Falcons add Ewing, Massaquoi, Mitchell and Robertson
Former Troy defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi (above in the 2010 New Orleans Bowl, AP photo) declared for the NFL Draft as a junior. He played at Central Gwinnett High School.
FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons selected Wisconsin fullback Bradie Ewing and Troy defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi in the fifth round of the NFL draft on Saturday.
They picked Mississippi State safety Charles Mitchell in the sixth round and added South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson in the seventh round.
Ewing is 5-11 3/4 and 239 pounds. The former walk-on was a team captain for the Badgers.
Massaquoi, who played at Central Gwinnett High, is a cousin of former Georgia wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi and NFL tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings.
Ewing was considered a priority free agent by Pro Football Weekly. Massaquoi was projected to go in the fourth or fifth round.
Wisconsin's Bradie Ewing, center, celebrates after catching a bad punt and making a turnover during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Here’s the PFW report on Ewing. Negative: “Athletic ability and size are just adequate. Has short arms and lacks bulk strength — repped 225 pounds only 14 times at the combine. Stiff movement. Does not explode through his hips and drive defenders out of the hole. Struggles to sustain.” Positive: “Large hands. Pops out of his stance. Displays nice knee bend and body control to coordinate blocking fits. Is able to get his head around as as short receiver and shows decent hands . . . Has special teams experience.”
Massaquoi, who moved to the United States from Liberia when he was six months old, played for Bradley Warren at Central Gwinnett.
He committed to Troy coming out of high school, but started his career at Butler Community College in Kansas. He played there for a year before honoring his
Mississippi State defensive back Charles Mitchell lines up blockers Corey Broomfield (left) and Chris White after intercepting a fourth-quarter Ole Miss pass. (Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press)
commitement to Troy.
“He’s another guy coming out of a Troy program that has been quietly supplying the NFL with good players over the past several years,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said. “Massaquoi was a good, solid player at Troy for two years.”
Massaquoi ran the 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds at the scouting combine, had a 33 1/2 inch vertical jump and lifted 225 pounds 20 times.
“Troy is a building program,” Massaquoi said. “We had five straight conference championships. We went for our sixth one this year, but fell short. With Troy producing defensive ends like Osi Umenyiora and DeMarcus Ware, hopefully I can be put into that conversation and follow their tradition.”
South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson (42) watches as a teammate goes through drills at the Gamecocks' first spring NCAA college football practice on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in Columbia, S.C. (Associated Press)
Mitchell played in 50 games and made 38 starts for the Bulldogs.
He was a hard hitter with 188 tackles and four career interceptions. He played as a freshmen after being named Mississippi’s Gatorade player of the year.
“Mitchell is an athletic kid with good range in the secondary,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said. “He has just average speed, but very impressive leaping ability, and he can play either free or strong safety. … He will be a borderline starter in the NFL. … He’ll also be an asset on special teams.”
He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds at Mississippi State’s Pro Day. He lifted 225 pounds, 19 times and had a 37-inch vertical jump at the scouting combine. He was a team captain.
Robertson started all 14 games in 2010 after his 2009 season was cut short by injury. He finished with 42 tackles, 10 tackles for losses and four sacks.
He started all 13 games for the Gamecocks last season and had 49 tackles and a blocked a kick. He was a team captain.
Robertson has earned his degree in criminal justice. Overall, he started 32 of 56 games he played in at South Carolina. He was rated as the 25th-best defensive tackle in the draft by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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267 comments Add your comment
Bobby
April 28th, 2012
4:01 pm
I agree STRONGLY with Mike in TX… That being said I was hoping we traded our picks to get loaded for next year. I do understand that Smitty is on the hot seat. Let’s be realistic here WE’RE NOT READY for the GB, NO, NE, and NYG, as of TODAY… Couple more pieces in the next couple of weeks or months, maybe….
AC
April 28th, 2012
4:07 pm
Reading this blog is a consistent reminder of how “fans” truly don’t know football.
JB
April 28th, 2012
4:08 pm
Sometimes the diamonds in the rough turn out to be all pro’s. It’s called wanting it more.
FalconFreak
April 28th, 2012
4:13 pm
???????
Falcon Jim
April 28th, 2012
4:13 pm
My late Father was President of the Atlanta Optimist Club years ago. Ironically, he was the biggest PESSIMIST when it came to Atlanta sports. He would have fit-in on this blog just fine.
Carini
April 28th, 2012
4:16 pm
“I do understand that Smitty is on the hot seat.”
Thanks Bobby, I needed that laugh! The Falcons finally have a solid foundation and 4 consecutive winning seasons w/ Smitty, Dimitroff, and Ryan and several of you want to just kick all 3 to the curb. Dimitroff just got Asante Samuel for a 7th Round pick. Maybe for cap reasons we needed to draft a Fullback, so we could let Ovie go. I like the DE Massaquoi pick. Both Kiper and McShay said he was there best DE available at that time, so I liked hearing that. It’s time for Edwards and Sidbury to step up. Maybe get a Safety or DT with the last picks?
Bird Dawg Country
April 28th, 2012
4:17 pm
D-Led…..an underclassman at DE….sounds like a project.
Did we really need to go so early for a FB? Another defensive player would have been preferred.
Hope the OL duo works out.
Is Konz going to be versatile for other positions on the line while McClure is still playing?
And what about Konz’s injury issues? Also another junior….is this a project as Falcons first pick?
Not impressed, thus far.
Reggie
April 28th, 2012
4:17 pm
TD does have a horrible track record as far as drafts go…too often getting injury prone player with upside who after 3 years are still injury prone ie Peria Jerry,Sam Baker and even though i like him William Moore. For the people who keep saying it isnt sexy i agree you need good ol and dl depth but for goodness sakes gets sum playmakers who actually made plays and not guys because they had good character and were captains of there teams. We gotta team full nice guys who get manhandled when they play playoff teams.
Bobby
April 28th, 2012
4:23 pm
@Carini… It’s not something I want to happen to Smitty but that’s what’s being thrown out there. The reason is bc he can’t win a playoff game.
The Real Falcon
April 28th, 2012
4:25 pm
So we keep drafting players with no upper body strength. OG with one of the worst among OL players FB who did not participate in the press. DE who was even worse among DE’s. See a pattern?
Khaos
April 28th, 2012
4:25 pm
I think fans who are skeptical about TD’s picks are justified. Konz, when he’s on the field, has been a solid player. I will grant him that. The problem is…he’s had problems staying on the field. William Moore has been an impact player. But in college and in the pros, he’s had problems staying on the field. Jerry and Baker? Same thing. These are first and second round picks that are expected to stay on the field and be big time contributors. All to different degrees had problems in college staying on the field. If I’m wrong for not feeling this pattern of drafting that Dimiftroff has put on display, I’ll gladly stay in the minority. He’s overrated. Part of his genius is that Blank owns the team and opened the pocketbook to lure players here. I don’t believe he’d have the same success under the Smith family.
Fire Smitty and Dimitroff
Gwinnett Fred
April 28th, 2012
4:26 pm
I don’t read this blog to even expect to learn anything – I just read it to LMAO at the amazing amount of know-it-alls that think they are smarter than people who do this for a living!
Then tack on that the only thing the know-it-alls have to base their opinions on are what they read on the internet while TD & staff have looked at hours of film, interviewed players, attended combines, etc – but how in the world can that provide more info than you experts that have access to the internet?
If blogs were around in 1979, you fantasy football GM’s would be bashing the Falcons for drafting a fullback that couldn’t even start in college! What idiots you would say. Why waste a 3rd round draft pick on – WILLIAM ANDREWS??
So just keep the comedy routine going all you know it alls, it’s the cheapest entertainment around!
TampaGator
April 28th, 2012
4:27 pm
You people ripping Rainey are ignorant of his life growing up, what he accomplished in high school against a lot of odds, how he overcame the big mistake that he admitted to and asked forgiveness for, and the kind of exceptional life he has lived since that mistake. He is far from a “thud on the field”….never, ever was……and is “not a thug off it” either.” Never used drugs, went to classes, worked hard…..was a leader on his football team. The kid made a huge mistake…..then got up and has lived a life any father would be proud of. So keep on saying that negative crap about him…..because you are the “thug”….off the field….because you could never get “on the field” with good people like Chris Rainey. If you don’t believe me, ask any of his teammates or his coaches. And, obviously, NFL scouts, coaches, and owners.
TampaGator
April 28th, 2012
4:29 pm
This may be the weakest draft pool in years….and is certainly one of the weakest I can remember on draft days.
Sid
April 28th, 2012
4:31 pm
Rainey had a red sticker next to his name on the Falcons board, there was no way he was going to be a Bird. Ovie is one of the best fullbacks in the game………..did his knee injury make this decision.
I have no doubt that Detroit’s Louis Delmas intentionally went for Ovie’s knee……maybe they have a bounty program.
The Falcons had to have a good blocking fullback to get Jacquizz Rodgers more into the mix and Ewing will also be a force on special teams. The pick of Jonathan Massaquoi is brilliant. To pick up that extra spot from the Ravens was NFL Draft Day smarts at its best. Can also play linebacker and was the preseason Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
DLed, are you expressing your discontent with the Ewing pick by listing his negatives first?
DavidSBarney
April 28th, 2012
4:32 pm
http://goo.gl/LVqts
Left Coast Dawg
April 28th, 2012
4:36 pm
@Scott Anderson – do you even know the definition of thug?
Gwinnett Fred
April 28th, 2012
4:36 pm
BTW – for those that just have to keep insisting Konz is injury prone, please consider this:
1) He had his ankle rolled up on, dislocating it- but that only happens to injury prone offensive linemen, right?
2) He missed time with blood clots in his lungs. That is NOT an injury. It was something that could happen to anybody on the face of the earth. It was treated and there is no reason to expect it to return.
So please point out how a player that has sustained an INJURY as a result of his ankle being rolled up on in the middle of a pile can be labled :injury prone?
And be careful not to sustain any carpal tunnel syndrome, paper cuts or hang nails while blogging!
Roy
April 28th, 2012
4:36 pm
Has anybody noticed how weak these 2 players are. Fullbacks and DL really need power in these positions or am i wrong.
a reasonable person
April 28th, 2012
4:39 pm
24 years old and you still can’t type without all CAPS?
Left Coast Dawg
April 28th, 2012
4:40 pm
@Gwinnett Fred – those things added up can be construed as prone to injury, no matter how they happen.
Gwinnett Fred
April 28th, 2012
4:42 pm
Next point:
For those that are getting off on labeling so many of the picks as “weak” – since when did the Falcons throw away all their weightroom equipment and fire the strength & conditioning coach??
Muscle can be grown folks, but some of you seem to think if you are 6-5 and 320 pounds, if you can’t bench press more than another guy then you are “weak”. It’s pretty obvious these types of people posting this crap have never played the game or hit their peak in Pop Warner leagues.
Falcon Jim
April 28th, 2012
4:43 pm
Quit typing in caps, little boy.
Gwinnett Fred
April 28th, 2012
4:44 pm
LC Dawg: You are really saying that a blod clot on your lung is an INJURY??? Really??? Really??? Well, for your sake, I hope you never got one, because you’d probably die waiting for the orthopaedist to diagnose it!
Khaos
April 28th, 2012
4:45 pm
On the real everyone…whether we agree or disagree with each other…there is no need to
disrespect each other on the blog.
Fire Smitty and Dimitroff
Supes
April 28th, 2012
4:48 pm
Just can’t believe no TE help, nothing…if Tony G. goes down we’ll be forced to play Palmer (who’s serviceable but not a feature TE).
J. Hanna just went 7 picks before the Falcons picked in round 6 to Dallas, why didn’t TD make a small move to trade up and grab someone like that, who is an outstanding athletic type TE prospect is beyond me…instead he stays put gets some Safety…
Supes
April 28th, 2012
4:49 pm
This draft is going to be a lot of questionable picks for Thomas and the Falcons, I can’t wait to hear the explanation for not drafting a DT or a TE.
Roy
April 28th, 2012
4:52 pm
Hey Fred you would think they would have done some weightlifting in college last i checked all the colleges provide this. If they haven’t gotten any stronger by now chances are they will remain the weakest and yes i’ve been an athlete all my life most likely played more than you.
rivercard
April 28th, 2012
4:54 pm
Yes, if you don’t do this for a living you can’t have a valid or informed opinion. It’s a wonder these insiders ever get it wrong.
Glad I didn’t have that thought process with my stock investments as my thoughts and picks seem to be just as successful or even more so than the ones I paid the “experts” for.
Recruiting , Drafting , stock picking all involve some level of guessing no matter how much info you have. If getting on here and expressing our opinions isn’t appropriate, what would you have us do – be unquestioning , “go team” sycophants.
That being said – I like the Konz and Massa picks. Overreached for Holmes. Definite project. Ewing might be one of the worst picks ever. I really hope they aren’t planning on dropping Ovie. Have they looked at what Turner does when Ovie is in?
Falcon Jim
April 28th, 2012
4:55 pm
Typing in all caps is just annoying and not a big deal. When you put yourself out there as an immature little idiot jerk, that says a lot.
Disgusted
April 28th, 2012
4:56 pm
If TD is such hot stuff, why won’t he try to upgrade the back up QB position?
There were guys in the third round left and he makes a big reach in a projected project (6th or 7th round on the list) in Lamar Holmes.
Value that Dimitroff got in this draft is zilch, as usual.
Dennis
April 28th, 2012
4:57 pm
Hahahhahahahahha….HOPE OF MY COJONES….priceless.
notso fast
April 28th, 2012
4:57 pm
This draft will not help in getting excitement for a new building Mr. Blank.
Gwinnett Fred
April 28th, 2012
4:58 pm
Roy – Ever thought they might have felt they were strong enough in college to dominate their position?? Or that just being strong doesn’t mean you are worth a damn?? Or that it’s time to grow up and make millions if you dedicate yourself???
Congratulations on being an athlete, and if you did better than play 3 years at Tennessee, then yes, you went further than I did.
Eyes Opened
April 28th, 2012
4:59 pm
Nobody thinks you’re some kind of tough guy or that you are unique for typing in all caps. Why would anyone be afraid of the AJC? Your routine is played out.
—-
Not sure what i make of these picks, seem alright to me at first glance. Only real question is, in almost all cases, TD reached for his picks… Could we have gotten better value? Or are these guys the guys he really coveted?
rivercard
April 28th, 2012
4:59 pm
Gwinnett – They are weak compared to some of the other college players in the draft. These major colleges all have weight rooms and trainers and college is a time when a lot of growth occurs.
That being said I realize the bench press is not the be all end all when it comes to strength. I used to work out with a guy who couldn’t bench 2 45’s , but saw him knock out several people in bar fights.
Mike in TX
April 28th, 2012
5:00 pm
Don’t be worried about their lack of strength. Strength can be taught (or gained in this instance), talent cannot.
Falcon Jim
April 28th, 2012
5:04 pm
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Falcon Jim
April 28th, 2012
5:13 pm
putz………..
Falcon Jim
April 28th, 2012
5:14 pm
dick……….
a tough guy
April 28th, 2012
5:16 pm
close your eyes and shut up.
Big Bob
April 28th, 2012
5:17 pm
Enter your comments here
What a disaster…….after Konz. Has Blank turn the draft over to his juvenile son? At least two guys drafted way ahead of their grade. One of them should have been a FA. I am crying in my beer!
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
5:21 pm
Worst draft in many a year for the Falcons.
MEEE!!!
April 28th, 2012
5:22 pm
Ok…it’s official. TD uses a glow in the dark dart board instead of an actual big board. He just turns the lights off and throws his dart and that’s how he chooses who he picks.
Blackie
April 28th, 2012
5:26 pm
I think TD must have let Rich McKay in the draft room because these are like his old bust picks.
Monday Morning QB
April 28th, 2012
5:29 pm
I don’t know if this was a good draft or not and neither do any of you experts on this blog. It is not a sexy draft but it may be quality in the long run. Sometimes the sexy pick is no good in bed and has an STD.
old man
April 28th, 2012
5:32 pm
Has anyone noted Massaquoi’s junior stats? He bulked up to 250 as a senior, lost some speed, and numbers went down. He had a monster junior year. Weatherspoon plays at 239. Maybe this is worth a shot, tell him to drop 10 pounds, find a speed coach. He could be a very good pick.
The fullback, he’s just a question mark to me.
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
5:32 pm
Fine MM QB, lets wait and see what kind of grade the Falcons get tommorow. And very often the unsexy pick is horrible in bed.
Nobiss
April 28th, 2012
5:33 pm
This blog is supposed to be where people discuss their opinions.. I think that the Falcons OL picks should d@@! well bench more than the do; that Konz either stayed on the field in college or he did not. Whether from blood clots or whatever, he wasn’t on the field. Reminiscent of other OL/DL picks we’ve had in the past (see Baker/Jerry).
We have all the weapons on offense and these draft picks may well surprise me, but I’m thinking that the defensive line is not where it should be.
Greg M
April 28th, 2012
5:34 pm
I am a proud Atlanta Falcons Season ticket holder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’