I think that’s too much to pay to drop down 14 spots in the draft. I don’t think 4 top draft picks is worth it for Julio.

No Crying

April 28th, 2011
12:34 pm

I have been a lifelong(suffering) falcon fan since their inception, and I currently live in Boise ID where I have had the pleasure of watching Titus Young since he got here. Young is exciting and dynamic who makes things happen. He is is best when the game is on the line, he goes and gets the ball. If the birds can get lucky and pick up young, the bird-nation will be delighted for years to come.

4th and Long Gone

April 28th, 2011
12:35 pm

You mean Detroit doesn’t want ANOTHER wide receiver? If Matt Millen were still there, they would probably take Julio themselves!

bgfalcon

April 28th, 2011
12:37 pm

i think mcshay has us trading our whole draft with the cards at 5.

MistaGamer

April 28th, 2011
12:42 pm

Sounds like the Falcons are looking to fill most of their holes through free agency this year. I really this upcoming post-draft free agency period due to the lock out could go 2 ways. It can either become an extreme feeding frenzy or a real buyers’ market. I just don’t think their will be much in between due to the uniqueness of it starting after the draft this year.

Most teams are probably going to be aggressive in addressing their needs in the draft due to the uncertainty of the post-draft free agency market. However, there could be an extra-premium on coveted proven free agents.

SawThat1nce

April 28th, 2011
12:42 pm

The Falcons look like they need a pass rush that can get to the opposing QB a second or split second faster than what they did most of last year.
That should be the focus of their attention. one way or the other.
That is my opinion.

Jay

April 28th, 2011
12:56 pm

Ryan doesn’t have the arm to hit a deep threat consistently. Julio isn’t going to make Ryan’s noodle arm any stronger.

Lester Miles

April 28th, 2011
1:09 pm

Kris Durham is big and fast (4.4 fourty) and has great hands. Don’t trade away so much for Jones when Durham can fill the bill for a lot less.

falCants4ever

April 28th, 2011
1:09 pm

wow…looks like i’m not the only one who thinks Matty Melt can’t throw farther than 10yds…the falCants need another undersized, slow DE…..falcants…

DMR

April 28th, 2011
1:12 pm

A little off the subject…Many Falcons fans liked Brian Finneran for a long time. A long, possession receiver with good hands that could fill a third or fourth position in a four or five wide set. The Falcons should keep their eye on Kris Durham. I saw an article in the AJC about Durham and his hopes to get drafted. Durham had some of the best hands on the UGA team for over the last four – five seasons. The only receiver better was A.J. and he’ll be gone around pick 4 or 5 in Round 1. Durham will be a value pick for the right team in the right round.

Trojan

April 28th, 2011
1:33 pm

I like Jones but he does not have the best hands. Way too much. We do need another receiver.

BULLDOGMANIAC

April 28th, 2011
1:37 pm

HECK NO!!!!!! If I were going to give up that much for Jones (who has the dropsies at times) I would go ahead and give up more and get AJ who catches everything!

Sid

April 28th, 2011
1:45 pm

We already got a rookie WR coming to camp, Kerry Meier. Another Steve Largent in the making.

Jimmy Crack

April 28th, 2011
1:47 pm

Too much to give up and yes, drops are an issue with him…We need to let this bipolar draft full of question marks come down to us this year. Guaranteed there is a darn good WR in the 2nd Round to coach up. Julio’s a freak, but not worth a #1, #2, #4, and next year’s #2. Sheesh! A.J. maybe but not Julio. How about instead with our #1 & #2 we take Brooks Reed and Leonard Hankerson? Much better deal and we keep our #4 and next year’s #2. Besides we need depth.

O-my

April 28th, 2011
1:50 pm

Thats to much for Jones….enough said.

moe

April 28th, 2011
2:06 pm

thats to much i would like for them to trade the 27pick to the bengals . the only team that needs a wr ( after 27 b4 25)is the bears if they get it would be torry smith. that would give them at 66 thie is where they an rb 1st wr 2nd de 3rd rb, olb this only would happen if Akeen Ayers, olb Adrin clayborn de , mark Ingram are gone . is to high for those wr and de and rb

bascogcjs

April 28th, 2011
2:09 pm

no way the Falcons would give up that much for the injury-prone Julio.
Please tell me they wouldn’t make that trade!

Matt

April 28th, 2011
2:17 pm

Use your picks to fill some holes and go all in for CJ next year when he’s a FA.

GT81

April 28th, 2011
2:19 pm

the picks are worth Jones, but this is not our need.

CONservative Johnson

April 28th, 2011
2:22 pm

So, everyone other than our guy Ledbetter is reporting that the Falcons are trying to move up. Everyone includes, but not limited to, Peter King, Jay Glazer, Jason La Canfora and Michael Lombardi . . .

Dunwoody_Joe

April 28th, 2011
2:52 pm

It’s all noise meant to distract and confuse the other GMs. If all the sources are reporting it, you can be certain that TD planted that idea and has no intention of doing it.

TD learned the art of drafting in NE and they never show their cards. Expect something unexpected.

M10

April 28th, 2011
3:10 pm

I see no reason not to try to get one of the top 2 receivers in this draft.Our receiving corps need an upgrade at the # 2 slot.I think there going to be agressive on a free agent DE and take the best LB,DE or CB with the 27 pk if they dont trade up.

Billy

April 28th, 2011
3:18 pm

No disrespect to Julio, but I can’t see Dimitroff giving up all that.

PoloisGucci

April 28th, 2011
3:26 pm

their is only 1 player im willing to trade up for and thats Patrick peterson… nobody else is worth it… but who am i (just a dam die hard Falcons fan) lol… He is the best paler period… to me all the DL r all ok nobody is going to stand out in their careers… remember who said it first!!! My homeboy Corey Liuget is the only one thats gon do something and they dont even talk about him.. remember who said that first also.. Corey Liuget out of Illinois #93… my mothaf*ckin dog!!!!!!

Falcons 2011

April 28th, 2011
3:26 pm

KRIS. DURHAM.

Nookah

April 28th, 2011
3:34 pm

Way too much to give up for a rookie regardless of how much potential he has shown.

DLed, any chance TD feeding the market with misinformation? Perhaps he covets a stud WR but we have other priorities in the draft e.g DE, Safety etc. and trying to send the market wide.

Go Falcons!!

DR. FALCON

April 28th, 2011
3:50 pm

THE PROBEM ISN’T OUR PROBLEM PEOPLE. IT’S OUR DEFENSE! WE NEED TO KEEP OUR 27TH PICK TO SELECT EITHER ADRIAN CLAYBORN OR RYAN KERRIGAN. 2ND RD WILL OFFER US VIRGIL GREEN AT TE, OR DONTAE MOCH AT OLB. GREEN AND JONES ARE ENTICING BUT, WE HAVE KERRY MEIER COMING BACK!

JONESBORO SLIM

April 28th, 2011
4:13 pm

I’ve been reading the blogs here and nobody has addressed the need of a speedy and mean speedy RB who can turn the corner out running the DB’s…..”See you on the hill”

CONservative Johnson

April 28th, 2011
4:13 pm

Mort and Adam Schefter also reporting that the Falcons are trying to move up. I’m riding with you Ledbetter. Don’t let us down . . .

CONservative Johnson

April 28th, 2011
4:14 pm

+ “move up in a blockbuster”*

JONESBORO SLIM

April 28th, 2011
4:19 pm

If you want a sure “pick”…look for the boo birds for Commissioner Goodell when he comes out to the mike….

slim

April 28th, 2011
4:41 pm

Frontman i see you watch the games but our Cover 2 scheme calls for all the linebackers have to able 2 cover in space with speed. We at least need 2 more cover 2 type linebackers with speed and that can cover linebackers and tight ends and our Current linebackers cant do that that’s why our pass defense is garbage .

jarvis

April 28th, 2011
4:43 pm

Todd

April 27th, 2011
7:20 pm
I certainly would not give up all that for Jones, I think he’s a talent for sure, this cat gets injured just working out. Too much of a risk. Jernigan will be available at 59, no doubt. If they keep their 1st RD. pick, I would rather see them select Reed over Ayers. Is it me or was team better off 3 years ago? It’s sort of amazing everybody thinks TD is a genius because he selected Ryan, give me a break.
———————————————————–
Please let us know how u figure this team was better off 3 years ago. Picking #3 overall means its better than 27th? They won 4 or 5 games before TD took over and now they won 11,9, and 13 went to the playoffs 2 out of 3 years. Yes they didnt play great in the playoffs but remind you nobody expect them to respond like they have 3 years ago. Yes GB tore them a new as$ but who here would’ve thought they would be #1 seed anyway? TD!

Falcons 4 Real

April 28th, 2011
6:47 pm

Yesterday I was very hesitant about how much it would cost to move up but if we come out of today with Julio or Peterson I for one will be grinning from ear.

AlanFalcon

April 28th, 2011
6:48 pm

Really Stupid !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hiramsaint

April 28th, 2011
7:43 pm

looking at your last game , the slow inept D should be the priority instead of a wr who ryan can’t throw to anyway. if your salivating over a reciever then a te to replace the aging gonzales would be a better use of draft picks… but then y’all are the failcans!

Breaking News |Breaking News

April 28th, 2011
8:01 pm

[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

JKA

April 28th, 2011
9:07 pm

Guess we don’t have to debate Justin Houston’s judgement anymore…..

Paul

April 28th, 2011
9:15 pm

Great Job, Mr. Orlando Ledbetter.

waynester

April 28th, 2011
9:17 pm

Giving the “props” where due. You earned your dough on this one….

Matt

April 28th, 2011
9:29 pm

Orlando, how could you be so wrong about this? Is it not your job to be in the know?

bigeasy830

April 28th, 2011
9:56 pm

Julio Jones improves all facets of an already good offense. Barring injury the Falcons on offense will be unstoppable. The are now a legit Super Bowl contender. Years past the Falcons were not as good as you fans thought they were. This year they will be great. They will win the South and if they get a pass rusher they will be in the Super Bowl in 2012. That trade signaled the Falcons going for it now. You gotta love it. The last two times the falcons lost in the Play-offs they lost to teams with dynamic offenses lead by great receiving cores. The Falcon’s receiver core is now second to none. Opposing teams can’t double any receiver or the tight end and they can’t put 8 in the box. Harry Douglas will have a break-out season as well. Plus the receivers will get YAC, which will help your QB. Ryan’s biggest weakness is deep balls flutter. Now, he does not need to throw in long at all. His greatest strength is his decision making and accuracy. Well with those receivers he can throw to whoever, whenever. Just improve that defense via free agency and barring injury Atlanta Falcon’s will have it’s dynasty.

bigeasy830

April 28th, 2011
9:57 pm

I told you all last year you needed another receiver and this year you went out and hit a home-run. Great move.

bigeasy830

April 28th, 2011
9:58 pm

I would love to see the falcons get a third down back but Harry Douglas may be able to file that void at flanker.

bigeasy830

April 28th, 2011
9:58 pm

I can’t believe it I may becoming a Falcons fan again.

bigeasy830

April 28th, 2011
10:01 pm

I gained respect for Matt Ryan in that play-off lost. Even though he made mistakes and the Falcons were being beaten badly he kept fighting. And I Loved Coach Smith from his first interview when he said Their is no bad job in the NFL. There are only 32 teams and it’s special to get one of only 32 jobs in the world and thats being a head coach in the NFL.

Loyal Falcon

April 28th, 2011
10:42 pm

All I can say is…COMPENSATORY PICKS!!!! Think about it. This pick means more than likely some of our starting OL will leave meaning that we’ll get a few compensatory picks for next years draft.

A-Ville Ranger

April 29th, 2011
2:53 am

I think this was a horrible trade. Not only did we pay a mint but Jones is far from a sure thing. He runs ragged routes. He takes his eyes off the ball and drops too many. He doesn’t get nearly the separation he should get with his measurables. He just plain looks stiff too. I wouldn’t have given this much for AJ and he’s a much surer prospect with a higher ceiling.

ctfalconsfan

April 29th, 2011
8:28 am

Terrible trade!! Gave up way too much for Jones. Might as well traded a couple of more picks and gotten Green.

coach smith

April 29th, 2011
9:07 am

To give up that much you BETTER get the BEST player in the Draft at their position!!!!!! The Falcons gave up a boat load of picks to move up and get teh SECOND BEST PLAYER at his position!!
They should’ve either got a deal where they moved up for AJ Green or stay at 27

Elliot Garcia

April 29th, 2011
10:32 am

Can any of you “fans” admit that defenses like to double team Roddy because there is nobody on the other side? With Julio on the team, there is no way they can double Roddy now. Plus, Julio is a great blocker….

Buck

April 29th, 2011
11:32 am

Big SEC fan here. Have watched Julio and AJ their whole careers. I think Julio will have a better pro career than AJ.