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
Bad Grade
April 29th, 2012
9:15 am
D
MonkDaddy
April 29th, 2012
9:16 am
First?
rabiddawg1
April 29th, 2012
9:18 am
Enter your comments here
Falcon FAAAN
April 29th, 2012
9:19 am
Nice work Falcons! Let’s turn this into W’s this season.
Fanatic Falcon Fan (F3)
April 29th, 2012
9:19 am
Offense draft grade – A
Defense draft grade (including Samuel for a 7th) – B
Jim in Va
April 29th, 2012
9:20 am
B
MonkDaddy
April 29th, 2012
9:20 am
Dang it.
B minus.
I like the idea of beefing up the lines early. Konz is A+ value if he stays healthy but we have had some tough luck with injuries as of late with TDs picks. I like Holmes – I just feel like we could have gotten him in round 5. I’m comfortable with moving in the new FB and cutting Ovie. He isn’t a bad player but $4m for a pure blocking FB?
Trading a 6th for Asante Samuel make this draft better than some have said.
rabiddawg1
April 29th, 2012
9:21 am
trying to be first but it was all for naught. Draft was ok. Not great. Like the konz pick for line depth. Don’t forget that our first round pick was a pro bowl corner.
Michael
April 29th, 2012
9:22 am
In my opinion did not cover their top needs. Why draft a fullback? My grade? C-
dom
April 29th, 2012
9:22 am
I loved this draft. Nothing sexy about it – real blue-collar picks, which is exactly what was needed. The O-line should be bigger and meaner. The cuts that are coming will be a little painful (I love Ovie), but that’s the harsh reality of playing in the NFL. The competition for offensive line positions should be fierce with a new coach and an injection of new talent to compete for a number of spots. Good job TD and Co.
Brian
April 29th, 2012
9:24 am
I am going to say C+, not because of the quality of players but because of the lack of picks. I really liked the first two picks as I felt the O-Line was a top priority. The other reason for the C+ was was a lack of a pick for a TE.
The Dawg Consultant
April 29th, 2012
9:27 am
Overall I would say given the number (or lack thereof) of draft picks they had I thought the Falcons did well. Some solid players. Not a lot of work out worriers, but solid football players. Now its time to see how well our coaches can elevate what we have.
Michael
April 29th, 2012
9:28 am
Knoz is a sickly lineman who does not have NFL strength Other players? No comment. They overlooked Cox who is NFL ready and allowed the Eagles to have their best draft in years My grade C- but I love the Samuel deal
Fanatic Falcon Fan (F3)
April 29th, 2012
9:29 am
Coming into the draft with no 1st or 4th, TD came out of it with
A) The top rated C to replace our aging warrior, McClure (2nd rounder)
B) One of the top, if not the top rated FB to replace an invaluable but injured FB, Ovie. (5th rounder)
C) An impressive lump of clay for Pat Hill to mold into our next LT (3rd rounder)
D) A pro bowl CB to improve a sub standard pass D. This will allow us to make a run in the playoffs (7th rounder, but it may cost us our injured FB because of cap rules – covered in round 5)
E) A backup Safety to replace Sanders (6th round)
F) Depth that will fight to make the roster at DE and DT (extra 5th and 7th comp).
Additionally, TD’s grade improved by turning the 84th pick into the LT project that he apparently wanted AND a local DE that could push Sidbury off the roster and improve Special teams, while setting up a rotation of fresh pass rushers for Nolan.
robertussen
April 29th, 2012
9:29 am
this team is looking good, but i still want to see what else we are about to do. it’s no secret that ovie’s days are numbered in red and black. even though i dont like losing the former porter gaud stand out, the cap space is needed. there are always cap casualties after the draft and players we can pick up too. we still will get udfas signed. with the picks we had, i say we did good, loving the konz pick.
Louie
April 29th, 2012
9:30 am
Enter your comments here
Falcon Fan
April 29th, 2012
9:32 am
I will give them the benefit of the doubt, as most people are grading the Falcons like they had a full draft to work with. I think that for where they picked they got some pretty good players. We will see how it translates onto the field.
Fanatic Falcon Fan (F3)
April 29th, 2012
9:33 am
No penalty for a lack of TE, next year’s class will be strong, stronger than this year and we will have more picks. TD paid TG 7 mill to come back and negate the need to reach this year, when we have a paucity of picks.
If TG decides to retire, he can always come in at camp and help train/teach the new TE’s how he does it. It happens.
pilgrim
April 29th, 2012
9:35 am
Im relatively pleased with what the Falcons did. I give them a B ,B+ considering where they drafted and what their glaring needs were in the draft.The fullback pick as a little random but if it helps pass protection and fortifies the run on the cheap..then its a good call. All hail Dimitroff
JSS
April 29th, 2012
9:38 am
A solid C in terms of the draft. Koonz is a pick they had to make because they passed on the Pounceys the past two drafts. If you’re going to draft players with structural problems, you’ve got to get a staff capable of getting folks healthy and keeping them that way! This house has a truly flawed foundation (physically), fix that…
Yo Vince
April 29th, 2012
9:38 am
I would give it a B+ They added beef where we need it and good character players
SCFalcon
April 29th, 2012
9:39 am
Travian Robertson is a great pick up. He was the strongest player on the Gamecock roster. Team Captain! And keep your eye on free agent CB Marty Markett. He earned a scholarship and eventually started after walking on the Gamecock team….world class speed, former track guy.
Overall, it wasn’t a sexy draft but we filled our needs! Go Falcons!
Mr. Costanza
April 29th, 2012
9:42 am
F+
Josh
April 29th, 2012
9:43 am
I like F3’s take. TD had limited resources with which to work. So positionally, given those limitations, he filled needs and at some point he needs to be given credit for doing so. Time will tell on the talent side of things – that’s why most “expert graders” are giving the Falcons a “C.” Ultimately, I think this will be remembered as the draft that landed us Samuel.
BFALCON
April 29th, 2012
9:43 am
I give the Falcons a D-. I think Konz is going to be a starter a C or G.However, M.Adams,the OT from Ohio ST. is a left tackle who could start from day one. We could have drafted Ben.Jones in rd. 3. As for the Holmes pick, I question his level of competition and according to the draft pros, we could have drafted him in the sixth rd. Big reach there. The one that gets me hot is that we did not draft a single TE.This is Tony G last year and he does not have a legit replacement on the roster. R.Kelly M.Palmer is not the answer. Unless the Falcons go out and sign D.Clark or V.Shiancoe (the FA from Min) we are hurting at the TE position. The only pick that I really liked was T.Robertson of S.Carolina in the 7th rd. Saw him play against Georgia and his motor was high. If I am TD, I cut P.Jerry right now. Also a FB in the 5th rd. This must mean that Mughelli is going to be asked to take a paycut or be released. My suggestions for a couple of Free agent signings because this draft did not fill all the holes. I would try to sign M.McNeil OT (if he checks out medically or V.Carey OT from Dolphins. We need another TE,so sign D.Clark or V.Shiancoe. Lastly sign A.Franklin DT or trade to get O.Umenyura(I know spelling is wrong) DE from Giants. The Falcons need to release the following players: Sam Baker, P.Jerry, C.Owens, Mike Johnson. These players have been given ample time to contribute and have not on a consistant basis. In my opinion, this is a make or break year for the Falcons as a franchise.They have shown the can win on a yearly basis, but to be serious contenders for a championship every year, like the Pats,Giants,Packers,Steelers, Saints, Ravens. The Falcons must make the playoffs this year and go deep, at least make the NFC championship game.
jarvis
April 29th, 2012
9:46 am
This draft should be graded in February 2015. Doing otherwise is just lip service, Mr. Kiper.
FalconDawg
April 29th, 2012
9:48 am
Michael, they drafted a fullback so they could clear some salary cap room by releasing Ovie.
usbummer
April 29th, 2012
9:53 am
Considering our draft limitations and our position within the draft, I think TD did a very good job. B+
thouhtful
April 29th, 2012
9:54 am
This was not a good Draft, C minus tops. I thought the Falcons want to go to the Super Bowl??? Then we needed players who can make an immediate impact! Orson Charles went in the 4th round??? We could have taken him in the 3rd and he would have had a present and future impact. Clemson’s Brandon Thompson or that big OT from Iowa State could have been our second pick. I don’t know about shedding Oglie for that guy from Wisc. we saw what happened when he went out last year. I wish they would take a chance on the Dawgs FB/TE Larry Figgins and TE Aron White, GT DE Jason Peters and Roddy White and the QB from Boise St. as undrafted rookies. This will be key, who they sign as undrafted and who they pick up as late cuts come out like the way we got SANDERS last year, this will be a way we cab get to the Super Bowl
LakeDawg
April 29th, 2012
9:57 am
Konz was a great pick up at a position of need. That pick made the Falcons draft as far as I’m concerned. I think the Falcons did a nice job after Konz of picking up guys that could be diamonds in the rough. With Konz and Samuel for a 7th rounder, I give the Falcons a solid B. No game changers, but good players that fill some holes. Nice job.
BTW It must be remembered that, in part, this draft was a scramble to make up for the loss of Dahl. That was a boneheaded move by the Falcons to let him go.
Ward
April 29th, 2012
10:01 am
I would rate the draft a C-… I just don’t think they got a lot of value from any of their picks. I think they could have gone with Mike Adams (who the Pittsburg selected right after us) over the C from Wisco that has a history of injuries. Adams has a lot of upside long term…Vinny Curry could have been a real value pick for us too at DE, but understand the need to build OL better. With the 3rd round pick, I would have went with Brandon Thompson at DT, Ben Jones at C, or Bobby Massie at OT…If Massie is the pick we have bookend tackles and can move Claybo inside to guard and have a very beefy OL. The first 5th rounder I would have grabbed Terrell Manning at S. I think he would be a great back-up and special team guy. The 2nd 5th rounder I really like Massaqoui a lot… In the 6th round you could have grabbed a FB and would the last pick I would have grabbed the kid from LB from ASU…I think that would have been a home run draft.
Nativebird
April 29th, 2012
10:03 am
B minus. the B because our so called “brain trust” finally (finally) decided to focus and do what every average joe six-pack Falcon Fan knew what to do TWO years ago….address the O-line. All the non-board rated “rough diamond”, off-the-radar picks, effort to prove our scouting genius’s are more brilliant than the thousands of professional talent evaluators combined continues to be a joke. Earning a D, which pulls down the A minus they otherwise would of earned. Dimitroff needs to drop the ego and accept the big boards for the value that they are. They DO indeed provide the best probabilitys you can get in potential success in the NfL.
dudah
April 29th, 2012
10:04 am
We need a RETURN MAN…dont tell me D Franks is the answer
would have loved to see them get boykin, and possibly a running back.. this is Turner’s last year here
I guess considering the Julio & Asante trades lumped in with this draft.. I go with a B-/C+ pending who is really an NFL Player…TBD
frank
April 29th, 2012
10:06 am
I give it an F.
Disgusted
April 29th, 2012
10:10 am
My grade is D+. There are questions on Konz’ strength, Holmes is a bust, Ewing could have been had later and the rest of it is a bunch o f”Who’s HE’s.”
Massaqua is a probable projecct but he is a way away.
chris
April 29th, 2012
10:10 am
I’ll give it a B…….We had to do something on Offensive Line and I was glad to see the Falcons spend a couple picks addressing it. I thought with Orson Charles available that the Falcons would take a TE this year that could spend a year learning under the best in the game before Gonazlez retires. Charles can catch and make big plays from the TE position and was disappointed the Falcons didn’t take a shot.
FB I agree is a money thing……Ovie is going Bye Bye
Ignition
April 29th, 2012
10:11 am
C -
johnm
April 29th, 2012
10:11 am
a+ but i hate how people grade drafts. Fact is noone knows. I can tell ya though the jags def get an f. Glad im not a jacksonvile fan
Disgusted
April 29th, 2012
10:14 am
Holmes was not the biggest reach in this draft, look how Belicheck flubbed with the number 48 pick Tavon Wilson from Illinois, a sure fire bust, couild have been a 6th or 7th pick at best and they reach to get him in the second round?????
Then BB goes out and trades his number 62 down and nets what, a 3rd, a 6th and couple of 7th. Now that is not value.
NE did a great job in the 1st round, but flubbed the rest of it.
Pats fans have never really forvien them for trading down in 09 while passing on Clay Matthews and netting three scrubs. I don’t like that trade down mindset, playmakers win games.
jtv
April 29th, 2012
10:14 am
First question. How do you get a gig to be a judge for cheerleader tryouts?!!!!
Thought it was a solid ‘address the needs draft’ nothing flashy. I love the FB pick. as much as I love ovie and we see how much we need him we can’t eat up 4 mil on the cap for a FB in a passing league. We got a lot of guys on that O line now with the draft and the Manuwai pickup (really think he has a lot of nastiness left in him), somebody needs to step up and own the job and hopefully Pat Hill can get the most out of them. Without a first round selection I give it a c+ add in the asante trade and I give it a B+.
indianman
April 29th, 2012
10:15 am
i think they got what needed a+
Ron
April 29th, 2012
10:15 am
Dump Ovie and Bambie Baker to free up some money, then keep shopping. Dahl came in the lower rounds (maybe even free agent?) and some people think he was the second coming we let go. He was more mean than good. We need more attitude! For what they had in numbers, I’d give them a B+.
Disgusted
April 29th, 2012
10:16 am
Why won’t the Falcons upgrade the back up QB position—What is it about Redman that is so wonderful. They keep him around and he is not good and never will be.
Bruce
April 29th, 2012
10:16 am
C-
chase
April 29th, 2012
10:18 am
This draft was a D+ AT BEST…
Problem #1 They didn’t draft a TE ?!?!?! ….Okay so Fleemer wasn’t going to be there BUT Gruden and Kiper had expected ORSON CHARLES to be late 1st to a 2nd round pick…The Falcons could have taken him for great value in the 4th round and had him learn from Tony Gonzales this year then take over…DUMB MOVE…afraid they’ll rue this decision like they did not taking Hines Ward the pick before he went!
Problem #2 and you’ll just think I’m a “georgia guy” BUT you overlook a BEN JONES who is a 4-year starter at Center in the SEC who is all-SEC and an all-American and is right down the road to select a Junior from Wisconsin who is smaller, less experienced, and plays against lesser competition
Problems #3 and #4 and #5 – You didn’t draft even a token Linebacker or Running Back…..With Lofton gone and Turner burning his last legs, we need depth there! …What does it tell you that the Eagles “gave” us Asante Samual and drafted BOYKIN?????….Tells you if you were smart you’d know what they know, Asante doesn’t have much left, Grimes is Franchised and theyy see Boykin as good enough to come in and start…why didn’t the Falcons?!?!? – Could’ve had BOYKIN TOO!
Leads to Problem #6 – Next year you MUST draft a big time LB, RB, and CB….good luck with that!
BAD DRAFT ….just BAD
Mikey
April 29th, 2012
10:18 am
Including our new cornerback Asante Samuel, this week we elevated the Falcons’ capability. I give this draft a B+ with a chance of moving to an A when we get to see how many of these guys make the team. Some of these seemed like a reach to me according to the esteemed opinions of talking heads (that talk for a living). I have a MUCH higher regard for TD, Mike Smith and their coaches/recruiters though.
- We have a proven GREAT corner for depth against the 4 and 5 receiver sets from the big boys
- In spite of no first round pick, we manged to get Konz, one of the top O-linement out there AND at a position of dire need for next year.
- We got a great future fullback in Ewing. What is a fullback on the Falcons if not a blocker? This guy is a blocker who can catch the ball. I love and respect Ovie and wish him all the best but his time has come. He costs too much, has to recover from a terrible injury and is getting old.
- Some of the rest will push their respective positions and I suspect two or three of them will make the team which is pretty good considering that this is already a highly competitive team.
cwltank
April 29th, 2012
10:19 am
OMG I just watched Chad Faulcon highlights. I will bet anyone & everything I own, that this Safety make the roster. I am speechless on why he went undrafted. Hell, Ipray they sign him 5 years lol
Jeff
April 29th, 2012
10:20 am
The #1 problem last year was the Offensive line. This draft should help with the first picks designed to bring more power & depth to the line / blocking FB.
Also, team captain was a criteria – good decision –
Grade = A
Larry
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.
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.
By anyone’s measurement…that’s getting it done!
thejama
April 29th, 2012
10:27 am
Without a 1st rd pick and no real need for WR’s & RB’s I thought TD did a good job filling “core” positions. I think we were fortunate that the #1 Center fell to us, although any team who got to pick in the top 5 in rounds 1 & 2 were very fortunate. I really like getting the FB but it will make Ovie a cap casualty. The draft will yield several players that will be starters immediately and in a year or two. Grade B-
steven A. smith
April 29th, 2012
10:28 am
chase
April 29th, 2012
10:18 am
This draft was a D+ AT BEST…
Absolutely Agree!!! All Teams who were in th NFC playoffs became more exsplosive. Atlanta did not. We fell farther behind the Giants, Packers, and most definitely, the 49ers. Panthers and Bucs will be more exslosive and will probably sweep the Falcons this season. Saints are still better than we are.
steven A. smith
April 29th, 2012
10:28 am
chase
April 29th, 2012
10:18 am
This draft was a D+ AT BEST…
Absolutely Agree!!! All Teams who were in th NFC playoffs became more exsplosive. Atlanta did not. We fell farther behind the Giants, Packers, and most definitely, the 49ers. Panthers and Bucs will be more exslosive and will probably sweep the Falcons this season. Saints are still better than we are.
sam
April 29th, 2012
10:29 am
When I think about what most people were identifying as the needs of this team, it seems like TD did a pretty good job of trying to address them. On the OL we got our center of the future who can play RG now, we got a wide body LT who can push Baker, and we got a blocking FB who can catch screen passes. On defense we got a pass rushing DE, a safety to push DeCoud and be there if Moore gets hurt again, and another big body for DT. Throw in that we got a Pro Bowl Corner for a 7th round pick and I have to give it a strong grade B+.
1eyedJack
April 29th, 2012
10:29 am
Prophesy is a good line of business (for Kiper), but it is full of risks. Just like with college recruiting, trying to judge a draft is a superfluous exercise. It’ll take a couple of years to truly judge this draft. Looks like TD was going for character and leadership with all the “captains”. Like the picks for Linemen. Where is the punt/kick returner? C+, for the paucity of picks.
steven A. smith
April 29th, 2012
10:31 am
Bradie Ewing, fullback
Fifth round (157th overall)
Wisconsin
5-foot-11, 243 pounds
This guy would have gone undrafted. We could have picked an impact player here…
Paddy
April 29th, 2012
10:32 am
jarvis…….I agree, will grade this draft after seeing them play.
As for Mel Kiper, he is being lapped by many others in this draft analysis business. Did you see him in those 60’s sunglasses? He looked like a customer at a Route 66 diner
steven A. smith
April 29th, 2012
10:32 am
Fullbacks should never be drafted before round 7. Most Fullbacks are undrafted Free-agents…
philip minutillo
April 29th, 2012
10:33 am
D- grade. Not happy where we are at. Peter Konz is always injured. I love Julio Jones but trading the farm has hurt the team. I said it before trading up to get him has set the team back 2 years. He had a great year for a rookie needs a all out breakout pro bowl year in order to forget about the trade. The defense front four will still be a problem need sacks and hit the quaterbacks. I don’t want hear Smith say Sacks are overatted. Poor excuses. Time to rise up Atlanta.
TC
April 29th, 2012
10:34 am
Horrible draft! I guess TD things Gonzalez is going to play forever. Orson Charles would have been a great pick and although they did not have a pick in the 4th round, they good have easily traded a pick to get there. U know, like the GREAT teams do…At some point this GM has to be called out for his dubious drafts instead of getting a pass because he drafted Matt Ryan…
Glenn
April 29th, 2012
10:37 am
D – once again the Falcons take aplayer with a history with injuries with their first pick and then start reaching, including with players who are so far down every all of everyone else’s charts that it’s not even funny (see the fullback selected). He could have been picked up in the sixth or seventh round, possibly even as a free agent according to all the people in the know. No wonder they can’t win any playoff games…
FalconRob
April 29th, 2012
10:39 am
I rate this draft a B-. They filled the needs the team had.Competition on the offensive line will be heated which we needed. I wish the fullback was bigger. Not sure if he can put a lick on some of the bigger LB’s etc. The TE situation after Tony leaves will be addressed with next years draft or through free agency. Love the Asante trade, but I wish we would have replaced Decoud. Look forward to training camp.
Pandora
April 29th, 2012
10:40 am
It really doesn’t matter who the Failcant’s pick because it’s the worst team in the NFL period. The world will see this again next season.
abby normal
April 29th, 2012
10:41 am
We really won’t know for a year or so, but for now lets give it B-.
Birdman
April 29th, 2012
10:42 am
B- Holmes might have been a reach (could have gotten him later in the draft). Like the Wisconsin guys, looks like Ovie’s gone would have like them to go after a TE split time behind Gonzo and Hback.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
April 29th, 2012
10:43 am
Jerrell Harris says via twitter that he will a Falcon. OLB from Bama. 6′ 3″ and 230 with outstanding speed. He didn’t get that much time on the field due to Bama in nickel so much of the time. You will see that he will ace the eye test.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 29th, 2012
10:47 am
i say overall decent, nothing spectacular- again given the limited resources & picks. need to save $$ for a 1st round draft pick next year (RB)!!!
DLED- this may require some more work for you but I’d like to see a draft recap since acquiring Matt Ryan (total # of players picked, rounds, etc). Want to compare where the players are now since being drafted and what positions. THANKS!!!
steven A. smith
April 29th, 2012
10:49 am
Falcons get their Tight End..Adam Nissley..University of Central Florida..Undrafted free agent..
Dumbo
April 29th, 2012
10:51 am
I dunno….maybe a “C-”, no 1st rounder but a half decent trade for a DB earlier help the plan
John in VA
April 29th, 2012
10:53 am
Anyone that gives this draft anything worse than a C- is either (1) an idiot or (2) knows very little about football. TD did an amazing job filling “needs”. There were no “impact players” on defense for atlanta in the 3rd round, yet he may have found 1 definitely starter in Konz (2nd) and a very possible starter 2 or 3 years down the road in Holmes. And I can’t wait to see the kid from Troy. Gotta love those high motor guys. There were no TEs to choose from to “replace Gonzalez”. That can be taken care of in next year’s draft or FA. Have some patience. Everyone wanted ATL to draft a DE in 2nd round, but the Assante Samuel trade makes the defensive line that much better. If you can’t see Robinson, Grimes and Samuel making the d-line better, than you should start watching another sport.
W. R. Terrell
April 29th, 2012
10:55 am
The Falcons had a decent draft if not a very good one, time will tell. I feel good about this draft and even better about Julio. This could be a very good year and the cuts from the rest of the league could yield a gem or two. I got a feeling we are going to enjoy this season and the playoffs bigtime. The Falcons have a good thing going on here with T. Dim and Smitty, that may not be a popular statement but that’s how I feel.
The Falconator
April 29th, 2012
10:56 am
If Asante Samuel has anything left in the tank, then this was at least a middling draft…hardly a really good one. The TD penchant for drafting linemen who are injury-prone with subpar upper body strength continues. The LT problem has yet to be solved. There’s a lot of “coaching up” work for the new OC/DC to do. Otherwise, Ryan’s throws will still be hurried and long balls will be few and far between. Look for a lot of JJ quick bursts over the middle. Hardly his best use, but this OL won’t give Ryan (when he’s not running for his life) time to do much else. Cut Baker and Jerry now. They are best used for converting oxygen into carbon dioxide.
Fanatic Falcon Fan (F3)
April 29th, 2012
10:59 am
Draft Grades –
Caveat Emptor, Mia Culpa big time–
Having said that (in a Southern Accent, of course), every year I see two common threads with many draft grades that are assigned by “experts”
1) None are accountable like the GM’s that are actually making the picks. Who lost their job by rnaking the Tom Brady Pick a mistake? Who was hurt by grading the LSU QB as the top pick a few years ago? Who among us suffered any accountability issues whatsoever by calling Corry Peters pick an error when we grabbed him in the 3rd? These grades are worth every penny we pay for them. Still fun, though. As I said, Mia Culpa, dude.
2) Seems to me that if the highly paid GM made the same pick as they fan giving the grad, he is smart. If the GM makes a different pick, he’s an idiot. Grades seem to be a function of the FAN’s ability to evaluate on limited info several days ahead of the draft, with no idea of who will be available, who is still injured from lasy tear and needs to be replaced, etc. If they guess the same as the GM’s choice, if they evaluate talent the same as the GM and their team, the GM gets a great grade.
Convrersely, if the GM and his gaggle of talent evaluators (and their evaluation resources such as wonderilic’s, and the interviews, and the private workouts, etc.) see things differently than the fan issuing grades (see the Holmes pick this year) the GM is an idiot and gets a poor grade.
Just what I see, and as I said, I am as guilty as anyone.
The draft isn’t a standalone exercise, it comes within the context of free agency, trades, injuries to current staff, salary cap concerns, expiring contracts by vets, etc. Better to grade on the totality of work, and that grade comes at the end of the year and there is ONLY ONE A+, bottom line, Valdectorian of that class, with the best grade, gets the Lombardi.
Vulture
April 29th, 2012
10:59 am
Falcons Waste No Time Picking Up Undrafted Free Agents
http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2012/4/28/2985408/falcons-waste-no-time-picking-up-undrafted-free-agents
Chief Media Urologist
April 29th, 2012
11:01 am
Has anyone ever graded Kiper or McShay’s draft recommendations three years after the fact? These prognosticators get a free pass. Kind of like the local weatherman. If you strapped the weatherman in his chair and forced him to watch the day before’s forecast and explain how in the hell they got it so wrong, It’s called accountability.
Ditto for Kiper and McShay and company. Love to see their accuracy rate over time.
1990_Champs_GT
April 29th, 2012
11:04 am
C-
Keith
April 29th, 2012
11:06 am
B-
without a 1st Round pick they did well. I am looking for them to pick up another LT vet if the right one gets released by another team.
SCFalcon
April 29th, 2012
11:08 am
Not sexy, but needs were addressed…I like the Travian Robertson pick…
Steven
April 29th, 2012
11:09 am
D+
1) Did nothing to address the tight end position and the lack of a replacement for Gonzalez retirement. The entire league is using two-TE sets because of the match up problems they create, and it appears that the Falcons did not take that into account on their draft board during the 3rd round.
2) Did very little to address problems at DT. If you want the defensive ends to be effective, give them time to work. Good DTs can take away the 3 step drop by collapsing the pocket. Aside from Corey Peters, no one on the depth chart showed an ability to do that last year. Tampa Bay and New Orleans may have the strongest G-C-G combinations in the league, why wasn’t this taken into account? Even if we sign Abrayo Franklin, this is still a head-shaker.
3) I have some confidence in the two Wisconsin players. I hate the Big-10, but Wisconsin coaches players pretty well on how to block. This draft comes down to Lamar Holmes. If Sam Baker is kept, gets hurt, and Holmes can’t step in and play LT well enough to keep the position, this draft is a failure. It fell apart because we reached in the 3rd round for him. If he becomes an average to above average power LT, this draft goes up to B, but when you look at the players Atlanta showed interest in that came off the board between their 3rd and 5th round picks, reaching for Holmes becomes highly questionable.
Beanie in SC
April 29th, 2012
11:10 am
Overall B+ Many of these guys, including the FB were great college special teamers. I love the Lamar pick. They need that attitude since Dahl has been gone. Still need another WR and LB. Is Channing Crowder still available?
Shonuff
April 29th, 2012
11:10 am
Did anyone see the DL from Michigan State get drafted? All ten of the highlights they showed were from the UGA game and he basically wasn’t even getting touched. I’m glad TD didn’t take any UGA o-linemen, that was embarrassing.
moe
April 29th, 2012
11:17 am
this c/g was an good pick. no not good but huge pick like has size the only thing i see wrong is that if he can prove durable and play an entire year. his grade 3.5 Now this next pick I cant say huge cause if 313 is huge , What is 334lb … I not as crazy as I was with Peter Konz. I think that we could have gotten so one better than hem , not to say that hes not a good pick. This one is an 3.0 this could have been an 4.0 if they have pick an diffint ol .WHAT’S UP AT FULLBACK?: sad to say that hes gone , I do see something that most people dont can you say trade Ovie Mughelli for next year TE and open up trade talks for an most wanted DE you see you guys cant look at thing the way there are You got to look past . That win you see what i see …… hahahahah but as the fullback he getts an 3.8….. cause he open up trades….Jonathan Massaquoi, defensive end, should be call THE END for some dl on the Falcons nice pick . there is a need for kick off team , and punts this free up beerman, sid and some other guys to defince thats to all the pick have done. and I give this guy an 3.6 cause of that …….Charles Mitchell, strong safety dont know to much about this pick , he did play SEC so his not that bad of a player, with that speed he chould be the next gunner 2.9……Travian Robertson, Defensive tackle high motor can play all the dl thats de ut nt de and has an high motor … 3.7 in the 7th… I can see the start of the 3-4 def in years to come not this yr but its coming …… that an 3.4 avg which is an B
Sid
April 29th, 2012
11:20 am
Michael
April 29th, 2012
9:22 am
In my opinion did not cover their top needs. Why draft a fullback? My grade? C-
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If you have to ask…………………oh nevermind.
Brian Hunt
April 29th, 2012
11:25 am
Incomplete -ask me two years from now after we’ve seen them play football at the big boy level.
ksleezy
April 29th, 2012
11:27 am
I simply like the fact that most of these picks were team captains on their college teams.
notso fast
April 29th, 2012
11:27 am
No more than a C. It shows that without a number 1, you just can’t be higher. Looking at other teams draft, I think the Falcons lost ground.
McNasty
April 29th, 2012
11:29 am
I’m with Larry and F3.
We got really huge sized players with good character, leadership potential and aggressive attitudes.
I want to see all theses other kuuckleheads’ 300 player draft boards and individual evaluations.
I also would like to see how they interpreted Nolans’ and Koetter’s confidential evaluation of current players in relation to how they fit into their new schemes. I know these knuckleheads are privy to that information and would never give an quality rating based just on fantasy football
In TD I trust. What is not to like?
tay
April 29th, 2012
11:30 am
B
we got beef on o line
beef on d line
and back up at ss
and a great FB who block for M Ball who put up 30 TDs
DawgNole
April 29th, 2012
11:33 am
Larry
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.
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.
By anyone’s measurement…that’s getting it done!
____________________
And how have they done by the only measurement that counts–The Playoffs?
Not a Falcon fan
April 29th, 2012
11:38 am
I grade the draft a F-. The falCANTS are a F as a team !!!!
Who Me?
April 29th, 2012
11:39 am
B +/-, and it all depends on how these picks grade out over the next 2 years. Conspicuous gaffe not picking up TE when you had the chance but the remaining picks at least looked like TD had put some thought into best available athletes.
Tom G
April 29th, 2012
11:39 am
See if we can get Harvey Dahl back from the Rams. He had a nasty attitude and that is what our OL needs! He played until the whistle blew and sometimes after it blew also!
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.
A-ville Ranger
April 29th, 2012
11:43 am
There’s no way to grade this draft without including the trade for JJ. All told I give this series of decisions a low c-.
The Real Falcon
April 29th, 2012
11:45 am
Konz had only 18 reps in the 225 lift. There are DB’s who press that much.
Ewing did not even lift at the combine.
Massaquoi was among the worst in the 225 lift
There is a pattern here. No upper body strength. Something needed at their positions to be successful.
Robertson is scouted as “stiff” and unable to penetrate to the backfield.
Again we have drafted great guys with limited football skills.
rivercard
April 29th, 2012
11:45 am
Sid- the reason he asked is because they could have signed Ewing as a Free agent. No one was going to draft him.
If they are planning on dropping Ovie this guy better really step up as Turner does much better with Ovie playing. Seems pretty risky to assume a rookie can step right up and replace Ovie.
One plus – I do think Ewing will provide me a chance to see those screen passes I have been hoping for.
One day we will all be asking how they could skip on Adams when it was such a need. I will trust the Steelers over TD any day.
.Bart's Boy
April 29th, 2012
11:45 am
A flat out F-. Reason. Players of real need (Tight End) were not addressed at all and could have been had by moving up six spots. James Hanna. Players of real need (Punt/Kick Off Returner) were not addressed at all after losing Eric Weems by moving up five spots. Jordan White. Player I think of as a great need is back up quarterback in case the Great Matt Ryan goes down — who could be learning in the mean time. Far too many names to list here! I believe every player we drafted could have been had in a much later round than they were drafted in by TD. But of course, he could “see it in his mind”! Was focused like a lazer beam on Lamar “Big Wad??” Holmes. Way too much quality was passed over for pretty much a “reach” — if not a down right “STRETCH” — at every pick up and down the board. F-
Tdawg
April 29th, 2012
11:48 am
D- at best, strongly considered a F. No speed, mostly injury prone type players. Who drafts 5′ safeties anymore? Out side of the center/guard fellow and possibly the de guy, and the jury is still out on these guys, the Falcons did nothing to improve last years version of the Falcons. Because of the weak talent that these incoming draftees will have to contend with for a starting position, this years draftees will make the team by default. Sad day in Falcon history if you ask me. Better quit before I change that D- to a F-.
The Real Falcon
April 29th, 2012
11:48 am
F
MILT
April 29th, 2012
11:48 am
Grade for this draft is a B+. #1. Julio Jones #2 Great pick of a player who knows power football, rated much higher than picked. # 3 . Maybe a reach for Holmes, but physical and versatile and a leader (TE eligible !!) # 4 If you run the ball, better have a lead. Ask Monte (hall ) Ball. walk-on as a freshman, caught every ball thrown to him and moved the sticks? great value here. #5 This is the wild card. look for Massequoi to come in and help as LB or off the edge. Remember Nolan will go to 3-4 at times. # 6 Mitchell is going to be better than other safety’s taken earlier, has good speed and may even get into the return game. Interceptions down a little but check out passes defensed and plays well downhill. # 7 Not sure about Trevian , but this could indicate that Perry is on bubble. #7 Samuel. Hard to find a pro bowl cover corner this late in draft. Why draft a TE with three on roster and the best ones were not there? Well done Smitty and Dimi. Free agents could move this to a A easily. Never forget the Hammer got overlooked by EVERYBODY !
Rick
April 29th, 2012
11:53 am
Your draft analysis is an F– Bart Boy. You want the Falcons to choose players who WON’T be on the field. A TE who would not see much action behind Tony, a punt/kick returner who might be a nice upgrade but would only get a few plays a game, and a backup QB who will see no action as along as Matt as healthy and who likely wouldn’t be an upgrade over Redman.
Stick to video games Barty…
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?
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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!!!
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 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kramer
April 29th, 2012
5:40 pm
Falcon Jim, a few of these idiots are not even Falcon fans, see “open your eyes”. What is sad is the Falcon fans that are morons who have no clue to what they are talking about. Last week TD was great with the Samuel deal. Then in a span of 48 hours he became a moron and does not know what he is doing. Like I said, slapnuts are what they are, slappy.
AlanFalcon
April 29th, 2012
5:45 pm
sllydog, you have a lot to learn, now go back too your day care unit………………………………….
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
5:47 pm
Kramer, my friend, it’s hard to find true falcon fans like me and you. I truly support TD….heck I’d give my….well you know for the man.
slydog
April 29th, 2012
5:47 pm
It’s a blog idiots, not the parking lot of Flowery Branch. We’re not throwing rocks at the windows of the Dirty Bird War Room. The “writer” solicited a grade for all the fans, the kool aid drinkers and the realists. He didn’t invite TD to the blog. We’re not debating TD at the Touchdown Club. It’s called a gotdamn opinion. If you don’t like what is said, then guess what? Its “free” to “pay” it no attention. Unlike the first round playoff games they lose.
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
5:47 pm
Kramer, we are “on the same page.”
Kramer
April 29th, 2012
5:50 pm
You ae right slydog, it is a blog. It helps on a sports blog if people come on here with some sort of intelligence about the game and the draft. Otherwise, it is nothing but a bunch of idiots ranting about something they have no clue about and it goes downhill from there. Sort of like the Jim Rome show only not as bad.
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
5:52 pm
SeenThisB4, or OPEN YOUR EYES is doing his usual mocking and posting under my name. What a scumbag.
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
5:54 pm
Kramer, I like your style…..I’d like to get to know more of you….any chance you can give me your number so we can meet up sometime?…really hard this days to find someone “on the same page.”
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
5:54 pm
Slydog, your “opinion” is like a smile…………….everyone has one.
Fred Macmurray
April 29th, 2012
5:56 pm
This is all just silly conjecture,,, we wont know is this was a good draft for at least year or two,, so there…
what,what,what??
April 29th, 2012
5:59 pm
The Falcons did as well as they could,addressing both lines,defensive backfield,and special team issues.A grade of B+,considering not having a 1st and drafting late in each round. good job Thomas and staff…..
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
5:59 pm
Shucks….just wanted to make a new friend.
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
6:08 pm
That was all I was asking for you to admit OPEN YOUR EYES…..now do you mind giving me your number?
Fred Macmurray
April 29th, 2012
6:09 pm
you’re correct What,,, they did address needs,, howeva,,, we dont know if they chose the right players,, its a Crap shoot,,, we whall see. can you say crap on a ajc blog..
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
6:10 pm
Sorry but I prefer the OPEN YOUR EYES who uses lower case only….
kingdaddy
April 29th, 2012
6:13 pm
Kiper Jr. gives them a C, I would go with that except, when you factor in Samuel for a 7th rounder, I’ll go B-…With no 1st rounder and not starting until 55, the BIG UGLIES are not glamours picks but the two OLs could find a home in Atl. Konz was ratedthe #1 center and his teammate Ewing also looks like the real deal. Massaquoi has a high-rev motor and will push Sidbury and Biermann for playing time. Robertson will probably push P. Jerry out finally. T.D. covered most of the holes with what he had. You have to factor in the A. Samuel trade for a 7! Who else in this draft got that much value out of a 7??? B- All the way…
THE FAN
April 29th, 2012
6:14 pm
Did anybody see the Kid Lamark Brown we picked up as a free agent? He’s a beast plays receiver , but big enough to project as a TE. 6′3″ 235 and runs a 4.48 40.
Fred Macmurray
April 29th, 2012
6:14 pm
I’m with you Falcon Jim,, even though he is a little “Light in the Loafers”,,
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
6:16 pm
OPEN YOUR EYES,
Your immaturity just got us both banned by DLED. So be it to get your sorry butt off these posts.
Mr. Ledbetter, please give me mercy and look at the hateful, rude, crude and unacceptable actions of OPEN YOUR EYES.
Jeff
April 29th, 2012
6:17 pm
I really don’t understand how any of you can give the Falcons a grade any higher than a D.
In case you need a reminder, the following teams in the NFC are better than Atlanta and should be favored to finish higher and/or go further in the playoffs than the Falcons: the Packers, the Giants, the 49ers, the Saints and the Eagles. The following teams also likely had better drafts and found more explosive players and filled immediate huge needs that could pay dividends THIS year: the Buccaneers, the Cowboys and the Redskins. So exactly WHAT are all of you basing your optimism on? Do you agree with this poster?
“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.”
So exactly what kind of impact did Jones, Rogers and Edwards have on the Falcons? how many playoff wins did we have because of them? That’s what I thought. As for the other players — Samuel is 31 and will more likely be a nickel corner (we’re paying Robinson and Grimes too much to sit them.) And the last time I checked, coordinators don’t make a smashing impact and help teams make Super Bowls.
So, in this year’s draft, here’s what Atlanta did: we got a center with questionable strength and proven durability issues (when we already HAVE two centers, McClure and Hawley)… we got a tackle from Conference USA who was the 29th best at his position in COLLEGE (not a Jake Long or a Jonathan Ogden type — this is a project)… we got a fullback (a position that nobody uses anymore, and nevermind that we already HAVE the best in the game in Ovie Mughelli)… and we got a couple of scrap-heap defensive players in the late rounds (tell me the last time a 4th or 5th round defender became an impact rookie or a Pro Bowler. More likely, it’s another Kroy Biermann or Lawrence Sidbury). Meanwhile, most of our defenders (part of a unit that has struggled MIGHTILY over the last 2 or 3 years) return, except for Curtis Lofton, maybe our 3rd best guy on defense, who is now with the Saints.
How exactly did this team get BETTER???? The answer is that it DIDN’T. This team’s weaknesses in 2009, 2010 and 2011 still remain — very few impact defenders, an aging pass rush, a leaky secondary, and an inconsistent offensive line. So how, with this team facing another very tough schedule, do some of you think we’ll do as well or BETTER than 2010’s 13-3 record? I have news for you — this team likely won’t make the playoffs, likely won’t reach 8 wins, and if by some miracle it DOES make the playoffs, we ain’t winning on the road against the Giants, Packers, 49ers, Lions, Cowboys or Saints.
Atlanta is somehow salary-cap hamstrung to the gills, and somehow we have no flexibility. We mortgaged our entire future last April on drafting ONE rookie receiver, hoping that the 13-3 team was just one player away. Sadly, we’ve learned, it wasn’t… unless Atlanta can DRASTICALLY upgrade it’s weak defense, QUICKLY build a rock-solid offensive line, and SOMEHOW find a fountain of youth for guys like Gonzalez and Turner and Abraham, then Atlanta unfortunately will be slowly sliding backwards in the next year or 2 or 3, with the window of opportunity having closed.
Not being pessimistic, folks, just being real. I see what’s going around in the rest of the NFC, and Atlanta is middle-of-the-pack right now. A fullback from Wisconsin or a defensive end from Troy ain’t changing this team’s fortunes. Sorry.
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
6:19 pm
Please Mr. Ledbetter, have mercy on me….I promise I’ll make it up to you if you kindly give me your number.
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
6:24 pm
Jeff is President of the “PESSIMIST CLUB OF ATLANTA.”
Jeff, we wanted to make sure your accolades were noted and thank-you for your continued positive influence on the Atlanta Falcons fan-base.
Falcon Jim
April 29th, 2012
6:26 pm
Post of 6:19…………………not me again. Obviously the sorry OPEN YOUR EYES.
Mr. D-Led………..do it.
Falcon Jim (THE REAL ONE) FNEWFBCEYFGB
April 29th, 2012
6:35 pm
Do it, Mr. Ledbetter
Grady
April 29th, 2012
6:35 pm
Grade D+. We didn’t need to draft a FB….could’ve gotten one undrafted. Holmes is a reach.
Falcon Jim….you lookin’ to hook up?
Falcon Jim (THE REAL ONE) FNEWFBCEYFGB
April 29th, 2012
6:37 pm
No.
Falcon Jim (THE REAL ONE) FNEWFBCEYFGB
April 29th, 2012
6:37 pm
Please Mr. Ledbetter….and your number please.
Delbert D.
April 29th, 2012
6:37 pm
Pretty solid B for the players that were available.
Falcon Jim (THE REAL ONE) FNEWFBCEYFGB
April 29th, 2012
6:38 pm
E.S.& D.
Falcon Jim (the one that wants OPEN YOUR EYES banned.)
April 29th, 2012
6:40 pm
Enter your comments here
Jeff
April 29th, 2012
6:40 pm
Falcon Jim, i’m not being a pessimist, I am being a realist. I have loved the Falcons for more than 35 years and I have lived and died with every postseason game. Sadly, this team is no better positioned to win the in playoffs than it was 3 years ago, 2 years ago or one year ago.
The trade up for Julio was a mistake, period. This team was not one receiver away from a championship. San Francisco was, maybe… so was Baltimore and perhaps even the Jets or the Patriots. Atlanta WAS NOT just one player away. But we made the trade, mortgaged our future for the next two drafts, and hoped we could repeat 13-3 and than an impact guy might push us over the edge. Sadly, it didn’t. Our defense continued to show its flaws, we showed that we overpaid too much for Robinson and gave up too much to draft Julio, and we wound up mired in mediocrity for the next few years — too much talent to fall below 7-9 but not NEARLY good enough to break 11-5 or make a long run in the playoffs.
Unless you can prove to me how a backup center, a small-school defensive end, or a Big-10 fullback are going to make a major impact as rookies (and how ANY of those players will strengthen our defense to where we can shut down Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, RG-III, Mike Vick, Cam Newton, Tony Romo, Drew Brees, Eli Manning or Matt Stafford, ALL OF WHOM are on the schedule this year), then I wonder where on earth you think the necessary 11 or 12 or 13 wins are coming from in order to win the division and get home field at the Dome and make a legitimate run to the Super Bowl.
Look at next year’s schedule. Likely, the only wins are KC, Carolina at home, Oakland, Washington, Arizona, Tampa Bay at home, and maybe Dallas. We are NOT beating New Orleans, we are NOT beating the Giants, we are NOT beating Peyton Manning, we are NOT beating Philly on the road, and we’re likely only splitting with the Panthers and Bucs.
Atlanta had best start making plans for 2013 and figuring how we can better address our weaknesses and make up for the offseason losses in February. The 2012 Falcons are going to be a repeat of 2009 — right around .500. Bank on it, folks.
Falcon Jim (the one that wants OPEN YOUR EYES banned.)
April 29th, 2012
6:41 pm
Mr. Ledbetter, ……………….DO IT.
Falcon Jim (THE REAL ONE) FNEWFBCEYFGB
April 29th, 2012
6:42 pm
Mr. Ledbetter, my post at 6:38 is just for you….I’ll await for your number.
Falcon Jim (the one that wants OPEN YOUR EYES banned.)
April 29th, 2012
6:44 pm
You DO IT so well Mr. Ledbetter….I’ll await my turn please.
Grady
April 29th, 2012
6:45 pm
Falcon Jim, you are embarassing you’self. You lookin’ to hook up or what?
Jeff
April 29th, 2012
6:45 pm
And just one more note — please look at the drafts of the other NFC teams (at least the legit title contenders). Every one of them either (1) filled an immediate need with a player that can step in and make an impact as a rookie, (2) traded down to get some extra 2nd or 3rd round picks to build needed depth, or (3) drafted DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE. The rest of the conference loaded up on defense, and meanwhile, Atlanta — who DESPERATELY needs defensive help — didn’t address that side of the ball until picks 164, 192 and 249… WAY too low to be impact players.
ROCKNFALCON
April 29th, 2012
6:50 pm
Enter your comments here
PapaK
April 29th, 2012
6:52 pm
Which quarterback would you draft?
1. Completed 656/ 1,234 passes, 53% for 52 td’s and 8,193 yds.
2. Completed 713/ 964 passes, 66% for 87 TD’s and 11,230 yds.
The pundits would grade the first guy over 90 and the second at less than 60. If the Falcons drafted the first QB, everyone would be raising hell. Some of you would be screaming for TD and Smitty’s head.
BTW, the first one is Brett Farve during his S. Miss. years. The second is Andrew Luck. Give these guys a couple of years and I believe we’ll see some good players.
ROCKNFALCON
April 29th, 2012
6:53 pm
I think this could be our best draft in a while. My grade is a B.
Let us pray. Amen
Joe
Walter R. Terrell
April 29th, 2012
6:55 pm
For all those fans who think we don’t have a tight end in training then one may need to look at the roster. We have a very good tight end in training.
Delbert D.
April 29th, 2012
6:56 pm
Seem to be getting a lot of input from the 9th Ward denizens.
kingdaddy
April 29th, 2012
7:00 pm
PapaK
Very interesting analysis. BTW, I’ll take door #1…LOL…
Grady
April 29th, 2012
7:04 pm
PapaK – who’s to say Luck won’t someday be a Hall of Famer? And who’s to say if Favre played in a system like Stanford’s he’d have Luck-like numbers?
phil g
April 29th, 2012
7:19 pm
This draft cannot be graded without considering the reason we did not have a 1 and 2, Julio Jones. Julio promises to be a special player and his rookie season gave evidence to back that hope up. If he is a once in a generation type player than this draft was an A+. It allowed us to get a special player plus add young power players to the O and perhaps one or two of the D players will turn out to be contributors.
kingdaddy
April 29th, 2012
7:28 pm
Grady
What’s your point? Lots of very good college qbs. never make it as pros. Farve has already earned his keep. Stats aren’t the only indicator of what’s in a mans heart…
Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd Man
April 29th, 2012
7:33 pm
In commemoration of a terrible event 20 years ago, Falcon fans, “can’t we just all get along?”
Keeping it Real
April 29th, 2012
7:34 pm
Reminiscent of the days of the Smith family. 2 guys from Wiscy may actually contribute, but overall this is a horrible day for the birds.
Mountain Falcon #10
April 29th, 2012
7:47 pm
All these players the Falcons drafted were Team Captains and model citizens, in college. Whether that translates into a great Pro Career. Well I am no expert, but at least Falcon Fans these guys will come ready to work hard everyday.
One Billion
April 29th, 2012
7:49 pm
It was OK….but not gonna get me excited about the cost of tickets for a new $1B stadium in downtown ATL……
SeenThisB4
April 29th, 2012
7:51 pm
Saints will win the division!!! Falcon schedule is looking really tough!!!! I’d say y’all are 7-9 at best!!
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…
Jimmy Crack
April 30th, 2012
9:18 am
“I wished we had Taken the OT Adams from Ohio State- we will regret that.”
Actually Pittsburgh may regret it, as this kid already has Strike One from testing positive for pot at the Combine. The next time he tests positive for any substance on the NFL’s list, Adams gets an automatic 4 game suspension and another bad test after that will suspend him for an entire season. We shall see how the Steelers handle him, as this young man has had multiple run-ins with authority.
Peter Werner
April 30th, 2012
9:25 am
Anyone from Neenah will make the team better.
kingdaddy
April 30th, 2012
9:30 am
Draft day is like Christmas for me. I love the potentials of the new players and the anticipation of who will be a new Falcon. As kids my parents wouldn’t put our names on our presents under the tree until Christmas Eve to try to keep us from sneaking into them. (That didn’t work to good!) , but the draft is a lot of fun. Can’t wait for the draft-camp in May to hear a little more about these new-birds…
ww
April 30th, 2012
9:39 am
If they cut Ovie, as soon as injuries start, he will get picked up by someone, so he should be fine.
Draft Grade – B
Falconbikerdude
April 30th, 2012
9:40 am
When you have no first or 4 round pick.. I think the Falcons did ok.. I would give them a “C” . As you know you can’t really tell how good a draft is until the OTA and training camp heat up.
NFC South Morning Jog: Deciphering the NFL Draft | Football Betting
April 30th, 2012
10:05 am
[...] Everyone has questions after any NFL draft. D. Orlando Ledbetter asked his about the Falcons weekend. His top noodler; Will Ovie Mugheli be back at fullback in 2012? [...]
Big Crimson 75
April 30th, 2012
10:08 am
We picked up lil’ Quizz brother from Oregon St as an undrafted FA, also Jerrell Harris — OLB from Bama.
NFC South Morning Jog: Deciphering the NFL Draft | Scripting4You Blog
April 30th, 2012
10:31 am
[...] Everyone has questions after any NFL draft. D. Orlando Ledbetter asked his about the Falcons weekend. His top noodler; Will Ovie Mugheli be back at fullback in 2012? [...]
NFC South Morning Jog: Deciphering the NFL Draft | :: Sparxxrx LLC ::
April 30th, 2012
10:40 am
[...] Everyone has questions after any NFL draft. D. Orlando Ledbetter asked his about the Falcons weekend. His top noodler; Will Ovie Mugheli be back at fullback in 2012? [...]
PMC
April 30th, 2012
10:43 am
Personally I felt they addressed their biggest needs on the offensive side of the ball bringing in the best center in this draft we hope and a left tackle project early. I’d be lying to say I knew anything about them but I know Wisconsin had a very good line and I know the Falcons like team captain types.
In order for the Falcons to be more explosive they had to get better on the OL, they did that. The Ewing pick to me was out of left field at first, but when you see how much Ovie’s loss meant to them last year (They basically couldn’t do squat in the run game without Ovie against good teams) I get it.
It’s like they drafted the battery from Wisconsin for the run game. Love that.
The rest I don’t really know about, but if Edwards is healthy and Samuel is a fit then they really should be set up nicely.
I am really optimistic about this year honestly. I feel really good about what they did with the few picks they had this year.
Falcon Jim (the real one)
April 30th, 2012
10:57 am
Bottom line: 3 months before we know anything.
ibelieve
April 30th, 2012
11:01 am
This draft was a C-. The trade for Samuel and the other off season additions, I would give them a B. The draft to me would have being much better if the Falcons had taken Massie in the third round and come back later and get Holmes in the fifth. He would have being their. Take Ewing in the six or seven round. The DT or the safety, would have been a priorty free agent.They let the Raiders sign the best punter in college football, in Margette King out of Fort Valley State. You will see!
Gatorzone
April 30th, 2012
11:09 am
Good overall draft considering what they had to work with… The real answer will not come for 3 years, anyway… Day after draft analysis are 50/50 just like all of the players drafted… I am not sure how Kiper and Mayock became experts, but I bet with a little research you will find plenty of misses in their player and team analysis…
Looks like the Falcons got good blue coller, High character guys… I really think the guy in the 7th round may wind up being the diamond in the draft that got overlooked…
Jay Dubu
April 30th, 2012
11:33 am
What free agents have/are the Falcons bringing in from the college ranks?
Tony B
April 30th, 2012
11:38 am
I can’t understand all the negativity out there. I think we did amazingly well for the number of picks we had and what rounds they were in. Only the Safety seems like a so-so pick to me. All the others make a lot of sense and create some excitement as to the possibilities they bring.
A-
yourpoliticalanimal
April 30th, 2012
11:39 am
You have to include the Asante Samuel deal as part of the draft…that’s how some experts rate drafts…they include trades and free agent signings that occur before the draft…I wish Falcons had taken the DE out of Marshall…JAbraham’s knee is questionable and Edwards is an unknown commodity…we’ll see…I’ll give them a C+ for now…think I’ll check out my Bills draft …
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2012
12:18 pm
Peter Werner — Neenah is a good place!!! Sheboygan is better!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2012
12:19 pm
kingdaddy — Yeah, that was funny. Good line!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2012
12:22 pm
old man — Yes, TD has spoken. Massaquoi is a DE with some versatility to drop into coverage. I’ll have to dig out the entire quote for you .
Prime Time
April 30th, 2012
12:23 pm
Assante Samuel allows the D to blitz more…getting to the QB is a priority for Nolan. We don’t have the studs on the D-line to do it like NYGiants did
Bird Since '66
April 30th, 2012
12:29 pm
Looking at Asante Samuel like a #1 I think the Falcons did fairly well. They addressed some needs on the OL and the others we will just have to wait and see. I would give it a B+ but I’m no expert. I leave the decisions to the experts (MS and TD). Regardless of what some may say I feel they’ve done a pretty good job so far. We have been consistent in winning during the regular season and we will win in the playoffs and win consistently when we do.
BOB
April 30th, 2012
12:33 pm
Ok, you all stop the name calling and say on the topic. I see I have to delight a bunch of nonsense
Its DELETE
open your eyes
April 30th, 2012
12:35 pm
please let D LED, can I be the first person to get un-banned!!! i promise never to be nasty to people on this blog!!! I APOLOGIZE TO EVERYBODY I HAVE OFFENDED!!! I WILL BE MORE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FALOCNS!!!
Mike Franklin
April 30th, 2012
12:49 pm
Just got a note saying we picked up Alabama LB Jerrell Harris as a FA.
This is actually more interesting (if true) than half the draft class was, lol.
Big Crimson 75
April 30th, 2012
2:04 pm
DOL — why did you take off my post concerning who the Falcons signed as un-drafted Free Agents??
What if their was a LaGarrett Blount or a Brent Grimes in that mix??
Perhaps some Falcon fans would have knowledge about our un-drafted FA’s they’d like to share!!
…would just like to know……
Big Crimson 75
April 30th, 2012
2:11 pm
Some interesting guys on the list —
Jerrell Harris was a solid SEC Defensive Player — the guy will do whatever it takes to improve the Falcons.
Dominique Davis — I know little about this guy!! Can He over-take JPW?
James Rodgers — Quizz’ brother — A good Player for OSU, much like his brother!!
Casey Therriault — Anyone know the story with this guy??
G
April 30th, 2012
2:29 pm
I would give the Falcons an ‘A’ with their picks. They fulfilled needs all around. I would give the Falcons a ‘C-’ for overall player improvement. They didn’t have a lot of picks or high picks so I didn’t expect them to make a huge splash. I think that the Konz pick will be great if they can have him play G and Hawley can play C. Hawley played fairly well at G but is undersized. And with his playing time he will be more ready to start at C. I really hope Holmes is a gem. He is the right size for a LT and we really need someone other than Baker there. Ewing can do what Ovie was doing. So we should be cutting Baker and Ovie to get some cap space.
Dirtybird 82
April 30th, 2012
2:58 pm
F-
TD has shown time and time again that he does not draft well at the Oline position and yet he drafted two more this year. Since he’s been here he’s drafted nothing but bust at that position (Baker, A. Johnson, etc). Hawley has potential, I think so I won’t call him a bust just yet. We should have drafted Vinny Curry. Mark my words he will be a player in this league. I expect him to sack Ryan this year when we play Philly. He’ll probably bullrush Baker and then Holmes when Baker leaves the game.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 30th, 2012
5:37 pm
Big Crimson 75– Waiting for the team’s official list. You’ll get to blog on that later. This is the Grade blog, not the UDRFA blog. Those are unofficial. Lots of misinformation out there. Team is in final stages of getting the contracts back. Not all of those folks are coming here. However Dominique Davis is. His agent has confirmed.
Dominique Davis, QB, East Carolina: He started his career at Boston College as a redshirt freshman in 2007, Matt Ryan’s final season. He transferred from BC in 2009 after being suspended for academic reasons. He set 15 single-season records for East Carolina in 2010 and was named Conference USA’s newcomer of the year. He had 28 career rushing touchdowns. He was rated at the 27 best quarterback in the draft by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper. He could challenge John Parker Wilson for the No. 3 quarterback spot.
Falcon Jim (the real one)
April 30th, 2012
6:15 pm
Really can’t wait to meet Ewing up close at Flowery Branch….always looking for fresh blood. Sorry Ovie, I love you but there’s a new kid on the block…
Big Crimson 75
April 30th, 2012
6:46 pm
If Holmes & Konz prove to be better than TDs other OL draft picks — Baker, Johnson, Hawley & Reynolds then this will be a successful draft.
We asked for big uglies & thats what the Falcons gave us.
I really don’t like the FB choice.
FB is the easiest position in the NFL to “get” somebody decent @ the position for little cost.
Hopefully, out of the last 4 picks, We hit on 1 or 2 of those Players!!
Grade — B-
Falcon Jim (the real one)
April 30th, 2012
7:15 pm
6:15 post……………….not me.
Looks lie OPEN found another computer. Jerk.
Falcon Jim (the real one)
April 30th, 2012
7:32 pm
7:15 post………….not me again.
What’s going on here Mr. Ledbetter?
Shanny
April 30th, 2012
8:17 pm
Actually only time will tell, 2 to 3 years. The Falcons have a very tough schedule for the coming year,and I don’t see any immediate help. The D- Line will have problems in the 2012 season i thought the D-Line was poor play..Maybe a fullback at a lower priced will help and cutting Ovie will create the capspace.. Not to many teams even use a fullback anymore. Turner is getting older over 30 usually spells doom.
Hoping for the best but I rate the draft a D .
I like the DB,S if they use more press coverage. I think Nolan will do that, but if there is no pressure up front. The good QB,S willeat them up.
OPEN YOUR EYES
April 30th, 2012
11:46 pm
DUDE FALCON JIM I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR PROBLEM IS BUT, IM NOT HACKING YOUR USELESS ACCOUNT!!! I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO IN MY LIFE, LIKE GO TO SCHOOL AND TURN IN PAPERS!!! YOU REALLY NEED TO STOP ACCUSING ME!!!! I WOULD NEVER WASTE A SEC. OF MY LIFE TRYING TO BE YOU!!! NOW LEAVE ME ALONE AND HAVE A GOOD LIFE!!!!
AND KEEP MY NAME OUT YA MOUTH!!!!
mrzizzle
May 1st, 2012
4:34 am
I’ll give it a B. The offensive line was an issue in poor protection and run blocking let alone the inability to pick up first downs on 4th and short. Love the offensive line plus full back picks. Lets hope Konz, Holmes and Ewing and what the Falcons hope they can be.
Hotlanta
May 1st, 2012
12:25 pm
This year draft was for the OL and some other key D position. I like the DT’s we got I think both will make the roster unless Peria find some balls n start playing as a first rounder. Also the DE pk from Troy I think he’s ur gem in this years draft, beef him up and I think we can make a good showing this year, and maybe surprise everyone an make to the big show. Grade C+