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
Monday Morning QB
April 28th, 2012
5:34 pm
The grade tomorrow will mean less than nothing.
coloradofalconsfan
April 28th, 2012
5:36 pm
Boy so many people think they are smarting than TD. PLEASE! Don’t quit you’re day job. This FB is a great pick. This kid is a leader, special teams stud and by drafting him we freed up cap space. We got the #1 rated C and the #1 rated FB in this draft with very few picks. Oh and massaquoi is an absolute steal.
old man
April 28th, 2012
5:37 pm
MMQB:
Ditto what you said.
Roy
April 28th, 2012
5:38 pm
Fred i agree there is some truth to what you say all i’m saying is all the drafted players will still be lifting these guys should be stronger, if these player didn’t dedicate themselfs in college why would we want them in the first place. I know when i played you gave everything it wasn’t for any money it was for the love of the game. Congratulations on playing for Tennessee great school by the way i’m a old Dawg.
rivercard
April 28th, 2012
5:38 pm
Old Man – It’s all a guessing game at this point ,but I agree that Massaquoi it appears has some potential upside and might turn out to be a good fifth round pick. I still can’t get my head around the fullback pick and Holmes is a definite roll of the dice.
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
5:39 pm
Means nothing kind of like this yrs draft. Hope I eat my words but highly doubt it.
Anderson
April 28th, 2012
5:39 pm
This looks to be a nuts and bolts (blue collar,depth) draft for the Atlanta Falcons. I like the Konz pick and the 5th round pick for the DE from Troy. Time will tell for the 3rd round pick (L. Holmes) and the fullback pick in the 5th round.
Konz is a highly regarded prospect with Pro Bowl potential. The center position is arguably the most important on the offensive line. Todd McClure is at the end of the line. I like that Konz is skilled as both a pass and run blocker. He is also good in the screen game.
As for Holmes (3rd round) and Bradie Ewing (5th round) I have to remember that it is about a particular team’s needs and how they view the player and value the position at the time. I’ve seen Holmes projected as a 5th round prospect and Ewing as priority free-agent. However,obviously the Falcons see their positions as needs and the players specifically fit their scheme philosophy.
I think the DE from Troy can eventually develop into a contributor. He also comes from a good program as well.
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
5:41 pm
Can’t add Samuel to this draft. He won’t be around for 10 yrs or so. More lijke a FA pick up such as Abraham.I like Massaquoi best of all picks.
old man
April 28th, 2012
5:41 pm
My summary:
I like Samuel, Konz, Massaquoi. Holmes, the Fullback, and Mitchell are complete unknowns.
Considering one is an automatic starter and known to be an exceptional NFL player, not bad.
Your Savior
April 28th, 2012
5:41 pm
Guys, Its just football. Its a sport, and for our amusement. Don’t take it so seriously.
-Trapped in a world with retards
Nobiss
April 28th, 2012
5:43 pm
colorado – I agree that massaquoi looks good, but it doesn’t matter about the ratings on draft picks. The linemen that TD drafted are either strong or they are not strong. Technique can only get you so far and they had plenty of opportunity to get strong in college.
It doesn’t take a real smart person to see that.
Gwinnett Fred
April 28th, 2012
5:46 pm
Roy, you make good points, and unfortunately, sometimess it takes money to motivate someone to get their butt in the weight room.
But I think that is why there is an undercurrent to drafting seemingly “good character” players as those have a higher chance to realize their opportunity to step up. Maybe instead of waking up at 6am and head to the weight room, they woke up at 6am and headed to the library?
Any way, congrats on your time between the hedges and let’s just hope TD has fooled everybody and gotten some grunt work players to help the team!
mars
April 28th, 2012
5:51 pm
A fifth round fullback spells the end of Ovie Mughelli? Are you guys kidding?
Monday Morning QB
April 28th, 2012
5:52 pm
Konz was not drafted to be a “strong” player. He was drafted to be quick enough to pull out and lead block on Screens and Tosses. Is that the right strategy? I’m not sure but he was proficient at as an athletic center and that is what the Falcons were looking for.
rivercard
April 28th, 2012
5:54 pm
File under interesting but meaningless- Bleacher Reports grades
Konz – B
Holmes – D
Ewing -D
Massaquoi- B
Mitchell – B-
I would mostly agree, just change Ewing to an F and raise Holmes to a C-
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
5:57 pm
The reviews of Mitchell are that he will only play at safety in the NFL if the people ahead of him get hurt. He will be a career special teamer & I hope a decent one.
Bullseye
April 28th, 2012
5:58 pm
Hope the draft picks never sustain an injury because at that point they are:
INJURY PRONE
CAN”T GET ON THE FIELD
bloggers just can’t have that.
Roy
April 28th, 2012
5:58 pm
Fred, always good to hear both sides of a discussion, SEC #1
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
6:03 pm
Injury prone = not being able to make it through a season for 2 or more seasons. If that is the case with a player then they are injury prone. Things happen that cause the injuries but players physical makeup makes them susceptible to injury.
JoBoo
April 28th, 2012
6:06 pm
So…do you people watch the draft & blast knuckle children all over your recliner?
Lighten up, jock-sniffers….
Sid
April 28th, 2012
6:08 pm
Bruce April 28th, 2012 5:21 pm
Worst draft in many a year for the Falcons.
******************************************************
I’ll read what you have to explain your position but I don’t see it this way. We went after areas of need, both in the draft and off season. I was glad to see TD draft 2 offensive lineman, our area of greatest FAILURE last season.
We could pick up a TE free agent…………….maybe even Philip Lutzenkirchen in next years draft. We’ll get thru this season with what we have at TE.
jerry
April 28th, 2012
6:10 pm
From a walk on at Wisconsin to the NFL, quite a move.
Badger in ATL
April 28th, 2012
6:10 pm
On Wisconsin! Y’all have no idea how GREAT a get these two guys are!
johnm
April 28th, 2012
6:12 pm
o come on haters, ovie isnt goin anywhere and while i dont like the fb pick i know theres reason behind it. just relax and see what happens. i think weve had aq pretty good draft
Bullseye
April 28th, 2012
6:14 pm
Kick some ass for Bruce, but don’t get hurt or you’re through.
Sid
April 28th, 2012
6:15 pm
johnm
April 28th, 2012
6:12 pm
o come on haters, ovie isnt goin anywhere and while i dont like the fb pick i know theres reason behind it. just relax and see what happens. i think weve had aq pretty good draft
******************************************
Ovie is a helluva special teams player too. Just how well has his knee recovered?
darkfalconcw
April 28th, 2012
6:17 pm
I would like to thank the highly intelligent falcons brass for another ridiculous draft. True they have had four winning season but how many playoff games have they won or how many championship do they have?? Answer 0!!!! That’s because we do not have the Speed, Power, or star player that other team know how to draft or coach up!!!!!! For some of these people who say they support this draft really don’t know football talent & probably never played the GAME!!!!!!!
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
6:21 pm
Sid before being blasted as not being an expert, I will state I am not by any means. Konz while exhibiting talent, has Never made it through a season(blood clots in lungs, ankle sprains, dislocated ankle). He may turn out to be a decent player, I just hope he is not a Sam Baker Jr(often injured). Holmes is a project pure and simple. Ewing was projected to be a FA player so why waste a 5th rd pick on him. Massaquoi looks like he will be a player. A definate improvement over Sidbury plus he may rival Biermann(who is overpaid at 3 mil/yr) for playing time. Mitchell as I stated is not projected by the “experts” to ever play at safety in the NFL unless the players above him are hurt. May be a good special team player. People are counting Samuel as a 7th rd pick but he does not have 6 or more yrs remaining in the NFL. Still waiting on 7th rd pick. I guess TD is admitting that his previous picks of Hawley, Reynolds, Johnson etal were not adequate picks. Just my opinion.
I Know a Bust when I see One.
April 28th, 2012
6:21 pm
TD came here as an expert but so far he has not lived up to expectation, and it is doubtful this draft will change that. All these guys from the Belicheck tree that have left for other jobs have failed, Romeo at Cleveland, Charlie Wise at ND, Scott Peoli at KC and TD to a lesser extent. The Falcons have been better under his management, but he has missed on so many picks, had it not been for Mr. Blanks willingness to spend to improve the team we would be just another middle of the road team, like we were under the Smith’s ownership.
Delbert D.
April 28th, 2012
6:21 pm
The rats are out of their holes in the 9th Ward, I see.
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
6:27 pm
Bullseye, I want these guys to do well but if they keep getting hurt, whether it is their fault or not, get rid of them. I would rather pick a player that had never been hurt than a guy who has missed multiple games for various injuries. Look what they did to Norwood. He was hurt alot. Was it his fault? I don’t think so but if your are being payed to play and you are hurt alot you should find yourself out of a job.
falconfever74
April 28th, 2012
6:30 pm
Society manipulates us as fans to want our favorite teams to choose the “sexy” pick! Honestly the “sexy” picks only become sexy because of what the so called experts have said. I wonder why most the the experts who make these decisions have never played a down on a football field. yeah its true that everyone has an opinion, but is it really an opinion when you really think you can do a better job than a professional when your not even an amateur. Thats just like me being a engineer, really believing i can do a better job drafting and evaluting talent than Thomas Dimitroff. LOL! Secondly, i only do blogs periodically, but i have never read a positive comment from Khaos. Life is simple when identifying things If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck…….its a duck! If it sees negative in everything or think negative before positive every single time its ……..Khaos! Now to the draft, did any of you think about where konz played at….. Wisconsin. Who is known to run the ball down your throats, and down your throat again. This guy has been an anchor on that line who has had a 1000 yard rusher since wisconsin has been on the map. Please people be fans, society has given us all the opportunity to be a gm……Its called “fantasy football”! LMAO
Mick Luckhurst
April 28th, 2012
6:32 pm
Smith, Owens and Franks could be kick and punt returners.
If Chris Owens can run down Sproles and Harvin on kick offs, I sure that he has speed too run back punts and KO’s. I do not think Rainey is the answer, has off field problems.
Ovie has been a good fullback, but he is over paid. They have too make cap room.
I like TD picks, we needed to get bigger on OL.
I think TD and MS has done a good job with falcons.The ones keep wanting TD and Smitty fired are not falcons fans. They need to go back to the ain’ts blog!!!!!!!!!!!!
indy falcon
April 28th, 2012
6:33 pm
Rose just tore his knee up ..sux..out for season..might be who atl would face if they beat celts and bulls win their series
.Bart's Boy
April 28th, 2012
6:33 pm
@Badger. Since we seem to be be making a run on Badgers this draft, ya’ll got a speedy punt/kick-off returner up there??
fansince74
April 28th, 2012
6:34 pm
Excuse Me? Dimtroff has brought in players Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzales, Asante Samuel and some of you think He doesn’t know football talent. Just because you don’t know who a guy is and you have no idea what they plans are doesn’t mean its a bad pick: Please!
Loganville
April 28th, 2012
6:35 pm
Looks as if Falcons missed out on TE. A this point I’d sign Aaron White out of UGA as a Free Agent. He had a solid career at UGA and an excellent Pro Day which Mike Smith attended.
Big play Ray
April 28th, 2012
6:35 pm
I can tell by all the haters on here, you know alot about football. Please go back to NFL Madden and play your game. Let TD build a football team
Bullseye
April 28th, 2012
6:37 pm
Bruce would ditch Manning and Gore for a couple of 5 star 7th rounders
Spike 80DF
April 28th, 2012
6:37 pm
Yep, the cheating Aints sure do want TD and MS fired, haha…..Can Super Bowl wins be vacated due to cheating like in college?
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
6:40 pm
3 of those 5 were already in the NFL and everyone knew how they would perform. The two draft picks mentioned were highly rated by all NFL teams. Not calling for TD’s head but not seeing much team contribution yet from his picks from the 5th round down. None of the hidden gems everyone brings up when you mention that there are few good players after round 4. As i keep saying, I hope they work out but if a few yrs down the road we don’t have 3 or more starters from this draft it is a total bust. Just not a draft to get excited about by any means.
Reggie
April 28th, 2012
6:44 pm
Im a mailman but that doesn’t mean that someone on here who may be a truck driver cant deliver the mail better than i can. Just because Thomas Dimitroff is the Falcons general Manager doesn’t mean he knows exactly what he’s doing or it doesn’t mean he’s smarter than everyone on here with an opinion,so the people who laugh at the thought that a blogger cant be smarter than a man with a title should ask themselves….Can that mailman mop the floor better than i do?…..i certainly can.
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
6:44 pm
Never said that. But what did Indy do to Manning this yr. Plus San Fran sure has a lot of rb’s after the draft.
Bruce
April 28th, 2012
6:45 pm
Amen Reggie.
Bullseye
April 28th, 2012
6:45 pm
Attention all 5th round and above! According to Bruce………..
If you don’t play right away you are a BUST!
Thank you.
That is all.
rivercard
April 28th, 2012
6:47 pm
Reggie- I think you just mopped the floor with a bunch of these pompous butt kissers.
Well done.
Bruce, you are making perfect sense but you aren’t going to get anywhere with the we can’t criticize our team crowd.
Bullseye
April 28th, 2012
6:48 pm
Reggie’s World
Truck drivers smarter than Falcon Brass.
I Know a Bust when I see One.
April 28th, 2012
6:49 pm
How longer will it be before Mr. Blank sees that he is not getting value for his money in the person of his GM. The picks by Rich McKay were better, Roddy, Jenkins, Shaub, Williams now with St. Louis, Boley. Jamal Anderson #98 and Chris Houston from the Petrino era are now looking good compared to some of TD’s picks.
turkey balls
April 28th, 2012
6:51 pm
@bullseye u are retarded
Tman
April 28th, 2012
6:52 pm
Failure? Failure? If you want to examine failure, look at the Falcons’ history before Arthur Blank bought the team. I understand the frustration- I’ve been watching the team since the 70’s. We’re all tired of false promises, but whatever mistakes TD has made, the team’s light years away from what it had been in the past. Think about it- a team that had NEVER had back-to-back winning seasons suddenly has four in a row and has made the playoffs twice in a row for the first time ever. It’s no accident. The organization knows what it’s doing. Put away the knives!