Falcons select RB Jacquizz Rodgers in the 5th round
Jacquizz Rodgers was a highly productive running back in the Pac-10 (Associated Press)
FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons continued their theme of moving up in the draft to select a player on Saturday.
They traded away their fifth round pick (158th overall) and one of their seventh round picks (229) to move up 13 spots to select Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers.
Here’s the book on Rodgers:
FALCONS PICK: 5th round, 145 overall (18th running back selected)
Name: Jacquizz Rodgers
Size: 5-6, 198
College: Oregon State
His production: He rushed for 8,245 yards and 136 touchdowns over his storied high school career in Richmond, Texas. Rodgers finished his career ranked second all-time in Texas high school history with 41 100-yard rushing games. He also had 21 200-yard games. He splashed onto the national scene when he helped to power the Beavers over Southern California, 27-21, when they were ranked No. 1 in the nation. He ran the ball 37 times for 186 yards and scored two touchdowns in the breakout game. He started 35 of 36 games for the Beavers. He gained 3,877 yards and scored 46 touchdowns. He also caught 151 passes for 1,052 yards and five touchdowns. He is just one of eight players in Pac-10 history with 1,000 yards rushing in three seasons.
The skinny: He was nicknamed “Mr. Touchdown” in high school. He landed at Oregon State in part because they had taken his brother, James, a wide receiver, the previous year. He was also recruited by Arizona, Baylor, Houston, Illinois, Louisiana Tech and Southern Methodist. He has a daughter, Channing. He ran a slow 4.59 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine. But he is considered to be more quick, than fast. He’s a proven tough and durable runner.
INTERVIEW WITH JACQUIZZ RODGERS TODAY
ON BEING PICKED BY THE FALCONS: “It’s the best feeling in life … finally a dream come true. Something you’ve been working for your whole life and actually getting a chance to seize the moment and be a part of a good team is a blessing.”
ON THE USC GAME: “That was the biggest highlight of my career, knocking off No. 1 USC. It was my freshman year, just being able to contribute to a win like that was good. Being part of Oregon State’s offense, a pro-style offense, having a coach like Coach (Mike) Riley put the faith in me to carry the ball a lot and being a featured guy in his offense (was awesome).”
ON RUNNING BETWEEN THE TACKLES: “It’s all about confidence. I run strong. If they look at my size they might under estimate me. After the game, I bet they have a different opinion about me.”
ON PICKING UP THE BLITZ: “That was something that we had to do. I’m willing to stick my nose in there and block linebackers. . . I remember watching Warrick Dunn when I was a child.”
ON NOT FUMBLING: “Ball security is something that we worked on every day in practice. Not putting the ball on the ground is a big thing. My coaches in college always focused on ball security and blocking. That was a big thing. They always said if you made it to this point they already knew you were a good runner, so protect the ball and protect the quarterback.” (He officially had one fumble on a lateraled pass.)
ON HIS SIZE AND PROVING PEOPLE WRONG: “That’s the main thing. Most people question my size. It’s something that I can’t change.”
ON HIS PASS CATCHING SKILLS: “Being shorter than most guys, being able to catch out of the backfield and beat linebackers one-on-one and in open space, I think it helps me out a lot.”
ON THE LOCKOUT: “I’m just working out and staying in shape. Hopefully, the lockout will be over soon.”
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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185 comments Add your comment
GT Alum
April 30th, 2011
2:43 pm
Small guy, but the Falcons apparently saw something they liked in this guy since they moved up to make sure they got him.
Sly Ty
April 30th, 2011
2:43 pm
Saw this guy single handily beat USC during Mark Sanchez’s last season at USC. He was like watching a little tazmanian devil in action. This is a good pickup.
BlueEagle
April 30th, 2011
2:44 pm
Falcons trying to corner the market on little stud players I guess since they have one on both sides of the ball now. BTW…were you in a hurry to write that blurb on “The Skinny” up there. #syntaxerror
Bill
April 30th, 2011
2:47 pm
really like this pickup. We need a small, quick back to complement Turner, and this allows us to let norwood go. He will be very effective in the screen game as well with roddy and julio blocking. I was wanting this guy or virgil green in the 5th round.
The Grinch
April 30th, 2011
2:48 pm
I like it! He’s not fast but he’s strong for his size, and watch the video of him running the cone drill…he can change direction on a dime. Good pick. Now if we can snag a DE and a corner in FA we’ll be lookin’ pretty good.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2011
2:48 pm
He was a stud for the Beavers!
Nique
April 30th, 2011
2:50 pm
I called this pick & I LOVE IT!!! This kid’s a player & exactly the compliment to Turner & our offense!
robert
April 30th, 2011
2:51 pm
bye norwood
jerseyfalcon
April 30th, 2011
2:52 pm
small, quick, and can catch..will be lost in the lineman and the time the defense realizes where he is he’ll be 15 yards down the field.
BlueEagle
April 30th, 2011
2:53 pm
Good job on the correction, much better…
In the few OSU games I saw in the local market he was a beast, small, but the Falcons are drafting this guy to be the every down back. He’ll be a good pickup if he’s used right, but since the Falcons don’t run screens I’ll withhold judgement.
dawgsfan1990
April 30th, 2011
2:53 pm
I love this pick…I was hoping they would get him…did great against the PAC-10 and should be a nice change of pace back!
PoDunk
April 30th, 2011
2:53 pm
I’m loving this draft! Three players, so far, that will make us better. Folks are getting too excited about trading picks to move up. Remember, you can’t trade players (yet), so we still have players that may have been traded. What may we get for Jenkind, Norwood, even Sidbury or Bierman? You know when free agency opens we’re getting a veteran DE.Dump some big contracts (Anderson) and we have money with which to work. Exciting times boys and girls! See ya’ll in Section 336!
Loserville USA
April 30th, 2011
2:54 pm
GREAT PICK! Chance to be the next Darren Sproles…. Just what we needed!
Dimitroff scores again!
adawg1
April 30th, 2011
2:54 pm
good pick up but we need 2 work on defense
Mike W
April 30th, 2011
2:54 pm
co sign nique i called this pick right when i got out shower and seen he was one of mel’s best avaiable.i like him really good,falcons been rumored all long that they were going to get defense players from free agents.plus everybody knew norwood time was up they was going to let him go.always getting hurt
Gman
April 30th, 2011
2:56 pm
He is a very quick, tough little dude. He should be fun to watch.
oldbird
April 30th, 2011
2:56 pm
Love the pick. Can’t believe he was still available this late. Dang all the measurements, look at his film and production in college. @sly ty I watched that game against USC too, and he looked like an all American. If he brings that, wow what a pickup.
Loserville USA
April 30th, 2011
2:56 pm
All this tells me Blank is going to spend on D in free agency…..YESSSSS!
PoDunk
April 30th, 2011
2:56 pm
Correction: Jenkins
Falcon since 66
April 30th, 2011
2:57 pm
Feeling better about whole thing. Looks like he knows when to duck. Going to be exiting.
Hey, DOL looks like the Bucs are looking at your columns. Got to hand it to them, they look like they are having a great draft.
The Jama
April 30th, 2011
2:57 pm
Dimitroff at it again! This kid will be an excellent 3rd down back out of the backfield catching passes. His size puts him in the mold of Warrick Dunn who could get lost behind the O-Line only to pop through a hole and make positive yards. I like it.
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 30th, 2011
2:57 pm
Will take Norwood’s place. Just stay healthy and will be great (and we will screen to him.)
26.2
April 30th, 2011
2:58 pm
I like this Falcons pick more than any other in this years draft. He can help out some immediately. Surprised Thomas Dummytrof didn’t draft someone from Southwest northeast Montana Souixnation State.
suwaneefalcon
April 30th, 2011
2:59 pm
I like this pick. It is pretty obvious that we will be going strong after a F/A D-end. I like that idea better then getting a rookie. TD is putting together a nice draft with quality not quantity.
bigdave
April 30th, 2011
2:59 pm
this is an excellent pick..
quick, shifty, elusive..
however, a equally effective short yardage back.. will pass protect for you as well..
will be a great addition out of the backfield in the passing game..
Matt keep your head swivel.. there are going to be more than 2 guys who you can go to next year.. that tunnel vision has to CEASE!!!!
bigdave
April 30th, 2011
2:59 pm
needed playmakers..
and we went and got guys who MADE PLAYS on saturday!!!
J.J.M.
April 30th, 2011
3:00 pm
didnt he run a 4.64?
MonkDaddy
April 30th, 2011
3:01 pm
Sandersesque cuts and change of pace.
MonkDaddy
April 30th, 2011
3:02 pm
He later ran a 4.5
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2011
3:02 pm
He ran a 4.59 at the combine, didn’t lift and had a 33 inch vertical.
MonkDaddy
April 30th, 2011
3:02 pm
Quicker than you DLed.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2011
3:03 pm
BlueEagle — Going for speed today. Speed and cleanup job.
JKA
April 30th, 2011
3:03 pm
Great pick ! Ran over the USC Roid-backers as a 172-pound freshman, and been focal point of the OSU offense for 3 years.Can catch the ball out of the backfield and is not totally vulnerable in pass protection – can cut down blitzers and stay after them. You would think he’s an outside runner, but is actually more effective inside – picks the hole and slashes, and is tough for the D to find and tackle. Also, DOES NOT FUMBLE ! Has had a lot of action in 3 years, but won’t be asked to carry 300+ times in Atlanta. High character guy too – no way he won’t help this team !!!!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2011
3:04 pm
Reminds some of Warrick Dunn. Maybe Dunn, now a owner, can teach him how to pick up the blitz.
Glenn
April 30th, 2011
3:04 pm
Don’t know how this pick will help out the main issue with the Falcons – their defense. So far, two picks, one on the defensive side of the line of scrimmage, and that’s where the biggest needs exist. Maybe I’m missing something.
Samuel
April 30th, 2011
3:05 pm
I like this kid he’s quick on his feet and very powerful and durable. Not to mention he can catch the ball out of the back field. Wow, since we already have Pocket Hercules, let’s name this guy Mighty Mouse.I can’t wait to see the Falcons trade some of their players to get a couple of defensive players to take us over the top. Go Falcons!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2011
3:05 pm
MonkDaddy — They call edme “Lightning Led” because I had a 8.97 in the 40 at the Media Combine.
J.J.M.
April 30th, 2011
3:05 pm
I guess thats a decent speed back…Im guessing he wil run that 4.5 all 4 quarters
MonkDaddy
April 30th, 2011
3:05 pm
I wonder what the mascot for the Roid Backers would be?
BigGAdawg
April 30th, 2011
3:06 pm
I assume that this means no more Jerious (injured more than Chipper) Norwood. Too bad he couldn’t stay healthy enough to develop his potential. There were flashes of brilliance but never for long enough.
At 5′6″ 198 lbs Rodgers must be standing on tree trunks for legs. Turner 2.0
Welcome to Hotlanta!!
j-smoove
April 30th, 2011
3:06 pm
i like this pick falcons going to be great
The Jama
April 30th, 2011
3:07 pm
No doubt Dimitroff and Co. already have their eyes on the free agent(s) splash player we will be getting on defense…most likely the top or a top defensive end! Keep going guys…can’t wait to see the full offensive arsenal line-up week 1.
Yo Vince
April 30th, 2011
3:07 pm
Bla bla bla T D sold the team, bla, bad draft, bla Ricky Williams. These guys have forgot more about football than all of the blogger combined. This Oregon back proves it. Matt Ryan said get me someone that looks like Roddy. Got it. Anyway, they picked a homer for all you Dawgs. Back off!
Philly 1
April 30th, 2011
3:07 pm
Excellent pick in Quizz. He has a motor and a lot of heart, a nightmare for defenses to try to prepare for.
Beaver believer
April 30th, 2011
3:07 pm
Watching jaquizz over the past few seasons has been great. He slips out of tackles, keeps his legs moving and brings big plays.
RambleOn84
April 30th, 2011
3:07 pm
Great player, great value!
Texas2step
April 30th, 2011
3:09 pm
YO Vince needs another boyfriend
BigGAdawg
April 30th, 2011
3:09 pm
Now we just need to find a hidden jewel of a DE in the next couple of rounds.
Lady Falcon Fan
April 30th, 2011
3:11 pm
I love studs in Falcons backfield. You go Demitoff and Blanks keep it going….
J.J.M.
April 30th, 2011
3:12 pm
DOL do you know how much cap room we have?
fedetn
April 30th, 2011
3:13 pm
nice!! Great pick!
wdwj
April 30th, 2011
3:15 pm
Love the pick. Falcon doing there home home work pays off.
dp
April 30th, 2011
3:16 pm
This pick answers my question….who’s doing the drafting….it’s Blanks kid. The Falcons are gonna get buried in the NFC South because they’ve lost their minds in Flowery Branch this draft!
wdwj
April 30th, 2011
3:16 pm
sorry about doule home
bigdave
April 30th, 2011
3:17 pm
900 touches in 3 yrs w/ out missing a start..
not to mention, dude hardly ever fumbles.
combine hurt him w/ that 40.. but he’s always been quicker than fast when watching him. we didnt have, and needed that element.. someone who can get the ball in open space and make someone miss.
Yo Vince
April 30th, 2011
3:17 pm
D P and Texas2step seen kissing at Green Bay hotel
wdwj
April 30th, 2011
3:18 pm
not my day..double.
Sid
April 30th, 2011
3:19 pm
I read that at the OSU Pro Day Quizz ran a 4.47 second 40. I watched some of his reels on the tube, he can boot, scoot and boogie. Also ran the wildcat some. I like the pick.
*************************************
Note to Norwood: I loved your runs but you are too fragile.
dawgsfan1990
April 30th, 2011
3:20 pm
Let’s get Virgil Green next…dude is a beast…course I’m a homer from Reno.
J.J.M.
April 30th, 2011
3:20 pm
anybody see chris johnson tweets about atl? looks like he wants to play for us
oldbird
April 30th, 2011
3:21 pm
I thought that we gave up way too much to get JJ but we have really got some quality so far in this draft.Potential starters in two of three picks, and a backup RB that won’t let us miss a beat. I give us at worst a B+. Wonder what Peter King will Hve to say.
dawgfan13
April 30th, 2011
3:22 pm
I love this pick and while people kept saying that Atlanta gave up too much to get Julio, look at what they have done. They have still been able to draft three players who will play right away! Its not about having 7 or 8 draft picks and 5 of them turning out to be bust, its about drafting players who you feel really good about that you feel will help you right away and thats what they have done. They will fill their defensive needs with free agency and think about, the Saints are the only high powered offense in their division that they have to worry about. their injured defensive players will be better this year and I expect the Falcons to compete for a Super Bowl next year.
M10
April 30th, 2011
3:23 pm
Let them do there job,we have’nt even had Free Agency yet calm down.
1eyedJack
April 30th, 2011
3:24 pm
All butt and legs. Quick little bowling ball. And what ever happened to Jim “Cannonball” Butler?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2011
3:28 pm
J.J.M. — There is no cap.
We just talked to Quizz:
JACQUIZZ RODGERS “It’s the best feeling in life … finally a dream come true. Something you’ve been working for your whole life and actually getting a chance to seize the moment and be a part of a good team.”
J.J.M.
April 30th, 2011
3:30 pm
oh yea that is right no cap…So blank will open his pockets like crazy in free agency probably
Sid
April 30th, 2011
3:30 pm
We are still going to grade out behind our NFC South rivals.
JP
April 30th, 2011
3:32 pm
I’ve seen this guy play and he’s lightning in a bottle. Love the pick. Guess this should squash the Reggie Bush to Atlanta rumors.
bigdave
April 30th, 2011
3:32 pm
JJM
he’ll come and party his career away.. ill pass. looks like all he wants to do is club.
J.J.M.
April 30th, 2011
3:32 pm
anyone has a link of his highlights?
oldbird
April 30th, 2011
3:32 pm
dawgfan13 You are exactly right I hated the Jones thing at first, but we are getting starters in this draft. Hopefully we address DE in free agency.
jojo
April 30th, 2011
3:33 pm
THIS IS A GREAT PICK FOR THE FALCONS
torgo
April 30th, 2011
3:34 pm
I bet former Falcons super scout Dick Corrick is looking down from heaven and smiling, as we’ve taken the star RB from his alma mater.
Read about Corrick and his role in building the 1998 Falcons here…
http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/view/10525021/1
bigdave
April 30th, 2011
3:34 pm
DOL
tell him the fan base are excited to have him here..
dude has a skills set that will compliment our offense.. and he brings that Falcon toughness..
he’s and equal hell between the tackles as in open space..
cantondawg
April 30th, 2011
3:34 pm
Sweet,,i absolutely love this pick…
Mikey
April 30th, 2011
3:35 pm
anytime someone can use the words “stud” and “beaver” in the same post, im a happy guy
tenten2
April 30th, 2011
3:36 pm
According to his ESPN stat sheet, in three seasons had 788 carries and ZERO FUMBLES!! Though I guess he had a fumble credited to him his sophomore year in a bowl game where he dropped a screen pass…but really that’s just a dropped pass.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2011
3:36 pm
MORE FROM JACQUIZZ RODGERS:
ON THE USC GAME: “That was the biggest highlight of my career, knocking off No. 1 USC. It was my freshman year, just being able to contribute to a win like that was good. Being part of Oregon State’s offense, a pro-style offense, having a coach like Coach (Mike) Riley put the faith in me to carry the ball a lot and being a featured guy in his offense (was awesome).”
ON RUNNING BETWEEN THE TACKLES: “It’s all about confidence. I run strong. If they look at my size, they might under estimate me. After the game, I bet they have a different opinion about me.”
ON PICKING UP THE BLITZ: “That was something that we had to do. I’m willing to stick my nose in there and block linebackers. . . I remember watching Warrick Dunn when I was a child.”
cantondawg
April 30th, 2011
3:36 pm
The falcons offense should be SICK this year..Wow..Julio Jones and Jacquizz Rodgers add two new dimensions to an already good offense.
bigdave
April 30th, 2011
3:37 pm
*an equal
bigdave
April 30th, 2011
3:38 pm
no huddle.. spread em out.. Quizz single back.. yikes.
1eyedJack
April 30th, 2011
3:39 pm
Good ‘un Mikey.
PoPo
April 30th, 2011
3:39 pm
Watched this hometown young man throughout high school career…y’all got a good one with this pick!
BigTimeTECHFan
April 30th, 2011
3:40 pm
He’s named Ledbetter for a reason, last time he ran the 40 people kept yelling “Better get the led out”.
Rogers very nice pick, wow J Jones and Rogers to the Falcon, I never would have guessed we would end up with both of them. Dent in the 4th not bad pick, hope they get Tarrant from GT.
J.J.M.
April 30th, 2011
3:41 pm
so what should we draft next people?
oldbird
April 30th, 2011
3:43 pm
Don/t worry about 40 times. They always test them in shorts. On my highscool team, I was third in shorts, and first in pads. A lot of difference between track and football.
GTBob
April 30th, 2011
3:44 pm
I love this pick. He is a great player who probably shouldn’t have lasted this long in the draft.
J.J.M.
April 30th, 2011
3:46 pm
lol bigdave he does party too much
TheManMike
April 30th, 2011
3:48 pm
Loving this draft so far. Just watched a highlight video of J-Rodge and the Warrick Dunn comparisons are accurate. Litte dude can scoot and skirt like a mo. Julio is our “Larry Fitzgerald” – You did see the Pro Bowl right? As long as Ryan keeps advancing, our offense is going to be effing killer. – and here’s to picking up some good D in FA….
quizz fan
April 30th, 2011
3:49 pm
ATL you have a great RB and character guy!!
i have followed him from high school — research his production in Texas at 5′6
He played in the Pac 10 and excelled against top nfl talent at USC……… promise you will love his heart, his quickness and his work ethic!!
FreemanR72
April 30th, 2011
3:55 pm
He did not single handily beat USC……….He destroyed USC that year!!!! Great Pick for the Falcons. You all pic J. Jones & Jacquizz, I DIDNT THINK YOU FALCONS HAD THE COCONUTS TO DO IT.HOORAY 4 YOU.
richie
April 30th, 2011
3:55 pm
Great draft so far! Playmakers at WR and RB and a tackle machine at LB. All great calls by TD
SC Acw
April 30th, 2011
3:55 pm
Man this offense will be potent! Tough assignment for opposing d coordinators.
DLed – any chance this guy returns some kicks?
jerseyfalcon
April 30th, 2011
3:58 pm
Who’s left at lb/de or tight end? I’d still take Virgil Green, if he drops..but i dont know who is left on the de/lb side.
1eyedJack
April 30th, 2011
4:05 pm
Mularkey just added ten new pages to the playbook.
chem
April 30th, 2011
4:07 pm
To whomever mentioned his quickness in the cone drill: Jacquizz Rodgers had the worst time in the cone drill out of any RB at the combine (7.31 seconds). His measurables are pretty bad all around, but he sure did pile up some stats in college.
The Real Falcon
April 30th, 2011
4:08 pm
First pick I am happy with when giving 5 picks for one player is factored in.
The third pick is a joke.
Panicked.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2011
4:09 pm
SC Acw — He didn’t return kicks or punts in college.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2011
4:10 pm
Chem — Thanks for that info on the cone drills.
Ed
April 30th, 2011
4:10 pm
Absolutely love the pick Jacquizz Rodgers brings that much needed quickness and toughness that the Falcons need at running back to complement the power of Michael Turner.
Big Ray
April 30th, 2011
4:14 pm
Jazquizz Rogers….nice pick. We’ve reincarnated Warrick Dunn…he’s gonna be nasty coming out of the backfield to either catch a screen pass or block for one.
Flappin' Falcon
April 30th, 2011
4:25 pm
Quiz is a stud. He carried the load for Oregon St. I was forced to watch almost all the OSU football games because my bro in law is an alum. Don’t doubt his stature, Quiz is Warrick Dunn with speed. Plus he catches the ball out of the backfield all the time. Great pick up!
Kevin
April 30th, 2011
4:35 pm
Falcons fans, you will absolutely love Quizz. He is so fun to watch because he extends plays when most RBs simply fall down, finds the endzone, and is a fierce competitor. Oh yeah, he should have zero recorded fumbles in college as a heavily featured back. The “fumble” on record was a backwards lateral pass that was not a catchable ball.
Beaver Fan
J.J.M.
April 30th, 2011
4:36 pm
did we really just draft a punter
Lank
April 30th, 2011
4:37 pm
I was thinking Virgil Green there. He was projected 3-4.
BirdDog
April 30th, 2011
4:38 pm
If he stays healthy in the NFL like he did in college, he sould be a great addition. Norwood just couldn’t stay on the field. Time to part ways with him, Jenkins and Anderson. Good riddance!
TruthSeeker
April 30th, 2011
4:39 pm
The Falcons drafting a punter is the best news I’ve heard all day. Please let this be the end of the Michael Koenen era.
gcs
April 30th, 2011
4:41 pm
Okay, I have tried to stay positive but COME ON! A punter?! A 5-foot-7 running back and a kicker??
What is going on up in Flowery Branch? GET US SOME DEFENSE!
.
Paddy
April 30th, 2011
4:44 pm
I am sure Norwood had some good runs with the Falcons. I just can’t remember any. Love this RB!!!!!
TruthSeeker
April 30th, 2011
4:44 pm
Rodgers is a good pickup. He’s undersized but he’s not a guy that will be expected to carry the load. Basically, he’ll just be what Jerious Norwood was a few years ago before he went through his bad run of injuries.
You’re not going to fix the defense with late-round picks anyway. We need veteran help, and I’m confident Dimitroff will be able to find it.
dp
April 30th, 2011
4:46 pm
This The END……somebody,please haul Blank and his son out of the draft room, before they start trading away the rest of next yrs picks…………a PUNTER…………Yikes…in the history of Falcons stupid drafts…this 1 takes the cake.
TruthSeeker
April 30th, 2011
4:48 pm
I don’t see why you guys are upset about taking a punter. Many players who get drafted in the 6th round don’t even make it to the NFL, so I don’t mind using the pick on a solid punter. Koenen really hurt us in field position a lot of times last year.
SeenThisB4
April 30th, 2011
4:52 pm
The PAC 10, a double A conference for all practical reasons….all he is, is a camp body. He’ll be driving a Coke truck by the end of September.
chuck
April 30th, 2011
4:56 pm
I have tried; I have really tried to give these clowns the benefit of the doubt. But to draft a punter in the 6th round when there were a couple of TEs and a couple of CBs that could help us still available is the final straw.
These guys don’t have a clue what they are doing. While there was disagreement as to the order, most people would agree that the Falcons needs were DE, WR, OLB, CB, TE, RB, OT, and maybe an OG. With 9 picks, we should have been able to address all 8 positions. OK, we gave up way too much for a WR but let’s move past that for now. Next, we draft an ILB in the 3rd round to play special teams and a damn punter in round 6.
These guys are inept or they have illegally already cut a deal for a free agent DE and CB. I hope for the sake of the long suffering fans of Atlanta that we broke the rules.
UGASlobberknocker
April 30th, 2011
4:58 pm
Why draft defensive players when you know they wont make the team? There were none left by the time Rogers came around..hopefully Rogers can be a Norwood type relief back o rmaybe a return man.
I have to agree questioning the kicker selection as they are a dime a dozen in free agency..but whoever is drafted here is gonna get cut anyway so really you are just drafting bodies for the first three weeks of fall camp and all kickers need some comp. so from that standpoint it isnt that terrible. DL or K or whatever, they will be on the waiver wire after the 2nd pre season game,
bigdave
April 30th, 2011
5:00 pm
Paddy..
off top, against the skins, December 2006
Yo Vince
April 30th, 2011
5:00 pm
CLUELESS Haters. These guys know what their doing. You do not. Shut up please.
Shannyeight
April 30th, 2011
5:04 pm
I like this pick…he reminds me of a “dexter mccluster” type back- can be effective on a screen pass, shifty between the tackles, elusive- a change off pace from running turner or snelling on 3rd down.
fansince74
April 30th, 2011
5:05 pm
I really like the pick of Jacquizz Rodgers. I think he’s exactly what the Falcons needed. Adding him and J. Jones is going to make this offense lethal. The Falcons now have another big time play maker at WR and a really good change of pace RB who is very elusive. If the Falcons Defense can stay some where in the middle of the pack,& with this upgrade on offense I think they will be a serious threat to go to win it all. FYI: forget the GB playoff game. We have a lot of youth on the defense and they are going to get better with experience.
torgo
April 30th, 2011
5:08 pm
Bosher in the sixth wasn’t my favorite choice, but I’ve certainly seen worse from the Falcons.
When Ken Herock was ruining our drafts, he took Appalachian State punter Harold Alexander in the THIRD round in 1993.
dp
April 30th, 2011
5:10 pm
DOL…since most of us give you some credit for appearing to know what they are thinking in Flowery Branch….please, pray tell, what the heck are they thinking. My personal opinion is they got so sidetracted in the 1st round they’ve managed to forget all their pre-draft positions. But that’s just my opinion.
chuck
April 30th, 2011
5:12 pm
Someone please enlighten me. The average career of an NFL player (according to the NFL players association) is 3.5 years. The draft has 7 rounds. The roster is 53 plus a practice squad. Even if the average career was doubled, every draft pick (7 picks X 7 years =49 players) should in theory make the team.
Again, why are we making a joke out of our 6th round pick? Even the announcers on ESPN are laughing at us.
gcs
April 30th, 2011
5:15 pm
Oh, right.
“Players who get drafted in the 6th round don’t even make it to the NFL”.
Players like Tom Brady? Or maybe seventh rounders like Peyton Hillis and Donald Driver?
.
torgo
April 30th, 2011
5:16 pm
“Even the announcers on ESPN are laughing at us.”
Well, that’s pretty strong evidence that we’re having an OUTSTANDING draft.
Freshmaker
April 30th, 2011
5:16 pm
Come on guys it’s not that hard. We can’t sign UDFAs right now because the league year hasn’t started yet, and we really wanted the guy. This likely means the end of Koenen or Bryant, and will save us some cash at that position.
chipontheroadbirdsrus
April 30th, 2011
5:19 pm
TD SCORES A TD SMART GM RECOGNIZE B4 YA;LL R LEFT IN THE DUSTY SUPER-DOME SAINTS BAG-HEADS
chipontheroadbirdsrus
April 30th, 2011
5:25 pm
A TACKLE from Grass valley CA he would have loved J Houston da$%&m Cheifs
gcs
April 30th, 2011
5:26 pm
Jason Snelling & Todd McClure were seventh rounders. You can’t tell me that these late round picks are throwaways.
There are good players out there and the Falcons should not waste picks on a kicker that could probably be signed as a free agent or be picking up a RB when they already have 2 really good ones.
I like Quiz but the Falcons have more pressing needs and there is no guarantee they will sign any FA’s.
Bosher is not even rated as the best punter. He’s 4th.
.
chipontheroadbirdsrus
April 30th, 2011
5:30 pm
maybe Bosher will be john james reincarnate
chuck
April 30th, 2011
5:34 pm
I like the Jackson pick in the 7th round.
reality
April 30th, 2011
5:41 pm
This is a great pick. This kid is a talented player that fills a huge need. We got a guy that will contribute right away in the 5th round. Good luck to Norwood , because he’s going to need it.
W.R.Terrell
April 30th, 2011
5:54 pm
Excellent draft so far. The Julio Jones pick looks like a bigger Roddy White with speed, the ILB Akeem will be a big plus, he’s a playmaker and Jacquiiz will be and should be the 2nd coming of Warrick Dunn with more power. The punter Bosher has some decent credentials and the OG Andrew Jackson may be a keeper. Great draft for Dimitrof again amd when free agency opens up we can look for a talented DE and some serious beef in the middle as in bigazz noseguard. I just love these FALCONS. Now this draft makes the addition of Kerry Meier from last years draft even more explosive. Bye Michael Jenkins, Jerious Norwood and Jamal Anderson I wish ya’ll the best. The FALCONS gonna be a “B” to deal with.
myrak43
April 30th, 2011
5:57 pm
no one we got in the third, 5th, 6th, and 7th round on the Defense side of the ball would have helped us this year anyway. these guys know what they are doing. they will get some help on the defensive side in free agency. calm down.
Falcon lost in Dallas
April 30th, 2011
6:04 pm
For everyone freaking out about the defense on the draft. They obviously have a plan. If there was someone that was there that they thought could be a Immediate playmaker they would have gone after them. There will be a ton of Free agents and we need a established beast at DE. Not a Potentially good DE. We can’t wait for someone to develop at DE. We need immediate help. If you have noticed we really haven’t spent a ton on free agency. One year we got Turner, then we went out and got Robinson. So, this give us opportunity to go out and get another Impact DE. Remember Grimes went to the Probowl.. We will be fine and teams will be so far behind from our offense they will be trying to catch up every game.If we control the ball and our offense is on the field we can go back to the Superbowl. We don’t want Drew breez on the Field, Or Any other Quarterback in our division on the field. We need the offense to control the ball as much as possible..
buttermaker
April 30th, 2011
6:06 pm
falcons can bet this class will do well , this kid rodgers is a player and we will love him on sundays.
Past Falcon Faithfull
April 30th, 2011
6:14 pm
This draft by the Falconsd was an act of desparation and a HUGE gamble. The draft is the source of new life to NFL teams.
By not resisting the urge to panic, we now know that the wisdom of the Patriots is still up North. If we stay healthy, it will be a terrific season. BUT if we have normal injuries this year, this will get ugly quick, and the Dome will be silent again. Here is your roll of the dice, place your bets quickly.
coloradobulldog
April 30th, 2011
6:22 pm
okay here’s where they need to pick a cb to play the nickel & Special teams. About bout Ryan Jones of NW MO State?
Good and bad
April 30th, 2011
6:32 pm
Julio Jones – A
Akeem Dent – C-
Jacquizz Rodgers – B+
Matt Bosher – D
Andrew Jackson – C
Cliff Matthews – B+
A special team LB in the 3rd round and a punter taken are the bad picks.
Julio Jones is a game changer. Jacquizz Rodgers allows us to replace Jerrious Norwood and offers similar dynamic play. Jackson is just depth for the OL, but we could’ve done better at another need spot. I hope that doesn’t mean we’re cutting Tyson Clabo. Cliff Matthews was a steal, though I would’ve preferred Bruce Miller from UCF.
falconsrelax
April 30th, 2011
6:40 pm
@ good and bad You have it about right. Rodgers is my favorite pick. His comparisons were to MJD. Gives up that shifty scat back we’re looking for.
BYRDDAWG
April 30th, 2011
6:41 pm
He had a GREAT college career! GO BIRDS
1eyedJack
April 30th, 2011
6:53 pm
See a lot of criticism for the sixth round pick of a punter Matt Bosher. This kid is a good punter and he could also handle kickoffs and place kicking if needed. His versatility could free up a spot on the practice squad. He was projected as high as the middle of the draft by some so he wasn’t a reach.
Perhaps the best thing is it allows the Falcons to wave bye-bye to Michael Koenen who commands a lot of salary and seems to be possibly on the downside of his career.
My opinion…strictly business.
indianman
April 30th, 2011
6:55 pm
super bowl bound
A greater sense of excitement
April 30th, 2011
7:01 pm
`
Jacquizz Rodgers is another “explosive” player picked by the Falcons.
torgo
April 30th, 2011
7:21 pm
Good and bad = pretty much hit it on the money. I might go with a “B” grade rather than a “C” for the Andrew Jackson pick.
And for anyone in the press or on the internet who fusses that we didn’t add enough to the defense… we used our first round pick on defense in four of the previous five drafts (including trading the first rounder for John Abraham in 2006), our second round pick on defense in four of the previous five drafts, and also five third rounders in the previous five drafts.
Seven of our eight picks in 2009 were on defense, and six of those seven players are still in the organization. We also signed significant free agents on defense in each year of the Smith/Dimitroff regime – including our $50 million man last year.
We can’t put that level of resources into the defense every single year.
AC
April 30th, 2011
7:32 pm
Great post torgo. Most of these clowns upset about our draft really don’t know football. People, please let the past go. Dmitroff has a PLAN – something that us Falcons fans aren’t used to. I swear, Falcons fans are so used to being negative that they don’t realize that we have one of the best run organizations in the NFL. Get a damn clue.
waynester
April 30th, 2011
8:00 pm
We’re trying to get more production from Biermann at LDE by drafting Dent to immediately replace him on STs. He was very close to turning a bunch of his QB pressures into sacks, but it was obvious that he wore down late in the season when we needed the pass rush worst. We had Dent our highest rated ST player on our draft board. How anybody can call getting exactly what you wanted a failure or give it a “D” is nuts….
DirtyDuck
April 30th, 2011
8:01 pm
As a Falcons fan living in Oregon I’m stoked!! Quizz is gonna be the next Warrick Dunn. Great pick!
jerry
April 30th, 2011
8:11 pm
The next Warrick Dunn? Hell, he might be the next Barry Sanders: 5′ 8″, 200lbs.
Dgoldnsilver
April 30th, 2011
8:27 pm
saw him play every home game. kid doesn’t quit so a nickname might be based on the everready bunny. he’ll pop out of a mass of humanity and move the chains when you’re sure the punter is warming up. that fumble was a lateral that could have been called incomplete as he barely touched it and the desert winds were strong. it’s tough to start in osu’s system as a freshman. the ONLY weakness is breakaway speed. he usually got tackled even after he left the safety searching for his jock. his change of direction will astonish you. oh, and watch his wr brother (james) this fall (who switched from jersey #8 to #1) as he does have breakaway speed. BEAVS!
King Tee
April 30th, 2011
8:38 pm
GREAT PICK…..He will turn out to be the steal of the 5th round. I watched this kid play against my Bulldogs….strong runner…don’t let the size full you!!!! He broke quite a few records in Texas football. If you know anything about football…..Texas football is no joke!!!!
murf4hof
April 30th, 2011
10:57 pm
great pickup……… a real stud…….btw… the defense was not as horrible as put on ….one really bad game doesn’t mean we need to only draft D….especially with all of the defensive free agent talent
nick
April 30th, 2011
11:12 pm
Quiz is an absolute beast.. im lucky enough to be a pac 10 fan and had the chance to watch him as much as i could on saturdays, hes been compared to barry sanders by many without the breakaway speed, reminds me of maurice jones drew though.. great pickup by the falcons!!
nick
April 30th, 2011
11:18 pm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/61633-is-oregon-states-jacquizz-rodgers-the-next-barry-sanders
Nativebird
April 30th, 2011
11:21 pm
4.59 is not exactly “explosive”. short and slow does not make a good NFL running back.
Jordan
April 30th, 2011
11:25 pm
http://isportsweb.com/2011/04/30/review-of-atlanta-falcons-draft/
Mr Charlie
April 30th, 2011
11:42 pm
Short and slow does not make a good NFL back, but ones with great vision and hands usually do…Did’nt Emmit Smith run the 4.6 range? How do you explain that one?
OtterBjoyful
May 1st, 2011
12:02 am
Look, the guy scored 51 TD’s in 3 years in the Pac-10. You can think what you want about Pac-10 defenses, Falcons got the steal of the draft.
WTF?
May 1st, 2011
12:12 am
anything is better than michael the worm burrner. maybe atlanta finally realizes turner isn’t all that and never will be. We shall call turner Mr. choke on the big games
Leo M
May 1st, 2011
12:55 am
Fantastic pick! Saw him play often in college. Extremely quick, elusive, doesn’t fumble, can catch the ball, can block on pass rush, doesn’t quit on plays, and most impressively, he MOVES the pile like you wouldn’t believe! Check out some highlights, or track down that USC game from when they were No. 1, his strength and leverage are astonishing. As a small, quick guy who will get lost behind O-line and as a pass receiver we couldn’t have done better. Helluva pick.
KQuark
May 1st, 2011
2:12 am
Spouting 40 speeds means nothing with a player as quick, elusive and surprisingly as powerful as this as this. He’s a steal for a 5th rounder and is closer to MJD than Dunn. Norwood had all the foot speed in the world and could never stay healthy. Rogers may not get you a TD as much as Norwood did but his quickness and overall ability will get the Falcons the 3rd downs out of the backfield they need. Leave the big plays up to Jones.
Falcons 4 Real
May 1st, 2011
7:59 am
Helluva pick indeed. I nearly jumped through the ceiling when we made the pick. Great job by TD to move up and get him.
SAINTS LSU
May 1st, 2011
8:01 am
Great Draft guys Saints, Bucs, Falcons & Panthers Geaux Saints its gonna be a great year
Falcons 4 Real
May 1st, 2011
8:04 am
As for the concerns about his 40 time remember Barry Sanders, Emmit Smith and Jerry Rice had slow 40 times too. Last time I saw they were all still in the Hall of Fame.
Falcons 4 Real
May 1st, 2011
8:13 am
Thanks Saints/LSU, good draft to you too, Ingram was a great move and well worth it. Bucs had a fantastic draft on paper, not real happy about that. I’ll disagree about the Panthers though, I think they’ve totally blown it on quarterback for a second straight year. First time I’ve seen that happen. ,
Buck
May 1st, 2011
9:20 am
He11 Yeah!!! This guy is gonna be the next Warrick Dunn….(and that is a supreme compliment) Moves my draft grade for the birds from B to A-.
marcus
May 1st, 2011
9:21 am
this may be a good value, but did the falcons have to give up so much to get julio jones? what ever happened to the wide receiver from oklahoma who made the gandland video, which led to his dismissal from the football team? he was comparable to jones in size, speed and ranking coming out of high school.
Larry
May 1st, 2011
10:13 am
GREAT DRAFT for the Birds……. I. Our defense he not that bad, they are getting better. Everyone wants to point to the Playoff loss but the defense help beat the Packers earlier in the year…… Rodgers had the game of his life and that is why we lost. 2. With the pickup of Jones and Rodgers are offense got some MUCH needed pieces……but give it some time, remember Roddy struggle early on. 3. Everyone is assuming Jenkins and Norwood are gone, while I agree with Norwood, Jenkins should be moved to the slot as Douglas has also been a ( like Norwood ) disappointment. Can you see our red zone offense with Roddy, Jones, Jenkins, Gonzo and Turner……WOW, who are u gonna defend….. no more doubling Roddy and or Gonzo or always stacking the box on Turner. ANYONE can score plus and MOST important with these pickups I think you add years to Gonzo and Turner as they will not be lean on as much. 4. Just like a great defense helps an offense well a great offense will help the defense…… CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!
Mr Charlie
May 1st, 2011
10:37 am
What I like most about Quizz is his pass catching ability, and how me makes people miss. They is just a producer, a football player.
Mr Charlie
May 1st, 2011
10:38 am
Norwood will get cut, Jenkins will be traded for a much needed draft pick.
chc4
May 1st, 2011
10:50 am
Everyone freaking out about the D need to take a step back. Roddgers was unconscious in the playoffs. When we played GB just before T’giving it was a different story. The Saints O didn’t shred us. We’ll be fine. If Julio pans out no one will remember all the picks we gave up b/c our O will be elite… as in Green Bay elite but with a running game.
YoDog
May 1st, 2011
11:17 am
We’ll have to see how J.Rodgers performs in the NFL. A small and relatively slow RB for the NFL, it’s no wonder he was available. Why we picked him up when we need a really good prospect at this position is unclear. Here’s hoping for the best and perhaps a good acquisition subsequently in Free Agency. We were hurting visibly at this position last season with Turner frustratingly on again off again in his speed, focus, and ability to hold on to the ball. I agree we need quickness in the backfield and prefer that over speed at the RB position. Good move from that perspective. Blocking? At 5′6″ and under 200lbs I don’t think that will be much of a match up in the NFL.
Righteous
May 1st, 2011
11:38 am
D Led, can you ask your IT people if they can do the comments similar to how facebook does it ( so that when you reply to someone it falls right under their comment)?
Mustang62
May 1st, 2011
2:09 pm
Watching Quizz since high school and thru college I can tell you this I have become an Atlanta Falcon fan even though I am and will always be a true blue Cowboys fan!! Great pick Atlanta
Quizz Fan
May 1st, 2011
5:50 pm
I am a HUGE Quizz fan! Have watched him throughout his high school and college career. He is an amazing play maker! You should take a look at his high school state play-off wins (both semi and championship games). He played every down (offense and defense) in the championship game! I really couldn’t believe he didn’t get picked up before the 5th round. The Falcons GM is to be commended for recognizing the potential in Quizz. I am now a Falcon fan!! Can’t wait to purchase a Falcon’s Quizz jersey and to watch Quizz play in the NFL!!
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
May 1st, 2011
9:26 pm
I happened to be channel surfing this past football season and by accident stopped on several Oregon State games, I was amazed at Rogers’ speed and his ability to run through defenses being such a small guy in stature.
I am excited about having him in the backfield this coming season. With Rogers on the team, hopefully they can trade Norwood for additional help on defense. Maybe he can stay healthy long enough for a trade to happen.
PlanB
May 1st, 2011
9:29 pm
Righteous – yes, and thumbs up and down.
Quizz on screen plays. Many of you have forgotten that we don’t run them. Not sure why.
This draft again is a wait and see. We still need that FA DE. Would be icing to get a CB but please keep Grimes. We went thru his training yrs. Don’t let him go now that he is trained. You will regret it.
If anything happens to let Kerry Meier get away, we will regret that too.
Matt
May 2nd, 2011
8:57 am
4.59 40??????? Really???? That’s linebacker speed.
D. wil
May 2nd, 2011
9:14 am
Coached Quizz in high school. You guys will fall in love with him. Great work habits that will rub off on everyone. I just became a Texas Falcon
NFL Draft rundown: Casey Matthews, Jacquizz Rodgers have lots to prove (Paea … @ Fantasy Football Wisdom
May 2nd, 2011
12:13 pm
[...] Falcons select RB Jacquizz Rodgers in the 5th round. [...]
slim
May 2nd, 2011
12:41 pm
This Guy isn’t warrick dunn fools warrick didn’t run over people Jaquizz does go watch the tape that’s all this guy is very strong quick fast don’t go by his combine he plays bigger than his size indicates i compare him to a miniature adrian peterson Murlakey please don’t screw this up now lets Go Get Mr 3-3-5 nickel package more defensive help a proven corner and defensive lineman.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & TIred
May 2nd, 2011
1:16 pm
I agree with most folks that Rogers is a good pick for the team. However, with that said….
I’m still not convenienced that Mike Mularkey understands how to best utilize the offensive talent he has on the team. I was so hoping that he would be gone to another team this year but since that did not happen, I can only hope that he does a better job of coming up with a strategy based on the players that he has to work with when designing the offensive plays.
warfalcon
May 2nd, 2011
2:11 pm
Good pick,hey nativebird you are not a nativebird because if you were you would love the winning team we have today,also I know you have never played football not even little league because if you had you would know the little guys are always in the end zone.will be looking for your comments during the season.I am a Grady Baby that make me Native.All nay sayers good bye.
iceBIRDcold11
May 2nd, 2011
3:18 pm
He is going to be a game changer. The Falcons were always looking at these quick type of backs run by them now we get to return the favor with pizzazz.
This cat will change how the gameplan will look on Sunday…………………love it……………….IBC11
John
May 2nd, 2011
5:06 pm
OSU alum here, enjoy watching him. He is a monster for his size. check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX6ofXkoHII
BAMA CHIK
May 3rd, 2011
12:58 pm
Glad to have u in the A!!! Im excited to see what the Falcons can do next season((hopefully we’ll have one)),,,but i’m fully behind my team, and support all the draft day decisions they made…Thomas D is a hell of a GM and has not steered us wrong yet…GO FALCONS!!!