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
A-ville Ranger
April 29th, 2012
7:54 pm
A closer look shows good potential from Bradie Ewing at FB. Wow, he was lead blocker on 30 tds and was 28 of 28 when the ball was thrown at him. Plus 16 of those catches went for 10 or more yards. Every pick has something to give hope they might contribute. Doubtless not all will work out but if we get good value from 3 plus the trade for a starting CB it might not be as thin as I first thought.
SeenThisB4
April 29th, 2012
7:58 pm
We don’t need Sean Payton and we don’t need draft picks, the Saints will always come on top in the division!!! It’s funny to see falcons fans crying over useless draft picks!!! hahaha
GA
April 29th, 2012
8:03 pm
This was not one to write moma about! However, I like management’s approach. Nothing hasty, unrealistic, or revolutionary! Good draft! I’ll give it a B!!! Not for big names but for big possibilities!
fansince74
April 29th, 2012
8:04 pm
Draft Grade: A +.
1. Addressed the biggest team need first: the offensive line.
(1a) the offensive line was also addressed in free Agency
(1b) the offensive line should be much better this year
2. Added depth and at the second biggest need: the defensive line.
3. Added depth to a secondary that had already improved significantly by the signing of Asante Samuel
4. Added a tough fullback who can block,
(4a) keep in mind that he may be opening up holes for Jacquizz Rogers.
Finally,It was a blue collar type of draft and not flashy. No big names, It was the kind of draft that gives you players that can help you convert on 4th and one when you need to move some bodies.
The Bear
April 29th, 2012
8:13 pm
@fansince74 I agree they addressed the O line, I thought was the biggest need. The fullback from Wisconsin is a hole maker.
Duane
April 29th, 2012
8:14 pm
I think they could’ve had the same draft except could’ve gotten Brandon Thompson instead of Travian Rovertson: draft Thompson in 3rd round (instead of Holmes), Holmes in 5th round (instead of Ewing), and Ewing in 7th round (instead of Robertson).
rivercard
April 29th, 2012
8:32 pm
Before people get carried away, not all the reviews on Ewing are sunshine and rainbows.
Pro Football Weekly – .” Has short arms and lacks bulk strength — repped 225 pounds only 14 times at the Combine. Stiff movement. Does not explode through his hips and drive defenders out of the hole. Struggles to sustain. Limited receiving skills and does not factor as a runner.Intelligent, tough, blue-collar fullback praised by staff for his consistent work habits, energy and character. However, he struggles to consistently win as an isolation-lead blocker and will have to excel on special teams.”
Him doing a job equal to what Ovie has been doing might be wishful thinking. But, that’s why they strap em on and play
chuck
April 29th, 2012
8:43 pm
I give them a C. A big issue is we have way too many holes for the number of early picks. We didn’t address the lack of a pass rush and we will continue to lose in the first round of the playoffs until we can pressure the quarterback. Remember what NY did to us last year. Matt didn’t have the time to get into a rhythm. The top 10 quarterbacks will pick us apart if we give them time to get comfortable.
The Bear
April 29th, 2012
8:51 pm
@SeenThisB4 very nice response. Bet you live in Georgia and act like you are from Louisiana. Save your compassionate Katrina crap. My comment had nothing to do with Katrina and the horrible events that happened to the whole lower southern coast line. My reference was to the way the NFL made sure that the Saints won that Monday night game and kept referencing the event there dunce! So try and stay on target here.
Coach
April 29th, 2012
8:59 pm
I am OK but skeptical on Konz. I feel we could have done better than Holmes but will give him the season and see. Hopefully another nasty player like Dahl. I like the Ewing pick alot, if and only if Ovie ends up on the block for another O or D lineman. 4 mil for a 10%er is way beyond acceptable. I will be shocked if Massaquoi is better than Sidbury. At Richmond he was a monster. He needs reps but who knows. Mitchell will surprise me if he gets to keep his playbook. Robertson will only remain for depth. Overall C+, nothing to pop a bottle about.
Defense wins Titles
April 29th, 2012
9:02 pm
Samuel Trade A+, Konz A+, all the rest, l do not know what the heck happened. FFF. The Who, What, Where, or the Why. l just do not get it. Why could we not keep momentum going. The draft was falling to the Falcons, We blew it 3rd round on down.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 29th, 2012
9:07 pm
Ok, you all stop the name calling and say on the topic. I see I have to delight a bunch of nonsense.
Kjohnson
April 29th, 2012
9:09 pm
Consider Samuel with your grades!
TD stuck with what he was taught and went with high moral kids that were voted as team captains. Learning this system in the patriots organization and they have had a longstanding winning tradition with very little trouble from the players. I like what we did. Looking back at last years big weakness the 3rd and 8-10 yds to go and the other team just had to pass and they would get automatic first down. I think Samuel will be huge and having grimes all year, Robinson is a lot better then he played last year. Weatherspoon will break out this year. Edwards will be healthy. We picked up two blockers and a good value pick at DE.
I give the falcons B+, A-
Rick
April 29th, 2012
9:12 pm
You don’t get pal because while you believe in the cliche that defense wins titles, the falcons believe in power football. This is why they vamped up the OL and drafted a fullback. They also addressed defensive needs because as you say “defense wins titles”. But, the Falcons are MORE successful if they can control the temp and the clock. They do this when they play power football and it opens up the passing game because defenses have to respect the run. The key though is to improve on the power game from last year AND to give Matt the time and protection to find the open receiver. They took a big step in that direction. I give them an A- with their picks in the draft.
Sid
April 29th, 2012
9:14 pm
Falcons 2010 Draft
Round Name Position College Overall
1 Sean Weatherspoon OLB Missouri 19th
3 Corey Peters DT Kentucky 83rd
3 Mike Johnson OL Alabama 98th
4 Joe Hawley OL UNLV 117th
^5 Dominique Franks CB Oklahoma 135th
5 Kerry Meier WR Kansas 165th
*6 Shann Schillinger S Montana 171st
cdog
April 29th, 2012
9:17 pm
great pick ups.need a runningback, a kick-punt returner and linebackers now.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 29th, 2012
9:17 pm
OPEN has been BANNED!!!!
Coach
April 29th, 2012
9:19 pm
I feel your pain Led. Bradley gets Hijacked by “Choke” on a daily basis. Schultz bans and lets them back in with the same crap. People never stay on topic. It turns into either racial baiting or some transplant blindly trashing the Birds or their staff with immature, unfounded idiocy. Keeps people who want to talk logical and intelligently about the game from staying very long.
cdog
April 29th, 2012
9:23 pm
travian robinson is going to be a monster on the defense.falcons scouting found an impact player in him.
cdog
April 29th, 2012
9:26 pm
falcons get an A. great job mr dimitroff
Phil Lunney
April 29th, 2012
9:51 pm
I think the Falcons got the best folks for the job at the pick they had. They needed help at every position drafted. New Coordinators, new schemes. It was actually a pretty good weekend for Atlanta: Falcons with a solid draft, Braves 2 and 1 and Hudson is back, and the Hawks survive the Celtics without Zaza. I would love to see Zaza in uniform for the next game.
Ashley
April 29th, 2012
10:02 pm
Go falcons!!!! Nice draft guys, can’t wait to by my season tickets!!!!
80sFalcon
April 29th, 2012
10:03 pm
I’m digging these draft picks. Can’t really say why. It’s nice to have a draft class without a prima dona that’s sure to holdout. These seem like good hard working individuals ready to prove themselves. Green Bay managed to win a SB with a bunch of guys just like these. I’m optimistic about the season.
The Bear
April 29th, 2012
10:03 pm
I feel the Falcons filled what needs they needed to fill given the situation.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 29th, 2012
10:11 pm
The Bear — Gonzalez and Redman’s heir apparents do appear to be on the roster.
The Bear
April 29th, 2012
10:11 pm
Phil I agree Zaza would be great
Just Sayin.....
April 29th, 2012
10:11 pm
According to ESPN they received a “C”, but if it makes you feel better the Eagles received an “A”.
Billy
April 29th, 2012
10:11 pm
Good job TD..Go Falcons.
Loyal Falcon
April 29th, 2012
10:12 pm
It’s amazing how so many of you hate on the falcons. Keep hating while the falcons keep winning. The playoff wins will come. Mark it down!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 29th, 2012
10:15 pm
cdog – I like that pick late.
Falcon Jim (the one that wants OPEN YOUR EYES banned.)
April 29th, 2012
10:16 pm
Thank-you, so much, Mr. Ledbetter.
Sid
April 29th, 2012
10:18 pm
Mel Kiper’s 2011 Draft Grades Bury Falcons Among Worst 10 Classes
Mel Kiper has published his 2011 NFL Draft grades, and let’s just say he’s not in love with the Atlanta Falcons’ trade for Julio Jones — the team gets a C+, better than just four franchises. While he likes Jacquizz Rodgers and Akeem Dent in Atlanta’s systems, he worries about Jones’ durability and the “extraordinary value” the Falcons gave up in acquiring him:
“Let’s face it, the Falcons are counting on Jones to be really good, really soon. They gave a boatload of high-value picks for him, and you get a sense that this a team that really views the immediate future as a title window it needs to pursue.”
The only teams graded worse than Atlanta: the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks. The five best? The Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns. Ranking near the bottom of the upper half is the other NFC South squad: the New Orleans Saints.
Falcon Jim (the real one)
April 29th, 2012
10:23 pm
Now, about football. (No Grady, I do NOT want to hook-up.)
After seeing the work-out tapes of Ewing (the fullback), I’m excited. So many of you say it is an extinct position. BULL! It is the essence of football, regardless of era.
I loved Ovie, but time marches on.
BobDawg
April 29th, 2012
10:27 pm
I’M GOING TO PLAY OWNER HERE. We are in the South, right?/ While the Konz pick makes sense; why not build your team with SEC/ACC players mostly who we know and will build fan interest.Plus the South dominates in football in college.. I have never understood why we can’t do like the Braves and get the local kids (like Brooking) and others that will bring fans in from Bama; Florida; TN; SC and NC…
Loyal Falcon
April 29th, 2012
10:28 pm
Keep your eye on cliff Matthews. The pick from last year @ DLed
Loyal Falcon
April 29th, 2012
10:32 pm
Neither Mel or Todd opinions matter to me because they don’t know how a player will turn out. It’s all talk. At the end of the day the game has to still be played.
JKA
April 29th, 2012
10:50 pm
The draft kind of reminds me of the off season in general: low key and under the radar…..not re-signing Lofton and turning down Hard Knocks were were probably the biggest news. Given some of the silliness this franchise has endured, that might not be such a bad thing…..
JKA
April 29th, 2012
10:57 pm
Also….no more Mel Kiper stuff, ok ? His whole gig is the draft, so naturally he’s going to rip any team that gives up picks…..and as far as his “rankings”, remember that the man is simply a media creation, not a football analyst. Let’s let the players get out on the field before we start “ranking” them…..
moe
April 30th, 2012
2:51 am
hi there if we did the homework as fan like to post c- d an f as grades you guy need to look back 2yr ago when greenbay come in and put that harten on ous def was top 10 in scoreing but give up alot of yard in the passs… we go and sign ray to answer that ….. that was an good sign there but the old man (MR 3rd) came back this year , so we bring in an probowl cb and new coach one who want have 3-3-5 on third down Given all kind of time to the QB to pick us apart that wont happen this yr cb have been upgraded …. this yr we falled down to 18 in total pt allow thank you 3-3-5 not allow us to win ….. so now lets look at the o in 2010 no big plays 3 to 5 yard plays could not give the knockout that year so we move up to get jj … in 2011 do you guy remebler how many diffent ol we had madduck was out the 1st 2weeks baker was then out 1-2 week then we lost daul at rg then the last four game we hade one line , this really hurt us the hold season since smith be here we alway been top5 this yr 17 , so we get 2 ol 2dl 1ss 1 fb , we take care of #2 we get 3 huge ol/fb to do that and dl that will put a fire on there back side to the #1 daft pick and other to do a better job if they want to say here … so take care of the team you are a fan of ………..
Norman A. Cochran
April 30th, 2012
5:26 am
Not overly impressed with selections but will reserve my comments until watching them during Pre-Season action. However, with that being said, I guess they drafted through need rather than Best Available Athlete.
Big Mike
April 30th, 2012
6:51 am
From reading the comments our Falcon fans are very knowledgeable on football talent and what the needs that the Falcons should address this year. I am hoping the team can be more explosive this year and I am ? tired of seeing football highlights being against the Atlanta Falcons defense.
decatur Falcon
April 30th, 2012
7:13 am
This was a C- There were better players picked after us in every round. – I wished we had Taken the OT Adams from Ohio State- we will regret that.
old man
April 30th, 2012
7:22 am
Where is Massaquoi going to play? I see him as high as 267, which would be DE, but he had a monster year as a junior playing at 239, which is OLB. His stats went down as a senior when he played at 250. Has TD spoken to this?
kingdaddy
April 30th, 2012
8:25 am
To the folks who seem to have a problem with team captains, I wonder about their own character. How can you not like someone picked by their peers as a leader? Maybe down the road, these same players will become team leaders for the Birds because of their work habits and sprit…
Jimmy Crack
April 30th, 2012
8:28 am
I like all these picks. We added some talented bigs at the top of the draft and acquired some much needed quality depth at other positions as well as Special Teams standouts. All were team captains except Konz, and I’m sure he could have been. These are all quality guys from top to bottom and at least 2 of them should be starting come September.
This is the season we see several recognizable names get cut by the Falcons, and some of these guys will be the reason.
I usually just read but....
April 30th, 2012
8:34 am
off “to do my civic duty and serve as a judge for the Falcons cheerleader tryouts.”
young girls often feel more comfortable performing before non-threatening males.
As for the draft, a D, upgraded 1 notch per player for every regular season game one of these guys plays in but downgraded 1 notch for every game they sit out injured. Cuts drop 2 notches per first 3 rounds but players making team in last 3 rounds add 2 notches to grade. I see them ending up with something like a F- just on health concerns. By now, if they ever gonna learn about drafting players with good injury history, you would think they woulda picked up a little. Wouldn’t you? btag
HGN
April 30th, 2012
9:03 am
I give the Falcons a C+…….Drafting without a 1st Round pick , and picking up the No.1 rated center in the draft in round 2 ; and using a 7th Rounder on Asante Samuel , was a good pickup.
A solid C+ Draft.
LexLuth
April 30th, 2012
9:15 am
Seems every year I am overseas for the draft. I would grade it high on the positions they picked in and my style of players. I like the jumbo boys on the line and with those 2 we added some stout. I like interior DL as well as a beefy dude. Like the FB and the Safety positions getting help.
I would go with a Happy B+ with the Asante addition. We are positioned well..
kingdaddy
April 30th, 2012
9:15 am
T.D. got the milk, potatoes and bread for the Falcons cubbards, while the negative fans on this blog are supplying the baloney!!!
kingdaddy
April 30th, 2012
9:18 am
D. Led.
You know that was funny…