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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718 comments Add your comment
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
8:47 pm
Zach, depends who else is still on the board. Pouncey, Graham, Weatherspoon.
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 22nd, 2010
8:47 pm
Charger moved way UP
Delbert D.
April 22nd, 2010
8:47 pm
Oh, my…get the paddles and resuscitator ready for D-Led
Tucker T
April 22nd, 2010
8:48 pm
Pierre-Paul is still out there too.
gtme87
April 22nd, 2010
8:48 pm
I think you have to go D line if Morgan or Paul are left.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
8:48 pm
Pi$$ — don’t think so because I have to do a draft wrap-up that day.
Zach
April 22nd, 2010
8:48 pm
look we’re 7 picks away. if morgan is available at 15 trade up and take him…what do you lose? I compensatory pick?
We_Run_This_Country
April 22nd, 2010
8:49 pm
Agree…if D.Morgan is available, trade UP!!
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 22nd, 2010
8:49 pm
DOL is my wifes B.O.B Battery operated boyfriend.
bigdawg
April 22nd, 2010
8:50 pm
Ha, Ha, Tech fan can’t spell “stretch.” Great English dept. there at the ole North Avenue Trade School!
Go Falcons!
Jeff, do we have the kahones to take Dez Bryant?
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 22nd, 2010
8:50 pm
WOW that wikk be a bust.
Zach
April 22nd, 2010
8:50 pm
san diegoans….san diegans…hmmm
mmgtfan
April 22nd, 2010
8:50 pm
WHAT!!!!!!!!
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 22nd, 2010
8:51 pm
Sorry. WILL be a BUST.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
8:51 pm
Seven picks to the Falcons and it’s setting up like they’re going to have a choice of great picks. … Ryan Mathews is really good, by the way. Dimitroff really likes him.
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
8:53 pm
Eagles moving up to 13 to take Earl Thomas.
bigdawg
April 22nd, 2010
8:53 pm
So, when the Falcons braintrust, whom I respect, look at Dez Bryant, do they just see a Mike Vick (and the attendant problems) in waiting?
Zach
April 22nd, 2010
8:53 pm
hmmm, Earl Thomas…for two third rounders. Sure why not
We_Run_This_Country
April 22nd, 2010
8:54 pm
Falcons will NOT take Dez Bryant. TD will not draft anyone with character issues.
gtme87
April 22nd, 2010
8:54 pm
Soon someone will want to trade up for Claussen
Tucker T
April 22nd, 2010
8:54 pm
With so many choices do the Falcons trade back a few picks and pick up a second round pick? I would.
Zach
April 22nd, 2010
8:55 pm
honestly what are the eagles doing? are they leaving the NFL, trying to be the bills?
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 22nd, 2010
8:55 pm
BIGMUTT check your spelling of NUTTS. Hispanics use Q’s more than C’s or K’s.
Chi Chi
April 22nd, 2010
8:55 pm
brandon grahm
Zach
April 22nd, 2010
8:56 pm
JS, if morgan is gone do you draft down? pick up a second/third rounds and still get one of the 5 that were high on the list?
bigdawg
April 22nd, 2010
8:56 pm
Que?
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 22nd, 2010
8:56 pm
Claussen? You have to have a LIMO and TRAMPS.
bigdawg
April 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
Bye, Brandan
SOUTHGADAWG88
April 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
Wonder if some more Dawgs make out to Denver to play with Moreno.3 3rd rd picks and 2 in the 4th.About where they are projected.
Zach
April 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
not earl.
gtme87
April 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
Seattle to pick Claussen??
Ree Roe
April 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
Graham’s gone
-REEligiously Roe!!!
Delbert D.
April 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
Denver was smart, trading their #11 down twice
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
BAD for D Morgan.
bigdawg
April 22nd, 2010
8:58 pm
ND has only produced one NFL quarterback.
Zach
April 22nd, 2010
8:58 pm
Go Bulls
Wessie Tuggle
April 22nd, 2010
8:58 pm
WOWWWW!!! Why did Philly not get Morgan? Could it be?
Screen Pass
April 22nd, 2010
8:58 pm
Lol! Bigdawg questions someones intelligence then wants to pick Dez Bryant…only a UGA fan. Well, there went Graham.
Tosin
April 22nd, 2010
8:58 pm
Grham is gone.
Tosin
April 22nd, 2010
8:58 pm
Graham*
Jeff Schultz
April 22nd, 2010
8:58 pm
Check that… Brandon Graham, not Earl Thomas. That’s first potential Falcon pick
Eddie Cook
April 22nd, 2010
8:59 pm
Uh-oh
Rural Education
April 22nd, 2010
8:59 pm
So do they take Pouncey?
bigdawg
April 22nd, 2010
8:59 pm
Vis-a-vis Dez Bryant: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone at Glenn Beck!”
Zach
April 22nd, 2010
9:00 pm
By the way, has anyone on ESPN today mentioned the falcons one time? I haven’t heard anybody say anything. I honestly think that ESPN hates everything about atlanta.
Pi$$onaDAWG
April 22nd, 2010
9:00 pm
Which team will draft a Bail Bondsman in the first round?
Mr. Phil
April 22nd, 2010
9:01 pm
I don’t think we are getting Graham
Mr. Phil
April 22nd, 2010
9:01 pm
Eh…weak joke.
country boy
April 22nd, 2010
9:01 pm
Giants will prob grab Spoon. Darn.
bigdawg
April 22nd, 2010
9:02 pm
I’m watching the NFL network. I can’t stand Chris Berman for more than 20 minutes at a time. Prime Time is funny, too!