Falcons’ additions will get them back into playoffs
The drafting of Sean Weatherspoon is one of the moves by Thomas Dimitroff that will get the Falcons back in the playoffs. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Two years ago, we expected too little. One year ago, we expected too much. So it’s safe to conclude that even with all that Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith have accomplished during their brief reign with the Falcons, they’ve managed to keep at least one tradition in tact: The team is still keeping us guessing.
But not this time.
Last month, they signed a legitimate cornerback (Dunta Robinson). This allowed the Falcons to cut back on its janitorial stuff because now somebody won’t have to run onto the field to sweep up the ashes after every opponent’s pass play.
Then came the draft. They needed an outside linebacker who could drop into coverage, help create some mayhem on the pass rush and, if at all possible, hit somebody. They found Sean Weatherspoon. They needed linemen on both sides of the ball. They took a defensive tackle and two guards with their next three picks. Think of a draft as you would an exam. Nobody is guaranteeing an A. But at least we know the Falcons studied the right chapters for the test.
Loading ...At the very least, they will make the playoffs. If body parts don’t spontaneously combust as a year ago, they are capable of doing something special.
If reading that leaves you cross-eyed, think of this: What were the expectations of the New Orleans Saints a year ago when they were coming off two non-playoff seasons and a record of 15-17? Super Bowl champions?
Dimitroff isn’t the type to make guarantees. The most he would allow Saturday was: “There’s no question people should have expectations. Very solid expectations. We feel we’re going in the direction of a team that will be a perennial playoff contender.”
They went 11-5 when everything right. They went 9-7 when so much went wrong. Think about that: nine wins in a bad year. And then consider this:
♦ The schedule will be significantly easier in 2010. The combined record of opponents (127-129) ranks 20th, compared to last year’s schedule (150-105-1), which ranked fourth. Also, three outdoor road games in cold-weather cities – Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Philadelphia – all take place by mid-October. No snow.
♦ Logic says the Falcons will have better fortune on the injury front. Last year wiped out the seasons of Peria Jerry, William Moore and Brian Williams early, and dented Michael Turner and Matt Ryan late.
♦ Look around the NFC: Philadelphia jettisoned Donovan McNabb and will be transitioning to an untested Kevin Kolb at quarterback. Arizona saw Kurt Warner retire, which means Matt Leinart just lost his safety net. The Eagles and Cardinals are two of last season’s six NFC playoff teams. The Dallas Cowboys’ schedule is ranked as the most difficult in the conference and No. 3 in the league (opponents’ record of 139-117). The Saints will still be good. But they open against Minnesota, play at Dallas on Thanksgiving and have four night games on their slate — “rewards” for being a marquee team.
The Falcons are not without questions. Sam Baker hasn’t proved he’s worthy of being a starting left tackle, let alone a first-round pick. Defensive end John Abraham has to stay healthy (and preferably visible). There is a significant drop-off at wide receiver from No. 1 (Roddy White) to whomever is No. 2 (Michael Jenkins, Harry Douglas, street free agent to be named later).
Also, there’s the Matt Ryan question: Were the bumps in Year 2 just normal signs of the NFL learning curve?
Dimitroff wouldn’t call 2009 a step back, saying only, “We learned a lot about a very young football team.”
Then he reiterated, “People should have expectations that the arrow is pointing up. It’s not static or sideways.”
High expectations seem safe this time.
♦
Earlier Falcons draft posts
♦ Falcons still need linemen (and Weatherspoon video-palooza)
♦ Weatherspoon helps Falcons fix the right side of the ball
♦ Draft night (LIVE): Behind the scenes at Falcons’ HQ
♦ Draft day (Part II): Tebow top 15, Morgan to Falcons?
♦ Draft day (Part I): Falcon options; Berry rips Deion; Tebow to Vikes?
♦
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325 comments Add your comment
Mr Charlie
April 24th, 2010
4:42 pm
Don, well, how many rookies did the Saints start last year? Who got excited when they signed Brees? Bottom line, you just never, ever know.
bigdawg
April 24th, 2010
4:42 pm
Yeah, but he can’t and you’re not! 30-24! 9 out of 10
Jonathan Dwyer - MeMiM
April 24th, 2010
4:46 pm
[...] New Orleans Pro Football Al Woods Defensive Tackle LSU Other possibilities at 123 South Carolina LB Eric Norwood Clemson DE Ricky Sapp North Carolina… Falcons&39; Additions Will Get Them Back In Playoffs | Jeff Schultz [...]
mike
April 24th, 2010
4:47 pm
Now we need an established receiver. Glad we didn’t draft one, since they usually take a couple of years to develop. Please go find one.
Mr Charlie
April 24th, 2010
4:47 pm
Rookies rarely make an impact, it is the 2nd-4th year that shows how well you drafted. Anyone remember Beerman? How about Sidbury? If we did draft a running back, how can you say he would be any better than Snelling? Snelling has gotten better every year, who is to say he not going to be a beast this year? You morons just kill me, like you have any idea.
louisville slugger
April 24th, 2010
4:50 pm
If you think the Birds’ major need was WR and RB, you’re playing way too much fantasy football… They needed the most help with pass defense and OL, people. I think for the most part they addressed those needs.
gcs
April 24th, 2010
4:50 pm
Because of all the Juniors, this is one of the deepest drafts in years, there should be some good FAs out there.
.
Mr Charlie
April 24th, 2010
4:51 pm
Bigdog. Yea, I get the morons who diss the reciever we did draft would have loved Gay Gay. All Gay Gay did it drop the most important pass in his career, and when he did catch a pass, he was wide open (and as we saw, that alone is not guarantee that he will catch it). Now we got a guy who is coming off 2 100 catch seasons. Go watch some tape on this guy, he looks good.
bobby's cox
April 24th, 2010
4:51 pm
my problems with the falcons draft:
Peters could have been had a round or two later if they wanted him so bad. I undserstand wanting more depth at DT but get someone of value with that pick.
Why take a center that would have probably gone undrafted instead of the second best center in the draft from BC? And in the fourth round no less?
Good picks getting Weatherspoon, Johnson, and Franks
Where is the addition of someone to take over for Jenkins? Jenkins drops too many, and im pretty sure the guy from kansas will not evolve to be a number two wide out.
Ummmm correct me if i’m wrong, but weren’t we supposed to be looking for a big time pass rusher? Still waiting for them to pick one.
Tony Gonzalez retires in a year or so. Why were we not looking for his heir? Maybe give him a year or two to learn from tony?
No kicker? We defintely could use one, go back and get Leigh Tiffin.
I trust Dimitroff because of his draft history, but based on appearances, this is a poor draft
Delbert D.
April 24th, 2010
4:52 pm
Tha Real Falcon
Weaknesses:
Didn’t make himself accessible to the Falcons draft team when needed most. Possibly too often falls subject to Mel Kiper Jr.’s expert analysis. Seems to have a hangup on knee-bending and Dancing with the Stars. Possibly didn’t participate in extensive film study on wide receivers not on “the radar.”
Strengths:
Knows not to draft a kicker. May be a former player.
Overall:
Emphasize the strengths; while they are informative, acknowledge that weaknesses stated are subjective assessments.
(This analysis is provided for personal guidance only. The author does not pretend to be an expert on anything regarding NFL scientific or physiologic analytical methods. Therefore, it should be treated as a work of fiction.) Delbert D.
chemdawg
April 24th, 2010
4:53 pm
chemcat done stole my name
Steve C
April 24th, 2010
4:58 pm
“Who was the last caucasian to make the Pro Bowl or All-Pro as a wide receiver? My point is…well, you get my point!”
How about Wes Welker in 2009?
Buncha Chicken Littles on this blog…when you have the 19 pick and no second rounders it’s not going to be a sexy draft. Football starts with the O and D lines.
bamaguy
April 24th, 2010
4:59 pm
Mike Johnson is a quality guy, excelled in academics and was great college football player. He will make his headlines on the football field not other “antics.” I enjoyed following his career at my alma mater. And in interview he said something like ‘I looked down at my phone and saw it was Atlanta calling, it was my dream”
A fan
April 24th, 2010
5:00 pm
Johnson was a very consistent player for AL – didn’t get injured and most certainly was a huge part of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson’s success at RB for AL. Nominated team captain along with Rolando McClain and Javier Arenas by his teammates. Maybe we didn’t draft a WR or RB, but with a solid OL we make what we have perform better.
Tosin
April 24th, 2010
5:02 pm
Myron Rolle from Florida State was still on the board when we took that Saftey from Montana. I’m not saying it was a bad pick but, Myron Rolle was one of the best safteys before he was a Rhode Scholar so that pick surprised me.We could have gotten a very smart saftey who can make plays and tackle very well.
Fan since 74
April 24th, 2010
5:03 pm
For all of you who are disappointed. Let me ask you one question. Before the 2008 draft did you know who Kroy Biermann was? He was a 5th round selection? Before you get all bummed out, remember this: Just because you haven’t heard of a person and know nothing about him doesn’t mean that he can’t play.
Sly Ty
April 24th, 2010
5:03 pm
I remember a couple years ago when everyone wanted Glenn Dorsey, including me, instead of Matt Ryan. I remember also how all the draft pundits were glowing over how great of a job Kansas City had done with their draft. They got LT Branden Albert and DT Glenn Dorsey in the 1st rd. Look at them now, and look at us. If you hate this falcon’s draft, start being a Kansas City Chief fan, clearly they follow the advice of the pundits. Oh and don’t forget, the Raiders also draft the “Big Name” players as well so you have some options.
Not Don Waddell
April 24th, 2010
5:05 pm
Bamaguy or A fan…was Johnson the guy who slid out for Andre Smith in the Sugar Bowl, then subsequently went out of that game?
I love him and think he will be starting at OG in 2011.
PMC
April 24th, 2010
5:06 pm
At the very least. I think this team gets into the dance and makes the playoffs. Our coaches and players have already proven that they can play thorough adversity. I think this draft will help with depth and versatility and I really believe they can compete for the NFC South title and beyond.
Brave the Barbarian
April 24th, 2010
5:07 pm
Im i the only one mad braves passed up All-American AAron Hernandez multiple times?
Barkin'Dog
April 24th, 2010
5:07 pm
Here’s your receiver… he’s MONEY!
Kerry Meier top 12 receiver 2010 NFL Draft
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv8Rd72uXvU
He’s a great possession receiver!
Tough catches over the middle, behind him and layout catches.
Contributed to 44 TD passes in 2 years at KU.
Caught the game-winning TD vs a great Missouri team in 2008 (35-33) with 27 sec. left.
Watch this gadget play: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTdvzgBNlOE&feature=related
Spend a little time at YouTube, and you’ll LEARN what TD already knew.
extremus
April 24th, 2010
5:08 pm
We’ll see how the Draft picks contribute to the team’s efforts, but I don’t think the Falcons are done in filling needs. They’ll land a kicker most likely before training begins, and one can never tell what other positions may still be addressed. I know the Falcons didn’t have a big-name Draft (their 19th pick of Weatherspoon was discussed maybe a minute it seemed on ESPN’s coverage while the commentators gushed on and on about other teams; what gives???), but Dimitroff went specifically after filling positions of need from the get-go. He wasn’t interested in giving up early round picks for a chance at a big name, not even in the manner he landed Tony Gonzalez last year. Many marquee players in each Draft end up washing out early, but just as many unsung and lesser-known players end up being the backbone of championship ballclubs. Just ask the New England Patriots.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to fall, when A) football season begins and B) Liberty Media’s tax write-off for the Braves ends. Then maybe we’ll see some happier stories for Atlanta’s biggest franchises.
Too Easy
April 24th, 2010
5:08 pm
we should’ve drafted more of that talent that CMR coached up at uga. Oh yeah, he didn’t coach up anybody
Brave the Barbarian
April 24th, 2010
5:08 pm
excuse me! I meant Falcons guys
Willy
April 24th, 2010
5:08 pm
What? Do you people think TD didn’t know where the players he picked were ranked. Ya’ll watch ESPN, so you know, right? Get over yourselves.
PMC
April 24th, 2010
5:09 pm
There are probably a few udfa’s they can find now too.
Archie
April 24th, 2010
5:09 pm
I emphasize my point again, OL was not a position of need for the Falcons. Ryan was only sacked 19 times last year, that’s fewer sacks than 28 other QBs in the league (even a few that played only part time). OL was fine for the Falcons. The problem was Matt Ryan had nowhere to go with the football when Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez were covered. As for running back, you CANNOT get by in the NFL with only one quality ball carrier. Look at the teams that went deep into the playoffs, Saints/Jets/Vikings/Colts/Cowboys… they all have two (if not three) legitimate weapons at running back. The Falcons only have one. It’s a good point that rookies likely aren’t going to make a big impact, but by not drafting one at all you’re only guaranteeing yourself that it’ll be another year than it already would’ve been before you get impact plays from the position.
Paul From Milton
April 24th, 2010
5:10 pm
This was not a sexy draft but it was a smart one. We needed speed and playmaking ability at OLB and got it. We needed big bodies in the middle of both lines and got that also (remember Babineaux’s suspension and possible release and the miserable guard play last year). This was not a great draft for WRs so unless we picked one early we weren’t going to get much anyway.
As for the last white WR to make the Pro Bowl – Wes Welker.
Mr Fantastic
April 24th, 2010
5:16 pm
First of all each team ranks the players according to their own scale, just because Mel Kiper says a guy is the number one ranked player in aposition does not mean that any nfl teams have them ranked that way. Calm down and wait its just like those people who go crazy for four and five star players coming into college isn’t that right Caleb King.
Mr Charlie
April 24th, 2010
5:17 pm
I love people who call this draft a failure, when drafts cannot be judged for 2-3 years down the road. Case in point, Hawleys knock is he is not very strong, but otherwise has great technique and knows how to play the game.
Well, he is also 21 years old, don’t you think that maybe, just maybe, he will spend the next 2-3 years pounding weights working on getting stronger? Is he diciplined and have work ethic? If so, he will overcome this shortcomings.
I remember the knock on Beerman was he did also did not have much muscle either.
These are kids, some are done growing, some are not. That is what makes this an art, not a science.
WreckinBall
April 24th, 2010
5:18 pm
Archie — Ryan might not have been sacked as many times as other QBs, but he sure had to throw a lot of passes out of bounds. And at least 3 of his ints. were due to being hurried.
louisville slugger
April 24th, 2010
5:22 pm
WreckinBall, true enough. Just watch the tape.
Mr Charlie
April 24th, 2010
5:23 pm
Archie, why draft a RB in the 4th-5th round when we have Snelling, who we drafted in the 7th round who is just starting to really develop? We are drafting guys in later rounds for 2-3 years down the road. His success will not be dictated on the talents he has today, but how hard he works, how he develops, and staying healthy. To judge a draft on day one is pretty pointless.
filtar21
April 24th, 2010
5:24 pm
i still wish we couldve traded out of the first and got two second rounders we could have taken sergio kindle and another linebacker. weatherspoon is good but not good enough that we couldve have done just as well in the second. baltimore new england seattle and cincy i think had great drafts.
Darrell Thomas
April 24th, 2010
5:24 pm
I have been wrong about TD before and hopefully, I am wrong again. However, with the exception of Spoon, Peters, Johnson and Frank, we had a subpar draft. We need to protect Matt Ryan, I don’t have faith in our RT. I thought that we needed acquire a RB in the 5th round. Since TD has been here, we have drafted a CB, Safety and DT. I am not sure if this draft has improved the team.
Mr Charlie
April 24th, 2010
5:25 pm
When was the last white reciever to make the pro bowl?
Well, that is kinda what I said when we drafted Vick, and I was called a racist.
Hypocrite. (google is of you are too stupid to know what that means).
catlanta
April 24th, 2010
5:26 pm
Hey UGA fans…You don’t know who Corey Peters is? Played for Kentucky. You know, the team that beat you in Athens last season? No? Still not jogging your memory?
dash
April 24th, 2010
5:27 pm
I am very disappointed by this draft. Everson Griffen fell into our laps and we passed. We drafted Meier who ran a 4.67 which is horrible for a WR. We passed on all DEs which was the deepest, most talented group in the draft. We drafted too many 6-7 round talents in 3-5 rounds.We drafted a safety from Montana instead of Myron Rolle or Reshard Evans. Other than Witherspoon or Frank, we drafted no skill positions. Horrible draft. Garbage. Not the way to excite your fan base.
CaliDirtyBird
April 24th, 2010
5:29 pm
I think despite not being BIG Names the Falcons may have done better than many think…
Mike Mayock’s analysis of Kerry Meier on NFL.com (also, this converted QB has high football intelligence and has around 4500 combined passing, receiving and rushing yards in college)
Round 5, Pick 34 (165) (Compensatory selection) Kerry Meier WR 6′2″ 224 Kansas 2.3 —
Pick Analysis: I wanted to go back and talk about this pick. The Falcons took Meier late in the fifth round. He was a former starting quarterback for the Jayhawks and was converted to wide receiver and became an incredibly productive receiver over the last few years. He has a tremendous body, good hands and a great understanding of the game. Ironically, you could have won a lot of money if you would have bet that he would run faster than teammate Dez Briscoe at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Worm
April 24th, 2010
5:31 pm
Hope Falcons give rashard Jones and Brandon Lang a shot as free agents.
mowreck
April 24th, 2010
5:31 pm
Don’t know whether the draft will turn out GOOD or BAD. But all you idiots arguing about it must have thought it was OK. Somebody voted we would make the playoffs (78% so far). So, something came out of it good.
Mr Charlie
April 24th, 2010
5:32 pm
Dash, the draft is not to excite the fan base.
Catlanta, yes I remember that, but, the perennal sewer dwellers in the SEC beat the Dawg, who in turn, beat the ACC camps…What does that say about the ACC?
Reid Adair
April 24th, 2010
5:32 pm
I agree with Thomas Dimitroff’s assessment – the “arrow” is definitely pointing up. People may not have heard of some of the guys that the Falcons drafted over the past two days, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play football.
Mr Charlie
April 24th, 2010
5:33 pm
Anyone heard of Tony Romo? You draftnicks are idiots.
Mr Charlie
April 24th, 2010
5:35 pm
Meier also averaged over 100 catches, can take a hit, and get to everthing thrown in his vicinity. As I understand it, the most important thing recievers need to do is CATCH THE BALL. Just ask Gay Gay about that.
Mr Charlie
April 24th, 2010
5:38 pm
I like the Meier pick, he is going to be a great posession reciever. He will line up, read the defense, find the open spot in the zone, catch the ball and hold onto it after he takes the hit. Michael Jenkins runs a sub 4.4, but he has never caught 100 balls in any season.
Delbert D.
April 24th, 2010
5:40 pm
Myron Rolle is a very smart guy, great character but a 5-star recruit that didn’t live up to it in college. Another smart guy (TD) thinks he got a better guy for the Falcons than Rolle. There are also some career concerns for Rolle. He has other choices beyond football.
bamaguy
April 24th, 2010
5:40 pm
Not Don: Yes that was Mike Johnson who covered for Andre Smith in the Sugar Bowl (the one we lost). And to those who wanted the flashier skill positions drafted I will quote Bear Bryant; “Championships are won in the trenches.”
Real falcon fan
April 24th, 2010
5:40 pm
We had a good draft, we got the backups WE NEED, and filled some positions and we got Peria Jerry and William Moore which will be like having 2 more picks. I now know why I don’t post here that much, seeing **HOW LITTLE SOME OF YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT FOOTBALL**. Watch UGA and complain about them. QUIT WHINING.
IN THIOMAS DMITROFF I TRUST. Not all the idiots on this board.
Alan
April 24th, 2010
5:41 pm
john Falcon, I didn’t realize that you were the GM/Head Coach all wrapped into one, (I AM SURE YOU COULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB), where the h&*% have you been for the past two years. GO FALCONS !!!!!!!!