Falcons pick right time to make big move, get Julio Jones
Julio Jones will help the Falcons open up their offense after averaging nearly 15 yards per catch at Alabama.
(Originally posted: 9:13 p.m. Updated: 10:30 p.m)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Last week, I had a private conversation with a general manager (guess who?) of an NFL team (duh) about his team’s draft plans. Because of what just happened, I feel safe in concluding that the Falcons’ Thomas Dimitroff won’t mind if elements of that conversation now go on the record.
Me: “Go get A.J. Green. He’ll probably have the greatest impact of any player in the draft.”
Dimitroff: “How do you think people would react?”
Me: “More than half will love you. The rest will think you spent too much and should draft for defense. But I’m guessing you won’t do it.”
Dimitroff: “Why not?”
Me: “You won’t want to trade that much for one player. You’re conservative.”
Dimitroff: “Hah! So what you’re saying is, if I make a trade, you’ll write that you goaded me into it.”
Me: “Yeah, probably.”
We laughed, and I eventually hung up the phone believing Dimitroff would stay at 27th, at best moving up five picks for a defensive player he liked. I was wrong about Dimitroff. He’s not conservative. He rolled the dice and made a move that, while expensive, was a risk worth taking. The Falcons dealt a boatload of draft picks to Cleveland Thursday night to jump up 27th to sixth in the first round, where they took Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones.
The Falcons needed to make a splash after the January playoff beatdown by Green Bay. Sports franchises that believe they’re on the verge of something big have a window in which they feel they can make this move. This was the Falcons’ window.
“Our feeling was where we are on the draft, where we are as a team, where we are on our roster … we felt we needed to make a bold statement as far as an impact type of player,” Dimitroff said.
Dimitroff will face some criticism for sacrificing so much for an offensive player after the Packers shredded their defense in the 48-21 playoff game. But there wasn’t a defensive player in this draft, save Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, he viewed as a difference-maker. Dimitroff’s focus has been on Green or Jones for several weeks.
“I’ve been very open about the fact that we needed to add explosiveness on the defensive side or the offensive side,” he said. “In our mind, the explosiveness we were going to get with a player like Julio outweighed what we were going to get on the defensive side. We’ll never get away from the idea that if we see something we want, we’re going to jump up and get aggressive and go after it.”
That is the attitude you want a team to have.
Dimitroff made a significant statement about the franchise’s goals and expectations. He attempted to swing a deal for a pick as high as No. 2, ostensibly to get Green. But he has known for a few days they would end up at six or seven.
The cost of moving up: steep. A No. 1, 2 and 4 this year and No. 1 and 4 next year. But Jones is a playmaker. He’s a burner. He ran a 4.39 at the NFL scouting combined despite having a fractured foot.
Alabama coach Nick Saban praised Jones, Dimitroff said: “Julio embodies what Nick coaches – hard-nosed, competes on every play, goes up for the ball, sacrifices the body and plays to the whistle.”
It doesn’t fix the defense? But it enables the Falcons to open up the offense and take over games when they couldn’t in the past.
The Falcons still have time to add pieces to the defense. But understand: It’s not like they’ve ignored building that half of the depth chart. Since taking over as general manager in 2008, Dimitroff has invested heavily first- and second-round picks and free agency on defense: Curtis Lofton, William Moore, Peria Jerry, Dunta Robinson and Sean Weatherspoon. Compare that to four early picks or acquisitions on offense: Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Sam Baker, Tony Gonzalez.
Dimitroff and the organization, still somewhat hung over from the loss to the Packers, realize they are at the point where people are going to start focusing more on the team’s postseason results (0-2) than the regular season (33-15). “That’s what adds to some of my drive at this year’s draft,” he said.
It drove him to make a big move. It was a risk worth taking.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Last few posts
– NFL draft: Playoff hangover driving Dimitroff, Falcons
– NFL draft: Cam Newton will succeed, Tim Tebow won’t
– Hawks need more from Joe Johnson (whether-he-likes-it-or-not)
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812 comments Add your comment
Facts
April 29th, 2011
12:19 am
The Skinny: The Falcons moved from up 21 spots (and gave up a haul) to get the dynamic Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. The Falcons have not won a playoff game since 2004 and with an eye on changing that, quarterback Matt Ryan now adds a second physical wideout alongside Roddy White.
Instant Reaction: Tweeted Sam Farmer of the L.A. Times: “Atlanta absolutely gave up the farm.” Tweeted Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times: “Given where the Browns are as a franchise (in need of talent) I think that was a brilliant trade. Another feather in the cap of Holmgren
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/richard_deitsch/04/28/draft.tradeblog/index.html#ixzz1KsmTymAl
Adrian
April 29th, 2011
12:21 am
Anyone that thinks AJ Green is SO MUCH BETTER than Julio Jones is either a) an idiot or b) a total UGA homer. And no I have no affiliation to UGA or Bama before the knuckleheads start bobble-heading. This is a good move for the Falcons and shows they are trying to win now. The last three Super Bowl winners are in the NFC, and Tampa, Dallas and the rest of the NFC East (remember the Giants?) aren’t going anywhere. The future is now and I applaud the Falcons for realizing that.
Jeff (not Schultz)
April 29th, 2011
12:21 am
To Bill the Kid and everyone else… let me speak slowly…. YOU… CAN’T… COUNT… ON… FREE… AGENCY… THIS… YEAR… TO… HELP… THE… DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!
This was NOT the year to try a plan like this! The Falcons offense is fine, with or without Julio Jones. Atlanta’s problem last year was NOT the opposition double-teaming Roddy White, it was the fact that when we needed a big defensive stop against GOOD teams (Pittsburgh, Philly, New Orleans, Green Bay in the playoffs), we DIDN’T GET ONE.
The defense needs fixing, NOT the offense… plain and simple! Why can’t people understand this? Great, so we score 30 points a game next year… but we’ll be giving up 35!!!
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
12:22 am
Falcon Bob, You should call yourself dumb** don’t support your team Falcon fan. You will be one of those band wagon jumpers like the Dorsey idiots when the move is successful. I think Dimitroff is 10 times smarter than you in football decisions. He wouldn’t have made this type of decision if he wasn’t sure it would work out. Sometimes you have to take the risk. Has not taking a risk all those years worked out for us?
Falcon Bob
April 29th, 2011
12:22 am
Facts thanks for the post, idiots like kerryb need to realize the falcons gave up to many picks
bgdawg
April 29th, 2011
12:23 am
jeff can tell the future haha. half of us hate TD and the other LOVES it. unless something catastrophic happens we are gonna have a +25 draft pick next year, and wr was a definite need. this clears up room for every reciever on the roster. did u guys see the stat espn had? 9 completions for over 30 yards the whole season? im pretty sure GB had that many in our play off game…
o-my
April 29th, 2011
12:23 am
Glad you SR are not the GM. We didn’t mortgage anything…you don’t get it.
GTBob
April 29th, 2011
12:23 am
kerryb, the Falcons were 22nd in passing defense last year not 11th. And you are right we had interceptions and fairly good corner play, our problem was that we were terrible in getting pressure on the QB. It doesn’t look like that is going to change this year. A guy like Bowers could have really helped that.
TimeWillTell
April 29th, 2011
12:24 am
No you win 13 games with some offense, a little luck(which they had), and you lose big games(championship games) with that type of defense. A good defense, they win the Super Bowl. A great offense with a so so defense………oh well.
FACTS
April 29th, 2011
12:25 am
Don’t worry haters, Dimitroff may still get a pick from his old friend Belichick after it is all said & done!
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
12:25 am
GTBOB, I just checked the stats on ESPN’s website. Just double checked it. Arizona 10th in passing defense, Atlanta 11th.
Falcon Bob
April 29th, 2011
12:25 am
kerryn if you think I don’t support the falcons then you are a bigger idiot than I thought you was before. Just because I don’t come on the blog, does that mean I do not support the team. Open your eyes retard it was a dumb trade. You are a dumbass for thinking Julio will be better than Roddy
Tratt
April 29th, 2011
12:27 am
Kerryb has to be the biggest dumb f’in moron in the history of ajc blogs
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
12:27 am
GTBOB, If Bowers is so great why has no one taken him in the first round. I don’t believe the team that had the 27th pick took him.
Tech Sucks
April 29th, 2011
12:27 am
Gave up WAY too much. Bad move
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
12:28 am
Tratt, No, apparently that is you. Lets hear your opinion. I don’t believe you have made one about the pick yet. come on now. Don’t be afraid.
Seasons end
April 29th, 2011
12:28 am
Will show how bad this move was when another bust has a couple of meaningless td’s against the panthers.
Jeff (not Schultz)
April 29th, 2011
12:28 am
About to head out people, but think about this: what happened to a team with great wideouts (New England) a couple of years ago in the Super Bowl? A great defense (New York Giants) shut them down. How did Pittsburgh win a Super Bowl a few years ago with a rookie quarterback (Cowher’s last year)? A great defense. What did Bill Parcells use in the 80s to win Super Bowls? A great defense. What did the experts say was an underrated element of the Patriots’ Super Bowls? A great defense. How did the Ravens even win a Super Bowl with Trent Friggin’ Dilfer at quarterback? A great defense.
I have yet to see anything in Atlanta under Dimitroff that resembles a “great defense”, so pardon me if I don’t fall all over myself because we drafted a good wideout. Yes, Julio is good, yes he’ll help us score some points, but it DOES NOT ADDRESS the greatest needs on this team!!!
With no free agency, the Falcons are taking a HUGE gamble that next year, Abraham wont’ get hurt, the young players will make a significant improvement, and that Robinson is more of a Pro Bowler than a bust…. but based on 2010, I think those are huge assumptions. Unless Julio can line up and cover an opposing wideout, or unless he can rush the passer, I think Atlanta whiffed on this pick… unfortunately, we can’t build depth or find hidden gems in this draft because we gave up so many dang picks!
Good luck, Falcons, but I think you laid an egg with this draft. My prediction for next year, with a tougher schedule? 9-7 and we either miss the playoffs or get the last wild card.
Brad
April 29th, 2011
12:30 am
Some of you people forget that it was Julio Jones and Alabama that made AJ Green and Georgia look totally STUPID a couple of years ago in Athens,during the so called”BLACKOUT”….and this guy helped Alabama to a national title….what did AJ do in terms of winning?? I LOVE this draft pick,and Atlanta just got a proven winner,who played with a broken hand the last part of the season,and STILL showed out! Not to mention,worked out with a broken foot at the combine that he hid from everyone….there again,he still had the best showing of anyone in the draft.
GTBob
April 29th, 2011
12:30 am
kerryb, the stat you are looking at is total passing yds given up. We were 11th, meaning 11th worst (22nd) in the NFL. Im not sure why espn arranges it like that. We were ranked 22nd in total yds and in yds per game.
Tratt
April 29th, 2011
12:30 am
I gave my opinion you dolt. You are a dumbass and the pick has dumbass written all over it. I agree with the other poster. You are paid to pump this pick on here by posting nonstop. How much do you get? .25 per post?
TimeWillTell
April 29th, 2011
12:30 am
@ Kerryb – ” You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away, know when to run,” Runnnnn.
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
12:31 am
You people really don’t think that Dimitroff has not already scouted next years potential draft to know what he might have given up next year. Think about the seniors in next years draft. Tell me some great players out there right now. I say Seniors because after there’s a rookie cap next year they may not be making the jump as much as they are now.
SportsPaige
April 29th, 2011
12:31 am
for the 2 of you griping about not getting Peterson, he was taken 5th. Highest ATL could trade up was 6th. Don’t think our D would’ve been THAT drastically improved with whoever was left at 27th pick. Not a whole lot better than who we might get at 91st? Would’ve rather had A.J., but JJ should make passing game hard to stop. Let’s hope we can score another 7+ per game.
TimeWillTell
April 29th, 2011
12:32 am
But it’s all in fun(son)……it’s good to have faith…..
Falcon Bob
April 29th, 2011
12:33 am
GTBob I have tried to talk some sense into kerryb but it is obvious he is a dumbass
Hot
April 29th, 2011
12:33 am
Too bad the tornado didnt help the coons by taking out some potential draft picks
Max
April 29th, 2011
12:33 am
Watch how many times Clayborn sacks Ryan next year.
ATL Sports Fan
April 29th, 2011
12:33 am
Brad, you love this pick because your an Alabama homer. Success in college doesn’t mean you will have success in college. The problem with this pick is how much the Falcons gave up to get it. They need help on the defensive side of the ball.
TimeWillTell
April 29th, 2011
12:34 am
Brad, no disrespect, but that was college. Welcome to the NFL.
NE
April 29th, 2011
12:34 am
5 pciks tomorrow. 3 in round 2. That’s how you win. TD made a stupid move that will cost him his job. Blank how could you sign off on this????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
GTBob
April 29th, 2011
12:35 am
Bowers is certainly falling because of concerns about his knee injury. He was originally going to be an easy top 5 pick. I would have loved taking him at 27 and taking the risk that his knee injury is being overblown. Someone is going to get a steal early in the 2nd round.
Falcon Bob
April 29th, 2011
12:35 am
Watch how many touchdowns Ingram and Bush score if they have a duo next year against the Falcons defense
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
12:36 am
Tratt, No, I don’t get paid. I happen to think it was a great bold move. I’m posting because I get sick of moronic Falcon fans such as yourself that downs every move the team makes. They all came out of the closet with the Ryan pick and they were shown to be idiot know nothings then. I guess your so scared that the team is going back to losing like they have in the past that you have a complex about it.
TimeWillTell
April 29th, 2011
12:37 am
And I hate to say this but…….Cameron Jordan and Will Smith will have field days against us. Sigh….
JB
April 29th, 2011
12:37 am
Agree with Rip. Gave up way too much. Need tough linemen and defense more. Also, long ball to fast receiver is not our QB’s strength.
Barry
April 29th, 2011
12:37 am
What a dumb move. That gave up way too much. Cleveland is laughing at our incompetence. Watch
First 5 games July plays, 3 catches 12 yards no tds. Guy cant block
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
12:38 am
Falcon Bob, you need to change your name because you sure don’t sound like a Falcon fan saying that everyone is going to beat us, everyone is going to score TD’s on us. Go sit on the other teams side of the field next time you go to a game.
Red Dog 77
April 29th, 2011
12:38 am
As much as I hate Alabama, and detested Julio Jones when he played there, T.D. couldn’t have made a more brilliant trade/draft………I don’t give a rip what anyone says about how much we gave up, fact is as follows: Julio Jones is a player, tough, hardnosed, will make a seamless transition into the NFL………possibly rookie of the year in 2011……..no doubt, lots of pro-bowls in Julios’ future………..With Julio Jones and Roddy White on the field at the same time, and Michael Turner in the backfield?…….shooooot folks, we might lack some on defense, but by the time our opponent touches the ball three times………..we should be up by 21 points………We will score at will now………….And fret-not bedwetters…….our Defense is still young and talented, and deep as the ocean……………..Regards, RED
TimeWillTell
April 29th, 2011
12:38 am
Cameron Jordan and Will Smith will have field days against us. Sorry to say.
Tratt
April 29th, 2011
12:39 am
I liked taking Ryan mofo. I didn’t like Peray Jerry nor this dumb move. You;re a cheerleading homer. Go Eff yerself
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
12:39 am
Gosh, I have never seen as many negative idiots in my life in one place.
ATL Sports Fan
April 29th, 2011
12:39 am
Hey Brad, you said Julio Jones made AJ and UGA look stupid. Well last time I looked at the stats, they were almost the same. AJ had 1 more catch and 6 less yards than Julio. Outside of a win not sure how Julio made AJ look stupid. Why am I even typing this your a Bama homer, doesnt matter what anyone says. Your motto is “God Bless-Bear Bryant, Dale Earnhardt, and Nick Saban…..Roll Tide”. True words of an Alabama Redneck.
oldbird
April 29th, 2011
12:39 am
Thanks, Billy the Kid.
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
12:40 am
We are about to have the best receiving tandem since Reggy Wayne and Marvin Harrison and thats not good enough. All of the negative idiots trade in your Falcon jerseys. You don’t deserve them.
Ron
April 29th, 2011
12:41 am
Turner in the backfield? Huh? The guy is a slow easy tackle that any top 20 defense can contain. He’s overrated and beyond his prime.
Falcon Bob
April 29th, 2011
12:41 am
Don’t forget the Panthers have Deangelo Williams and that other back and now Cam Newton!!! Steve Smith is healthy means trouble for our defense
Mike
April 29th, 2011
12:41 am
For all of you acting like we gave up the “farm” tonight, pause and consider. To move up from 27 to 6 we were going to HAVE to give up next year’s 1st. No way around it based on the point value teams place on top 10 picks. If any of you are crying about giving up the two 4th round picks, I’m curious as to whether you can even name our last two 4th round picks off of the top of your head if I gave you 5 seconds to think about it. As for this year’s 2nd round pick, there was a good chance we would’ve targeted a WR there anyway the way the 1st round played out tonight. Finally, if you can set your UGA bias aside you will realize that Julio is a better fit for us than AJ Green. Good work TD, you’ve earned the right to make this kind of move.
TimeWillTell
April 29th, 2011
12:41 am
LMAO @ Red Dog – Welcome to the NFL. Don’t….. don’t…..don’t believe the hype.
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
12:42 am
Mike Mayock just said he loved that trade for both sides. What does he know more than the negative idiots here. He said Matt Ryan just got the extra weapon that he needed and the Browns got the picks they needed.