THE AFTERMATH: Grade the Falcons draft
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith will get to see their new rookies at minicamp, May 11 through 13. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
FLOWERY BRANCH – You all can stop by and grade the Falcons’ draft today.
Here are my four thoughts before I head off to do my civic duty and serve as a judge for the Falcons cheerleader tryouts.
- WHAT’S UP AT FULLBACK?: It can’t be a good thing for Ovie Mughelli that they drafted a fullback. While TD wouldn’t comment about the salary cap implications, the team likely doesn’t want to pay almost $4 million for a fullback that will probably be on the field just 20 percent of the plays. Also, they are low on funds and need some room for the rookies.
- THE RIGHT ATTITUDE: I’m warming up to the Lamar Holmes’ pick. He seemed to have a mean and nasty attitude when we chatted.
- THE SACK EXCHANGE: The Jonathan Massaquoi pick was a winner if he can get to the quarterback. If Ray Edwards and Kroy Biermann (Aside: I missed the wedding show. How was it?) don’t pick it up, he could get a shot. He plays specials teams and can move ahead of Lawrence Sidbury, who’s had a tough time on specials.
- 4. THE BACK END: Charles Mitchell seemed like a nice kid. He’ll have to move ahead of Shann Schillinger to be the top backup. He likely won’t able to challenge DeCoud or Moore as a rookie.
Also, there are a bunch of unreliable and unconfirmed free agent signings out there on Twitter. I’m going to wait for the team’s official list on Monday.
Here’s a look at the draft pick and remember to leave your draft grade for the Falcons:
Peter Konz, C/G
Second round (55th overall)
Wisconsin
6-foot-5, 313 pounds
Hometown: Neenah, Wis.
Notes: Konz was considered the top center in the draft. He was very effective blocking in Wisconsin’s inside zone-blocking scheme and was skilled at getting outside on toss sweeps. They also ran a lot of inside-power and play-action. “Konz has Pro Bowl potential written all over him if he can prove durable and play an entire year,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. “He is a huge anchor with outstanding athleticism. … He could be a factor at guard as well with the way he pulled and trapped at the center position with the Badgers.” Konz says he models his game after Nick Mangold. “He went to Ohio State and is a great player. He was a tough and physical guy. … Joe Thomas, a great Wisconsin offensive lineman. Every offensive lineman at Wisconsin tries to be like Joe in one aspect or another. We just try to be solid people and great football players.”
Lamar Holmes, offensive tackle
Third round (91st overall)
Southern Mississippi
6-foot-6, 334 pounds
Hometown: Gastonia, N.C.
Notes: Started his career at Itawamba Community College before transferring to Southern Mississippi. He played right and left tackle in junior college. In 2011, he played in all 13 games at Southern Miss, making six starts at left tackle. He was a first-team all-Conference USA pick last season after starting 14 games at left tackle. He was a team captain. He was projected as late pick by the Pro Football Weekly and rated as the 29th- best tackle in the draft by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper. “It was great being a captain, because my teammates voted for me,” Holmes said. “Coming from junior college, they really didn’t have to do that because they didn’t know me. I guess they voted me as captain because they seen me work hard every day.”
Bradie Ewing, fullback
Fifth round (157th overall)
Wisconsin
5-foot-11, 243 pounds
Hometown: Richland Center, Wis.
Notes: Started his career as a walk-on for the Badgers. After his second season he was awarded a scholarship. He is noted for his blocking. He registered 30 touchdown-resulting blocks as he cleared the way for running back Montee Ball. He caught all 28 passes targeted to him last season and 19 of those catches went for first downs and 16 were of 10 yards or more. He was a team captain. “I’m just a versatile guy,” Ewing said. “I can do all the things as a fullback. I can block. I can catch. I can split out as a receiver. I think it’s my versatility [that the Falcons liked].”
Jonathan Massaquoi, defensive end
Fifth round (164th overall)
Troy
6-foot-2, 264 pounds
Hometown: Lawrenceville
Notes: 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 commitment 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.
Charles Mitchell, strong safety
Sixth round (192nd overall)
Mississippi State
5-foot-11, 203 pounds
Hometown: Clarksdale, Miss.
Notes: 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.
Travian Robertson, Defensive tackle
Seventh round (249th overall)
South Carolina
6-foot-4, 300 pounds
Hometown: Laurinburg, N.C.
Notes: He 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. He was a preseason all-SEC second-team pick by Phil Steele. He was considered a key player in the interior of the Gamecocks’ defense and was known for getting great penetration and having a high motor. 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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337 comments Add your comment
bart
April 29th, 2012
11:53 am
I’d give it a “A”. Their 1st round pick may likely be an All pro. But wait you think we didn’t have a 1st rounder? Well Assante will better than any CB taken in the 1st round – a proven pro with experience. He just won’t be around the next ten years – so what. So follow that with the best center in the draft, a replacement for Mugs (salary cap casualty – this is a business you know) and some solid role/special teams players, potential starters after development, (how many were former team captains? – they are TC’s for a reason – leaders, usually by example – ie great work ethics).
Solid draft. The only area of possible concern is the injury bug.
And one last caveat – for those suggesting we should have gotten more “explosive”, give me a break – what skill position players could we have replaced to become more exp? No need to answer cause the answer is none.
collegeballfan
April 29th, 2012
11:55 am
“Why draft a fullback?”
The offense they will run requires a blocker in the backfield. The starter at that position makes to much money for the amount of time he is on the field. They need the cap space.
The backups are not that good. So they drafted the best available blocker on the board at that time. Plus the guy they drafted can catch the football.
Drafting is not just evaluating talent. It is also making the business decisions concerning the amount of money invested in salaries re the NFL payroll cap.
Tom G
April 29th, 2012
11:55 am
Orlando – I’ll give them an A+++ if it will get me to the cheerleader tryouts as your assistant!!!
23 reps?
April 29th, 2012
11:55 am
There are cornerbacks who are stronger than Konz. This is just like Peria Jerry pick in 2010- Top rated player at the position but a history of injuries. I am not a homer, but Ben Jones played 51 games at center at UGA. Holmes was rated as a 6 or 7th round pick.
Dimitroff is either a genius or a clown in this draft.
Sid
April 29th, 2012
11:58 am
Beanie in SC
April 29th, 2012
11:10 am
Still need another WR
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I haven’t stopped pushing for Kerry Meier to get some snaps at WR. This kid hasn’t had a chance to show his talent. Missed 2010 with an ACL. If Ryan would get the damn ball anywhere near him he’s got the hands to snag it. He can also play QB, probably better than BillyBob JoeTom Wilson.
By the way, that was a legal shot on Cullen Loeffler of the Vikings.
bart
April 29th, 2012
11:58 am
I must add that “bart boy” is of no relation – my genes could not have spawned such an illegitimate analysis of our draft – my name has been tainted………..
OBSERVER
April 29th, 2012
11:59 am
WHY NOT TAKE ORSON CHARLES???
BECAUSE HE IS OVERRATED…E.G., …REALLY NOT VERY GOOD.
JUST LIKE AARON MURRAY…HIS H.S. TEAMMATE….WHO IS REALLY NOT VERY GOOD.
drmaryb.(*_*).
April 29th, 2012
11:59 am
Draft Grade (B=+)
If, Holmes can play like Warren Sap on the D-Line? He may be the sleeper of all our picks.
BullDogMike
April 29th, 2012
12:03 pm
Just a couple of takes in draft. Really concerned that Tampa Bay improved themselves so much that Falcons may have hard time beating them just once a year, much less twice. Falcons draft was okay, but nothing great . If Thomas D. is still looking for a tight end, he needs to call Aaron White up, and bring him in as free agent. That’s all. Stay thirsty my friends……
Falcon Fan in Milton
April 29th, 2012
12:04 pm
c
senior falcon
April 29th, 2012
12:06 pm
A minus with Samuel factored in.
BullDogMike
April 29th, 2012
12:07 pm
Oh Yea,one more thing,” Observer”…You think Orsen Charles is not really good.? I know now at least one person who never saw him play… .
Finchdawg
April 29th, 2012
12:18 pm
B- Holmes and Ewing were definite stretches. Dimitroff always seems to pick people in the middle rounds that we could have had in the 6th or 7th round. Others look pretty good.
YOUR GONNA DO WHAT.
April 29th, 2012
12:21 pm
What kinda moron says drafting a Center, made his draft. Are u fucin serious.
Sid
April 29th, 2012
12:23 pm
Grade this draft:
Falcons 2008 Draft
1 3 (3) Matt Ryan QB Boston College
1 21 (21) Sam Baker T USC
2 6 (37) Curtis Lofton OLB Oklahoma allowed to sign with NO
3 5 (68) Chevis Jackson CB LSU …………released 9/4/2010
3 21 (84) Harry Douglas WR Louisville
3* 35 (98) Thomas DeCoud S California
5 3 (138) Robert James OLB Arizona State ………….mostly practice squad
5 19 (154) Kroy Biermann OLB Montana
6 6 (172) Thomas Brown RB Georgia ……………out of football
7 5 (212) Wilrey Fontenot CB Arizona ………….out of football
7 25 (232) Keith Zinger TE LSU…………as far as I know released by the Jets
.Bart's Boy
April 29th, 2012
12:23 pm
Here’s one last thought before I had out to the nude beach as this day is an exceptionally warm one! D Led asked a question of his bloggers. That question was “What grade do you give this year’s Atlanta Falcons’ draft?” D Led is an AJC sports reporter trying to get the “pulse of the fans” on our take of it. That is, our opinion, as a fan. So, the answer is addressed to the reporter who asked the question — not anyone else on this blog. Once answered, there’s basically nothing else to say. D Led should read the responses and form some opinion as to how Falcon fans feel about this year’s draft results. That’s it. End of conversation. Good-bye.
B. king
April 29th, 2012
12:26 pm
A SOLID C THATS ALL FOKES !!!!!!!
Paddy
April 29th, 2012
12:26 pm
Pandora………you said the Falcons are the worst team in the NFL and would prove that again this year So tell me little lady, Pandora I asume is a girl, The Falcons were worse than all the teams that didn’t make the playoff’s the last 3 years. This explanation should be interesting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go ahead, your turn!!!!!!!!!!!
Sid
April 29th, 2012
12:34 pm
Grade this draft:
Falcons 2009 Draft
1 24 24 Peria Jerry
2 23 55 William Moore
3 26 90 Chris Owens
4 25 125 Lawrence Sidbury
5 2 138 William Middleton ………was on practice squad, signed by Jax
5 20 156 Garrett Reynolds
6 3 176 Spencer Adkins
7 1 210 Vance Walker
Sid
April 29th, 2012
12:35 pm
.Bart’s Boy
April 29th, 2012
12:23 pm
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alright…………….use plenty of sun block.
Josh
April 29th, 2012
12:37 pm
@Chase – big problem with your critique (and a lot of the critiques offered here) – all of the “problems” you have with the way they drafted could not have been solved due to lack of picks. You want them to get a TE, LB, C, and RB. If they took any one of those instead of any of the linemen that they chose you’d probably criticize them for not taking a lineman. They couldn’t fill all of the holes or potential holes that they had because of lack of draft choices. I think we need to be a little more rational in our thinking about how they did with what they had. It’s like we wanted them to take 11 guys with 6 picks.
Hawk
April 29th, 2012
12:38 pm
check out the udfa we just picked up… then lick your chops we are OK.
these guys know more about this game then we do. and stop with the they did not draft more of my college players. I am a dawg fan and it does not matter to me. as I said the pros know more then me.
DawgNole
April 29th, 2012
12:42 pm
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 29th, 2012
11:41 am
I see a lot of Ds and Fs. A few As in here. Thanks for dropping by and sharing. We have a break here at the cheer tryouts.
_____________________
The cheer tryouts ARE a break.
Jay
April 29th, 2012
12:43 pm
C, and that is being nice. Wasting a higher pick on a Fullback seems like overkill. The defensive lie picks don’t seem impressive. Hopefully we get at least one starter out this mediocre group
vpat48
April 29th, 2012
12:44 pm
Who are our FA signings? Have heard absolutely nothing about Falcons. Everyone else seems to have picked up players.
Sid
April 29th, 2012
12:45 pm
I look forward to seeing who we sign as FA’s.
day old fries
April 29th, 2012
12:48 pm
A
Sid
April 29th, 2012
12:49 pm
Ledbetter is a worthless beat reporter
April 29th, 2012
12:36 pm
OMG, it’s YOUR job to grade the FALCONS you DIMWIT. You are supposed to be the expert. You ask fans to do it? Could you be any less insightful or any more lazy?
************************************************************
Hey man, ease up on DLed, didn’t you hear him firing off those questions to TD at the presser. Can you say DOMINATE!
Gwinnett Fred
April 29th, 2012
12:54 pm
For the moment, I’ll go with a “B”.
This is one of those drafts all NFL teams HAVE to have once every 3-4 years. No impact players, no fantasy football draftees, just a “working man’s” draft to dhore up the lines and add depth.
Biggest concern is not getting a tight end, but if you look at that position and the recent free agency at that position, some darn nice TE’s have come on the market the past couple years and that should continue and they aren’t the highest paid positions – so I see replacing Gonzo thru free agency next year.
Bottom line, they entered the off season with new coaches and said we are going to have some open competition at many positions with a staff that doesn’t have their minds made up going in and they have added some players to make the competition more challenging for the returning players – which is a very good thing!
Daniel
April 29th, 2012
1:00 pm
DOL, Do you think it would be easier to grade the draft if you posted a poll in the article?? Smh
Paddy
April 29th, 2012
1:01 pm
vat48………I would think that the FA signings will be announced sometime tomorrow. It takes a little time to sign even FA’s, if more than one team is involved in negotiations with that player. It is just not as easy as calling the guy up and inviting him to camp!
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
1:02 pm
All these opinions are like smiles…………………everybody has one.
Whadda Know?
April 29th, 2012
1:02 pm
What are we grading? That we didn’t get the popular picks according to the talking heads? That we didn’t pick who the fans thought should have been picked? You all kill me with this “grade the draft” talk the day after the draft–even though a single rook or UDFA hasn’t made a single play in the NFL yet.
charles
April 29th, 2012
1:17 pm
Although this is all premature,i would grade the total draft a B-falcons did address ol which means our veteran ol better work their butts off this summer and be ready for some competition and competition makes people better.
If Ovie is healthy,i think he will be kept at a lower pay but at the least the wisconsin fb should be great on special teams.
I really hope the pick of holmes works out-time will tell.
Think the later defensive picks have a chance!
I was really hoping that we could acquired picks for next year’s draft.
I must sat the draft was more entertaining with all the trades!
OPEN YOUR EYES
April 29th, 2012
1:19 pm
OPEN YOUR EYES is one of the Saints jerks that used to pose on Falcons blogs under many various pseudonyms. Only the jerk that spent his LIFE trying to annoy Falcon fans could manufacture this NEW persona. WOW, gee, dude, get a life.
What could motivate someone into this sick mind-masturbation?
OPEN YOUR EYES = SeenThisB4
Got to hand it to him for ingenuity………………..but a jerk by any other name is still a jerk.
Barneyball
April 29th, 2012
1:21 pm
I’d give it a solid B. You got the best center available according to the so called experts. He might be a plug and play guard who can be groomed to replace McClure in a year or so. It’ll really be interesting to see what Mr. Holmes does. He appears to have a mean streak to him, which could change the whole attitude on the OL. The fullback pick looks solid too. Throw in Samuel for a 6th or 7th rd pick, and you have a very solid draft. No cover boys or sexy picks, but good solid picks that fill needs. Well done!
Tim Parker
April 29th, 2012
1:23 pm
Every draft is a crap shoot. You can draft all the big name super stars and watch them flop. You can draft a bunch of no-names and watch them dominate in the NFL for years.
That having been said, I believe we addressed several areas of need. I really like to two OL we drafted at the top of the draft. Konz is a beast at center or guard and offers the flexibility and athleticism to play any position on the line. Holmes is an athletic tackle with great size and strength. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him starting come opening day. He’s a road grater that can move a pile. Bradie Ewing will replace Olvie at FB for two reasons: His injury is a two year recovery process and his cap numbers are too high. Massaquoi will shock people with his burst and power and may be a diamond in the rough. Mitchell and Robertson can both play Special Teams and may end up on the roster.
Sid – Here’s your grade B+
Jerry is a bit of a disappointment but still is in the DT rotation and does a solid job. Keep in mind, he was a consolation prize in a weak DT draft with all the blue chippers gone. William Moore is a solid strong safety. Chris Owens is improving with age and maturity but is definitely only a role player at nickel or dime. Lawrence Sidbury contributes as a backup to Abe and had four sacks last season as a backup. Middleton didn’t stand out and didn’t pan out. Garrett Reynolds has made the roster and contributed. Spencer Adkins will compete for starting MLB and is a great ST player. Vance Walker is a solid NT and has contributed greatly in the DT rotation.
rivercard
April 29th, 2012
1:32 pm
Sid- Okay I’ll play. 2008 draft I’ll give a B. Might could have gone B+ , but for the F for picking Baker in 1st round.
2009 – C , Another first round F.
Looking back maybe it’s a good thing we traded away our first round pick.
NaFLadamus
April 29th, 2012
1:34 pm
In foresight, it looks like a C+. However, in hindsight it will be a D- because 2 will have career ending injuries, 2 won’t make it through this coming preseason, and 2 will be fodder for fans to complain about them underperforming in 2012 (although Mike Smith will praise their work ethics), in this blog. In the end, it will not matter, as the NFL will fold and all professional sports will come to the End Times.
MILT
April 29th, 2012
1:41 pm
Jerrel Harris LB Alabama signed as free agent. a 3-4 OLB or down edge rusher. Continue to look for a mix of 3-4, 4-3 players with verstility.
GT
April 29th, 2012
1:49 pm
b
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
1:58 pm
Incomplete.
steven a smith
April 29th, 2012
2:00 pm
OBSERVER
April 29th, 2012
11:59 am
WHY NOT TAKE ORSON CHARLES???
BECAUSE HE IS OVERRATED…E.G., …REALLY NOT VERY GOOD.
JUST LIKE AARON MURRAY…HIS H.S. TEAMMATE….WHO IS REALLY NOT VERY GOOD.
Great Post. I am surprised that we did not take any of those sorry Georgia Bulldogs..They lost to a QB(Kellen Moore) who could not and did not get drafted…
D man
April 29th, 2012
2:02 pm
C+, I like the first two picks because it fills a need. I like the DE also, that was a steal at the late round. No big impact players so I give it a C+ which is about as high as you can get without a first round pick.
steven a smith
April 29th, 2012
2:07 pm
Center could have been filled in free agency. At pick 55, they will not publically admitt it, Should have taken Ryan Broyles WR, BEST in the draft. Also Egnew TE, Best in the draft as far as complete player.
Hamp
April 29th, 2012
2:09 pm
Worry Warts! First you have one on the youngest and best teams in the league our core players are four years into the league.
You have to look at the last two drafts as one because of the julio deal and if you look at it that way we are in a good position for now and for the future.
You have to to consider Samuels as your 7th round pick did anyone look at what is salary has been reduced to, very cap friendly.
Sivteck has proven to be servicaabe you draft a Protypical LT with more upside than anyone we could have gotten. Adams was there but at what expense he is one strike away from a supension for Weed.
Like it or not or not Decoud is your FS you can argue if there was a better safety out there. Decoud will have a good year under Nolan. This kid from MSU was labeled one of the best tacklers in the draft and a 3 year starter in the SEC as some like to point out.
Our special teams alone will be one of the tops awhile these kids learn to play their positons.
We have capable KR/PRs on the roster. You hope for the homerun but anything over the 20 on kickoff and this offense should be fine.
FB Love olvie but 4 mill is a ton. with back and knee problems you would be stupid to make him play special teams so why not draft the best available FB who can do it all. If you think the only FB invited to the combine was gonna last as a UBFA you are stupid!
I at first didn’t think Massaquoi was gonna be looked at as a DE but he has upside. Picking a DE for pass rush high is suspect Name any high sack pass rushers that came out recentlly except JPP.
THe big picture for this team has been solved. Look deeper and stop looking for flash.
If you grade this draft alone and not look at is in two pieces it’s a C but you can’t look at it that way because the trade last year affected last year and this year.
So I give it a C+/B+
April 29th, 2012
10:25 am
When you give up your 27th pick last season, and 22nd this season, and come away with the draft’s best receiver last season and best Center this season, that’s a solid “A” in anyone’s book.
(Next paragraph taken from Larry Thanks)
In one year this team has added Julio Jones, JaQuiz Rogers, Ray Edwards, Asante Samuel, Peter Konz, a lot of good picks below them, a new Offensive Coordinator, Offensive Line Coach, and one of the very best Defensive Coordinators (with Head Coaching skill and experiance) in Nolan.
With that said you worry warts kill me!
Lmichael
April 29th, 2012
2:09 pm
I will give them a D. I think that they drafted 3 players who they could gotten in free agency. Don’t expect much help this year. I think just 1 starter in the first year. Don’t expect anything from this draft.
Hamp
April 29th, 2012
2:12 pm
Last part of the post was from larry darn computer is slow today and mistakes were made. Meh
Mike is back
April 29th, 2012
2:17 pm
After the acquisition of Samuel…It was hard to find fault with this year draft.
I give the Falcons B+, only because Konz medical issues make me a little uneasy…brings back eerily memories of that Jerry guy.
Overall, I think TD had a good draft…if both the OL earn starting positions…this could end up being a great draft for the Falcons. I think Holmes could be last year Corey Peters.
steven a smith
April 29th, 2012
2:20 pm
49ers, Bucs, Panthers, and Giants all got better. Falcons upgraded, however, others upgraded moore!!!