Time for Falcons to open offense (and defensive fix coming)
Minnesota end Ray Edwards could help Falcons' defense. (AP photo)
One pick into the NFL draft and some Falcons fans already are apoplectic over the decision to trade a bunch of picks for the chance to select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. Sorry, I don’t get it.
Obviously, there’s a gamble element to the move. But as I wrote last night, I like it for two reasons: 1) This team needs a few more playmakers — and, yes, that includes the offensive side of the ball; 2) There was no difference-maker available to draft for the defense. The only defensive player the Falcons were enamored of in the first round was Texas A&M defensive end Von Miller, and he went second overall to Denver.
Drafts are all about player evaluation — sometimes accurate, sometimes inaccurate. But if a team identifies a player it believes can make a difference, I’m all in favor of going for it. That’s what Thomas Dimitroff did.
With that brief rant out of the way, here are five things to keep in mind moving forward:
Smith and Mularkey need to get creative. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
♦ 1.) UNLEASH THE FURY! Coach Mike Smith says he is excited about the Jones. But I have to admit, the look on his face reminded me of a parent the first time they throw the car keys to the teenager. Smith is a terrific coach but he can be a little conservative and predictable with his offensive philosophy. With Jones and Roddy White now starting at wide receiver, Smith needs to throw offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey the keys and let him open up the offense. That doesn’t mean it has to be a bombs-away attack. But Mularkey can be a creative guy and we haven’t seen enough of that. Calls plays that allow Matt Ryan to get the ball to the playmakers in space. Keep defenses off-balance.
♦ 2.) GOODBYE, JENKS: I’ll be stunned if Michael Jenkins is back. He’s a decent option as a third receiver but he makes too much money ($3.5 million in 2011; $4.25 million in 2o12) for what he brings to the table. The Falcons can find a less expensive option in free agency if they feel they need to bring another body in, but they might be fine with Harry Douglas, Kerry Meier (who missed his rookie year with a knee injury) and Eric Weems as the Nos. 3-4-5 receivers. Most likely, Jenkins will be traded (possibly for a pick next season).
♦ 3.) HELLO, DEFENSE: Dimitroff will not ignore the defense the rest of the draft or in free agency. Here are two names to keep in mind when it comes to improving the pass rush: Ray Edwards and Charles Johnson. Both are left defensive ends (opposite side of John Abraham). Edwards (6-5, 268) had eight sacks last season for Minnesota and is affordable (he made $2.521 million in 2010). The Falcons like him a lot. Johnson you may remember from his Georgia days. He was a disappointment his last season in Athens and started slowly with the Carolina Panthers. But he jumped up to 11.5 sacks last season and he’s also an unrestricted free agent after making $2.375 million last year.
Julio Jones on right. Some other guy felt need to get in picture.
♦ 4.) MORE ABOUT JULIO: The two knocks on him are injuries and drops. The Falcons’ aren’t concerned about either. Alabama coach Nick Saban will tell you Jones played through injuries at Alabama, missing only one game, and that’s a trait coaches sometimes don’t see with elite wide receivers. Dimitroff said, “Looking into his injury background, they weren’t injuries that were of concern to us.” As for dropping passes, here’s Dimitroff’s take: “There are going to be drops at every level. A lot of receivers are competitive, they’re turning up field to try to make plays or they’re thinking about the next step. Some of the best receivers in the league have drops. He’s got 10-inch hands, exceptional hands. He’ll continue to work on his concentration. That was not a concern for us.”
♦ 5.) EVEN MORE ABOUT JULIO: Wide receivers have a reputation of being divas. That’s not the case with Jones. He’s known as a team guy who loves to block, which should please Smith. But here’s something else: Jones sent this message out on Twitter this morning: “Atlanta is my new home life’s GREAT and I want to ask all of my fans to send prayer up to the big man for everywhere that the tornados hit.”
Feeling any better about Jones and the Falcons moving forward now, or do you still have doubts?
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Last few posts
– Falcons pick right time to make big move, get Julio Jones
– Playoff hangover driving Dimitroff, Falcons
– Cam Newton will succeed, Tim Tebow won’t
♦
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185 comments Add your comment
vmguru
April 29th, 2011
11:24 am
First (just because I could)
allan in texas
April 29th, 2011
11:25 am
First?
vmguru
April 29th, 2011
11:26 am
I like the offensive pick in this case and think Julio will be a good pro. Once free agency starts there should be defensive help available. Based on all the draft predictions, I just never got the sense there was a true dominant defender available – especially not at the 27th pick.
allan in texas
April 29th, 2011
11:26 am
Ok second!
allan in texas
April 29th, 2011
11:27 am
Ok Falcons lets work on that defense!
Chi Town
April 29th, 2011
11:28 am
Julio is the man.
Mutt fans need to get over him owning the Bulldogs.
Winston
April 29th, 2011
11:28 am
Love the move, despite the risk
Paul H
April 29th, 2011
11:29 am
Nervous about giving up all those picks but it’s hard not to be excited!
allan in texas
April 29th, 2011
11:29 am
I am a Bulldog fan for life but if we couldn’t get Green then Julio will have to do. Go Falcons!!!!!!!!
Brandon
April 29th, 2011
11:29 am
If we sign Johnson, Kiwanuka, or Edwards I’m ok with it. We get a great young receiving threat, an experienced younger DE, and then can add depth the rest of this year and next. Wouldn’t mind seeing a little money thrown Reggie Bush’s way either! Adding one of those DE’s would make this move great!
PMC
April 29th, 2011
11:29 am
Lots of good places to fish here Julio, Welcome to Georgia!
Tech Fan
April 29th, 2011
11:30 am
I love this pick!!! Somebody asked Julio according to Colin was “do you like to Block?”, Julio responded, “no, I love to block!!”
Tide Rising
April 29th, 2011
11:30 am
Jeff, sounds like you were the voice of reason on the Julio pick. Everybody was whining about needing defensive picks but looking at the last few super bowls the packers, the cardinals who came within 1 play of winning it a couple years ago, the saints, the colts, none of these recent super bowl teams had great defenses- mostly average defenses.
Bryan G.
April 29th, 2011
11:31 am
I can see both sides, but my gut tells me that we gave up a lot of picks for one player. We need him to be more like Roddy and less like Jenkins.
vmguru
April 29th, 2011
11:31 am
The true test of this pick being a good one or not is just not likely to happen in the first couple of years. Most college players are going to rake a couple of years before they come into their own. And I am sure the list of “can’t miss” picks over just the last 10 years includes way more “they sure did miss” players than the ones complaining about this pick will make. Let’s give the experts that get paid for doing this some credit for being far better at talent evaluation than even most ardent fans.
Falcons Fan in Spain
April 29th, 2011
11:31 am
First time to write.
Hopefully TD and Smith will now focus on defense. We seriously need help on D.
garrett
April 29th, 2011
11:31 am
I have to agree schultz, the falcons like where they are at now, we needed a WR to stretch the field and go vertical and i think we got him. Dimitroff is no fool, he will go get a good pass rusher and the D will be just fine
PMC
April 29th, 2011
11:31 am
Fear the Dreaded Duo!
allan in texas
April 29th, 2011
11:31 am
Is there any chance that the Falcon will pursue the cornerback from Oakland whenever free agency starts?
Chi Town
April 29th, 2011
11:32 am
Julio is a tough SOB.
He is a good dude too. On way back to Tuscaloosa to help out.
joe
April 29th, 2011
11:32 am
Didn’t really consider Johnson a disappointment in Athens his last year – led the team in sacks,TFL, passes broken up, and qb pressures. Would love to see him in ATL
Tide Rising
April 29th, 2011
11:32 am
4 first round draft picks including 2 of the first 6. Roll Tide!
Tech Fan
April 29th, 2011
11:33 am
Tide Rising, its simple, the NFL is a passer league now, with the rules softening up defenses abilities to cover aggressivley, Wide Receivers rule the roost!!
Tide Rising
April 29th, 2011
11:34 am
Chi Town,
Tell Gene Stallings to keep them burgers and hot dogs cooking for the relief workers.
kingsx7
April 29th, 2011
11:34 am
GREAT PICK !!!
allan in texas
April 29th, 2011
11:35 am
Reggie Bush would be a good look if for no other reason than to keep him away from Saints! Also, draft Kendall Hunter from Oklahoma State if he is still on the board.
vmguru
April 29th, 2011
11:35 am
It is going to be hard to figure out a way for me to cheer for Mark Ingram (who I think is a terrific running back and person) now that he is with the dreaded ‘Aints!!!
Tide Rising
April 29th, 2011
11:36 am
Tech fan,
I understand that, you understand that, and Schultz understands that. The majority of fans on Jeff’s blog last night whining about not getting a defensive pick don’t understand that. They may also not understand the recent rule regarding contact with WRs- opening the game up even more to become more of an offensive game.
bamaguy
April 29th, 2011
11:37 am
Finally a reason to buy Falcons tickets rather than just watching on TV. Julio is an unselfish player and he loved to block for Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson when he got the chance. I hope the NFL stardom doesn’t turn him into the diva and reverse all of Coach Saban’s work.
GTBob
April 29th, 2011
11:37 am
If we get Ray Edwards in free agency and Peria Jerry starts playing like a first rounder then I will like this pick a lot more. As for now I still don’t think Julio is better then the 5 players we could have gotten that could have improved our team in areas where we really need help.
Tech Fan
April 29th, 2011
11:39 am
Tide Rising, you think about it, you really don’t need to focus on getting shut down corners, cause you can’t shut down receivers anymore.
Can’t wait for football!!
Richham
April 29th, 2011
11:41 am
I like the pick. If we pick last next year and Jones has just a good rookie campaign, it will be worth it. As much as the defense needs more help along the line, our offense was sorely lacking a receiver opposite White. You get a guy who not only is a big physical receiver, but also a deep threat.
I hope we invest some money along the defensive line and bring in some guys hungry and with starting ability. A good young running back with some speed would also be a great addition.
Dirty Bird
April 29th, 2011
11:46 am
Love the pick. Wouldn’t mind a RB that can hit the edge quickly, TE, LB(2), OL and having my seats relocated to row1 next season.
chem
April 29th, 2011
11:48 am
Wide receivers like Julio are a rarity. If the Falcons have a glaring need, Blank will go buy a guy in free agency. That’s been the precedent set lately, so why is everyone so worried about this? Falcons have won their way out of good draft picks. It’s time to add pieces and make a push for the Super Bowl this year or next.
enz
April 29th, 2011
11:52 am
I love the ballsy-ness of this pick…Ready to win now…Hope Mr. Blank will spend a little bit of cash for a DE in Free Agency when eligible…Thanks for making things exciting TD.\
Rise UP!
Sweet Old Buck
April 29th, 2011
11:52 am
Let’s hope the Falcons have a Plan B, like aggressive free agent market activity. That’s the only way the defense is going to be upgraded. Open your pocket book, Arthur.
Matt
April 29th, 2011
11:52 am
If he produces anywhere close to the expectations it will be worth it. The D wasn’t THAT bad last year. The Falcons offense is not exactly an exciting offense, or an offense built to play from behind. Turner is a grinder and gets most of his yards in the 4th quarter. Gonzo is solid but is nothing but a possession guy. Jones adds a legit 2nd threat option and gives teams someone else legit to worry about.
As far as no game changers on D. I think Fairley would’ve been a great pickup. Dude was the most dominant defender in college football last year. Having him and Abraham on the same line would’ve been pretty nice but I like the Jones move.
tonyb
April 29th, 2011
11:53 am
Jeff, you hit the nail square on the head.
This team has needed that second explosive WR for years. Now they finally have it. This will allow Roddy to see more single coverage, as well as open up the short game. As the Falcons are a run first type of offense, Julio’s down field blocking skills will be extremely valuable. I think Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Tony G. have to be the happiest guys in Flowery Branch with this move. Way to go management. You keep showing us why we have the best front office in all of sports.
I would love to see the Falcons get Charles Johnson. Not only do you remove him from a division rival, but you are getting the best thing the Panthers had on their roster last year. He had a breakout year, and would make an excellent addition.
Go Falcons. Time to take that next big step.
enz
April 29th, 2011
11:53 am
I’m almost more excited we get to punish Cam Newton twice a year, though.
Tim in B'ham
April 29th, 2011
11:55 am
First I’m a big Dawg & Falcons fan, living in B’ham I got to see alot of Julio. This guy is a stud, he played hurt, broken hand…cracked bone in foot and never missed a beat or a game. He can return kicks and doesn’t mind blocking. He plays receiver like a bad a$$ safety looking to take someones head off! We will not be disappointed in this move! He is a TO without the big head & attitude.
Matt Skole
April 29th, 2011
11:55 am
Trading up for a receiver who cant catch?
Brilliant.
BTW I was the guy racing D Lowe last night. We were bombed.
Dr. Warren
April 29th, 2011
11:56 am
Reggie Bush’s Saints days are over. If he weren’t so ridiculously expensive, I’d say we should grab him. He’d be a good 3rd receiver, and a high-speed, around the end running threat that we don’t have. That said, nice case for Julio, Jeff. Let’s hope Arthur won’t mind writing some checks for free agents, though.
El Bravo
April 29th, 2011
11:59 am
My problem with this gamble is the fact that receivers take a while to develop. This pick was made with the believe that next year’s number one will be in the 27 to 32 range, however, if he does not develop quickly this may end up being a pick in the high teens. It is a huge gamble that depends more on what we do on free agency now than Julio’s contributions during his first year…
honest_abe
April 29th, 2011
12:00 pm
just hope and pray the falcons don’t get hit by the injury bug this year and somehow end up with #1 overall pick next year……………. horrible move.
Patrick
April 29th, 2011
12:01 pm
Why did you leave out kiwanuka? I doubt Panties let Johnson go, so it’s between Ki and Edwards.
Dave
April 29th, 2011
12:01 pm
The Falcons had pick after pick after pick used on WRs in the past before we got a good one in Roddy White who turns 30 in November.. If we have got another good WR in Julio Jones and don’t have to pick another one for awhile that is what is important. Too many times you don’t get a good player if we did that is what is important. EX NFL GM Charlie Casserly just said on the NFL network this is the worst second round group of players he has ever seen. He also said after the Boise State WR Tyson he thinks the WR position is very thin. I think this is the year we do turn Matt Ryan the passer loose a lot more it is year four for him now the training wheels will come off.
sam
April 29th, 2011
12:02 pm
Before you complain about this pick, think about the Packer loss in the playoffs. We ran into a hot QB and the game turned into a shoot out. Last year we couldn’t hang in a shoot out, but now we should be able to. Maybe giving up all those picks isn’t that big a price after all?
El Bravo
April 29th, 2011
12:02 pm
Also, I guess it also tells me that Dimitroff and the coaching staff feel much better about our current defensive players than we fans. They must believe that Kroy Biermman, Chauncey Davis and Lawrence Sidbury will be better ends than any kid we could get on the draft at 27.
Paul From Milton
April 29th, 2011
12:03 pm
I love this pick. No longer can defenses roll coverage toward Roddy White every play. In addition, Jones can get YACs, which Jenkins was unable to do. Finally we can throw the ball downfield.
**Frederick(Bailey)Douglass**
April 29th, 2011
12:04 pm
This was the best year to make this kind of move. If actual players could have been included in the trade…it would NOT have happened. Cleveland would have wanted Snelling or some player that we don’t want to part with thrown in. Perfect storm for a bold decision.
Look for Jenkins and Norwood to be traded individually for 3/4 round picks or together for an extra second round pick next year. In the end, it will be that we gave up our 2nd and 4th round picks this year (WE DID PICK IN THE FIRST) and first round pick next year. In my mind that is meager given what Jones will provide for Matt Ryan and Roddy White.
My only concern is…when we start trading for picks NEXT YEAR, I truly hope we keep Snelling OFF the market. While he is the asset that we would trade and get the most back…he is the X factor in this scheme that includes White, Jones, Douglas, and Gonzo. Forces him to go one on one with a Linebacker in passing situations. He has generally won that match-up consistently. Keep him.
FBD
Supes
April 29th, 2011
12:07 pm
In Thomas Dimitroff and Coach Smitty I trust!
They’ve righted the ship the last 3 seasons…Keep an OPEN MIND PEOPLE!
GTBob
April 29th, 2011
12:11 pm
Before you complain about this pick, think about the Packer loss in the playoffs. We ran into a hot QB and the game turned into a shoot out.
Were we shooting back in that game? I can’t say i’m real excited about becoming a team who doesn’t really care about defense and is just going to try to outscore everyone. I’m not sure that would fit the players on our team. If we get into shootouts against Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and Peyton Manning this year then we are going to be in trouble.
Roger McDowell
April 29th, 2011
12:13 pm
Does anyone have an empty box i can use for my stuff?
Dr. Warren
April 29th, 2011
12:20 pm
For some reason, my comments about getting Reggie Bush if he weren’t so expensive were filtered. What was that?
Ra'mon
April 29th, 2011
12:23 pm
People look at the Green Bay lost and say the Falcons defense weren’t any good on last season. But I totally disagree. Many games it was the defense that kept the Falcons in it. The reason the Falcons won so many close games last season was because the offense couldn’t score any points. If you bring in play makers on the offense, and open up the play book. You’ll be able to get more pressure on the QB on defense, because their will be more pass attempts. People forget the Falcons has a nice nickel back in Williams, and he was injured against GB.
Also, Mike Smith saw the impact that M. Williams had for Tampa Bay. There’s no reason to believe Julio (as a number 2) shouldn’t be able to have the same type of effect.
RobbE33
April 29th, 2011
12:31 pm
This squarely puts the pressure on Mike Mularkey to rev up the offense and Smitty to have the defense play over their heads. I have confidence they all know what their doing. Now it’s a matter of being lucky and healthy.
asdf
April 29th, 2011
12:34 pm
AJ = Great Player, Julio = Very Good Player. AJ would’ve been worth it. Julio is not. Still disappointed Falcon fan today…
Chuck
April 29th, 2011
12:40 pm
People bitching about the picks don’t get it – this team is not building, it is built. The biggest needs we had were another big-time receiving threat and a pass-rusher D-End. There was no obvious, big-money end – and if there is a darkhorse out there, he can be had in the later rounds.
That left receiver, and getting an impact receiver at 27 was not going to happen – so they made the move, and filled one of those two critical needs. We are gambling that next year’s 1st-rounder will be a very low pick, and I have no problem with that.
Now we can use the late rounds to find a speed-back and some diamonds-in-the rough at a few other positions, but we have filled major need 1A, and we filled it with one of the two best receivers available.
To Dimitrov, good job, and there are some fans who do, indeed, get it. Now lets get one of our free-agent DE targets and tear this league a new one.
Finchdawg
April 29th, 2011
12:41 pm
I think the concerns with Douglas are much more substantial than those with Jenkins. I’m not sure I agree that MJ is out of here. I think Jones & Jenkins will compete for #2, Meier and Douglas for #4, and Weems should be a shoo-in for #5 due to his return skills.
JuiceJones
April 29th, 2011
12:44 pm
I like the move. Bust or boom the future will tell. No pick at any place is a guarantee but this guy has proven so far that he’s got all the intangibles you’d want in a good football player. I think the defense needs more experienced help that can be found in free agency as Jeff mentioned. Anyone of those DE’s in FA plugged into our current rotation will make us much better. That said I’d like to see them pick a change of pace back in the 3rd round e.g. Noel Devine or Jacquizz Rogers. If they can get a back of that caliber then the offense would be a powerhouse.
JuiceJones
April 29th, 2011
12:47 pm
@ Chuck. Couldn’t agree more.
Kane337
April 29th, 2011
12:48 pm
Great pickup. Now lets fix the defense.
Jesse Stone
April 29th, 2011
12:48 pm
asdf
April 29th, 2011
12:34 pm
AJ = Great Player, Julio = Very Good Player. AJ would’ve been worth it. Julio is not. Still disappointed Falcon fan today…
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Julio has an NFL body, is unselfish, and is a proven winner. A.J is neither of those 3.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
12:52 pm
Tide Rising — I don’t get referred to as “the voice of reason” every day, but thanks. And yes, you are correct on the teams you referenced.
Truth
April 29th, 2011
12:52 pm
How many WRs break out in their first season???? It took Calvin Johnson and Larry one year.
I guess they are hoping that he relieves some double soverage from White and Gonzo. So we can afford him to develop into a stud.
I hope we find a replacement TE because Gonzo will be gone after next year if not this year
Mohammed Suman
April 29th, 2011
12:55 pm
This is excellent!! Could not be any more excited. Thomas Demitroff is showing us how things get done in another level that ATLANTA has not seen before. It will take time to get used to with this type of attitude. Can’t wait till the season starts!! watch out Saints and Bucks, here we come!! Go FALCONS!!!
DC
April 29th, 2011
12:57 pm
AJ is Randy Moss new age…Julio is T.O. new age..(minus the awesome personality TO has)..
UGA fans separate yourself from your fanhood…
Kane337
April 29th, 2011
12:59 pm
We still got 6 picks left in this draft and free agency. A lot can still be done. The first round pick next year is the only one that stings. Hopefully we pick up a DE in free agency.
I heard....
April 29th, 2011
12:59 pm
that fan in Macon was a plant to get the crowd to react strongly in Richt’s favor.
Mark (another one)
April 29th, 2011
1:02 pm
No true Falcons fan can believe that coach Smith will forget about defense. Some of our young defenders did well last year, particulaly as the season went on. The offseason is also still in full swing. Before next season starts, I would not be surprised to see some FA signings and trades. Look for the Falcons to continue to upgrade their players as the opportunity arises. Also, keep in mind that when you pick late, the picks are worth less. I am certain that played into the decision to trade up. The Falcons are no longer looking for numbers. They need quality that can beat out incumbants.
I’m a Dawg fan but I can appreciate players from other Universities. JJ was neck and neck with AJ since high school as the best two receivers in their class. He is tough and doesn’t take plays off, regardless of the situation. It will be fun to watch him and White drive defenses crazy next year. It will also help open up some running lanes as defenses become preoccupied.
falconsam
April 29th, 2011
1:02 pm
Looks like the only pick we’re gonna miss is next year’s 1st round, which is gonna be in the 30’s anyway!
Dan
April 29th, 2011
1:10 pm
OK all thats left is to go get do what it takes to get CB VIrginia 6′1 RAS DOWLING , sign DE Johnson or Edwards in Free Agency and go get the explosive Reggie Bush. I would be so Giddy!!!
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
1:20 pm
Why keep michael jenkins when we just gave up two drafts for a guy that will give us the same production for the next 6 years? Jimmy Smith (CB, Colorado) went 27. THAT would have been a good first round pick for the Falcons… and we’d still have the rest of this year’s draft and next years. But yeah, stellar pick considering every rookie WR ever drafted makes an immediate impact… oh wait, only ONE has ever done that. Randy Moss. Jones ain’t moss.
Falkor
April 29th, 2011
1:24 pm
If you are a true Falcons Fan, and you don’t love this deal now, just wait, b/c you will
I hope the first pass play of the year is a TD pass to Julio, so all of you complaining will finally quiet down and remember this is your team, just like when it happened on Matt Ryan’s first pass b/c it shut you up then too. If you are doubting TD, Smith, and Blank now then you doubted them then too. At least you had reson to doubt back then….
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
1:27 pm
People keep posting that we lost 5 players for him. No, we only lost 4 picks. Two this year and 2 next year. Two of those picks are 4th rounders. Some 4th rounders don’t even make teams the start of the seson. So, possibly we only lost 2 picks a 1st next year and a 2nd this year.
PMC
April 29th, 2011
1:28 pm
Just because they made a move to get Julio doesn’t mean they are “neglecting the defense” folks.
They need a pass rusher. They’ll get one somewhere. They need an OLB that can cover. They’ll find one.
They need to resign their linemen. They will.
hate giving up the 1 and the 2. It will be ok. Back off the ledge.
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
1:29 pm
We may even gain back the fourth rounder next season if we trade Jenkins.
kerryb
April 29th, 2011
1:31 pm
If we sign an experienced DE I much rather have him than a rookie that may come in and be like Jamal Anderson.
wxwax
April 29th, 2011
1:31 pm
Jeff,
Before trading his 2012 first-round pick, did Dimitroff also analyse next year’s draft to see what he might be giving-up?
Thanks.
GTBob
April 29th, 2011
1:33 pm
AJ is Randy Moss new age…Julio is T.O. new age..(minus the awesome personality TO has)..
Randy Moss was a late first round pick and T.O. was a third round pick. We just traded 5 picks to make Julio a much higher draft choice then either of them.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
1:35 pm
Wxwax — “Jeff, Before trading his 2012 first-round pick, did Dimitroff also analyse next year’s draft to see what he might be giving-up?”
… Sure, that’s always part of the process, as is the expectation of where the team would be picking. Falcons probably would be at late 20s again, like this year. That’s a significant factor. Not like they’re dealing top-5 pick.
FalconUGAFan
April 29th, 2011
1:35 pm
Yeah Tide Rising..Jeff is the voice of reason and he knows what the hell he is doing, ok?!? Oh wait that is CMR…
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
1:38 pm
GTBob – “Randy Moss was a late first round pick and T.O. was a third round pick. We just traded 5 picks to make Julio a much higher draft choice then either of them.”
…. Well, hell. Dick “Night Train” Lane wasn’t drafted by anybody. So maybe teams should just forget about drafting altogether.
Section242
April 29th, 2011
1:44 pm
Heyward was the only DE left at 27 and he will not be a “game changer”. There should be some good DE in free agency. This makes signing Clabo, Dahl and Blalock imperative. Trade Jenk? No way. That is one heck of a third when you want to spread the field.
JP
April 29th, 2011
1:45 pm
Listen, I hate UGA. In fact, I consider making fun of UGA one of my favorite pastimes. However, it was frustrating for us to be that close to getting AJ Green — two picks away — and miss out on him despite giving up so much. Jeff, do you think Cincy would have taken that deal if we’d upgraded next year’s 4th rounder to a 3rd rounder? That’s the kind of thing that bugs me. I mean, wouldn’t it have been worth that to get your first choice and take Green? Not only is he a better receiver, he would provide a better compliment to Roddy, IMO. To me, Jones is a very similar player to White. Green, on the other hand, is more of a Moss/Fitzgerald type guy who can simply out-jump the corners and haul in the deep ball or the jump ball in the end zone. He’s just a natural at it. I’m still disappointed.
blue
April 29th, 2011
1:46 pm
ASDF…not either a UGA or Bama fan, so no dog in the hunt. You’ll forgive me if I would rather believe pro scouts, GM’s and talent evaluators on who is great and not than take your expert analysis. I saw Julio play…and he is a beast. It IS possible that there is more than one “great” receiver coming out.
rollo lawson
April 29th, 2011
1:49 pm
Here are my thoughts:
1. Keep Jenkins for 2011 (remember, Julio is a rookie);
2. Sign Charles Johnson at DE. I don’t remember him being a disappointment at Georgia his last year there;
3. Hope and pray that Demarco Murray is there when we pick in the third. If not him, Kendall Hunter or Noel Devine will do just fine;
4. Find a CB to compete with Owens and Franks.
GTBob
April 29th, 2011
1:51 pm
Well, hell. Dick “Night Train” Lane wasn’t drafted by anybody. So maybe teams should just forget about drafting altogether.
Or maybe teams shouldn’t trade their draft away to get a wide receiver. When was the last time a team traded up that high to take a wide receiver?
BamAtlanta
April 29th, 2011
1:53 pm
Welcome Julio!!
We’re glad you’re here.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
1:54 pm
JP — Don’t know about Cincinnati other than to say that Dimitroff told me directly that he has known for a few days he wasn’t going to be able to get fourth pick — it was going to be 6 or 7. So obviously Bengals had closed the door to any deal.
SeminoleWarrior
April 29th, 2011
1:58 pm
Hold on, Mr. Schultz. I guess that I am one of the one that had the “big one” as you so well suggested in your opening paragraph. But my friend, over in a sister blog, we had this nailed several months back. And I give IMMENSE credit to the little lady that had the GUTS to even suggest it in a male dominated football blog. What a move on her part.
Back to my “having a stroke”…aka apoplectic actions..
It was the BIRD CAGE that FIRST introduced the idea of going after Charles Johnson. Damn it, I am not one that normally takes shots at folks, but it was the Tee Pee that brought it to light. Schultzie, if you want to us our stuff, be man enough to give credit where it is do.
It was the BIRD CAGE, (CBrass), several months ago, that was BOLD enough to step out there and even suggest that we move up for Julio Jones. So again, stop patting yourself on the shoulder as if you did something special yesterday in implying this move was coming.
It was the BIRD CAGE, Tee Pee Sports, that stood tall with Mad Mike and blasted the regime for not giving him the tools needed to open up his playbook and truly run his offense.
You are good at what you do Mr. Schultz and I respect your thoughts and opinions. But go easy on that patting yourself on the back. We were there first…welcome to our world.
Laters, friend.
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
1:58 pm
GTBob — It wasn’t as dramatic but I can tell you that the 49ers traded their own 1st and 2nd (and swapped thirds) to move up to 12 spots to get the 16th pick from New England so they could draft Jerry Rice. Bill Walsh wanted to get ahead of Dallas in the draft, thinking Cowboys would take Rice. … I’m sure there are other examples too but I was working in SF for that one.
rollo lawson
April 29th, 2011
2:02 pm
In the later rounds, the Falcons might want to consider DE Markus White out of Florida State. This guy got after the QB last year in the ACC. He is definitely worth a look.
PMC
April 29th, 2011
2:02 pm
Putting Roddy and Julio in motion is going to be great.
Remember Roddy’s 80 yard run vs San Fran? That’s what he can do against singles. now you have 2 guys that can do that.
Keep on walking that safety up in the box to stop Turner. See what it gets you.
One of the biggest problems last year was not being able to really pressure a defense.
Now if linemen can get to the 2nd level, Turner can start doing his thing too.
rollo lawson
April 29th, 2011
2:06 pm
And for the record, in 2007, I was clamoring for Patrick Willis in the first round and Charles Johnson in 2007 in the second. Instead we take Jamal Anderson and Chris Houston. Tell me again why Rich McKay is still currently employed by an NFL franchise?
Alternative Rocker
April 29th, 2011
2:06 pm
Can we get more about the defense picks Jeff ? Its great they got J.Jones at WR but still have big holes at DB,DT,and DE.
Mike Jay
April 29th, 2011
2:07 pm
Love this move! This will totally change our offense. Everythign about it just wnet up a notch. There will be mismatches galore. Turner will be running free i nside the box and when he gets a head of steam….look out secodnary.
Not sure what team you all watched last year but you do not get to 13 wins having a defense some of you are claiming they had. Flacons were top 10 scoring defense, take aways, 3rd down covnersions, etc. Did Green bay destroy them? Absoloutly but they had a great scheme, abused our nickle back and Rodgers had the best game he will ever have. We had plenty of oppurtunities to bring him down but he was like houdinin back there.
That being said the last thing this Falcons defense need was depending on another rookie or two to have an impact. Ergo drafting defense with the first pick just did not make sense for them. They need a couple good/savvy vets to shore up the DE, OLB and CB postions. They are already too young on that side of the ball.
Next years draft will be weak on seniors as a ton of juiner came out this year to avoid a rookie cap. Next years 25th+ pick will be much worse then this years. I stil lwould have prefeerred giving up next years second instead but to get the caliper of reciever we got who has al lthe intagiables the falcons want was well worth the price. Falcons players must be estatic abou this move, I can’t wait for the seaso nto start.
Puck Like A Porn Star
April 29th, 2011
2:07 pm
Nice Atlanta Thrashers reference, Schultzie. You’ve really turned the corner over the last few months.
Then again, winning sports teams make sports journalism easy!
Blackoutanyone?
April 29th, 2011
2:08 pm
Julio is 3-1 in the Georgia Dome…. 4-1 in the state of Georgia.
ROLL TIDE…… GO FALCONS!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 29th, 2011
2:10 pm
Rollo, the 2007 draft still makes me sick. Now, JS, I really had a big one after that move…LOL.
Alternative Rocker
April 29th, 2011
2:10 pm
Jeff, you aren’t a true San Franciscan are you ? You know, the one that McDowell hates ???
tiger7_88
April 29th, 2011
2:10 pm
All I know is that at crunch time, Auburn made Julio sit on the bench right next to Greggie Mac and Darius Hanks as all three of them sat there watching bama’s season slip, slip, slip away! Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
UGA83
April 29th, 2011
2:13 pm
Terrible move, sold the farm for one iffy pick. There are no sure things, especially fast, skinny wide receivers and by the time we pick again, late in the 3rd, there won’t be anything left but special teamers. And with the first and fourth gone next year too……….
Joe Tess Fish House
April 29th, 2011
2:13 pm
Anyone esle notice Juliet Jones father dreses like a pimp?
Glenn
April 29th, 2011
2:20 pm
If the owners get their way and secure a rookie salary cap, then the Falcons basically forced themselves into paying for high priced free agents, lower tiered draft choices, etc. to meet their player/personnel requirements. Missing out on the first shot at the top tier rookies at a lower wage scale financially, just to move up for one player this season, is bad business.
I would also suggest that in a couple of years, Calvin Johnson will be a free agent and the money the Falcons will be guaranteeing Jones, an unknown quantity, they could have ready for an all-pro receiver who wants to come home.
Julio may turn out to be a fine receiver, but you don’t mortgage the farm for one player when you have multiple needs and already know the risk that players on your current team have injury issues, will become free agents, etc.
Football isn’t checkers, it’s a game of chess – you have to anticipate several moves ahead, not just playing for the next year. If Jones is a bust, or if Roddy White gets injured (heaven forbid), or someother unforeseen circumstance occurs that impacts your basis for making this one-sided trade for one player, then the Falcons will be in a world of hurt because the Saints and Bucs have been making positive strides in the division and a mistake could set the Falcons back for years.
The GM has made a few decent moves (Ryan and Turner), but quite a few questionable ones as well, especially in the draft, taking players with histories of injuries, etc (Jerry – who has had a hard time getting/staying on the field and Moore who also missed a year before he started playing any decent ball).
idot
April 29th, 2011
2:21 pm
Unlike many of the folks here, I don’t know the ins and outs of the Falcons personnel.
I think that TD knows a lot more about it than everyone else here, my opinion.
I know he has a plan.
UGA83
April 29th, 2011
2:24 pm
Don’t need a speed receiver when Ryan can’t consistently throw the deep ball. Please not ehow his m=numbers went down, and picks went up when they let him throw some deep balls in year two, Year three was much better beecause they kept him under 15 yards almost all the time. In GB Julio muight be a smash, here he’ll just get lots of running and chasing bad balls practice!
idot
April 29th, 2011
2:25 pm
I agree with JS, about the offense, Mike Smith needs to let Mularkey take the resrictor off the pedal, and open it up.
#2 overated
April 29th, 2011
2:28 pm
Jone goes deep. Who going to get him the ball? Ryan please!!
Joey
April 29th, 2011
2:43 pm
He better know how to block, cause as conservative as Saban’s O was at Bama, he’s about to get a reality check in this offense.
Run, run, pass (if 3rd and more than 2), run, run, and pass, etc. Unless, unless we get behind very late in the game. Then Ryan passes the offense right down the field.
Marty Ball.
Mike Jay
April 29th, 2011
2:43 pm
Glenn,
You are harping about betting the farm on Julio but willing to roll the dice that you will be able to sign CJ in couple years? i think that is a much bigger risk than this. You just suggested they fix one of their glaring needs by waiting a couple years for free agent. T
cajdawg
April 29th, 2011
2:45 pm
I don’t understand this move at all. The entire offseason the fans have heard “we want to be more explosive on offense”. Jones is not explosive. He plays slower than his timed speed. I’m not saying he isn’t a good receiver and think he could be a very good pro, but I can’t ever remember Jones catching a ball and flat running by defenders. He is a physical possession receiver with slightly above average speed, for a possession receiver. DeSean Jackson is explosive, Percy Harvin is explosive, Mike Wallace is explosive.
Two years ago we heard we want to get more physical on defense, so we draft a 6′ 2” 290 Peria Jerry DT. Casey Hamptons left pinky finger weighs more than 290. Don’t draft a 290 pound DT and tell me the team is trying to get more physical
What T.D. says he wants to do in the draft doesn’t line up with who is picking.
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
2:51 pm
I was also immediately horrified by the Peria Jerry pick. It’s one thing to pick an injury prone player, it’s quite another to pick a 25 year old injury prone player. You better be NFL impact-ready at 25, because you already have a short career window at that point. (Players tend to peak 25-31). With the exception of Matt Ryan, I haven’t been enamored with any of the early Falcon draft picks. (And honestly, there are a lot of concerns about Matt Ryan at this point. When he is bad… he is REALLY bad, and two of those games have been our two playoff games under his watch. We may have drafted Vinny Testaverde). TD has found some gems in the later rounds, I give him that. But this will go down in history as an Aundray Bruce-type disaster.
Perry & Leo
April 29th, 2011
2:51 pm
Falcons brass will be p;icking their noses in the 2nd round…
extremus
April 29th, 2011
2:56 pm
Before we grade the Falcons and Dimitroff’s decision to trade all of those picks for Jones, please remember that the dealing is likely NOT done, not by a long shot. If Dimitroff and Blank are that seriously ticked off about how the season ended last year, that bodes well for the Falcons gaining more difference makers before all is said and done. Now if we can just get this stupid labor issue out of the way…
PaulieOldschool
April 29th, 2011
2:56 pm
I love Julio Jones; the man has talent to spare, speed, huge hands, fire in the belly, and he WANTS to be here. Excellent pick up. I would love to have either Edwards or Johnson, I have loved Johnson since UGA and would welcome his fire here, too. I agree with your comments re the Coach, JSS. We need to open up the field. No tears on Jenkins, he never fit into the plan in my opinion. So far, so good as far as I’m concerned.
Kramer
April 29th, 2011
2:58 pm
DAMN! I love seeing all the arm chair GM’s on here who think they know football. News flash, you don’t! That is why we watch the game and let people like TD run the team. It is one thing to have an opinion but, it is another to act like that opinion is solid fact. Opinion’s are like a**holes and everyone has one. A few of you are acting like one as well. Right #2 is over rated? Riiiiight.
Mike Jay
April 29th, 2011
2:58 pm
Julio jones may not be Desaun jackson explosive by himself but he certainly makes the ATL offense more explosive which is the point. His ability to block downfield will lead to more long yardage, extended plays. He is plenty fast, scoring on two end arounds last year for Alabama. Roddy white was a top 3 reciever last year with a below average receiving corps around him. What kind of number can he put up this year? Good luck Double teaming someone or trying to stuff the run by loading up in the box. ATL’s offense was good but boringly efficient last year and just got vaulted into the top 5 easily.
Bishop Eddie Longs Red Panties
April 29th, 2011
2:58 pm
Joe Tess your such a IDIOT!
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
3:01 pm
When #2 stops throwing interceptions in playoff games, I will back off. Until then, it is completely reasonable for me to at least CONSIDER that he is over-rated. A good, but not great QB. Not by a long shot.
Dale in Newnan
April 29th, 2011
3:27 pm
Love the pick! Love the pick! Love the pick! UGA fan, but JJ is an absolute stud who can and will block. Does not fear the middle, and is used to big-time football. Do not forget that he was well coached at Alabama. Roddy also had issues with catching the ball his first year; now he is a stone cold badass. With those two on the field you have the potential of having the most physical WR tandem in the game. They have no fear and will not your head off if given the chance. If they can sustain more drives that will help the D; way too many 3-and-ots last year.
DJ Sniper
April 29th, 2011
3:29 pm
I don’t know if anybody has mentioned this yet, but here’s a thought: It’s being talked about that the Saints may release Reggie Bush. He’s owed $11 million next season, and I just can’t see them paying him that for his level of productions. If that happens and the price is right, snatching him up would solve our issue of needing a change of pace back. What say you Falcon fans?
Unimpressed
April 29th, 2011
3:31 pm
The way that Julio knocks down passes, maybe he can play some defense where help is really needed. Won’t help that he can get open 30 yards downfield. That’s about 15 yard further than Matty can throw it.
GTBob
April 29th, 2011
3:38 pm
Kramer, you are right. No one should ever question what NFL teams decide to do because they know better then we do and it always works out and makes their team better. We should sit quietly and not speak. Got it.
Jeff (not Schultz)
April 29th, 2011
3:56 pm
So Schutz, your answer (along with many other fans) for the Falcons obvoious shortcomings on defense is to sign an older, more expensive guy as a free agent?
Think about it: we don’t know WHEN OR EVEN IF we’ll have free agency this year! That is a HUGE gamble and risk to take! And you can’t TELL me that none of the eight defensive ends drafted in the first round last night couldn’t help the Falcons!!!
It’s not like there is a Bruce Smith or Lawrence Taylor in their prime, just waiting to sign with Atlanta. More likely, we HAVE TO ASSUME with the current labor unrest that the Falcons defense as currently constructed (and the one that got torched by Green Bay) will be the EXACT SAME defense that takes the field this year (when and if we have games).
Julio is a great receiver, don’t get me wrong, but offensive talent was NOT a weakness for the Falcons, nor was it ANYTHING that should have been addressed in the first round. The Falcons should have used the bulk of their draft picks on defense this year.
Now, Atlanta has another good receiver, but we don’t pick again until No. 91, and players at that level might not make an immediate impact. I wanted Atlanta to draft some guys who could START on defense from day one.
If John Abraham struggles with injuries this year, and if Robinson has another poor season like he did last year, the Falcons defense will struggle mightily. And with a tougher schedule, I see Atlanta winning 6 to 7 games and taking a step back.
Teams that already have all their other pieces in place can afford to jump up and draft a wideout (a team like Green Bay or Pittsburgh or New England or New Orleans). Teams that have some OBVIOUS needs, like the Falcons did, need to address them ASAP, not wait until the 6th round.
The day after the Green Bay game, I wasn’t worried about the Falcons OFFENSE… I was worried about how to fix the DEFENSE. Did you people watch the same game as I did? Just curious.
That being said, welcome to Atlanta Julio… let’s hope your defensive teammates can step it up this year!!!
Mark
April 29th, 2011
4:00 pm
He fits into our culture we are building perfectly so I love the trade overall. I just hope we make some free agent D moves too.
retired
April 29th, 2011
4:06 pm
if we go after Reggie does the Kaardasian itchbay come too!
Mike
April 29th, 2011
4:15 pm
Did not give enough for J Jones. He can make this offense great. We can outscore or run the ball better than any team. The Green Bay game would off been a whole different game if we had J Jones.
Great pick, JJ & A J Green come around one every ten + years. Winning 7-11 games a year, the Falcons would of never had a chance to pick up a Quality Game breaker. Great pick
DJ Sniper
April 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
I’ll admit to having a WTF moment when the Falcons first pulled this deal off. I was fine with drafting a WR, but I didn’t expect us to give up what we did. Now that I’ve had a day to digest this, I’m not really panicking about what we gave up. Teams should now be able to start discussing deals for other players, and I believe that is where the Falcons will address some of their other shortcomings, especially at DE. Yes, there were several DE’s available in the first round, but we all know it’s rare to get a DE who can make an immediate impact as a rookie. I like the idea of going after someone like Ray Edwards, Charles Johnson, or whoever else may suit their needs.
Another reason I’m not panicking is because the last time I gave the Falcons this much grief was when they picked Matt Ryan. I wanted them to get Glen Dorsey. This is why I am not the general manager. lol
moriler
April 29th, 2011
4:51 pm
same ol’ same ol’. To everyone gripin’ about what we gave up: who were the difference makers y’all were gonna pick with our 2nd and 4th this year, kids? how deep you think this draft was? And the 4th next year in another crappy draft class? Who’s gonna be a senior next year that we’ll want?
To the Calvin Johnson hopers: Detroit will franchise him, fool. Waitin’ two years for nothin’ is stuh-oopid.
To the people saying “shoulda done the defense first!”: OK, at least this is a sane gripe. But right now, you can look at the offense and say DONE and DONE. The necessary personnel are all in place. Now you can turn around and spend money and effort on the defense — which wasn’t all THAT bad last year. Plug up a couple of the weak spots and it might be dangerous, especially with more power for the offense to keep our D off the field longer.
You gotta have a good defense — but you can make up for it if you have a helluvan offense. And vice versa; see how good Detroit is looking on the “D” side of the ball since those fools ahead of them let ‘em get Fairley? Kitty got some claws now, son.
woeismesince66
April 29th, 2011
5:15 pm
DUMBMOVE!!!!!!DUMBMOVE!!!!!!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!
DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
5:58 pm
TD says today “We are not one player away”. Huh. Is that why you gave up this years and next years draft for an unproven wr? Gotta love that strategy.
Slick
April 29th, 2011
6:42 pm
How did we give our draft away? We still got 6 picks. We got 2 less picks this year than we started with – a second and forth rounder. You guys are hard to please. Who was going to matter at 27? Get the Green Bay game out of your head. Yeah it was an ass beating and I hated it as much as yall, but Rodgers would have shredded the 85 Bears that night. The 16 games prior to that the defense played well enough to win 13 of them. And in 2 of the 3 we lost the defense gave up 15 (in overtime) and 17 points. At least wait until after the draft and FA is over, then bitch if you got to.
truth
April 29th, 2011
6:46 pm
UGA83
April 29th, 2011
2:13 pm
Terrible move, sold the farm for one iffy pick. There are no sure things, especially fast, skinny wide receivers and by the time we pick again, late in the 3rd, there won’t be anything left but special teamers. And with the first and fourth gone next year too……….
You could go to the Bungles board and root for AJ……..good day..bye..bye.
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
The corner that went at 27 (Jimmy Smith) would have been a better pick than Julio… it would have met our needs more, and we would still have all of our picks. This was just a terrible, terrible move. He certainly won’t be a factor in year one. WR’s just rarely are. Silly
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
6:49 pm
TD says we aren’t one player away, yet makes a move that completely contradicts that statement. I am just dumbfounded.
JULIO
April 29th, 2011
6:50 pm
What #2 corner in the league wants to cover a freak like Julio Jones one on one. Hello, with Gonzo and Roddy, there will be no more double teams. As a matter of fact, this will open our run game up to scary proportions. I think defensive coordinators are not going to sleep ATL week. This makes Atlanta’s offense scary to face. If you want proof, just watch the LSU film when Julio took a hitch route against Peterson for 80 yds. Get off me. JULIO biotches.
truth
April 29th, 2011
6:50 pm
woeismesince66
April 29th, 2011
5:15 pm
DUMBMOVE!!!!!!DUMBMOVE!!!!!!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!
DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!DUMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are you speaking of the time when your dad slept with your mother and you were conceived?
truth
April 29th, 2011
6:52 pm
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
6:49 pm
TD says we aren’t one player away, yet makes a move that completely contradicts that statement. I am just dumbfounded.
We’re all dumbfounded as to why you are not on the Eagles board rooting for your lineman.
Slick
April 29th, 2011
6:56 pm
We just signed a corner to a big money deal last year and the other corner made the Pro Bowl. As far as I know there are only 2 corners in a base 4-3. Falcons were not drafting a corner first round Cousin.
full speed
April 29th, 2011
7:04 pm
MUST HEAR ATLANTA FALCONS FANS!!!! WOW!!!! SOMETHING BIG COMING!!
http://limelinx.com/files/afafb7bc5fef442dc4200a8d1ae6bf9d
Braves place Roger McDowell on 'administrative leave' | Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
7:19 pm
[...] – Time for Falcons to open offense (and defensive fix coming) [...]
sticky fingers
April 29th, 2011
7:19 pm
`
6′4″ Michael Jenkins could play tight end, if he gains about 30 pounds.
tim
April 29th, 2011
7:30 pm
If the falcons have patterned themselves after the patriots, they sure deviated from it by trading away so many draft picks that are early rounds.
ejj
April 29th, 2011
7:32 pm
Yes, I still have my doubts, Jones played in the SEC which is a plus, but he will be lining up across from NFL cornerback, it will be totally different.
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
7:32 pm
Truth,
My screen name has nothing to do with Michael Vick. Wouldn’t that make me Cousin Vick? I am a life long Falcons fan. Doesn’t make this horrible trade any less horrible.
Tidegirl
April 29th, 2011
7:33 pm
I can’t freakin’ wait to hear the Dome chanting Juuuuuuuuuuuuuullllllllllliiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooooooo!!!
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
7:35 pm
Slick,
I don’t know how confident the Falcons are in one amazing season by the lil spark plug. And Dunta was not exactly a shut down corner. You can never have too many good dbs. You CAN have too many average wide receivers.
truth
April 29th, 2011
9:06 pm
Cousin Vicker
April 29th, 2011
7:32 pm
Truth,
My screen name has nothing to do with Michael Vick. Wouldn’t that make me Cousin Vick? I am a life long Falcons fan. Doesn’t make this horrible trade any less horrible.
Your smoke screen doesn’t full anyone.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 29th, 2011
9:46 pm
All I have to say about Thomas Dimitroff is……
HA HA HA
They are so desperate to win a playoff game that they have set the franchise back to the 2007 team
Who is going to throw the ball to Julio Jones? The Falcons were last in the NFL with 9 passes of 30 or more yards. We all know who was first (Mr. NFL Vick himself).
Here is what the Falcons have done to make CHOKE a game manager:
- Signed a Pro Bowl Back (No playoff wins)
- Signed a Pro Bowl/Hall of Fame Tight End (No playoff wins)
- Drafted 2 offensive linemen in the 1st round (No playoff wins)
- Have a Pro Bowl Receiver (No playoff wins)
- Signed a 50 million dollar d-back (No playoff wins)
- Gave away a 2nd round pick in 2009
- Gave away 5 high picks
Now if the Falcons don’t go to the Superbowl or even win a playoff game, will CHOKE finally get the blame that comes along with being the franchise qb?
I doubt it
Now look at Tampa, they will win the NFC South this season, with all those quality picks in the draft.
CHOKE is a bust, no matter how much talent you place around him, he will SUCK
This draft has just extended me a few more years of blog time
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 29th, 2011
9:51 pm
The Eagles got Jackson in the 2nd round and Maclin in the late 1st round and didn’t lose any picks.
You have to have quality GMs and Coaches to analyze talent. Dimitroff, Smitty and CHOKE are JOKES
truth
April 29th, 2011
10:52 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
April 29th, 2011
9:51 pm
The Eagles got Jackson in the 2nd round and Maclin in the late 1st round and didn’t lose any picks.
You have to have quality GMs and Coaches to analyze talent. Dimitroff, Smitty and CHOKE are JOKES
Choke, to bad the man your mother paid $20.00 to sleep with her didn’t use a better condom.
truth
April 29th, 2011
10:55 pm
vuduchld
April 29th, 2011
11:10 pm
Is this guy the secind coming of Jerry Rice? Nope! It’s clearly evident you know zippo about football. I’m not knocking Julio Jones, he will have a good NFL career, but a player of his caliber was available in the lower portions of the draft. To trade away five potential players over the next two years for a wide out who will have a decent NFL career shows how desperate the Falcons have become in trying to make themselves as an “upper tier” team. Notice the other trades going on? Team s were trying to trade DOWN because there were value players to be had. De’Quan Bowers didn’t go until mid second round. Yes, he had knee issues, but teams filled needs. The Browns, Patriots, Bears all made trades where they got more players. Sorry, da birds don’t have a clue!
joe
April 29th, 2011
11:30 pm
If he can be a play maker then the draft picks we gave up will be worth it, but I agree, got to open the offense up to compete with GB and NO Adding an effective DE thru free agency would help sooth the loss of draft picks….
MaxxFalcon
April 30th, 2011
12:16 am
Jeff!! You knocked it out of the park with this blog. I couldn’t agree more. We are getting either Edwards or Johnson this offseason. Julio’s physicality and Fullback-type mentality is rare for a Wideout. I’m loving this move, I can’t wait to see this team in the Fall. Go Falcons!
MaxxFalcon
April 30th, 2011
12:18 am
Sidbury and Franks will get their shot this year too
Cousin Vicker
April 30th, 2011
12:39 am
Truth,
Can you not disagree strongly with a trade without being accused of being a Ryan/Falcon basher and/or Vick lover. For the record, no I’m not a big fan of Ryan. He is a good QB, and portrays an image that I wish Vick had when he was here. I just don’t think he is elite. But I am a huge Falcons fan, have been since I started following sports. I want Ryan and Julio to prove me wrong. I’ll be right here to admit it if I am. But I have my opinion on things, and I won’t apologize for them.
IF that isn’t enough to sway you, how about this: Choke should have been banned from this entire site a LONG time ago. He’s the Joke that goes by Choke, and every person on this blog knows it.
BC
April 30th, 2011
1:08 am
I give the Packers a lot of credit – & rightfully so, they won it all. Truth be told, they literally should not of made the Playoffs last year. Eagles don t blow a 4 TD lead with 8 minutes left against the giants, the “champs” arent even in the Playoffs. That being said, I think hey have already cashed all their chips in, not so worried about the pack this year.
falconfanintitantown
April 30th, 2011
1:34 am
Remember the playoff loss. We couldn’t keep up in a shootout (as previously stated), We needed an impact player on offense to be able to keep up with other teams with explosive offenses. It hurts to give up so many picks, but I like this move. None of us know how this will turn out, but I am impressed that our organization is DEDICATED TO WINNING! When was the last time you could say that about our BELOVED FALCONS. RISE THE #$@%&* UP ATLANTA AND SUPPORT THIS TEAM, I DO ALL THE WAY FROM NASHVILLE BABEEEE!
Pepe Frias played here.
April 30th, 2011
7:02 am
Dont you prevent a shootout with a strong defense? I dont like this pick at all. Jones has hands made of stone.
Samuel
April 30th, 2011
7:30 am
One thing you can’t argue about- the Falcons are trying consistently to get better. Now with the linebacker Dent will they part ways with Peterson, Cory Wire or Nick…
HJones
April 30th, 2011
7:35 am
Jeff, No 1 is truly an understatement:
—————————————————————————-
♦ 1.) UNLEASH THE FURY! ,,,,,, With Jones and Roddy White now starting at wide receiver, Smith needs to throw offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey the keys and let him open up the offense. …………….. Calls plays that allow Matt Ryan to get the ball to the playmakers in space. Keep defenses off-balance.
—————————————————————————
The trade will be a bust if Mike Mularkey continues to call the same sequence and type of plays next season. Blank and Dimitroff must read the “riot act” to Coach Smith and Coach Mularkey about the offensive strategy and play calling.
Jeff, is the problem here Coach Smith or Coach Mularkey?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 30th, 2011
8:58 am
For all you clowns out there that continues to use that “The Ravens win on good defense”, well how did they get that great defense?
Dimitroff is no Ozzie Newsome
If you have a mediocre defense, you don’t give away the WHOLE draft and spend it on offense
CHOKE is a loser and that is based on his impressive playoff success
I repeat: The Eagles got Desean Jackson in the 2nd round and Maclin in the last 1st round. You remember those guys that torched the Falcons the past 2 seasons with a combined score of like 71 – 24
Real Talk
April 30th, 2011
3:02 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
April 30th, 2011
8:58 am
This guy aint talkin about NOTHINGGGGGGGG!!! LMAO
Men lie, Women lie, But numbers dont!! – Hova
ENOUGH SAID!!!
Real Talk
April 30th, 2011
3:07 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
This dude a lil hoe!!! Lol Cryin because his BF(Vick) no longer plays here..Reminds me of an ex gf!! BITTER!!!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 30th, 2011
4:56 pm
When was the last time the Falcants won a playoff game?
Oh damn my bad – He plays in Philly
Stats don’t lie
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
April 30th, 2011
4:58 pm
The big question on week 2 will be this………….
Who will get the most cheers….. CHOKE or Vick?
That will show who’s City Atlanta is
Now that will be so embarrassing if Vick owns 2 Cities
WE WANT VICK
WE WANT VICK
WE WANT VICK
WE WANT VICK
HA HA HA
Falconsfan13
April 30th, 2011
7:34 pm
I LOVE the FALCONS!!!!!! Welcome Julio to the Falcons!!!! Dirty Birds baby!!!!! Sometimes the best Defense is a great Offense and that is what we are going to be!!!!! Mike Smith, put it on Matty Ice’s shoulders and he WILL deliver. Let’s go Falcons!!!! Ready for football
Joe
April 30th, 2011
11:35 pm
There’s more than two knocks on him. He’s also a poor route run and was never a deep threat at Alabama because he couldn’t get separation down the field.
JSS
May 1st, 2011
8:07 am
Jeff Schultz
April 29th, 2011
1:38 pm
“Well, hell. Dick “Night Train” Lane wasn’t drafted by anybody. So maybe teams should just forget about drafting altogether.”
You realize that you’re addressing that statement at a fandom that worships Tom Pridemore, Scott Case, and thinks that just because laid some wood on a number of tackles that they were great players?
@ the Rich McKay haters…
Without him you’d never lucked into Grimes or Weems. Moreover, you’d have Dimitroff distracted in trying to aid Blank in his stadium folly… That is the main reason Rich McKay still has a job in the Atlanta organization…
Just Saying...
May 1st, 2011
8:10 am
Felling better.
JSS
May 1st, 2011
8:32 am
@ MCR…
Have a good off season, they’ll (the Falcons) will get tested right out of the chute. Well, that is only if the appellate court has come to their senses since Friday when they convene on Monday to address the “temporary stay.”…
tony
May 1st, 2011
9:20 am
I’m not excited about this draft but I’m thrill about Jacquizz Rogers.
YourPoliticalAnimal
May 1st, 2011
10:04 am
Reggis Bush as a possibility is very intriguing, but he might be too expensive . . . when are we going to dump that Arkansas atrocity, Jamal Anderson??? That was coach what’s-his-name’s idea of a cruel joke . . .GO FALCONS!!!, GO BILLS !!!
YourPoliticalAnimal
May 1st, 2011
10:06 am
If you’ll give me tickets to the week 2 Eagles-Falcons game, I’ll let you rent my beach front condo in Montana . . .
tony
May 1st, 2011
10:40 am
The Falcons will win the Super Bowl if they sign Richard Seymour-DT and Charles Johnson-DE
JSS
May 1st, 2011
11:24 am
Seymour? He signed an extension months ago before the lockout, $30 million dollars for two years!
Foley Dawg
May 1st, 2011
5:41 pm
Yes, Julio was expensive (5 draft picks), but he is worth it. After watching him IN PERSON all through High School here in Foley and then see him play at Alabama all I can say is just wait and see. Even in High School he was a MAN in a kid’s game. The dude is quite frankly a “BEAST”!!!!!! I have been a Falcons fan since 66, growing up in Atlanta and a Dawg fan for life. I really wanted them to get A.J., but as far as pure strength Julio has it all over AJ. There were times (a lot ot them) during his career at Georgia that AJ would take himself out of a game after a catch or two. Julio won’t do that. And just look at the guy, he is RIPPED from head to toe. No JUICE, just pure freakish strength and dedication to working out. He has a great desire to win and is a great young man to boot. Coach Watkins @ Foley High School did a great job with this young man moving him from RB to WR and then working with him to get him on his way to success.
YourPoliticalAnimal
May 1st, 2011
6:10 pm
People keep saying that the Falcons gave up “five draft picks” to get Julio Jones. In the first round of this year they only swapped a 27 for a 6. They gave up their 2nd and 4th for this year, and their 1st and 4th for next year . . . they gave up four picks, not five . . . If I have a suit and paid $27.00, and you have a better one but you only paid $6.00, you are at a distinct advantage . . . that’s exactly what happened with the 1st round swap this year . . . 27 . . . 6 . . .
Ed
May 1st, 2011
7:52 pm
I love the Julio Jones pick for so many reasons not only is he going to make our offense more vertical but he is also a great route runner and blocker. Also love the Akeem Dent pick in the 3rd round and Jacquizz Rodgers was also a steal in the 5th. I think he will be that change of pace back that the Falcons really need to compliment Turner and Snelling.
Sara Teagarden
May 1st, 2011
11:14 pm
Solid info! I wonder if this’ll show up on CoachWatcher. CW is the place to go for all the coaching info, news, and rumors. http://www.CoachWatcher.com
RMikel58
May 2nd, 2011
3:29 am
Good call by Atlanta to just go for it! You may draft 6 players and only end up with only a good 1 out of the bunch. Atlanta was looking for an “impact player” like Jones. If they had set back on their hands and hoped for the best then they might have stunk in the draft.
Then we’d all be on here calling them names because they were not bold enough to trade up!
He’s tall, he’s fast and has heart. The rest will come as he grows up in this level. This kid plays hard and blocks very well.
When they eventually settle this lockout and start playing im looking for the Falcons to go to Free Agency to bulk up their Defense in a couple areas. Arthur Blank is the most committed Owner in the NFL to succeed and win a championship.
We’re very fortunate to have a decent human being that loves winning, loves his players and this city and is willing to do watever it takes to get us to the next level. Wish i could say the same for the Braves, Hawks and Thrashers.
RMikel58
May 2nd, 2011
3:57 am
Damn Whiners! How many times in the past has the Atlanta Falcons picked a #1 player in the draft and won a championship? This is all i used to hear about how many number 1’s they got and most of them either got traded or were played seldomly or turned out to be crap.
Yeah Brett Favre went to Green Bay so what! So there have been players that went on to better careers after leaving Atlanta…….so what.
This happens in all sports not just here. You ppl think you have all the answers then why arent you coaching the Falcons or doing Dimitroff’s job?
Arthur Blank has stallions in his organization, thoroughbreds unlike some of the jackasses here. Not 1 person here can make any solid predictions on what Julio Jones will turn out to be, only Julio knows. You have the crystal ball to life? You play the Quija Board alot? Youre psychic? You have a PHD in sports? You carry a Rabbits Foot wherever you go or maybe you have a Jeannie in a Bottle.
Fact is none of you here including me can make any predictions of what Atlanta will do once the season starts but we can all hope for the best.
I’d rather put my faith in the Falcons on their decisions then listen to your outlandish criticism of their draft picks.
I in my opinion have heard nothing in this room that makes any sense of why the Falcons made a mistake getting Julio and its my hopes that after the season starts he will make all of you fair weathered fans eat crow” .
Im just glad i dont have to sit next to you in the seats and listen to all of your belly aching while im trying to enjoy the game. Its a friggin sport…..get over it.
Quincy Q
May 5th, 2011
8:54 am
Thomas Dimitroff was on the scout department in Cleveland Browns 1998-2001 and Detroit Lions scout department from 1994-1997 and both of those teams did not draft well and they both had losing records Dimitroff doesn’t evaluate talent well.