LIVE CHAT: WWTDD — NFL Draft Day 3
Falcons head coach Mike Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff could get "some bonus" to go shopping with. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/AJC).
FLOWERY BRANCH – Things are underway on Day 3. WWTDD — ‘What Will Thomas Dimitroff Do’ today?
My laptop and my "thinking cap" for Day 3 of the draft.
I’m projecting that the Falcons take a DT, TE, KR/PR and a backup QB.
The Falcons are sitting out the fourth round as part of the Julio Jones trade. The Browns have their fourth round pick — 23rd (118 overall).
The Falcons will pick 157th and 164th in the fifth, 192nd in the sixth and 249th in the seventh.
I know people are killing TD for picking the Lamar Holmes pick. He was considered a fifth-rounder by most. Mel Kiper had him rated as the 29th best tackle in the draft.
Dimitroff noted that some former Junior College players are stigmatize
Beverages and Brownies for snack time.
and under-rated by draftniks.
“We waited a whole round to jump into our offensive linemen sweepstakes and it was something that we were focused on through the offseason,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “Both Smitty and I spent a lot of time focusing on the offensive line and how we could acquire some more size, strength and stoutness to help bolster our roster.”
He took some heat for taking Corey Peters in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2010 draft. That picks is working out just fine so far.
So fire away! I have some time for questions until the Falcons start picking in the fifth.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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196 comments Add your comment
TNScott
April 28th, 2012
12:32 pm
Well, it looks like I’m first.
Kerry
April 28th, 2012
12:32 pm
With the addition of Asante Samuel will we keep Dunta and Grimes and if yes will it be a rotating process?
Kerry
April 28th, 2012
12:35 pm
Have you heard any word on Kerry Meier’s progress?
STRETCH
April 28th, 2012
12:35 pm
1ST!
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 28th, 2012
12:37 pm
Heart Monitor!
Seems like Holmes has a “Spoon” work ethic and, inner drive. How can that be a bad thing? One thing I’ve learned, “There is no tool, that measures the heart of a man.”
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
12:38 pm
Kerry — They view all three as starters because they are in their nickel (3 CBs) package more than their base (2 CBs). The question is which one moves inside to cover the slot receivers. I think Robinson is the best candidate to jump in the slot.
TNScott
April 28th, 2012
12:38 pm
All I can say is at least we didn’t draft Aundray Bruce with the first pick although yesterday didn’t pass the smell test for me. After moving up to get Sam Baker, I’m not sold on TD’s ability to judge OL talent.
STRETCH
April 28th, 2012
12:41 pm
Kudos TNScott!
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
12:44 pm
You could say the falcons used their third round pick as an early fifth. If Holmes was projected as a fifth rounder, there is a risk he would not have been there with the next pick. The kid has the size, speed, strength, and mean streak to be pretty good. The knock on him is technique. But remember he really only has a couple years of true college ball. So maybe coaching is the answer. We will see.
BC
April 28th, 2012
12:46 pm
I like both picks yesterday – Konz could be a potential pro bowler. Holmes worst case is great competition for Baker & Svitek & best case is a potential starter. Let’s wait & see – change in scheme on the OL could be huge. TD is not going to draft someone in the 3rd round that he doesn’t see not having some sort of impact. I am excited so far.
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
12:47 pm
At the very least, the average weight for our OL has taken a major jump. With Konz, Holmes, and don’t forget about Manuwai it appears Reynolds, Hawley, and McClure are gonna need to eat up to have a shot at remaining employed.
rivercard
April 28th, 2012
12:48 pm
Agree with TNScott, best I can do is hope the pick looks better on the field than on paper.
DLED- let’s don’t get carried away about Corey Peters. He is okay at best.
Marcus
April 28th, 2012
12:49 pm
I can understand TD taking some heat, as a lot of 1st round grade talent dropped down on Thurs. and there seemed to be quite a few options at 55, including a lot of guys that might have fit the bill like a Vinny Curry.
DOL,
For those positions that you project, what type of player do you expect?
TE -I dont think Ladarius Green lasts until 5th round, and its a crapshoot if James Hanna will as well.
DT – Not sure, but if DE is a remote possibility, maybe the guy from Pitt (DE/LB hybrid) drops
KR/PR – any DB, WR, or scatback RB can fit this bill, so I would guess a WR/KR will fit, as we are stacked at DB and RB.
backup QB – Interesting …. looks like we have been trying to find a 3rd QB/eventual replacement for Redman since Smitty and TD have been a tandem. My guess is the guy from Tulsa.
TNScott
April 28th, 2012
12:50 pm
DLed: Agree with Dunta to the slot. Since he has acquired the Jack Tatum reputation, it might be a little intimidating for receivers to go across the middle knowing he may be there waiting to unload. I know he may never unload again because of the NFL watchdogs, but if you can get in a receiver’s head even with just a rep, maybe you can take that player out of the game even if it’s for one critical play. Just saying
TNScott
April 28th, 2012
12:51 pm
Thanks, Stretch
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
12:52 pm
There went our TE of the future in Green. I have a lot of respect for TD, but (other than the trade for JJ) he seems to lack imagination on drafting “matchup problems” like Graham for the Saints. L Green could have been our Graham, 6′6″ 237# 4.5/40, a guy who would cause Def Coord to lose sleep. But I knew we lost him when TD got this OT that most projected for 6th rd. I just don’t get it
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
12:52 pm
Kerry — I saw a yellow car with Kansas plates. I think it’s his. So he’s been here working out.
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
12:52 pm
rivercard
April 28th, 2012
12:48 pm
Agree with TNScott, best I can do is hope the pick looks better on the field than on paper.
DLED- let’s don’t get carried away about Corey Peters. He is okay at best.
If anybody were willing to agree that Baker or Svitek was Ok last year, we wouldn’t need linemen so much. So if Holmes becomes at least OK then its an inspired pick and instant improvement.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
12:53 pm
drmaryb — Good analysis of Holmes. I look forward to talking to more scouts about him. He looks like a winner.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
12:55 pm
Mr. Phil – He seems to have a good attitude for the trenches.
rivercard
April 28th, 2012
12:57 pm
Mr. Phil- I agree and am glad TD stuck with OLine picks. This far below average OLINE is such a glaring weakness anything would probably be an improvement. I’ve never watched Holmes play, so I can only judge him by what I have read.
I hope he comes out and proves to be the inspired pick you suggest. This Oline starts to gel and this team could do something.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
12:58 pm
rivercard — Corey’s a player!
Larry
April 28th, 2012
1:01 pm
South ga boy,
Did you happen to catch the Giants game where our OL was stripped of all pride and dignity and made to call the Giants DL “daddy?”
We have a wealth of offensive firepower and still a pretty darn good, all time great TE…what we need is someone to block for all of them!
Remember one little thing…there’s only one football on the field at a time.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
1:02 pm
Marcus — Ladarius is gone. I’m thinking Adrien Robinson from Cincinnati. I heard they considered T.Y. Hilton at the 91st spot where they took Holmes. The Tulsa kid would be nice. I like the UT-Chat kid, Coleman.
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
1:03 pm
D Led Am I wrong to be a little skeptical of a pick (Holmes) where EVERYBODY ELSE sees him as a 6th rd pick and we take him in the 3rd.
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
1:05 pm
DLED:
So I take it No one is talking about Orson Charles anymore?
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
1:05 pm
oops nevermind
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
1:06 pm
Its as if Cincinnati was baiting me. waiting for me to hope Charles became a Falcon.
Kerry
April 28th, 2012
1:06 pm
Thanks D. Led for answering my questions! You are awesome!
hand
April 28th, 2012
1:07 pm
I like the first pick for Atlanta, but the2nd pick. Why not a TE or DE.
could had got Holmes in the 5th round.
jeff
April 28th, 2012
1:08 pm
orson gone to Bengals
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
1:09 pm
Uh yes Larry I happened to catch that game. Are you telling me that Holmes will be starting this yr at Left OT, I think not. Did you happen to see a guy named Massie that everyone rated a 2nd rd pick that we passed over. Did you happen to see a guy named Graham for the Saints and how he torched defenses all last yr and made several teams call him “daddy.” don’t have a problem with beefing up the O-line, and we did that with our first pick, but name for me Larry, all those great Left OT THAT HAD A 6TH RD GRADE. I’LL WAIT
J.J.M.
April 28th, 2012
1:09 pm
orson charles will team up with aj green!
J.J.M.
April 28th, 2012
1:11 pm
I dont think people mind drafting o-line players its just who they drafted with that 3rd pick when you had better players there who could start day 1
splendid splinter
April 28th, 2012
1:13 pm
What about Brandon Boykin as a KR, or has he been taken already!
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
1:19 pm
@South ga boy in the atl
The first one that comes to mind is Jared Gaither who was taken in the fifth round by the Baltimore Ravens of the Supplemental draft. started a few games for the Ravens and now starts for San diego.
Nanny
April 28th, 2012
1:20 pm
If Nick Foles is still there at our next pick, we should take him. Kid has solid potential and could be a good backup to Ryan.
ATLJBO
April 28th, 2012
1:21 pm
I think Adrien Robinson and Taylor Thompson are 2 athletic TE prospects with potential… RB/WR/KR Chris Rainey is a good prospect also…
A couple of more guys… QB BJ Coleman, QB Chandler Harnish, DT Josh Chapman, LB/DE Ronnell Lewis, LB/DE Tim Fugger, OLB Travis Lewis, S George Iloka, S Christian Thompson, CB Brandon Boykin,
Its a couple of more good looking prospects.. We should be able to grab 2 in the 5th round
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
1:21 pm
The saints found Bushrod in the fourth and he had a late fifth round grade.
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
1:22 pm
I think you been listening to Todd Mcshay and Mel Kiper too much. You can find players in any round. It just gets harder.
J.J.M.
April 28th, 2012
1:23 pm
lol there goes boykins…
J.J.M.
April 28th, 2012
1:25 pm
eagles made a perfect pick with boykins after tradinf asante he can learn from the best
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
1:26 pm
ATLJBO, I’d be very happy with lloka or Ronnell Lewis. I don’t think we’ll take a flyer on Boykin now. He’d have to move to Safety and he doesn’t have the size or tackling ability. If DE Cam Johnson is there or WR Tommy Streeter, I wouldn’t mind us taking them either. I’m sure it will be interesting to see who they choose.
splendid splinter
April 28th, 2012
1:26 pm
The Falcons generally like to keep some local flavor on the roster if they can – if for nothing else than to create some public relations blah. I project they will take Boykin in one of the late rounds.
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
1:27 pm
Ok Mr Phil, now let’s compare him to all the No. 1 picks that are Left OT’s. Too many to count. My only point with this is that we passed over a guy like Massie that everyone else feels has a better shot at being a starting Left OT than Holmes who was not even rated as a top 20 among OT. Now I like TD but you usually get in trouble when a person starts thinking that they “see something” in a player that NOBODY ELSE sees. Most people don’t have some special gift, not even TD
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
1:27 pm
I guess Boykins is gone anyway so we’ll never know!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
1:29 pm
South ga boy in the atl — No you are not. Mel had him as the 29th rated tackle. Jury is out on him until he starts busting up some helmets in practice.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
1:29 pm
Mr. Phil — He’ll reunite with A.J. Green in Cincy.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
1:31 pm
Kerry — You are welcome!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
1:31 pm
splendid splinter – BB just went to the Eagles.
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
1:32 pm
@South ga boy in the atl
That only tells me that the Falcons found something out about Massie that they didn’t like. These analyst don’t know everything. Maybe they did not like his interview. Maybe he wore his clothes too baggy for them. Who the heck knows? The fact that Massie was still available has gotta tell you something. He didn’t get picked until the 4th. What’s up with that?
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
1:32 pm
Thanks for the comment D Led
splendid splinter
April 28th, 2012
1:32 pm
OK – I made the right call for Boykin but the for the wrong team – LOL. Just as I was writing that the Falcons should take him, the Eagles selected him.
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
1:34 pm
D Led, Have the Falcons been scouting any WR that might be on the board in the 5th? Seems like after our top 3, we are pretty thin.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
1:34 pm
ATLJBO – A. Rob just went to Giants. Drop one of your videos on us today.
J.J.M.
April 28th, 2012
1:37 pm
falcons dont need anymore WRs…
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
1:39 pm
If you check their depth chart, they definitely do need another good WR. Mostly projects after the top 3.
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
1:39 pm
DLed;
Thanks. But I don’t think this had anything to do with AJ Green. I honestly think teams spend hours figuring out how to disappoint me personally. Seems like out lot of effort, but I am pretty sure I am that important.
(Why is there no I in Sacarsm?)
Billy Bob
April 28th, 2012
1:41 pm
I think the selection of Konz says the Hawley pick was a miss.
Anyway, back to the present….I like Brandon Washinton as a Guard with the 5 th pick, but doubt the Falcons will take another OL. Don’t tell me they don’t need one with McClure and Clabo retiring and Baker hitting the road. But, OK, then I like the OU TE James Hanna or else Marcus Forston at DL.
ATLJBO
April 28th, 2012
1:43 pm
Yea.. I just saw that.. When i get a chance…I was thinking about doing a video of Samuel and Grimes (together) called the pick 6 factory (The name samuel came up with) or one of our draft picks but lineman dont make good highlight videos..lol
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
1:43 pm
Mr Phil- that may be true about Massie although he went middle of the 4th. My point about Holmes is NOBODY had him even in the top 20 OT’s. You believing the Falcons see something in him that nobody else does is like someone saying that “somebody has got to win the lottery.” Yea but I don’t want to count on it. No other teams were waiting with baited breath to get this guy IN THE 3rd RD. MEANWHILE WE LET A POTENTIAL “BIG DIFFERENCE MAKER” IN A GAMEBREAKING TE GET AWAY FROM US. I GUESS YOU HEARD THAT TONY G IS GOING TO RETIRE AFTER THIS YEAR, RIGHT ? TONY G CAN’T STRETCH THE FIELD ANYMORE ANYWAY BUT A GUY 6′6″ THAT RUNS A 4.53/40 IS SOMETHING YOUR BOT INTERESTED IN. MAYBE YOU WANT US TO DRAFT THE 29th RATED DT ALSO.
ATLJBO
April 28th, 2012
1:43 pm
D-Led…
Yea.. I just saw that.. When i get a chance…I was thinking about doing a video of Samuel and Grimes (together) called the pick 6 factory (The name samuel came up with) or one of our draft picks but lineman dont make good highlight videos..lol
senior falcon
April 28th, 2012
1:47 pm
TD has done well on his later round picks. So for you nay sayers: Get in; sit down; hang on, and shut up.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
1:50 pm
Late last night, I asked TD what made the Falcons comfortable taking Holmes in the third. Here’s what he said. ” Lamar Holmes is a big guy as we mentioned. He has versatility as we mentioned. He has long arms, he’s a 35-inch plus arm guy. The versatility to be both a left and right (tackle) was important for us as well as his toughness. He’s an ornery guy.
“I can’t comment on why he was projected late. He had a really nice East-West game. Having been a Junior College transfer, I don’t know if people . . . again, I can’t comment on other teams. But what I do know, is that sometimes when you have a JC transfer type of player they are behind in the recognition standpoint from the prognosticators and such.”
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
1:54 pm
@South ga boy in the atl
All I am saying is that we have not seen this guy. And really, the analyst have only been watching him for the past year. So the truth is nobody knows anything about him good or bad unless they have been following him since junior college. Now TD says he has had an eye on him since high school. The question is who else have. All we know is what the media has him ranked as. We don’t know which teams have been watching him and what they have him ranked as. I promise no GM is calling Mel Kiper, Ron Jaworski, Todd Mcshay, or any of these other guys and telling them who they are watching.
Look at the Saints pick. Some DT from Canada. Canada….really? Canada….
I am just saying we don’t know who has eyes on who. Maybe TD knew of another team or two that who had Holmes on their board. He has already said he has talked to Belichik in the past about players. Maybe these guys all get together, play golf, and talk about what idiots ESPN and PFW analysts are that they missed on this guy or that guy.
Mike Franklin
April 28th, 2012
1:56 pm
Be interesting to see how Holmes plays out. Understand he won’t be starting… but would like to see what he’s got every chance I can in the preseason. He’s a curiosity-making acquisition.
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
1:56 pm
BTw, you’re welcome DLED. I deliberately left AJC sports writers out of the previous hypertheticl golf conversation. I know TD would never let another GM call you guys idiots.
Mike Franklin
April 28th, 2012
1:58 pm
Dang, FINALLY into the 5th round!
ATLJBO
April 28th, 2012
1:59 pm
Yea D-Led… It looks like the Panthers liked what they saw when they worked him out. http://ubin.cc/IvTol7
ATLJBO
April 28th, 2012
2:01 pm
Myles Wade would be a nice late round NT prospect
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
2:05 pm
“The Panthers were the sixth NFL team to have an individual workout or visit with Holmes; The others were the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers.
Read more: http://www.gastongazette.com/articles/huss-70292-panthers-works.html#ixzz1tMLwyGme…...
He’s a draftable kid,” said Ray Brown, the Panthers’ assistant offensive line coach who conducted the workout. “I just wanted to interact with him and get to meet him. He’s a player. That’s what we all do know.”
Read more: http://www.gastongazette.com/articles/huss-70292-panthers-works.html#ixzz1tMM8UjMC“
Left Coast Dawg
April 28th, 2012
2:06 pm
What’s wrong with baggy clothes?
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
2:09 pm
Mr Phil. Your wrong if you think these former players and coaches (not talking about Mel) don’t have a good idea which teams have an interest in certain players. It’s interesting how you give so much slack to Holmes when just 2 yrs ago all Falcons fans were saying “Hawley who”, “Garret Reynolds who” “Mike Johnson who” in the 3rd rd (sound familiar). Now you can’t have it both ways. If Hawley and Johnson and Reynolds were working out then we wouldn’t have to be picking both Konz and Holmes. We are right back where we were with the O-line 2 yrs ago so I think some of us have every reason to question why we took a guy in the 3rd that nobody else seems to have rated higher than a 6th. Otherwise, we would have taken care of this 2 yrs ago with 3 O-lineman taken back then. In late rds I might add
THE REAL PHIL
April 28th, 2012
2:10 pm
ATLJBO see if you can find a better video of the first guy we picked. I watched the one you asked me to. vs Nebraska. First play on the tape his man tackled the runner in the backfield. Third play he lets a guy run free to the QB. He pulls on a reverse to block a CB who is STANDING STILL. He BARELY touches the CB’s ankle and I mean BARELY. Once he cuts the MLB who promptly gets up and tackles the runner for a loss. EVERY effective block he had on that tape was part of a double team. I hope he had better games against someone else.
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
2:10 pm
@Left Coast Dawg
Nothing wrong with baggy clothes. Just making a point.
DC Falcon
April 28th, 2012
2:11 pm
TD has become an average talent evaluator at best. How do you justify picking Holmes in the third round when nobody in their right mind would pick him before the 5th? This just doesnt make sense. I think its time for him to step down b/c it looks like Falcons are headed backwards while the rest of the teams in the South is moving forward. When is this guy going to take some heat for these bad picks??
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
2:12 pm
@south
I am just saying let’s give the guy a chance. Maybe we just picked him so the panthers couldn’t have him.
hbcuclassics
April 28th, 2012
2:12 pm
HBCU Classic Sports
S, Christian Thompson, SC State
Drafted #130 Rd. 4 by Baltimore Ravens
1st HBCU Classic off the board
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmReZgNHY0o
J.J.M.
April 28th, 2012
2:13 pm
kerry meier is a nice 4th WR falcons just need to give him playing time…if they draft a WRit will be to replace weems for the returns
Left Coast Dawg
April 28th, 2012
2:13 pm
Thanks Phil, just wondering because I haven’t accepted the tight Euro suit look, so I wear a 44 long to get a little looser.
falconhawk
April 28th, 2012
2:14 pm
I’m sure TD doesn’t make a pick all by himself, but you do have to wonder about the advice he’s getting on lineman. Lamar is a C- pick according to some. He’s referred to as a “project”. He’s not particularly fast or fluid. Nice attitude but you got to wonder what TD is thinking?
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
2:16 pm
Heck maybe they just decided all the other OT’s ust plain out sucked, the TE’s were a waist of time, and we just needed to wait to see what’s out there in the fifth and sixth.
Besides, success in te NFl has less to do with what a guy can do than with what you’re asking him to do.
Also, Todd Mcshay is not a former player or coach. He used to work for a former NFL scout. Doesn’t me he actually knows anything or has any real NFL contacts.
And Jaworski has been out of the game so long. He ain’t even worth discussing.
Sam
April 28th, 2012
2:17 pm
Zebrie, Zebrie, Zebrie!
ATLJBO
April 28th, 2012
2:17 pm
THE REAL PHIL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szc_lifemDE
oldbird
April 28th, 2012
2:18 pm
Cincinatti is now officially my second favorite team. They now have six Bulldogs. Atkins, Boling, Green,Charles, Geathers and Roland. Perhaps they should change their mascot to Bulldogs.
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
2:18 pm
@Left Coast Dawg
44’s would be a little tight on me. But I get what you’re saying.
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
2:20 pm
Mr Phil- don’t get me wrong. I like TD and think he’s done a good job, overall. But, sometimes, a guy can be too cute by half. He seems to like to “think way outside the box” at times rather than being a little more conventional. There has to be a good balance of conventional and outside the box thinking. I just mentioned our previous 3 O-line picks from 2 yrs ago and they were something of “head scratchers” at the time and they haven’t exactly been outstanding. I just think TD “tries to out think the room” a little too much after the 2nd rd with his draft picks
oldbird
April 28th, 2012
2:22 pm
At least we traded down to get Holmes, but I think we could have traded much further down and still got him. He had a 5th round grade from what I read. I guess this is not as bad as trading up into the 1st round to get Baker, who obviously no one else had rated that high and rightfully so.
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
2:23 pm
Have you talked to TD yet about his pick and what he is targeting. Also if you have will you tell him about Jordan White he is there and will make plays for him.
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
2:23 pm
@south
Ok. well, let’s say we meet back here around week 3 of the regular and try this conversation again.
Big Crimson 75
April 28th, 2012
2:29 pm
Good to see Josh Chapman selected by the Colts!!
A true Champion. Chapman played over half the Season last yr with a torn ACL!!
The Colts, btw, are having a Great Draft!!
The Falcons need to select a TE, QB, DT & ILB with their last 4 selections!!
Von”Blaze” Burfict needs his BLACK dot removed from the Falcons draft board!!
The guy may be an idiot, but He can Ball when motivated!!!
Falcon2
April 28th, 2012
2:29 pm
Whether Holmes is a player or not is not the whole story. If you can get him in the 5th then you can take a player, maybe a TE and then still grab him later. Where Kiper has them rated means little but we seem to reach often.
I like Julio but this goes to show we gave up too much, especially during the first rookie wage scale years. Look how willing teams are to trade up now. Does anyone feel like we have have built real depth the last couple of years. We use Free Agency to bail ourselves out often, that bill will come due eventually.
There will be several FA TEs and we are not in need until next year. Good thing…
Take Kellen Moore!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 28th, 2012
2:30 pm
J-Man – TD has not been today yet. We think they are going NT right here at 157.
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
2:35 pm
Lol. That’s fine Mr Phil. But if you could be objective for just a minute and analyze TD O-line picks: Baker, Hawley, Reynolds, and Johnson. I can defend TD on most of his picks but any objective evaluation of his O-line picks would have to say they have “come a cropper.” I like the value for Konz in rd 2 but Holmes falls into the category of “head scratcher” along with Baker, Johnson, Reynolds, and Hawley. We need to do better than hit on 1 out of every 5 O-line picks. But feel free to defend Baker, et al, Mr Phil
stizz
April 28th, 2012
2:36 pm
Say it aint so Dled. We could easily snatch Franklin after the draft. I’d much rather give Tony a student in James Hanna.
Junkyard Dawg2011
April 28th, 2012
2:42 pm
Hey D.Led, with out O-Line shored up, who do you see the Falcons picking with their two 5th round picks? I can see us either shoring up the interior d-line or possibly trying a reach for an OLB.
Falcon2
April 28th, 2012
2:43 pm
They only way we take a NT…
“I can’t stress enough how important it was for us that he not only plays NT, but can double as a punter.” -TD
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
2:46 pm
@south
You got me with Baker. But the story isn’t told with Hawley yet. I think Johnson and Reynolds wil make good backups. I see the Oline being Konz at C Clabo at RT Blaylock/Hawley/Mawuai at G’s and ? at LT
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
2:47 pm
Hopefully we can get a guy over 325 if we do go NT but we need to get to him about Jordan White
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
2:49 pm
Cameron Johnson might be available. He was projected to be taken in rounds 2 or 3.
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
2:52 pm
Mr Phil. That’s pretty much how I see it. Konz at C, clabo RT, RG committee, Blaylock LG and Baker (unfortunately) at LT. We are going to have to use our No. 1 on a franchise L OT in next yrs draft. 90% of the teams get their Left OT that way. And if it works out that way then I’ll be mad that we did t take Ladarius Green with our 3rd rd pick this yr. A “potential” game changer.
hbcuclassics
April 28th, 2012
2:53 pm
HBCU Classic Sports
S, Christian Thompson, SC State
Drafted #130 Rd. 4 by Baltimore Ravens
1st HBCU Classic off the board
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmReZgNHY0o
J.J.M.
April 28th, 2012
2:56 pm
a FB??? and we just signed the cox guy…im done with this team
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
2:57 pm
Looks live Ovie is gone.
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
2:57 pm
Really TD a FB. MOST TEAMS PICK UP A FB AS AN UNDRAFTED FA. oh well. IT WAS NICE KNOWING YOU OVIE
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 28th, 2012
2:57 pm
Thanks for the memories, Ovie; wish you well…
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
2:58 pm
Ok. Now I am saying WTF. Why are we drafting a FB? Is Mughelli on the block? Is he not recovered?
hogmtndawg
April 28th, 2012
2:58 pm
Wow. Didn’t see that coming at this point.
Tommy Maddox
April 28th, 2012
2:58 pm
Thank you Ovie!!
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
2:58 pm
We take a FB????? I thought we were gonna keep Ovie and have Snelling as the backup and still had Mike Cox
Mike Franklin
April 28th, 2012
2:58 pm
I was wondering if we’d find a power back for blocking. FBs don’t last too long in this league… just ask Bob Christian. No complaints.
J.J.M.
April 28th, 2012
2:59 pm
smh you can get a FB in the 6th or 7th round…this team is just drafting for the hell of it
Mr. Phil
April 28th, 2012
2:59 pm
That’s it! Going to watch the NBA playoffs.
rivercard
April 28th, 2012
3:01 pm
Goodbye, Ovie. Time to draft on the cheap. Stay pretty good , but not great. Save money for that stadium . Build it, dismantle and laugh all the way to the bank.
Don Green
April 28th, 2012
3:02 pm
Geez, I don’t understand these picks at all. I was in fine with Konz in the 2nd round but then they really reached for Holmes in the 3rd. And now a FB ? Really ? Why not best available TE or DL ? I just don’t get the logic.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 28th, 2012
3:02 pm
The FB pick makes sense. How else could we afford the big 3 (Samuel, Grimes and Robinson)? Ovie is coming off an injury season and, no matter what you say, he will not be at full strength immediately; which negates the “right now” attitude that this team is trying to pursue. This weekend’s draft demonstrates, to me, the end of the wire with Ovie, Sam Baker and McClure. Free up some space to get some “right now” players.
My Thoughts
April 28th, 2012
3:04 pm
A fullback with ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO rushes last year ???? Next pick will be a QB that threw ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO passes last year !!!!!!
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
3:05 pm
Bradie Ewing a 4.76 forty FB. LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thomas Dimitroff thinks he has a Beautiful MInd. He keeps saying “in my mind”. That’s the problem Thomas, it’s only in your mind! You’ve got Ovie, Snelling and Cox is under contract for 2012 and you draft an undersized slow FB that doesn’t catch the ball who is projected to go late 6th early 7th. I thought the man had gotten away from the reach with last years draft. I tried to be optimistic but damn dude WTF are you inhaling.
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
3:06 pm
Stirg, Do you really think we will cut McClure? We just signed him for pretty cheap. I can see Ovie going and Baker given a chance in camp to win it or be cut. I don’t see us cutting McClure this year though.
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
3:06 pm
OK DOL you gotta let us know what your thoughts are
hogmtndawg
April 28th, 2012
3:06 pm
We knew AS was getting Ovie’s money. But to DRAFT a FB? I just don’t understand this at all.
Disgusted
April 28th, 2012
3:07 pm
This tells me that Ovie might be on his way out—and that is not good.
This Ewing guy does not offer anything special—zero rushes and no real skills catching the ball.
You can always get a FB who can block later.
That is 2 TD picks where he good poor value in Holmes and now Ewing.
OHIOdirtybird!!!!
April 28th, 2012
3:07 pm
Wish nothing but the best for Ovie…..but a FB in the 5th?? I dunno
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
3:07 pm
Oh and an amazing 14 reps at 225…so we know he’s strong for the position right ROTFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disgusted
April 28th, 2012
3:08 pm
Why has Dimitroff not upgraded the back up QB position?
Matty better stay healthy.
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
3:09 pm
Mike Cox guys, remember he is on the roster already at FB.
Great Falconi
April 28th, 2012
3:10 pm
Ovie Mughelli was a fourth-round pick in 2003. What were the Ravens thinking?
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 28th, 2012
3:10 pm
gabuldawg,
With respect, you didn’t see us drafting a FB either…
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
3:11 pm
The next pick will be a freaking long snapper projected to fry fish at Captain D’s.
Falcon Jim
April 28th, 2012
3:11 pm
Well, he’s not real big, he’s slow and not real strong. Other than that, he’s probably pretty good………
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
3:11 pm
The only thing I can find on the guys is he is a head hunter and loves to hit. They projected him as a short yardage FB. I think we used a 5th rounder for a Special Teams player… Kickoff & punt coverage.
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
3:13 pm
Come on Dimtroff dont be “Too Smart” and pick Jordan white, you will not regret it
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
3:13 pm
Stirg, you are right. I didn’t see it as a need at all.
hogmtndawg
April 28th, 2012
3:13 pm
I think you’re right gabuldawg. All of his stats seem to be on specal teams. Even returned 4 kicks. With Weems gone, guess he’ll get some chances. Pffft.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 28th, 2012
3:16 pm
With Snelling and a cheap FB in the 5th round, why do we need an injured FB, hurting our salary cap? The money we save can extend Grimes and, perhaps, sign another FA that we were unable to draft for their respective position. I’m satisfied with these picks and I am totally confident in TD’s knowledge of the game.
Falcon2
April 28th, 2012
3:19 pm
Chub Rock – Point! Well played!
hogmtndawg
April 28th, 2012
3:20 pm
Yea! Defense!
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
3:21 pm
Pass rushing specialist – Finally something we can use on D.
Falcon2
April 28th, 2012
3:22 pm
DLed, suggest you re-label to WTFTD – Day 3
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
3:23 pm
Analysis: Massaquoi has been a force the past two seasons and is the best pass rushing prospect to come out of Troy since DeMarcus Ware. He offers a variety of skill, comes with a lot of upside and offers potential in a number of defensive systems at the next level.
TNScott
April 28th, 2012
3:26 pm
If TD was given a chance to pick one of the top 10 players from the draft out of a hat, he would draw 7 1/2 and claim it was undervalued as a pick.
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
3:27 pm
ok DOL no NT and Jordan White still on the board
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
3:27 pm
Ovie Mughelli @oviemughelli34 Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
@DaveNewmanJr lol. If the falcons trade for vonta leach THAT “might” be my pink slip. Drafting someone to back me up def is not
South ga boy in the atl
April 28th, 2012
3:28 pm
Ovie was probably gone anyway. We don’t need to pay 3.5 mil for a FB when we can get one for league min of 400k. I have thought Ovie would be a cap casualty all along. I just think we could have gotten a decent FB with our 7th rd pick or as an UFA. I like the LB from Troy. He makes sense. We need some depth behind Dent and the FA we signed and Massaquoi will give us that depth. I, really wanted a TE to develop for one yr and learn from a future HOFer but they are all gone now.
Lewis Grizzard
April 28th, 2012
3:28 pm
Massaquoi is undersized as a defensive end and doesn’t appear to meet his listed weight of 250lbs
He is a very quick and explosive player
His ability to keep his pads low allow him to employ a good bull rush
The name of Massaquoi’s game is suddenness which allows him to make plays
Massaquoi has some experience dropping into coverage and is fluid enough to hold up
He doesn’t have a great awareness or football IQ
Massaquoi takes poor angles to the football and doesn’t quickly recognize plays developing
His lack of size makes it very difficult for him to hold at the point of attack
Once engaged with an offensive lineman, Massaquoi struggles to disengage
He isn’t always giving 100% and took some plays off
Bunch of Fools
April 28th, 2012
3:28 pm
I come on here for an update and I see nothing but a bunch of slapnuts who think they know more about football then TD. Well people, keep living in the fantasy land where you are king and reality is not important. What a bunch of idiots some of you so called fans are and always will be. Back to the NFL Network I go.
OHIOdirtybird!!!!
April 28th, 2012
3:29 pm
Massaquoi has some good highlights…..and McShay seems too like him…..Hope he turns out nice!!
Kramer
April 28th, 2012
3:37 pm
TNScott
April 28th, 2012
3:26 pm
If TD was given a chance to pick one of the top 10 players from the draft out of a hat, he would draw 7 1/2 and claim it was undervalued as a pick
And this one comment sums up the intelligence factor on this blog today. Somewhere between stupid and ignorant bordering on certifiable insanity.
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
3:37 pm
Bunch of Fools, go back to the Cartoon Network.
Mike Franklin
April 28th, 2012
3:42 pm
This is what happens to football fans during the off season. We all become desk’perts and wear our emotions on our sleeves on draft day, lol. It’s really great because, without the draft, the first preseason game would be a full meltdown event. I know it is for me anyway…
TD is gonna be a full fledged hero or run out of town on a rail depending on how these guys play. What a weird draft.
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
3:43 pm
LOL!
gabuldawg
April 28th, 2012
3:46 pm
At least we aren’t Washington. Draft RG3 at #2 overall and take another QB in the 4th round. I think I would have gotten a vet to mentor him instead of another rookie. In reality, there have been a lot of weird picks so far. Jacksonville took a punter in the 3rd. It’s not exclusive to Atlanta…
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
3:47 pm
I heard Sponge Bob slaps nuts.
Loserville USA
April 28th, 2012
3:52 pm
Fact is the Falcons looked at this draft a year ago and knew what was going on…we got Jones (excellent)….Konz will be solid and they just drafted Evans meaning Mughelli is a goner…..Now that money can go into McNeil…..
None of the other guys will be possible starters except Konz, so stop crying. Dimitroff has managed the team to 4 straight winning records, and for those of us in the 45-year club (since 1966)…..that’s pretty damn good. So stop bitching you ignorant whiners.
Mike Franklin
April 28th, 2012
3:54 pm
Blair Walsh to the Vikes. Hope the kid has some long underwear… Minnesota ain’t as warm as Athens, G-A!
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
4:08 pm
Boo Hoo!
He really told you guys. I don’t know who in the devil Evans or Jones is but he still really told you guys. Stop bitching about players that are not even on the Falcons roster. LOL
.Bart's Boy
April 28th, 2012
4:09 pm
I think this is what happens when a rookie NFL owner with no experience hires a rookie General Manager with no NFL experience who then hires a rookie NFL Head Coach with no experience.
jerry
April 28th, 2012
4:13 pm
Every head coach, good or bad, starts with no experience somewhere.
Mike Franklin
April 28th, 2012
4:22 pm
Somebody mentioned (Back on page 3) that we’ve seen the Falcs turn in the best three seasons in their history. I’ve been a fan since ‘68 when we went 2-12… but geez, the fans in old AFCS went crazy at every game! Win or lose, there was nothing but this big football party and the Falcs were OUR team!
Anyone recall that game against the 49ers (70s, I think) when the fans rushed the field during the melee?
Falcon Jim
April 28th, 2012
4:23 pm
I’m a 45-year club member. (Turned eleven on the second game.) I’ve CLOSELY followed the Falcons ever since. I agree with “Loserville USA” completely.
Bird Dawg Country
April 28th, 2012
4:25 pm
D-Led….these same questions from post on latest blog.
Will Konz be versatile to play other line positions while McClure is playing?
As junior underclassmen, are Konz and Massaquio more projects than immediate help?
What about Konz’s injury issues?
Why did we go after a FB so high with so few picks? A defensive player would have ben preferred.
Not impressed yet.
Row 3
April 28th, 2012
4:28 pm
TD was locked in on Holmes in the third round. He knew he was taking him way sooner than the so called experts predicted. That allowed him to trade back without risk of losing his target. We got a bonus pick in the fifth. I remember early in the week all of the comments on here about draft OL OL OL. I think he was brillant in getting us an extra pick.
Mike Franklin
April 28th, 2012
4:31 pm
I kinda hope we get that outdoor stadium someday. The dome is great but… playing in the heat of late summer in the south can work for a team just like it does for those up north playing in winter. Besides that, the beers go down faster in the the sunshine lol.
Big Crimson 75
April 28th, 2012
4:41 pm
Why did We take a Full-Back???
T- Dimmy seems to dislike the Draft!!
I liked the Koontz pick. Best Center in draft. He starts @ either Center or RG for the Falcons immediately.
The 3rd Round pick is a major sleeper. With Coaching — Lamar Holmes could Play Tackle in the Atl for the next 10 yrs!!! He is better than Baker, Svitek, Reynolds, & Mike Johnson. The Dude is Huge & We need Huge!!
After 2 Solid Selections, considering our needs on the OL, out of no-where We take a friggan Fullback!!
Massaquoi is a project. Most Troy Players are — if the guy can Play anything like DeMarcus Ware or Osi then we’re in pretty good shape with that one!!
2 Picks left — QB & RB!! or maybe TE & S or possibly LB & DT!!
Mike Franklin
April 28th, 2012
4:48 pm
Mitchell… mid range DB… but so was #22 when we got him from… what was that college?
Earl
April 28th, 2012
4:54 pm
It is starting to look to me like there is no great value in reference to depth or starting capability. Sooooooo, I think witht he FB and S picks were made to improve the special teams play. Both the FB and S excel in that area.
I am going to go out on a limb and say that the last pick will be someone with speed that can be used in the return game.
Right now, I really don’t have a beef with the picks. I think after the first two picks, there was no one available that is better than what we already have, so thus the picks to really improve the special teams.
Steve-O
April 28th, 2012
4:55 pm
All the frustrated GM’s here never cease to amaze me.
Earl
April 28th, 2012
4:58 pm
Steve, I agree………Wonder which teams they are running?
TNScott
April 28th, 2012
4:59 pm
Well, Kramer I do know that TD’s judgement is lacking when it has come to most of his draft picks: Jerry a first round non-factor for two years, Baker a second round underachiever after trading up. He picks a center guard this year that has strength issues a fullback with d-lineman speed at best and a projected 6 or 7th round tackle in the 4th round. Oh, now for his free-agent signings: a defensive lineman who performed nowhere near expectations for the amount of money spent and a defensive back who become more notorious that B-I-G and not for his ability to cover opposing wide receivers. I was originally a big TD supporter but lately these drafts have reminded me more of the ones the Smith’s use to run. Even C-Lo turned out to be a pedestrian linebacker who had to take less money than he wanted. After watching the last few years the Raiders minus Jellyroll Russell make more sense.
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
5:04 pm
Somebody needs to take Jordan White, Kellen Moore and Drew Butler
1990_Champs_GT
April 28th, 2012
5:05 pm
I’m ready for them to take the field. Smith’s on notice this year. If they don’t make the playoffs or lose in the first round, he’s toast. Then TD will be on the hot seat.
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
5:05 pm
If Drew Butler goes undrafted do you thinks the Falcons will give hm an invite to camp
.Bart's Boy
April 28th, 2012
5:09 pm
Dallas gets Tight End Hanna at 186 and we get at 192, well, yet another no name safety. Makes since to me…..
Orange12
April 28th, 2012
5:10 pm
Probably Chicago out of respect for his dad.
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
This makes no sense to not draft a TE they do know TonyG is gonna retire next season.
Nahila
April 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
Well, I sure hope the Falcons brain trust knows more positive things about that drafted players than the so called draft experts as their comments on strengths and weaknesses clearly show that the Falcons did not find a dead sure to make the Team football player from this 2013 draft class. Light, It should be called that because for starters the Jones trade of last year left the Falcons at the starting gate and then it went down hill from there according to the so called draft experts. Hopefully they are wrong and that the Falcon brass did their homework on these players. If not free agency players will be plentiful on the pre-season Falcon roster.
TD
April 28th, 2012
5:29 pm
Regarding the o-lineman drafted in previous drafts (Mike Johnson, Joe Hawley, Garrett Reynolds). The verdict is not out on these 3 lineman. They still may be starters or very good backups for the Falcons. The key is to develop your talent. Belichick traditionally drafts down and collects a bunch of low round talent, but the key is he coaches and develops the talent. We have new offensive and defensive coaches this year; we believe these coaches can teach and develop the current and previous draft picks to be starters and good backups on our team.
TD
April 28th, 2012
5:33 pm
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d828b79bd/article/bill-belichick-doesnt-care-what-draft-experts-think
Americankris
April 28th, 2012
5:34 pm
Draft Cam Johnson
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
5:36 pm
DOL where are you at youre M.I.A.
Rip
April 28th, 2012
5:37 pm
So we still will not have a pass rush and will not be strong on the defensive line. Who is going to get the push on the defensive line, who in the middle will be Mister Nasty, QB will have all day to deliver the ball. I only see development in this draft, and we do not want to talk about the FB just drafted.
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
5:38 pm
JORDAN WHITE!!!!!!!!! Hecan return kicks and has the best hands available. He lead the NCAA in Receptions and Yards.
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
5:40 pm
I dont see the point of drafting a FB there in the 5th round Jordan White is available and you are gonna make the biggest mistake not tkaing him
The Big Fat Blogger
April 28th, 2012
5:54 pm
I was really predicting that the Falcons would get Ben Jones out of Georgia with their first pick, but after reading and looking at highlights of Konz, I believe this was a great pickup, not too familiar with that Tackle or Safety that we picked up, but if anything else, we are at least drafting players who play positions that are needed on our team, rather if they are reaches or not, we are at least getting the much needed depth at those positions, now we really need to just get the best available TE or DT with our final picks.
.Bart's Boy
April 28th, 2012
6:47 pm
Enter your comment here.
J-Man
April 28th, 2012
7:14 pm
Jets take Jordan White………I guarentee you that he become the starter in 3 years and has more career numbers than Stephen Hill
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
8:21 pm
AtlantaFalcons to sign UDFA QB from East Carolina Dominique Davis http://college2pro.com/articles/217/nfl-mock-draft-dominique-davis-sc-18/
Retweeted by Dominique Davis
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
8:22 pm
James Rodgers may have not been drafted but he’ll play with his brother once again. He is headed to Atlanta
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
8:24 pm
Jerrell Harris @Bama_Boy256
Proud to say I’m going to be a Atlanta Falcon!!!!!!
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
8:28 pm
#Georgia TE Aron White signs with the Atlanta #Falcons
BobDawg
April 28th, 2012
8:29 pm
Looks like a lot of empty backfield for the offense this year with Koetter running the offense… Plus TD said this Fullback can catch passes also… Offense should looks a lot more like the old Cowboys offense with screens; runs and downfield throws… Except for the first round, we got 6 picks out of this draft plus AS from the Iggles…
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
8:29 pm
Former #NIU linebacker Pat Schiller has confirmed that he’s agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons.
Chub Rock
April 28th, 2012
8:32 pm
WR Cody Pearcy signs to Falcons.
Old Goober
April 28th, 2012
8:42 pm
Well, looks like I missed out on a great party. My guess is Smitty and TD had broken open the second case before the noon opening of the third day of the draft. I don’t see anybody who can open a hole for Tip Toe Turner or push him through the DL for a one-yard gain. It’s gonna get real ugly this year. I hope Matt Ryan has grown some good-sized bunions on his rear end. He’ll need the padding.
Without 1st-round pick, Falcons say they reach their goal in NFL draft to fill … – Washington Post | My Football Search
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Without 1st-round pick, Falcons say they reach their goal in NFL draft to fill … – Washington Post | Football News Pro
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