The Godfather blesses the trade, pick of Julio Jones
Gil Brandt, the Godfather of the NFL, at the NFL scouting combine. He spent time with Julio Jones in New York and came away impressed with the young man. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/AJC)
BIRDLAND – I checked in with the Godfather of Football, the legendary Gil Brandt on Sunday afternoon for a story on the trade to get Jones.
Brandt is in charge of the green room at the draft. He helps to coordinator the players the league invites to the function.
He had a really cool story to report about Julio Jones.
“Jones is a quality, high-character person,” Brandt said. “To show you just what I mean about the kid, he sat in the back room with the running back (Mark Ingram) until he got drafted. Now, most guys get drafted, they do their (media) duties and they want to run to the party. This guy sat back there all that time until Ingram got drafted.”
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)
Brandt spent three days with Jones.
“The guy has got a great demeanor,” Brandt said. “The players all love him. We had the guys and when you have them for three days, you get a pretty good feel for them. The guy was always ahead of time. If he was supposed to be some place at 1 p.m. he was there at a quarter til 1. . .
“I think you see what kind of a good guy he is. When he had the same injury that (Michael) Crabtree had and he completed his workout [at the NFL scouting combine]. He ran a [4.34] and had a 40-inch vertical and so forth.
“I’ll tell you what, if you want to look at him, look at what he did against supposedly the best player in the draft [Patrick] Peterson. He caught nine passes for Alabama against LSU. I don’t see any holes in this guy at all.”
Brandt believes the Falcons must be comfortable with the starting defensive ends they have or they’ll address the position in free agency.
“You just hope the kid from Montana [Kroy Biermann] plays a little bit better,” Brandt said. “The one surprise was that they drafted the middle linebacker (Akeem Dent). That was kind of a surprise to me because I thought their middle linebacker played pretty darn good.”
Brandt, the former personnel executive with the Dallas Cowboys, is impressed with how the Falcons have turned things around in recent years.
“[Head coach Mike] Smith is really, really good,” Brandt said. “They made a great move with him. They made a great move with the GM [Thomas Dimitroff.] Their scouting department is very efficient. Everybody says they gave up too much, but I disagree with that. You can recoup that choice like nothing.”
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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78 comments Add your comment
Rhino
May 2nd, 2011
11:29 am
First
SimpleDawg
May 2nd, 2011
11:32 am
Gil Brandt is still The Man.
I like what I hear about Julio, but I still would not have traded so many high picks for him.
Maybe that’s why I’m here, and TD is where he is.
dean
May 2nd, 2011
11:43 am
So, there you have it.
jp
May 2nd, 2011
11:45 am
at least someone outside of Atlanta and its fans likes this trade. It seems every reporter out there wants to poke holes in the Falcons strategy. You should’ve heard Doug Gotlieb on the dan patrick show
BirdFanscout
May 2nd, 2011
11:45 am
I had been saying all along that they need to draft speed, speed , and more speed. We will score fast and frequently with our new additions.
Trust me when I say our defense will look better when we score at will. I used the GB analogy before. No one was talking about GB defense till they got healthy on offense. Their defense did not look as good during the season when we played them and beat them.
Yes our defense could not force a punt during the playoffs but that was because they scored fast and had us running around chasing our tails. Our defense was tired because we could not score enough, field goals were not gonna do it.
Now we can score and cut up the other teams playbook. I like the JJ pick.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 2nd, 2011
11:49 am
I think I can take Doug Gottlieb off the dribble still. I know I can beat him in H-O-R-S-E!
ATL_98
May 2nd, 2011
11:50 am
TD and mike smith have made great moves for 3 years. This year isnt any different, the falcons needed speed and thats just what they got. Look for us to get Charles johnson from carolina in FA. The guy is a GA natuve and will fit nicely into our system. Falcons are going all the way!
opie
May 2nd, 2011
11:52 am
D-Led, I hated the pick initially because Mike Jenkins is similar to Jones. I would suggest the Falcons not trade Jenkins and convert him to Tight End. He is 6′4 and better suited to play inside. He is a reliable receiver without elite speed. He is faster than Gonzalez and he is under contract for two more years. Linebackers can not cover jenkins. He is too big. This move would eliminiate the need to find Tony Gonzalez successor through draft picks.
If the Falcons truly want to be explosive on offense they need to consider Mike Jenkins at TE when Gonzalex retires and sub packages this season. Imagine White and Jones WR, Jenkins Slot and Gonzales TE with Turner and Ovie in the backfield or White and Jones WR, Douglass Slot and Jenkins TE. Total mismatch with Linebacker.
Rikus
May 2nd, 2011
11:57 am
Draft grades the day after the draft, while amusing, are utterly useless. Gil’s assessment is more on-target. I applaud the boldness that our front office has demonstrated here.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 2nd, 2011
11:58 am
Falcons Jersey numbers for the draft picks — 11 Julio Jones. 43 Akeem Dent. 22 Jacquizz Rodgers. 5 Matt Bosher. 69 Andrew Jackson. 93 Cliff Matthews.
falconsam
May 2nd, 2011
12:01 pm
BirdFanscout, fantastic deduction. I believe a potent offense always improves the defense. Our D is young and aggressive, looking to get better this year.
Football Ken
May 2nd, 2011
12:12 pm
D.Orlando,
We Falcons fans will cherish this pick in the future, this kid(Jones) will be special. But I see Dent playing the Strong side LB, I think he replaces Peterson by mid -year…and thank God Dimitroff and crew can see through the facade that is Micheal “tip-toe” Turner. Quizz Rodgers mite not be the every down guy, but at least i think they see wht I see too. Wht u think?
BigTimeTECHFan
May 2nd, 2011
12:12 pm
opie – Nice call on Jenkins, let him add 15 lbs and he would be very nice TE.
Falcons can easily make up a couple of 4th round picks by signing your average F/A.
Falcons can make up the 1st round pick by going out a getting a top tier F/A, say like Chicago did with Petters.
In the end they gave up little to move up and pick Jones, the gave up the value of owning the picks which could have been used later to make other moves for this year or next years draft, but at some point you have to cash in on that value. Example if Ryan gets hurt, now that don’t have the value of the first round pick next year or 4th round pick to work deal to move up to draft Andrew Luck. But they could still sign a FA QB.
Falcon Devil
May 2nd, 2011
12:22 pm
Jacquizz Rodgers will be the steal of this draft!
1eyedJack
May 2nd, 2011
12:57 pm
Do you know if Andrew Jackson requested #69 or was it assigned?
Chuck
May 2nd, 2011
1:13 pm
Nice picture of Julio blacking out Sanford. I left that game in disgust shortly thereafter. He’s a playmaker. Him and White are going to challenge a lot of defenses.
Old Flatulent Dawg
May 2nd, 2011
1:58 pm
DOL……if the Falcons believed they needed a punter so bad, how come they didn’t draft the nations best in Chaz Henry instead of the number 3 at punter position?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 2nd, 2011
2:03 pm
Old Flatulent Dawg – Their guy was their No. 1 rated punter/kicker. He can punt and handle kickoffs like Koenen.
Mike Jay
May 2nd, 2011
2:08 pm
Jenkins a TE? HAHA I just spit coke all over my laptop. 15 more lbs? Try about 30 and then spend about 4 years teaching him how to block coming out of 3 -4 point stance. LOL that is priceless.
BornADawg
May 2nd, 2011
2:12 pm
Ask yourself this question, all you people who think so lowly of getting this kid? Would you rather have Julio on your team with Roddy White or playing against him? Myself, I think this was a great move that will benefit this team for many years to come.
Barry
May 2nd, 2011
2:25 pm
HEY Y’aall:
This is going to be a “POWER BLAST”, FUN SEASON!!!!!! “ONE HEARTBEAT,BABY!!” “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!” CAN YOU HEAR THE BEAT??!! THUMPPPP!!! IT’S GETTING LOUDER!!!!!!!! THUMPP!!!! THUMPP!!!!……..THUMPP!!!!!!!!!!!!…..
GO FALCONS!!!!!! THE “PROCESS” CONTINUES!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!
……………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!”………………..
Dink
May 2nd, 2011
2:47 pm
From what I understand, Julio was one of very few Tide players that stayed in the hotel while the vast majority of his teammates were out partying before the Sugar Bowl game vs. Utah. The young man has his head on right.
Bsg3003
May 2nd, 2011
2:59 pm
Julio sounds like the model of a falcons player. Tough, loves to block, initiates contact, big, fast, and a team player… As a falcon fan, what else could you want???
JB
May 2nd, 2011
3:01 pm
I’m not opposed to the Jones pick. He sounds like he has both talent and good character. I just ask how do we stop GreenBay?
iceBIRDcold11
May 2nd, 2011
3:20 pm
JB you don’t stop Green Bay you outscore them………………………….Hence this draft……………………IBC11
Roscoe
May 2nd, 2011
3:55 pm
they did not draft Julio to be their #2 receiver. When Roddy has a couple of more years and is a step slower. guess who the # 1 is going to be.
wdwj
May 2nd, 2011
3:56 pm
Love the Deal..Jones is Special but wait till you see Jacquizz Rodgers run the ball. That was a steal. What he don’t have in height he makes run for with smarts, speed, cuts and Heart! Love both Jones & Jacquizz…Go Falcons. Now get a good DE in free agent.
chipontheroadbirdsrus
May 2nd, 2011
4:03 pm
word icebird
wdwj
May 2nd, 2011
4:04 pm
Thanks big D for all the good info……..
Mystikal
May 2nd, 2011
4:05 pm
Hey DL,
Know it’s a long shot, but any guess of what undrafted players we might be looking at whenever the lockout ends?
FalconsFan284
May 2nd, 2011
4:06 pm
I like the Dent pick because it gives the Falcons the flexability to move Lofton to the weak side and use Dent on rushing downs. Solid draft from top to bottom.
BigGA_BirdDawgFan
May 2nd, 2011
4:20 pm
jp, Those talking head morons never give any respect to an Atlanta team. Screw them! This trade was made willingly by guys who are much smarter than them. Personally I cannot wait to see Julio in action in a Falcons jersey.
wdwj, I think you are right Rodgers was a steal–I;m looking forward to seeing him cross the line. Not the fastest guy to hit the field but he cuts and moves like a gazell running from a lion.
JB, I think the answer to Green Bay will be partially found in free agency when that finally happens. I’m sure Arthur Blank knew he would have to get the checkbook out for the free agency market when they were trading for Julio rather than taking a DE as everyone expected.
I am glad to see Akeem Dent staying close to home. I’m sure he will develop into a first class NFL LB.
ET
May 2nd, 2011
4:28 pm
If Jones turns out to be the horse that I think he will be, then these pundits who are saying Atlanta paid too high a price will have to eat their words…again. The great thing about Mel Kipper and his ilk is that they don’t have to go to war with their picks or their mistakes. They trash a pick in the draft and 3 years later when the draftee makes the pro-bowl no one remembers what Mel & his minions said at draft time.
Mr. Don Leeburn
May 2nd, 2011
4:31 pm
How dare you confer my title “Godfather” on Gil Brandt.
And, watch what you write about MY athlectic association in the Classic City.
JuneBaby
May 2nd, 2011
4:55 pm
Julio Jones was the right pick but it won’t make a bit of difference when you don’t have a qb who can get him the ball. 40 yards is not a deep pass.
Bugman
May 2nd, 2011
5:38 pm
My Mom always told me not to wish my life away, but I can’t wait until next season!
robert
May 2nd, 2011
5:50 pm
i see aj green choose the number 18 for the bengals. he hasn’t said this but im guessing that is because he wore 1 in high school at summerville, and 8 at georgia. now 18 (both) for the nfl
PaulieOldSchool
May 2nd, 2011
5:58 pm
You know what? We go further than we did last year, which you got to admit is possible, the draft pick situation is completely forgotten. We do some horse-trading for some D players, we gonna be set just fine. Mr. Jones sounds like a quality addition to our program, on and off the field. Welcome to the ATL, Julio! RISE UP, FALCONS!
Larry
May 2nd, 2011
6:06 pm
robert,
Who cares?
I’m a Dawg fan but Green is a Bengal and this blog is about Jones and the Falcons.
Good and bad
May 2nd, 2011
6:28 pm
We had some great picks in Julio and Quizz.
We had some bad picks in the special team LB with limited upside Dent, and P Matt Bosher.
We had some value picks for depth with Jackson and Cliff Matthews.
I give the draft a B. A on offense, but a C on defense.
As long as we go for a DE in free agency, possibly a CB and trade Harry Douglas or Norwood for a 4th/5th next year….we’ve done well.
Nookah
May 2nd, 2011
6:30 pm
DLed, thanks for the information.
Folks the truth is it does not matter what the so-called experts say about the trade, that is their opinion which they are all entitled to. It won’t mean jack anyway when Julio is in the red zone!!
The other thing is if New England ever did something like this, ESPN and all the talking heads would be lauding the genius of the Patriots’ brass. Anyway it is what it is, no need to concern ourselves about what they say.
Go Falcons!!!
myrak43
May 2nd, 2011
6:39 pm
40 yards is deep enough. besides most deep passes come from the run after the catch. and Julio and Roddy are both good at that.
Blake
May 2nd, 2011
7:00 pm
DOL,
What do you think the Falcons are going to do when/if free agency rolls around? I think they are happy with Kroy’s production. He’s only in his 3rd year. What about a solid corner or a linebacker? Akeem is an athlete, but does the front office expect him to play OLB?
realitycheck
May 2nd, 2011
7:11 pm
I guess that Green Bay debacle was the major cause for the Falcons hitting that panic button with this trade for Julio. I agree that this was Blank’s decision rather than Dimitroff’s, because Dimitroff knows better than to mortgage like this. I can guarantee that none of the Falcons rivals are boo-hoo-ing over this five for one disaster. And how did that so-so defense get any better? Well, at least the Falcons can fix that defense with all of those draft picks they’ve stockpiled for the future. LOL! I wouldn’t be surprised if this trade becomes the springboard for a free fall for the Falcons. Time will tell ,but that free fall may have already begun when the Packers blew the lights out on the Georgia Dome scoreboard. When the time comes to place blame, it should be placed 100% on Blank!
StatMan
May 2nd, 2011
7:32 pm
Stop your whining wimps. The Falcons had the best record in the NFC. They’ll handle Green Bay. Believe it candy ass.
Nookah
May 2nd, 2011
7:42 pm
So I guess the Falcons decided they join the other 2 franchises of ATL and have their own JJ. After all the Braves and the Hawks have their own.
This brings me to my question, are the Thrashers a franchise?
Go Falcons!!!
Nookah
May 2nd, 2011
7:43 pm
StatMan, you the man!!!
nyamouth
May 2nd, 2011
7:43 pm
as long as we get rid of norwood….and as long as finnerman is gone….free up that money…matter of fact trade both of them for a DE.
nyamouth
May 2nd, 2011
7:44 pm
reality check you will see. you sound like a punk azz….new orleans stanks fan…shouldnt you be partying up in the gay district of bourbon street right now…
JWill
May 2nd, 2011
8:05 pm
SN: the trade up wasn’t FOR julio jones. It was for an explosive player that included Patrick Peterson, AJ Green and Julio…Julio just so happened to be the player left of the three. Either way it would have gone one of those guys would have been a falcon and I personally like the trade… A great defense is a great offense and adding julio opens up roddy on the edge, tony g in the middle, and lanes for m. turner….looking forward to a super bowl run
LEEEEHHHHHGOOO Falcons!!!!!
SeenThisB4
May 2nd, 2011
8:14 pm
The Saints ARE going to ride roughshod over that slow and gutless falcan’t defense! The New Orleans Saints will RULE the NFC South Division once again.
hiramsaint
May 2nd, 2011
8:28 pm
nymouth- you sound like of man of experience in that dept. i mean you certainly seem to know where to go! well have fun just try to keep it to yourself- this is a football blog
DrJ
May 2nd, 2011
8:56 pm
The Saints will be loaded, but Brees was coming unglued with a relentless pass rush, but only as long as we could maintain it. And what about our pass rush?
Abraham is our slowing Zen Master. Kroy stirs up a lot of dust, but what is is sack count? We must not forget the third problem, the lack of a big push up the middle, which was a big defect in the Packers blowout. Come on FA!
The Faithful
May 2nd, 2011
9:25 pm
The New Nickname for Jacquizz is
“The Quiz”
Cause he is leaving the other team guessing where he went.
SeenThisB4
May 2nd, 2011
9:50 pm
@DrJ: Yeah, Brees was coming unglued,….. to the tune of almost 400 yards total yardage, 300 in the air,,…yeah that relentless pass rush was smothering! LOL!
hiramsaint
May 2nd, 2011
10:03 pm
unglued dropped him to the 3rd best qb in the nfl.- the quizz will be wondering what he did wrong in life to get saddled with the failcans!
Jeffer
May 2nd, 2011
10:34 pm
If Green and Jones were still available what would TD have done?
Jeffer
May 2nd, 2011
10:43 pm
Enter your comments here Add peterson to that question.
Jeffer
May 2nd, 2011
10:45 pm
this is new for me. Quess everbody went to bed.
hbcuclassics
May 2nd, 2011
10:46 pm
HBCU 2011 Draft Picks
1. Kenrick Ellis, 6′5, 330, DT Hampton Jets
2. Johnny Culbreath 6′5, 315 OT SC State Lions
3. Frank Kearse 6′4, 302 DT AlaAM Dolphins
4. Curtis Holcomb 6′1, 196 CB FAMU 49ers
5. Cecil Newton, Jr. 6′4 302 C TN St Colonials
http://www.hbcuclassics.com
wdwj
May 2nd, 2011
10:52 pm
jeffer there’s no way to tell. TD did ask about Green but said they wanted more and backed out on Falcons….I’m glad we got Jones. I like his record at Ala and his work habits. Time will tell but I hope both has great careers . Falcon will come out ok.
Falcon Fan
May 2nd, 2011
11:35 pm
I swear Atlanta has the worst fans in the league. All these people who sit up in these blogs and rag Matt Ryan will be on his nuts when he wins a Super Bowl like they never said anything.
Falcon Fan
May 2nd, 2011
11:36 pm
Oh and by the way, the 9 receptions against Peterson was pretty impressive, I forgot all about it.
MaxxFalcon
May 3rd, 2011
12:07 am
See, I respect Gil Brandt. If he had bagged on the trade, I would have had to respect that opinion. So, pretty much the complete opposite of Kiper and Mcshay. Love the trade, Love Julio, our Offense will be very tough to stop. Pick your poison!
bcinbuford
May 3rd, 2011
12:30 am
I think this should turn out to be a wise move if…we decide to call some explosive plays. Hopefully the OC will do it this year, or back off and let MR call the shots.
SawThat1nce
May 3rd, 2011
1:09 am
Mike Smith had a leash on the OC, last seasson.
Smith likes conservative.
But, I don’t see how he is going to be able, to keep from opening up the O, the next season that they play. I hope they can keep a strong Oline intact.
Can that running back they drated, catch a football?
moe
May 3rd, 2011
2:03 am
HERE WE GO,LETS US SEE HOW GOOD NEXT YEAR CB WILL BE . WILL EVERY TEAM IN THE NFC SOUTH BE LOOK TO UPGRADE ON THEM CB BY THE LOOKS OF IT ALL 3 TEAM WILL NEED TO PICK UP 1ST RD CB IF THEY CANT THEY MIGHT NEED AND LB GET PAIL MORE THAN MOST RB CB GET PAID MORE THAN WR . THE COLTS DID THE SAME THING WHEN THEY DRAFTED P. MANNIE ALL AFC SOUTH TEAM GO TO PICK GETTING CB, LB, DE , JUST TO STOP HEM BUT THEY NEVER DO YOU SEE ATL THAT WHY THEY DID THIS TRADE . NOW THE NEEEWWW STANDER IN THE NFL WILL BE THE ATL. NO ONE WILL THEN DRAFT OFF. LINE OR RB ,WR TE THEY WIIL FALL DO TO THE FALCONS CAUSE EVERYONE WILL TRY TO GET THAT DL MAN OR THAT CB TO STOP MY FALCON . SO STOP AND LOOK SMELL WHAT THE ATL IS COOKEN
GHunt
May 3rd, 2011
2:54 am
Brandt is a great evauator of talent. However, I would not have made the trade. I have no doubt that Julio will be an all pro receiver. But, take a look at what we could have had by staying at 27th. Cam Heyward or Akeem Ayers. At 59th we could have had our choice between Randall Cobb, Torrey Smith, Demarco Murray, Jerrell Jernigan or Justin Houston. At 91 Clint Boling was there. At 124, Akeem Dent or DJ Williams was there for the taking. Throw in the fact that we would still have our #1 and #4 next year.
I do not believe that Julio gives us our best move. I believe that Dimitroff realize that we made a good move with Julio, but we miss a better opportunity when we made the trade.
jj
May 3rd, 2011
3:09 am
I was wondering where our wr that we drafted from Kansas fit in?I see him as a player ike Nelson that GB used as their 3rd reciever last year.I like what TD is cooking and I don’t see where #12 fit in.Matt will have a lot of toys to play with next yeay and I hope our OC can put it together.Oh by the way,how is Kerry progressing?
JONESBORO SLIM
May 3rd, 2011
1:56 pm
Well I’m glad to see that you naysayers have had time to catch their breaths and settled down and excepted the draft choices our brain trust have made over the weekend..for those of us who fell in love with the Jones pick knew that our team will be putting fear into opponents…personnally I like the ideal of the TD and company looking to FA for a DE…and finally I think that Arthur told TD do what ever it would take to “GETTERDONE”…”See you on the hill”
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May 3rd, 2011
2:32 pm
[...] MSF podcast guest and certified NFL legend Gil Brandt thinks the Falcons trading up to get Julio Jones was a smart move. Okay, I’m sold [...]
Buddy
May 3rd, 2011
3:47 pm
Ghunt, that wasn’t a very strong case you made. Just about everyone you named was slow or undersized. It’s not about quantity, but QUALITY!
marcus
May 3rd, 2011
4:13 pm
well guys i think franks will be the nickle back this year i said mid season last season jones is the best fit for the falcons and rodgers now i say they get ray edwards and undrafted the linebacker from boston college herzlich rutgers fegeled DB and safety mcdaniel from clemson and for u guys worried about QB devlin from delaware
Brain Trust
May 3rd, 2011
8:56 pm
Actually , I didn’t know what in the world I was doing. The next 2 seasons will prove what a tard I really am !
Mike is back
May 3rd, 2011
10:02 pm
DLed, great stuff on Julio…I don’t need any more convincing…I love the bold move by TD…from the out set…it leave no doubt that the Falcon organization is committed to winning a championship.
It’s amazing what TD accomplish in the draft. It want be fully appreciated until you see it on the field…Jones and Rogers will allow the Birds to open up the offense…that will directly benefit the Defense…they will be able to play way more aggressive.
IT’S GONNA BE A MONSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Long live TD.looooooooool
GHunt
May 3rd, 2011
10:33 pm
Buddy, who is the slow one among Jernigan, Murray, Cobb, Heyward and Williams? All of these players were highly regarded by Dimitroff.
Julio will be a great player for us. There is little or no doubt about Julio’s potential, however, I still believe we would have achieved better results if we had stayed pat.
Quincy Q
May 4th, 2011
7:54 pm
The Falcons scout don’t know what they are doing because if they did they would be able to sign more undrafted free agents look at NO they have a couple of good free agents.
Quincy Q
May 4th, 2011
7:56 pm
Thomas Dimitroff was also apart of the Detroit Lions Scout team when they were making all those bad picks and losing all those games.