Draft day: Falcon options; Berry rips Deion; Tebow to Vikes?
So when a player gets picked, does he parachute down off the roof?
Good morning. It’s day one of three of the NFL draft and I’m still working on my Round 4 mock for Saturday morning. So stay tuned!
Seriously, I remember when they used to do this thing all in one day. At the risk of sounding like the old guy on the front page, screaming every time a car with New York plates drives by, I liked that better. For one thing, we wouldn’t have to wait until possibly 10:40 p.m. before the Falcons make their first selection.
So here’s how it’s going to work today. I’m not in New York, I’m not embedded in anybody’s “war room” and I certainly don’t have Bill Polian on the hotline. But I’ll keep you up to date as best I can on things going on throughout the day and we’ll go live with a blog during the first round. Then when the Falcons trade their No. 1 pick 15 minutes before I have to post a column, I will run head first into the nearest wall.
As of now, here are five hot button topics that I figured would be of some interest to you:
♦ FALCONS PICK: I believe our Darryl Ledbetter had things pegged correctly when he listed five potential Falcons draft picks: Florida center Maurkice Pouncey, Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham, Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham, Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Those are the same five names I threw out to you to you in a poll earlier this week. After nearly 1,400 votes, you ranked them in this order: Graham (33 percent), Weatherspoon (28), Thomas (22), Pouncey (14), Gresham (3). I would tend to agree, although I have a slight problem with Graham’s height (6-foot-1) for a starting DE and would probably list him behind Weatherspoon.
Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon would help the Falcons' defense.
This much I do know: As Thomas Dimitroff has said multiple times in the past two weeks, the board is wide open. They don’t feel the need to focus on just one side of the ball or the other. When Dimitroff came in, he determined the 2008 draft would be offense heavy and last year’s would be defense.
Here’s a nugget you may not be aware of: Even if the Falcons passed on Matt Ryan and drafted LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey with their first pick two years ago — as so many people wanted, including me — they were focused on taking Michigan quarterback Chad Henne (now of the Miami Dolphins) with their next pick. So either way, the quarterback position was going to be settled in Dimitroff’s first draft.
So one more time: Do you have any preferences on the Falcons’ first pick?
♦ ROETHLISBERGER UPDATE: The suspension of Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has thrown a wild card into the top 10 picks. I say top 10 because that’s reportedly what the Steelers want as part of a trade. For what it’s worth, I don’t think 31 out of 32 teams would even consider trading their two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback in a case like this. But Pittsburgh is different — both the city and the franchise. If the Steelers can get a deal they like, he’s gone.
Former NFL player and coach Herm Edwards criticized Pittsburgh for being open to a deal, telling ESPN radio: “As a coach and a guy who’s been in this league for 30 years, and understands about protecting the shield, I agree with the commissioner about suspending Ben. But what I don’t get is rumors about Ben being traded. … We preach the team is a family. When your son gets a DUI and wrecks the car, do you take him to the adoption agency and say you don’t want him as your son anymore?”
Tim Tebow will wait a lot longer than Ndamukong Suh to get drafted.
OK, Herm: You lost me there. You’re right: We don’t trade our kids after DUIs. But we also don’t draft them, release them when they’re 37 and sign them to multi-million contracts. Lame analogy, dude.
♦ TIM TEBOW: He opted not to go to New York for the draft. Smart decision. While Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft has Tebow going in the first round to the Minnesota Vikings — really? – there’s a chance he may be sitting in the waiting room until the third on Friday. Of course, Tebow being Tebow, he said this was more about staying home with family. But if he was a solid No. 1 pick, I don’t think there’s any question he would be at Radio City Music Hall. “It would have been exciting to be [in New York] and hold your jersey up with the commissioner. That’s always something every athlete wants to do,” he said. “That would have been really special. But it’s going to be really special being at home. Being with my family, my friends, my best friends, my high school teammates, people like that that I know couldn’t make their way up here, that I wanted to be able to spend this moment with. That’s what it’s truly about for me.”
Good news, Dog fans: Eric Berry is out of the SEC.
♦ BERRY RIPS DEION: Former Creekside High School and Tennessee star Eric Berry, who could go as early as fifth, took a nice swipe at Deion Sanders this week. Berry said he wasn’t interested in speaking to Sanders at an “NFL Play 60″ function (a campaign to tackle childhood obestity) earlier in the week. Why? Because Sanders refused to give him an autograph when he was in high school. Some of you may think that’s childish. I think it’s kind of funny. It also reaffirms how long incidents like that can stay with people. Berry: “I just try to make sure that if someone comes up to me, whether it’s for an autograph or a handshake — because I’ve been shot down before like I told you — I don’t want nobody to feel like that. … That’s why I try to make sure I give back. To make sure that I treat them with respect. To make sure I remind myself that they are looking up to me and really want to meet me, so I’m going to treat them like they should be treated.” I like this kid.
♦ MORGAN TO BROWNS? The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that if the Browns can’t draft Berry, their fallback choice is Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan. The only potential problem is that while Morgan is projected as the best 4-3 defensive end in the draft, he might have to be converted to an outside linebacker in the Browns’ 3-4 scheme.
OK, there’s your warm-up. I’ll check back later.
♦
Earlier posts
♦ Even with loss, Braves show they’re not going away
♦ Live blog: Braves go for two over Phillies (and maybe a sign)
♦Goodell had no choice but to suspend Roethlisberger
♦
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149 comments Add your comment
Heath
April 22nd, 2010
10:54 am
Get over yourself, Eric. Move on.
Me
April 22nd, 2010
10:59 am
Good for you Eric. Enough with these self absorbed prima donnas.
mike
April 22nd, 2010
11:01 am
waaaa, waaaa eric berry didnt get an autograph from deion.. what a freakin cry baby.. my money is on eric berry never putting up deion numbers
Heath
April 22nd, 2010
11:01 am
Got to go with Weatherspoon. You can never have enough defense.
WK
April 22nd, 2010
11:03 am
Oh, so close to first. Falcons draft Rennie Curran.
@ReanuKeeves
April 22nd, 2010
11:06 am
Good for Eric Barry. Go Falcons
What?
April 22nd, 2010
11:06 am
Is that a picture of Berry tackling? That is something Deion couldn’t do.
DK
April 22nd, 2010
11:07 am
Beware, the toes you step on today may be attached to the a$$ you have to kiss tomorrow. I don’t think he’s being a crybaby. He’s giving back what he got.
NCFalconFan
April 22nd, 2010
11:09 am
Your thoughts on Pierre-Paul? I see Jamaal Anderson #2 written all over him!! Did Falcons show much interest?
Bub
April 22nd, 2010
11:16 am
Eric Berry makes.. me-on… look very small. On and off the field. Good Luck E.B. Hope u dont go to cleveland.
EW
April 22nd, 2010
11:19 am
What Berry is really saying is that he doesn’t want to open the door for Deion the mentor to try to show him the ropes.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
April 22nd, 2010
11:20 am
so it might be over two hours after the start of the draft before the birds pick (or trade) . I guess I can watch supernatural while waiting on them make the move.didn’t they reduce the time allowed for a pick in the first round a few years ago
Bryan G.
April 22nd, 2010
11:26 am
That actually just moved Eric Berry WAY up in my opinion. (Although I’m not anti-Deion). That’s hilarious.
OMG
April 22nd, 2010
11:27 am
Can’t believe anyone would be surprised that a family oriented Sport would want to depart with a more than likely rapist that simply is not getting charged because of lack of evidence! Our legal system sometimes makes it difficult to put criminals behind bars and rich criminals more so than others (See Simpson, Lewis, etc.). I would take a top 20 pick and cash or other draft picks to rid myself of the horrible character individual.
F-105 Thunderchief
April 22nd, 2010
11:29 am
Ha! Neon Deion peed on. And, deservedly so.
Ms. KP
April 22nd, 2010
11:31 am
Deion was a loud mouth, self absorbed, geri curl wearing show boat. Heath and Mike what round are you projected to go in? He should have refused if that was his choice but I would have kept my reasoning to myself, especially with people always over analyzing intent.
lazydawg
April 22nd, 2010
11:35 am
I’m a UGA fan,but I have to give Berry credit(class act).Dieon is an A$$ who lives in the past,keep living the dream of your greatness neion.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
April 22nd, 2010
11:35 am
Hats off to Eric Berry.
THE PAST CAN DICTATE THE FUTURE
April 22nd, 2010
11:38 am
This goes to show you that everything you do is being recorded… in mind or on film. I am sure, just like everyone else that grew up in GA, that DEION was an idle of theirs and to get told NO to an autograph once you meet that person can sting… I would have went on the interview and spilled the beans there instead though….
DScottGT91
April 22nd, 2010
11:39 am
Deion Sanders is no doubt a prima donna, a bit of a poser as far as his on-his-sleeve Christianity……… and the best cover corner of all time.
Eric
April 22nd, 2010
11:43 am
Deionica Sanders has been an arrogant jerk since he learned to walk. I wouldn’t even want his chicken scratching. Good for Berry! Hershel Walker did the same thing to me in the Minneapolis Airport. He’s a jerk too.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
April 22nd, 2010
11:47 am
Wish we had a shot at Berry.
ELVISINTHEHOUSE.
April 22nd, 2010
11:49 am
OMG thats true,it did not happen to there mom or sister so its ok.They would rather translate rapistberger non-evidence into praise and be more concerned about his football career winning superbowls than the crime this man did.You would not dare here what a discrace this man is from schultz and company.Ill trade that pervert in a heart beat! taking advantage of under-age GIRLS not even old enough to purchase beverages.That poor girls father must have been paid off for him not to be on the news for ringing rapistberger’s neck.
Richham
April 22nd, 2010
11:49 am
I bet Berry changes his tune after he signs the first million autographs. The star players could sign autographs all day with all the fans that line up.
It really shouldn’t have come to his surprise that “neon” deion didn’t sign an autograph. He was too “pretty” to be bothered with it. He was good, but what a prima dona.
Alan
April 22nd, 2010
11:50 am
Deion is one of the few cb’s that would run in the other direction if a RB,TE or receiver needed to be tackled.
Supes
April 22nd, 2010
11:50 am
Darn Jeff, did you have to put up that pic of Berry smacking around poor ole joe cox? I guess as a UGA fan it hurts to see that, he played some great games against UGA. However, the young man is a class act, and will prove himself to be a capable impact player in the NFL. He may never have the HOF career that loud mouth D. Sanders had, but he’ll do it the right way. I wish him all the best.
Good for Tebow to skip on going to the draft in NYC…after the Brady Quinn debacle, all QB’s should learn from it.
Falcons, I sincerely hope they trade down and acquire a 2nd round pick. This draft is too deep not to have a 2nd rounder, TD and MS should do that, especially if the player they want is no longer there.
ron the man
April 22nd, 2010
11:57 am
Eric Berry just might be the supernatural safety/corner that TD has always said he would like to bring to the falcons. To give us a Bob Sanders or Troy Polomoula like player on defense. The price would probably be too high to move up, but you never know?????
jg
April 22nd, 2010
11:59 am
that’s great to hear–deion was a great corner no doubt–but as i’ve said before–we could win three to five games with him or without him.
berry’s not the only one sanders blew off for interview–happened to me and my family a few times as well–however tim mckyer took the time to talk to us for about an hour one day in suwanee, as did jeff george in st. louis prior to a thursday night game vs rams and eric dickerson and chris miller had plenty of time to talk to some fans…
i understand that sanders is the much bigger star–or atleast in his opinion–but some people don’t appreciate his antics.
ELVISINTHEHOUSE.
April 22nd, 2010
12:02 pm
Say what yall want about deion,he was and still is the best CB to play the game.Crybaby berry,the best way to handle the situation is to have talked to deion and asked him why than to be simple minded that you didn’t get a autograph.Listen at how you sound as a suppose to be adult holding grudges from the past.I would hate to be the one who coach you because it sounds like to me if things don’t go your way with whatever team selects you,your gonna fall to the ground and cry like a baby.Get rid of the insecurity dude.
jeffrey d
April 22nd, 2010
12:09 pm
I hope Joe Cox will slip to the Falcons
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 22nd, 2010
12:11 pm
ELVISINTHEHOUSE, you’re a douchebag jock sniffer.
Eric Berry
April 22nd, 2010
12:13 pm
This Is Revenge, We Call This Mutha Revenge
This Is Revenge, We Call This Mutha Revenge
Ya Best Not Be Talkin’ To Me, Not With Those Words You Said.
I Guess I’ll Have to Accept Your Invitation To Toast You Upside Your Head
You’re Puttin’ Up A Front, I’m Gonna Tear It Down
Had Enuff Of Your Sorry Azz ‘Tude, I Don’t Trip On No Stare Me Down
Maybe I’ll Just Blast, Maybe I’ll Just Throw
Maybe I’ll Lay Down Somethin’ Special, But Believe Me You’re Gonna Know
This Is Revenge, We Call This Mutha Revenge
This Is Revenge, We Call This Mutha Revenge
waynester
April 22nd, 2010
12:13 pm
Herm Edwards just equated driving buzzed with RAPE? God help the man if karma exists. Team as family? Fine. Even if it was your brother treating women like this you oughta be even MORE enraged at his sorry a$$ for showing the “family” in such a horrible light. I already disliked Herm, now I loathe him. He’s an enabler for the sorriness that’s become rampant in pro sports–a sense of entilement brought on by wealth and undeserved adoration. The only reason R’berger isn’t facing jail right now is the VICTIM’s family doesn’t want her on TMZ, E!,ESPN,CNN ad nauseum like every other woman that gets abused by a “celebrity”.It ought to infuriate us all…..
MB
April 22nd, 2010
12:16 pm
Eric Berry is a class act…kudos to his parents for raising him right. If you click on the link, you’ll see he’s already working to improve the little league facilities where he played as a kid, and his key statement (to me at least) is that he plans to treat the fans the way they should be treated, with respect. His “diss” of Deion will get more attention, but the rationale behind his actions are what is important here.
As for Herm Edwards comments, what we don’t know is how many times the Rooney’s have already had a come-to-Jesus meeting with Ben…after all, this isn’t his first “transgression.” IF they end up trading him, I’ll give them full credit for being more about what their organization stands for than coddling a talented but borderline sociopath.
Finally, on the draft…I just don’t get it. How this thing has turned into a three-day event, and why anybody would watch it, is beyond me.
Eric Berry
April 22nd, 2010
12:20 pm
You better watch how you direct your hate
Or you’ll receive part of my natural trait
Before you send off, you just better wait
Cause I aint got time not to retaliate
Ooooh…ooooooh…I’ll hate you better
I’m not trying to threaten or to deceive
I’m just enlightening you so you wont be naive
I’ll tell you one thing that you better believe
My hate is better to give than to receive
I’ll hate you better
Marie
April 22nd, 2010
12:22 pm
Eric Berry, nice job! Good luck to you.
Reid Adair
April 22nd, 2010
12:24 pm
That sounds nice and all now, Jeff, but let’s see if Eric Berry keeps that attitude in the NFL.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:24 pm
Love the fact the first two comments are in complete disagreement.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:24 pm
Heath — Agree.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:25 pm
WK — Curran’s not going in the first round.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:26 pm
NC Falcon Fan — Never seen him play but everything I’ve read is he’s an athletic beast. Wasn’t originally expected to go so early, but he’s been so great in workouts, etc., now that most expect him to be gone in top 15.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:27 pm
Eric — Deonica. Funny. (As long as it’s also not a shot at Danica.)
Jeff
April 22nd, 2010
12:28 pm
The Falcons might not pick until 10:40PM correct? not 9:40 as you wrote.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:28 pm
Mr. Turnip-Green — No kidding. But there’s no way Falcons could/would offer enough in trade to get up that high in the draft.
ELVISINTHEHOUSE.
April 22nd, 2010
12:30 pm
RAMBLE ON,and your just GAY!!!
lazydawg
April 22nd, 2010
12:31 pm
Please Mr.Blank don’t put Dieon in the ring of honor,he did not build the GA Dome the fans did, and all he was there for was a check.
Halberstram
April 22nd, 2010
12:31 pm
Wow that sounds like a bad decision by the Browns. Take a player regardless of if he fits into your scheme.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:32 pm
Supes — I just looked in archives for a good Eric Berry photo and that was one of first I saw. Sorry to you (and Dognation). … Trading down wouldn’t shock me with Falcons at all, if none of the players they’re looking at for 19th pick is there. Of course, then they would have to find a team that WANTS the 19th pick.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:33 pm
Jeffrey D — He’ll slip to them — and past them.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:33 pm
EB — Thanks for checking in.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:34 pm
Waynester — Yeah, ol’ Herm kind of jumped the rails there.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:35 pm
Reid — Agreed. But overall he has a pretty solid rep.
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 22nd, 2010
12:38 pm
ELVISINTHEHOUSE,so what atleast im honest.
flagboy?
April 22nd, 2010
12:39 pm
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:25 pm
WK — Curran’s not going in the first round.
________________________________________________
you really commented on that?
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:40 pm
Correct — 10:40 … 19 picks/over three hours from start (7:30). I’ll make that fix.
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 22nd, 2010
12:40 pm
Berry ain’t the sweet heart he say he is either. I live in Palmetto just down the street from Creekside and Berry has an EGO too.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:41 pm
Flagboy — Sometimes in print, I can’t determine sarcasm from delusion. So I figured I’d play it straight. It happens.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:42 pm
Pi$$ — Of course he has an ego. He’s a DB. Doesn’t make him a bad guy.
GIVE ME A BREAK
April 22nd, 2010
12:46 pm
Deion was and is a joke. Too much mouth. Good for you, Eric.
flagboy?
April 22nd, 2010
12:46 pm
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
12:41 pm
Flagboy — Sometimes in print, I can’t determine sarcasm from delusion. So I figured I’d play it straight. It happens.
________________________________________________________
The blogs must be a very confusing place for you. I advise you to stay away from Cynthia Tucker’s area of the AJC as well. Happy surfing.
Hillbilly Deluxe
April 22nd, 2010
12:47 pm
Good for Eric Berry. You meet the same people on the way down, as you do on the way up.
tp
April 22nd, 2010
12:52 pm
“I see at least one current Falcons OL in the Hall of Fame when their career is over”.
Since we know no one in their right mind would agree with this statement, much less say it out loud, let’s do the right thing. Pounce on Pouncey! If he’s available, that is.
If Pouncey is gone, I’d lean towards Weatherspoon. Just apply the Hall of Fame statement above to our current crop of linebackers (except for Lofton).
If he’s gone as well, I wouldn’t necessarily mind if we chose between Gresham and Thomas.
Chad
April 22nd, 2010
12:54 pm
68 teams for the ncaa’s mark. what do you think about that?
waynester
April 22nd, 2010
12:54 pm
flagboy
I reccomend staying away from Cynthia Tucker–period….surf on….
Pepe
April 22nd, 2010
12:55 pm
Look, Deion has done some things that make you roll your eyes, but he was worth the price of admission. He brought a lot to Fulton County and the Dome. I would rather be part of the fan base that appreciated his contribution, and respected his abilities. As for Eric Berry, his logic works with me too.
tp
April 22nd, 2010
12:57 pm
Well stated, Pepe. I agree.
rico43
April 22nd, 2010
1:02 pm
I saw one “national” mock draft yesterday that had MORGAN falling to the Falcons. Tell me that wouldn’t be a dream come true?
DX107
April 22nd, 2010
1:04 pm
Enter your comments here
Dr.House
April 22nd, 2010
1:07 pm
The Falcons need a stud wide receiver first! The defense will be improved with the guys coming back from injury.
GT3O
April 22nd, 2010
1:14 pm
Hey Jeff –
I am out in Denver at law school and I’ll be in class until 7:30 MT, 9:30 ET, do you think I’ll still be able to run over to a bar and see the Falcons pick? I hope your right on the 10:40 mark. Even 10:00 would do it.
Thanks Jeff. Great blog. Like what Eric Berry did.
I remember when I was at a golf tourney growing up and Padraig Harrington didn’t give me an autograph when I asked him for one. I think I was like 10. I have wished for him never to win another tourney every again.
tp
April 22nd, 2010
1:15 pm
By the way, I think Dimitroff’s stance that the Falcons are completely open to taking either an offensive or defensive player is his way of stating “we’re open for business”. If one of our options is trading down, then we’d automatically eliminate some teams who are willing to trade (feeling we may draft their targeted player).
Billie “Shelden Williams” Knight he is not!
GT3O
April 22nd, 2010
1:15 pm
*every again* sorry for the typo.
Dirty Bird
April 22nd, 2010
1:18 pm
Deion stole money from the Falcons! Thanks for hating on him Eric.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
April 22nd, 2010
1:19 pm
Don’t be fooled – Eric Berry has every bit the ego of Deion Sanders. At one time Sander’s life style, as he will admit, was closer to Ben Roethlisberger than to Tim Tebow but he is a born again Christian and to be a Christian is to forgive others for their past …. and Eric Berry needs to forgive Deion and move on to more important issues. Berry appears to be a person of good moral character and I hope that is true…. on the other hand O.J. APPEARED to be of good character to the general public also. I’m not comparing Eric Berry to the disgraced O.J. – just saying public appearance is often not reality.
mike
April 22nd, 2010
1:20 pm
Here’s a riddle….How is a rapist like a DUI offender…..?
Whopper Dawg
April 22nd, 2010
1:20 pm
Take Graham if he is there, if not trade down, pick up a second or a another third. Please no Ledbetter mock picks – center, WR, TE.
Tide Rising
April 22nd, 2010
1:22 pm
Rock on Eric Berry. Dion Sanders- What goes around comes around.
clean up your yard
April 22nd, 2010
1:27 pm
Jeff what do you expect for Tebow in the draft? It was pretty telling that he won’t be a first round pick when he announced that he would not be in NY.
Chris
April 22nd, 2010
1:30 pm
Preface: I can’t stomach UT or UGA. I agree with Berry’s decision. Why should he be interested in talking to Sanders? There are plenty of other pros and ex-pros Berry can learn from. Also, wasn’t it a relationship with Deion that got Dez Bryant and Noel Devine in trouble? Sounds like Deion is a really good influence. HAHAHA!
anotherdawg
April 22nd, 2010
1:34 pm
I can’t blame Berry on this one. I still pull against the Cardinals Adam Wainright because of him refusing to sign autographs for some 10 year old little leaguers that I coached when Adam was pitching for the Macon Braves. Most of the players on that team were more than happy to oblige, but Adam was indifferent. Jerk!
Jake
April 22nd, 2010
1:39 pm
We need more Berry type guys. We have way too many of the other types.
FalconsFan
April 22nd, 2010
1:42 pm
I appreciate what Berry is quoted saying here, Deion can be a first rate jerk when it comes to how he treats fans. It’s really to bad Berry won’t be around for the Falcons to pick because he’d fit in around here. Over last 2 seasons I’ve never seen a Falcons blow off a fan on purpose for an autograph or a chance to say hi. Some players forget that the fans do matter.
Supes
April 22nd, 2010
1:47 pm
Jeff,
Good point about the Falcons having to find suitors for the 19th pick, they can’t just give it “away”.
Maybe the rumor that Thomas Dimitroff and the folks up there in N.E. spoke the other day, maybe we swap with the Pats and somehow acquire a late 2nd rounder at least, not sure how many picks the Pats have in the 2nd round this year?
But yes good point, the Falcons will have to find a suitable partner to trade with, and one willing to part with one of their 2nd round picks.
I was only considering what the best case scenario would be to move down and acquire more picks in this deep draft, esp. on the defensive side of the ball.
I still say the Falcons best case scenario is trade down to the late part of the 1st round, pick up Jerry Hughes from TCU, and acquire a mid to late 2nd round pick in the process. That would be just fine by me
Adidas...
April 22nd, 2010
1:58 pm
Eric Berry is the BEST player in the draft!!
He’ll be Ed Reed in his first season – for 8 – 10 years!! & NFL Defensive ROY!!!
OpenMinded
April 22nd, 2010
2:05 pm
Falcons will not get a trading partner for a 2nd round pick in THIS years draft…. but they still may tradw down , there is a ton of talent and adding picks later in the draft this year or even a great pcik for next will likely not cost us a thing in terms of what we are trying to accomplish… this is a great year!
Please though — no more injury prone players..ie Gresham, Thomas.
Dawg Man
April 22nd, 2010
2:06 pm
Dr. House has apparently never heard of Roddy White.
Cough it up Tabby
April 22nd, 2010
2:07 pm
Here’s the trade talk- Rottenberger for Micheal Vick. (2 Pitbulls to boot)
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
April 22nd, 2010
2:09 pm
so it will be after midnight before the first round is over . about what time will the third round start friday I dont have to worry about catching the 2nd (yet)
Amazon Acai Berry – Acai Berry Fruit | Buy Acai Berry Diets
April 22nd, 2010
2:12 pm
[...] Draft day: Falcon options; Berry rips Deion; Tebow to Vikes … [...]
Heath
April 22nd, 2010
2:16 pm
There was also that time in high school Eric asked for his quarter pounder with cheese and they didn’t put any on it and he got halfway home before he realised it. He’s not letting that go either, and if he ever grills burgers and someone asks for cheese, they are GETTING cheese, because, ya know, he’s BEEN there.
Maybe Sanders didn’t see him or was busy with 100 other snot nosed teens asking for autographs. The fact that Prime Time was at a childhood obesity function shows he isn’t exactly Darth Vader.
fanoffalcons
April 22nd, 2010
2:20 pm
1st round pick, someone who hasn’t had broken bones, knee damage or someone who is broken? Haven’t we already done that?
Tucker T
April 22nd, 2010
2:21 pm
If Jermaine Gresham is the next great tight end in the league and has that much upside, maybe the Falcons do take him. TG is not going to be around much longer and one thing that was proven last year, Ryan needs a good pass catching tight end. Can you imagine how the Falcons would have done last season without TG? It would have been ugly.
Indydawg...
April 22nd, 2010
2:25 pm
Heath = post of the afternoon.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
2:25 pm
Chad — I like 68 better than 96.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
2:26 pm
Rico43 — That’s would be a dream, but it’s not happening. I’d be STUNNED. (and so would the Falcons).
Blue
April 22nd, 2010
2:27 pm
Deion is a very different person now than he was back then. Too bad Berry can’t understand that people change.
kepp
April 22nd, 2010
2:27 pm
I totally agree with Eric on this. How can you not blame him for holding a grudge? How many of us ever get to actually be on the same playing field as a childhood hero we used to have? Maybe even one that slighted us? Good move Eric!!!!!
Phat Phil
April 22nd, 2010
2:28 pm
Eric Berry…..what a class act. All you UGA fans are still mad because he chose UT over UGA. I can still hear that hit he put on NoShow Moreno a couple years back. NoShow did not know what day of the week it was when EB laid him out. Yes the Vols lost that day, but that hit will never get old. Even better news for UT….both of Eric’s brothers want to play for UT. The word is at least one of them is as good or better than Eric! GO VOLS!!
nawls
April 22nd, 2010
2:28 pm
Deion is different alright. Now he’s illegally meeting with college kids and gets them suspended for entire seasons, costing them millions of dollars.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
2:28 pm
GT30 — Thanks. Simple math. Each team gets up to 10 minutes per pick. That’s 3 hours (18 picks) before the Falcons pick at 19th — or 3:10 before Goodell actually steps to the microphone. If draft starts at 7:30 Eastern, that’s 10:40. But all teams probably won’t use the full 10 minutes so it could be a little quicker.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
2:30 pm
Clean up your yard — The likely suspects to me are Jacksonville, Buffalo and maybe New England. I still say third round but who knows?
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
2:32 pm
Tucker — You might be right on Gresham’s future. I just don’t know if I could push the button on a tight end that high.
joe
April 22nd, 2010
2:32 pm
Eric Berry>PeeOn Deon
Confused
April 22nd, 2010
2:32 pm
Trade Vick for Rocketsledder? So Vick can stage fights between college girls and Ruelenferter can rape pitt bulls?
GT
April 22nd, 2010
2:35 pm
Right Sander sitting there with a gold alarm clock around his neck, dress up like Mardis Gras, running his mouth, hair so slick you could see the reflection of Mars in it, with the self made handle of Prime Time is too busy for Eric ,too busy being a jerk. The fact is Barry half Sander’s age was there, half this jerk’s age and already twice as mature. Check out what people in Atlanta have known for years, nothing fake about this Eric Berry, maybe Sanders instead of signing autographs should use that pen and paper to take notes. Any in those notes take some on tackling, Berry could teach Sanders a lot there too.
BG
April 22nd, 2010
2:37 pm
Eric you will never come close to being like Deion Sanders. Sanders is twice the football player you will ever be.
BigTimeTECHFan
April 22nd, 2010
2:46 pm
I like Eric Berry, we should trade up to get him, but there will be times when he will not be able to sign all autographs.
I like Halle Berry better
seabass
April 22nd, 2010
2:49 pm
I, myself, don’t blame Berry. I was turned down an autograph as a young man and I have hated the person every sense. Its hard to swallow when someone you look up to turns you down.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
April 22nd, 2010
2:49 pm
I hate to agree with a tech person but I too am all for drafting Halle Berry
GIVE ME A BREAK
April 22nd, 2010
2:49 pm
68 in the tournament. If the bottom 8 teams play each other. Whats the point? You still start with 4 regions with 16 teams each.
Buckeye
April 22nd, 2010
2:50 pm
Pete Rose wouldn’t sign an autograph for my then 10-year old son (30 years ago), and he hasn’t forgotten it and neither have I.
todd grantham
April 22nd, 2010
2:51 pm
Jeffrey, has The Count gone over the hill or have i just missed him lately?
Pixie
April 22nd, 2010
2:53 pm
GO ERIC BERRY!!! I was sitting at a redlight in Atlanta one day and just glanced over at the car next to
me and saw it was Deion. He immediately rolled up his car window (and you could not see in the car)
I wanted to knock on his window and say Deion YOU AIN’T ALL THAT!!! Jerk is a nice word for Sanders.
mike
April 22nd, 2010
2:54 pm
deion signed an autograph for me when i was 11 or 12.. eric berry must have been very demanding or rude.. all you ppl talking smack about prime time obviously were not around in the early 90s to see the excitement he brought to the falcons.. who were previously about as interesting as a bag of d*cks.. oh prima donna? Lebron isnt a prima donna with all that dancing on the sideline? Ray Lewis? etc
boilerup
April 22nd, 2010
2:59 pm
Like i’ve said before… Draft as much offensive talent as possible.. The Falcons are a step away from being an Indy kind of offense and the defensive will get better when healthy.. I like what i’ve read about us taking the Polian approach.. Remember, Manning’s confidence didn’t rise until he had guys like Wayne, Harrison and James. Keep it coming with the offense.. Go Falcons!!
George P Burdell
April 22nd, 2010
3:04 pm
This Berry kid could not hold Deion’s jockstrap…
Falcondawg
April 22nd, 2010
3:12 pm
I’d have to agree with Berry! D. Wilkins , my favorite player of all time, did that to me just last year and it gave me a completly different perspective of him.
FELIX
April 22nd, 2010
3:13 pm
The only difference in Ben Roethlisberger and all the other rapist or preditors is they’re was not enough evidence to make an iron class case. This guy came close to serving time in a higher learning university. So why not get rid of him before he causes more embrassement to the organization.
ELVISINTHEHOUSE.
April 22nd, 2010
3:13 pm
Its amazing we have all these people on here praising blue berry because he didn’t get a autograph? I had a friend that stole some money from me years ago and i can’t go back in the year he stole it and get it back.In other words life go on GET OVER IT.Atlanta have some bootleg fans that will cheer for you if you play for the sorry falcons but as soon as you turn your back(SMITHS DIDN’T WANT TO PAY FOR PRIMETIME SERVICES)they spit in your face.
Courtney
April 22nd, 2010
3:16 pm
Deion was a huge jerk. I went to Braves Spring trainig in 1991 and the only 2 braves who would not sign? Deion Sanders and David Justice.
cdog
April 22nd, 2010
3:16 pm
ERIC BERRY, YOU HAVE TO LET THINGS GO IN YOUR LIFE.YOU HAVE TO FORGIVE PEOPLE.WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES.DEION HASN GIVEN HIS LIFE OVER TO GOD.WHY DON’T YOU GO TO HIM AND MAKE AMMENDS WITH HIM.WE SERVE A FORGIVING GOD.I’M SURE AT THE TIME BOTH OF YOU WERE NOT LIKE YOU WERE NPT LIKE YOU ALL ARE NOW. DON’T HOLD GRUDGES.IF YOU DON’T FORGIVE, GOD WON’T FORGIVE YOU.GOD HAS BLESSED YOU WITH A SPECIAL TALENT.HE CAN EASILY TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOU.
atlvol55
April 22nd, 2010
3:18 pm
I’m obviously a homer as a Tennesse fan…but in my opinion if Berry stays healthy, he will one day be in Canton as one of the greatest safeties of all time….Outside of possibly Suh, any team that doesn’t draft Berry is an idiot….He will be a star and do more for a team than Mccoy or some of these other guys ahead of him
azcat225
April 22nd, 2010
3:18 pm
BG and George P Burdell: I would heartily disagree with you. Just the fact that Berry tackles like Ronnie Lott puts him at least on par with Sanders. Deion never met an opportunity to make a tackle that he couldn’t use that blazing speed to run away from.
Jeff, you’re being kind when you say Herm “jumped the rails”. Going to Tampa Bay would be a nice punishment for BR.
Strokers all day
April 22nd, 2010
3:20 pm
What’s the big deal about signatures anyway? Eric sounds like a typical little brat. I am sure Deion doesn’t even remember this snotty nosed kid.
Spare the rod….?
BamaFan
April 22nd, 2010
3:20 pm
I agree with Eric. I had the same thing happen to me with Emmitt Smith and neve rliked him again after that and I was only a 10 year old.
Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd Man
April 22nd, 2010
3:30 pm
I empathize with Berry; I was once an Andre Rison fan until his entourage beat up my brother-in-law after a Falcons game.
Supes
April 22nd, 2010
3:33 pm
Jeff, like you said no team will take up the full 10 min. Infact, when the Rams pick Bradford…If I were representing the Lions I’d sprint up there, and tell the commish the pick is N. Suh and be done with it. Best player in the NFL Draft 2010.
I hate Tennessee
April 22nd, 2010
3:33 pm
I hate tennessee but I’m with Eric
Pat
April 22nd, 2010
3:47 pm
I wish the Falcons could trade up and get this kid. He will prove to the best player in this year’s draft, a can’t miss pick.
Screw “Primetime” and the jerry curl he rode in on…
egeagle
April 22nd, 2010
3:53 pm
Pi$$, we’re neighbors of a sort. EB is a really great kid. His Dad? Another story, but he was a Vol legacy and headed there all along.Probably the same for his brothers. I tought him and one funny thing happened. After he had signed with UT, he wore UGA gear to class at least two or three times.
Deion-great cover corner but a wuss otherwise. He lost me with his comments about the Braves when they bent over backward to humor him, and that “I own this Dome” crap when he was with SF. The only good thing he ever did was dump water on Tim McCarver.
Methinks you fudge a bit on your picture choice, Jeffy. We know how you dis UGA at every opportunity and I’m sure there’s a picture in which you can see Eric’s face.
Leave the nicked up TE be. I like the kid from Michigan.
There are two Falcon linemen who SHOULD be in the HOF– Jeff Van Note and Mike Kenn.
FalconsFan
April 22nd, 2010
3:53 pm
By the way Deion hasn’t changed, the evidence is right there in ESPN the Magazine, in the article about his youth program featured a white child that was missing a body. That’s right there was a decapitated white head floating in the picture. He’s a jerk, he only looks out for himself and he’s selective on who he “helps”. Berry has it right, there’s no reason to give Deion his attention.
Darrin "The Vent King"
April 22nd, 2010
4:05 pm
Amazing. All these people dumping on Eric Berry for this are the same ones who dogged Vick for doing the same thing- being unapproachable and refusing to sign autographs. You all know how self absorbed Deion was/is so don’t act surprised that some kid whom he brushed off has grown up and never forgot someone he idolized dissing him like that. Sure, signing autograph after autograph is probably tiring but there is a way to everything and you KNOW Deion more than likely was not gracious about it. Yes, he was the best CB perhaps ever, but off the field things like this have nothing to do with that. Unless you know the circumstances of the refusal I don’t think we can automatically exonerate Deion due to his history of being aloof. I would tend to believe a more down to earth humble individual over a egotistical, enigmatic all about me guy in a situation like this, but that’s just me.
Draft day (Part II): Tebow top 15, Morgan to Falcons? | Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
4:12 pm
[...] (If you missed it, click here for our earlier pre-draft warm-up blog.) [...]
Glenn
April 22nd, 2010
4:18 pm
Dieon, what a guy? I saw him break a little kids heart at the Atlanta Airport when he was playing for the Braves. About an 8 year old kid asked him for his autograph as he was waiting for the train. His reply to the the young man was “Hey man don’t you know its Fathers Day and I’ve got my family with me?” He really taught his kids something there, not sure what though.
Denis Leary
April 22nd, 2010
4:21 pm
I’ve got tow words for Eric Berry: Ryan Sims. Thanks for calling Eric.
DawgNDallas
April 22nd, 2010
4:25 pm
Jeff – “At the risk of sounding like the old guy on the front page…” (?) Did you mean to say “old guy on the front porch?” Or is this a reference to Furman Bisher?
roge
April 22nd, 2010
4:32 pm
Deion reminded me of someone I played against 50 years ago in N.C. He lasted 6 games in College after being the most sought after player in N.C.
Get close to him and he would fall down. Once he got into the open field you couldn’t catch him.
Coward at best.
Mystikal
April 22nd, 2010
4:41 pm
Schultz, if Dez Bryant were to drop to the falcons and Thomas n Gresham are still available what do you think they would do?
unbiased volfan
April 22nd, 2010
4:44 pm
In contrast to the Eric Berry story, I heard stories of kids going up to Deion’s house in Seven Oaks off Jones Bridge and ringing the door bell for autographs. I’d heard many times he’d happily oblige them.
BTW I am a UT and EB fan but I’ve heard Deion was always cool. Hate that Eric feels that way. I guess it goes to show you can’t appease everyone.
Mystikal
April 22nd, 2010
5:20 pm
I like Graham, just not in a falcons uniform. @ 6′1 just can’t see him doing much damage. Am cool with the Pouncey pick, but think he will be gone. Am cool with Spoon only if we trade down and pick up an extra pick. Beyond all that I think it would be interesting if Gresham, Bebe Thomas, and Dez Bryant were all still on the board. Decisions, decisions…
Eric Berry - MeMiM
April 22nd, 2010
6:09 pm
[...] the 'Skins took a safety with a Top 6 pick. (Sean Taylor, 2004; LaRon Landry, 2007). Filed Under:Eric Berry – If the Redskins do take Eric Berry with the fourth pick, it would be the third time since 2004 [...]
Eric Berry
April 22nd, 2010
6:20 pm
[...] are talking to the Chiefs and Dolphins about moving up. If the Redskins do take Eric Berry with tEric Berry – NFL Draft excitement is in the air and word is that the Eagles are going to get AGGRESSIVE. The [...]
Eric Berry | Ifdny
April 22nd, 2010
6:24 pm
[...] are talking to the Chiefs and Dolphins about moving up. If the Redskins do take Eric Berry with tEric Berry – NFL Draft excitement is in the air and word is that the Eagles are going to get AGGRESSIVE. The [...]
Eric Berry - Ardub
April 22nd, 2010
6:36 pm
[...] are talking to the Chiefs and Dolphins about moving up. Suh, McCoy, and either Russell Okung, TreEric Berry – NFL Draft excitement is in the air and word is that the Eagles are going to get AGGRESSIVE. The [...]
joe white
April 22nd, 2010
7:27 pm
Loved deion sanders than and love him now. he is not the only star that did not sign autographs. they all do and every fan cant always get a autograph they are humans too and have lives. To all the deion bashers not one of said nothing bad about prime time then, and he is a corner back his job is to cover no tackle, if he had to make a lot of tackles than the lineman and linebackers was not doing there jobs. He did his every play and that is why he is regarded as the best ever.
mel kiper | TrendyTwits
April 22nd, 2010
10:47 pm
[...] ranked 21st in total defense last season. …Lifelong plan takes shapeColumbia Daily TribuneDraft day: Falcon options; Berry rips Deion; Tebow to Vikes?Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Eric Berry rips Deion Sanders | Gwinnett DUI Lawyer
April 23rd, 2010
1:58 am
[...] Source [...]
Free Form Friday Thinks It’s Feeling A Bit Drafty In Here. « MrSEC.com
April 23rd, 2010
12:20 pm
[...] because the certified worst tackler to ever duck and trip his way around an NFL field Hall-of Famer snubbed Berry’s autograph request once upon a time. Now, I understand that there is a time and place for autograph seeking, and that [...]
sam
April 23rd, 2010
4:49 pm
LOL!!! Berry sounds like a little whiny girl who didn’t get an autograph from her heart throb teen idol. I bet he used to kiss his Deion Sanders picture every night before he went to bed.
So he says he will sign every autograph asked of him…now every autograph seeking loser will keep him to his word and hound him for autographs for his entire career. If he every refuse an autograph for the rest of his life…it will be reported.
Plus he opened his mouth before his NFL career has even began. He supposedly has the skill set…but he may flop or get injured. He should have kept his mouth shut.
Deion Sanders is an alltime NFL great with Super Bowl rings.