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
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 29th, 2012
2:23 pm
Heck with you haters. Like Roddy says, “Haters are going to hate.”
My columnists — Schultz and Bradley — do the grades. I’m just telling you who they picked.
steven a smith
April 29th, 2012
2:25 pm
Also, Matt Ryan is in deperate need of a consistent back-up. Chrissy Redman is hardly consistent.
Free agent kid, Dominique Davis has almost as may ints as Touchdowns. Ryan goes down, the Birds are in a world of hurt..”Panic Mode”GIRLS..
HA HA HA
April 29th, 2012
2:38 pm
Give them an A- . Many great picks for where they selected. Thankfully no Orson Charles. UGA TE’s are historically a big bust in the NFL and he has a history with legal issues
DBell
April 29th, 2012
2:40 pm
Solid B. This team is good enough that they don’t have to find starters in the draft. Plus, they got Asante Samuel with a seventh round pick.
PapaK
April 29th, 2012
2:42 pm
All you guys grading this draft have no idea what you are talking about. Most of you have never even heard of any of the Falcon’s choices. You’re making decisions on what the so-called experts are saying. TD and Smitty aren’t stupid. They’ve done a great job of making the Falcons a factor for four consecutive years. So stop with the negative comments.
Not a NFL GM
April 29th, 2012
2:44 pm
I am not an NFL GM, and neither are any of you. I think it’s funny that all of you fancy yourselves qualified judges of NFL talent because you watched a handfull of college football games.
Many of you guys think that the Falcons should have have taken OT Mike Adams or DT Brandon Thompson, who are both idiotic dope smokers. I mean really, how can you trust these guys to make the right decisions in the NFL, or on the field, when they smoke dope right before the draft combine, and then lie about it? Why would any person with a sound mind gamble with such a huge opportunity?
Yeah, we really needed to bring potheads to Atlanta. There are way too many opportunities to party in Atlanta. You don’t want to bring players with questionable off-the-field character to Atlanta and then hand them ridiculous paychecks – a recipe for disaster.
steven a smith
April 29th, 2012
2:47 pm
PapaK
April 29th, 2012
2:42 pm
All you guys grading this draft have no idea what you are talking about. Most of you have never even heard of any of the Falcon’s choices. You’re making decisions on what the so-called experts are saying. TD and Smitty aren’t stupid. They’ve done a great job of making the Falcons a factor for four consecutive years. So stop with the negative comments.
Yes..You are right Papak…That’s why TD and Smiity can account for all those PLAYOFF wins in the past 4 years…. You are very smart…Probably took the SHORT BUS to school…
DawgNole
April 29th, 2012
2:47 pm
PapaK
April 29th, 2012
2:42 pm
TD an Smitty aren’t stupid. They’ve done a great job of making the Falcons a factor for four consecutive years. So stop with the negative comments.
_________________________
Who cares about being “a factor”? What matters is playoff wins, and they haven’t done such a great job of that at all.
DawgNole
April 29th, 2012
2:48 pm
Hey, steven a and I actually agree! Probably won’t see that again in our lifetimes.
Roy
April 29th, 2012
2:56 pm
D
Paddy
April 29th, 2012
2:59 pm
steven a………I also agree with you!.
beefjerky
April 29th, 2012
3:15 pm
Really makes no difference whom they choose in the draft..when the pads go on and they get a full pre season under their collective belts, then we will know then who the REAL play makers are!! Until then, its just a guessing game!! C plus grade on the draft..
YOUR GONNA DO WHAT.
April 29th, 2012
3:23 pm
This team sure does love drafting guys who may not even play half the year. What losers. Go Hawks! They have the worst owners in sports and have gone to the playoffs 5 years running.
Tell it like it is
April 29th, 2012
3:23 pm
I had rather go 9-7, and get in the playoffs, and win the hole bald of wax,than go 16-0,and lose in the first round! ——-C
Nahila
April 29th, 2012
3:27 pm
This draft cannot be graded now in higher than C because of no first round choice. If Jones has an outstanding seaso in 2012 then we could better evaluate this draft and think about raising the grade.
Mike Franklin
April 29th, 2012
3:29 pm
What’s in a grade… ANY grade, before these guys have seen their first play in a Falcons’ uni? I’ll wait until training camp… or maybe a few preseason games before crying in my beer or cracking a keg in their honor. This draft class will be worth watching because they are all something of a mystery.
BIRDSFLYHIGH
April 29th, 2012
3:33 pm
Hands down B+
WnE
April 29th, 2012
3:34 pm
D is the grade for this Draft.
That Julio Jones trade is looking worse and worse as time goes by.
Julio is a great player, but I don’t know if he can ever be “good enough” to justify what we gave up to get him.
The Julio trade was a move of desperation by the Falcons, had they drafted DEZ BRYANT instead of Weatherspoon, they would have had their WR to go with Roddy and they would have kept all their draft picks going forward.
I know TD wishes he could get into a DeLorean with a flux capacitor and do everything over again.
Look at what Philly did with their draft picks, keeping draft picks is always the best strategy, the only time you trade a bunch of picks is when you are pursuing a Franchise QB, you don’t do it for a WR.
hbcuclassics
April 29th, 2012
3:40 pm
Overall Grade = C+
Konz – injury-prone, weak in weight room – bad sign
Film vs. Ohio St. – didnt see mauler but a scheme guy w help
Dont see him moving pile on 4th and 1 vs. Giants either.
Big 10 program like Wisconsin but cant do 20 reps/225????
Holmes – a stretch with Massie and ZSanders on board…
But so many passed on both, there must be issues…
Holmes an underdog, JUCO guy, no silver spoon, hungry…
Ewing – metrics unimpressive, weak in weight room – bad sign…
Film vs. Ohio St. – jumps off screen as blocker, legs, leverage, heart…
Again, Big 10 Wisconsin guy that cant do 20 reps/225????
Makes you wonder what do they MAX? 250??
Odd pick – rather had game breaker like Chris Rainey…
Massaquoi – good size, speed combo to develop
Doesnt jump off screen as dominant player…
Gets stonewalled alot…speed rusher that comes up empty…
Odd pick, havent even used Sidbury or Matthews yet…
Mitchell – nice size, speed, aggression combo…
Pick made sense, need position, SEC player…
Robertson – nice size, strength, aggression combo…
Pick makes sense, need position, SEC player…
Overall, Falcons roster set, these guys wont play, so…
Keep Konz, Holmes….cut the rest unless they jump off…
Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd Man
April 29th, 2012
3:43 pm
C-…but if you factor in the Samuels trade, I’ll say B-.
OPEN YOUR EYES
April 29th, 2012
3:45 pm
DO YOU GUYS WANNA KNOW MY GRADE???
marseilles mutt
April 29th, 2012
3:48 pm
No, don’t think this class is a mystery in any way, size or fashion. Played a little, back when grades or stats meant little or nothing. But one thing this class has that stands out is QUALITY, if not quanity.
3 of the 5 listed were team captains, the one that wasn’t has a degree which is not a gimme- as I imagine Konz has as well- and if you think their teammates don’t know more about them than you or me and Eel Whatshisface, you’ve got another think coming!
Considering, what they needed, and where they drafted- and ALL were talking is about the draft alone- gotta give ‘em an A based on individual quality alone.
If 3 out of the 5 stick…well, you can currently get in the hall of fame batting 250, right?
OPEN YOUR EYES
April 29th, 2012
3:49 pm
@BIRRD- YEAH U ACT LIKE SAMUELS WILL BE HERE FOR 6 YRS!!! NO HE WILL BE A STOP GAP FREE AGENT!!! HE WILL BE WAY TO EXPENSIVE FOR US TO KEEP!!!
coleski
April 29th, 2012
3:58 pm
Let the new players take the field and see how they work out. We might be suprised at how well they play.
Who cares what Mel Kiper says, I see him make a lot of mistakes in judging talent.
Andrew
April 29th, 2012
4:03 pm
B+
cwltank
April 29th, 2012
4:15 pm
I give them an A, simply because they were beaten by either the Superbowl Champs or the runner up, 3 out of 4 years. Therefore we drafted need and debt. Let those guys learn for a year or 2. I like what they did on the offensive line. Also, watch Bierman & Rookie from Troy play outside LB & cause havic for years……. I think the rookie Faulcon was a top pick, if you do not believe watch his you tube highlight
Billy Bob
April 29th, 2012
4:16 pm
My grade is “yawn”. In letter terms, I guess that is a C. Glad they focused on OL. But grade held down by:
First, the Falcons did not need to give up the 4th round pick to land Julio last year. First mistake of 2012 draft.
Second, no complaints on Konz, except they did not have the luxury to choose a C there. They need a starting OT. There were starting OTs remaining at 55. And then they could take a C with 3rd round pick. Relative value decision.
Second, Lamar Holmes? Look, he may make the team, b/c TD protects his draft pix. But he is the yawn. If you want Lamar Holmes, take him in Round 5 (or trade into Rd 4 to get him). TD consistently shows a lack of respect for the value of a pick, a la choosing Bosher last year in Rd 5 when they could have UFAd him.
Third, TD and staff again do this by squandering a 5th round pick on FB Ewing. Nobody else would have picked him before 7th. There were players left that would help. Glad they want a FB, glad they will address cap with Ovie, but they need to value these picks.
A DE that played in 2-point stance and runs a 4.8 40. We’re supposed to get excited about that. He ain’t beating out Sidbury unless he gets a TD pass.
Flowery Branch has consistently picked marginal talent two rounds ahead of where projected. I refuse to believe all the projections are wrong. Even if they are, take advantage of others bad evals, not correct them.
If the “reaches” prove out, then I will concede that the Falcons are genius evaluators…but it has not. been the case so far with Mike Johnson, Garrett Reynolds, Shann Shillinger, Kerry Meier, the list goes on.
Netting one big time football player per draft (Weatherspoon, Jones, Konz) and a bunch of marhginal talent is a prescription for a below average football team. So they go the free agent route, but then run out of money…cap space will not allow FA only approach to succeed.
Akeem Dent will be the proof for me. If he is a real MLB that starts for 5 years, then TD showed evaluation talent and roster foresight. But I bet Dent proves out at MLB about like Baker at LT. Kinda, but wanting…
drewster
April 29th, 2012
4:20 pm
Doesn’t really matter, We still need a HB with some burst, Turner is too slow and Quizz,(Although tough) , is not as fast as you would think for his size.
Jeff
April 29th, 2012
4:22 pm
D. I’m still trying to figure out giving a bank roll to undersized corner back and a backup defensive end whose claim to fame is that him and his spouse are on a really bad realiity show. The Falcons passed on a lot of good football players and for the sake of the HC & GM they better hope these guys shine because otherwise the HC may be a DC next year and the GM may be back up in New England. No more excuses. Your offensive line could not gain a yard when they needed and the defensive line cannot get to the quarterback nor can anyone in that secondary cover and that cannot cover anyone.
steven A. smith
April 29th, 2012
4:31 pm
Paddy
April 29th, 2012
2:59 pm
steven a………I also agree with you!.
Thanks brotha!!
PapaK
April 29th, 2012
4:31 pm
Instead of offering a compelling argument, steven a smith has to insult me. I thought this blog was for serious football fans, not little boys.
steven A. smith
April 29th, 2012
4:32 pm
Thank you Brotha…
Paddy
April 29th, 2012
2:59 pm
steven a………I also agree with you!.
Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd Man
April 29th, 2012
4:33 pm
OPENYOUREYES, Samuels is signed for 3 years–that’s a little more than a “stop gap” tenure in the NFL. Besides, hopefully we’ll have Branden Smith or Sanders Cummings NFL ready by then.
OPEN YOUR EYES
April 29th, 2012
4:34 pm
HOW MANY 4 AND 1 DID WE LOSE LAST YEAR??
WHERE IS KERRY MEIER??
WHERE IS PERIA JERRY??
WILL MICHAEL TURNER SIGN WITH US AFTER NEXT YEAR???
HOW MANY TIMES WILL THE FALCONS RUN MICHAEL TURNER UP THE MIDDLE, JUST TO BE STUFFED IN A BIG A$$ PILE??
HOW MANY SCREEN PASSESS DID WE RUN FOR QUIZZ LAST YEAR??? (NONE)
HOW MANY POINTS DID OUT OFFENSE SCORE LAST YEAR AGAINST THE GIANTS???
AND FINALLY,
DOES ANYBODY THINK THE FALCONS WILL MAKE IT PAST THE FIRST ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS NEXT YEAR, MUCH LESS EVEN MAKE IT TO THE PLAYOFFS????
SO MANY QUESTIONS STILL SURROUNDING THIS TEAM AND NOT SURE WE CAN COMPETE AGAINST THE ELITE TEAMS IN THE LEAGUE!!!!
steven A. smith
April 29th, 2012
4:36 pm
Another great Post…
drewster
April 29th, 2012
4:20 pm
Doesn’t really matter, We still need a HB with some burst, Turner is too slow and Quizz,(Although tough) , is not as fast as you would think for his size.
Hence LaMichael James should have been the 1st pick for these clowns!!!
OPEN YOUR EYES
April 29th, 2012
4:41 pm
@BIRD- FIRST OFF WHO THE F*CK IS BRADEN SMITH AND SANDERS CUMMINGS!!!!! SECOND, THERE IS NO WAY WE KEEP DUNTA, GRIMES, AND SAMUELS FOR 2 YEARS!! SOMETHING WILL GIVE AND BIG EGO’S WILL BE EXPOSED!!! BRENT GRIMES WANTS TO GET PAIDED AND IF HE HAS TO GO ELSEWHERE TO DO SO, HE WILL NOT HESITATE!!!
JUST ASK THE EAGLES HOW THE TRIO CONERBACK TANDEM DID???? GO AHEAD ASK THEM, THEY’RE PROBABLY LAUGHING AT US FOR WASTING ALL OUR MONEY ON FREE AGENT AFTER FREE AGENT!!!!!!
OH YEAH, AND NOT TO MENTION MIKE NOLAN BETTER LIGHT A SPARK UNDER RAY EDWARDS BECAUSE SO FAR HE HAS BEEN A BIG BUSTY BUST!!!!!!!
steven A. smith
April 29th, 2012
4:42 pm
Thanks to Mike Vick, I believe Blank and Dimitrioff are looking for choir boys to play for this football team. problem is, these boys do not have enough heart to get you past the 1st round!!
Dimitrioff and Blank, “young people, and some old, have SIN.”
torgo
April 29th, 2012
4:54 pm
Does anyone actually read all these comments?
If you’re reading this, hold off on the draft for a moment and start checking out the guys that we are reportedly signing as undrafted free agents. They aren’t the big names, but if the reports are right, we’ve signed some really interesting ones.
Read up on Chad Faulcon, Cody Pearcy, and Casey Thierrault. The early word is that we signed all three of them.
Training camp is going to be lots of fun to watch this year.
FOOTBALL LEGEND
April 29th, 2012
4:55 pm
D. Orlando is a LEGEND!!!! Even iHeartMiko knows that!!! He’s a Pro Football Hall of Fame voter!
I would give the Falcons a C for taking one guy they could have picked in the fifth round (Holmes) and another guy they could have signed today (Ewing).
Keep going hard in the paint D. Led!
FOOTBALL LEGEND
April 29th, 2012
4:55 pm
Enter your comments here
slydog
April 29th, 2012
4:56 pm
Grade: D
1. The only worthwhile pick was Konz. All else is suspect.
2. Should have drafted Orson Charles as heir to Tony Gonzalez instead of a fullback and a 6′2, 262 lb. DE from…… Troy? With those measurables, I’d prefer he faced better competition. They could have gotten a fullback in rookie free agency.
3. Why, with few picks and having to hit on every one, do you draft a center and a fullback in the same draft? I love the addition of the two O-linemen, but this team needs playmakers. They have enough “good, solid” football players.
falconlman
April 29th, 2012
5:09 pm
lets hope we can get one yard this year with what we did up front may pay off I give the draft a C plus
steven A. smith
April 29th, 2012
5:24 pm
Fellow Bloggers…Take a moment to think about how far the 49ers went in “1 year” They made more strides in 1 year than we made in “4 years” they got much better. See Brandon Jacobs, Randy moss,
Mario Manningham, LaMichael James, A.J. Wright..Thunder and Lightning Boys!
Kramer
April 29th, 2012
5:32 pm
Solid B. I still bet TD knows more about the NFL then most of the slapnuts on here that grade this draft at a D or F. Anyone want to take that bet?
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
5:33 pm
Steven,
You are correct about the 49ers. However, what is your point? Are teams that build and grow and improve over three years any less? It may be that a grounded, solid base has been put in place. What if the Falcons do well this year and the 40-sissys are only OK? This would take the wind out of your argument, I guess. Oh well, that’s why the games and the seasons are played. If they left it up to us idiots, there would be no football. Enjoy the upcoming season, my friend.
Kramer
April 29th, 2012
5:34 pm
Open Your Eyes is still coming on here? I thought I smelled good old Bourbon Street Saturday night urine.
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
5:36 pm
Kramer…………..you’re right. I’d bet on TD over all these “slapnuts.”
(I love your term.)
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
5:37 pm
Oh by the way, I work at Flowery Branch and bring TD and MS freshly made bagels each morning.
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
5:40 pm
Kramer, again you are right, my friend. OPEN YOUR EYES is SeenThisB4. No doubt. I know Seen and his cast of pseudonyms VERY well.
AlanFalcon
April 29th, 2012
5:40 pm
B+, TD and Smitty did not let the outside influence this draft and the teams needs, the weakest link in their selection is the safety Charles Mitchell and they must have seen something they like in him down the road.
Go Falcons !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!