Draft night (LIVE): Behind the scenes at Falcons’ HQ

FLOWERY BRANCH — I’ve arrived at Falcons’ Draft Central.

Actually, more like Falcons’ Draft South of Central. The media is on the first floor of the team’s offices. Arthur Blank, Thomas Dimitroff, Mike Smith and everybody who really matters in the front office is on the second floor. This affords the executive branch privacy during important matters such as NFL drafts and national security. I also have this theory that Dimitroff controls a trap door that will open directly above me, dropping a barbell on my head if I question one of his selections (because I’m also sure the room is bugged. Just remember: You’re not really paranoid if everybody’s out to get you).

Before getting into draft, here’s a little peak into where I am:

NFL teams have their "war room." We in the media have our "bunker." As you can see, it's a buzz of activity.

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I stopped at Chick-fil-A on the way. Figured the Falcons would serve us pizza. Didn't know they would actually cater the evening with, "Italian Marinated Grilled Chicken." And yes, I'll eat again.

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This is the AJC's signal-caller for the draft, D-Led. There's a story behind the green jacket. He played in coach Mike Smith's annual golf tournament and was voted the winner (loser?) of the Worst Swing Award. Strict rules mandated Ledbetter wear the jacket tonight.

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This is Reggie Roberts, the Falcons' vice president of football communications. By the time he gets finished with the news release, the Falcons will have drafted eight future Hall of Famers.

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OK, back to my keyboard. The Falcons, barring trades, will have eight selections over three days: one in the first (19); two in the third (83, 98); one in the fourth (117); two in the fifth (149, 165) and two in the sixth (171, 189). The fact they don’t have a second-round pick has prompted speculation that Dimitroff may try to swing a deal to get into the round.

There are no new rumors regarding the Falcons, just re-cast versions of the old ones.  I still think it will be one of the five players we’ve discussed: center-guard Maurkice Pouncey, defensive end Brandon Graham, outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and tight end Jermaine Gresham. I think it’s safe to say that, except for Gresham, whomever they draft will be ticketed for a starting job.

Oh, and I’m still not buying that Derrick Morgan will drop to 19th.

Nationally, the only new news is several outlets are reporting that the chances of the Pittsburgh Steelers dealing Ben Roethlisberger are close to dead.

That’s it for now. I’ll be back shortly.

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Earlier posts

♦ Draft day (Part II): Tebow top 15, Morgan to Falcons?

♦ Draft day (Part I): Falcon options; Berry rips Deion; Tebow to Vikes?

♦ 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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