Thomas Dimitroff: The man with the plan, at long last
In the way the best quarterbacks see the whole field, Thomas Dimitroff, who’s the son of a quarterback, grasps the big picture. And when have we been able to say that of the man charged with hiring players for the long-suffering Falcons?
At 4:42 p.m. Thursday, someone named Ray posted this on an ajc.com blog: “It sure feels good to know you’ve got one of the best GMs in the game. [It] kind of feels like the Braves’ moves of the ’90s. You always figured JS [John Schuerholz] would make the best moves for the Braves. Now we’ve got that for the Falcons.”
This came barely an hour after the Falcons consummated a trade with Kansas City for the Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez. At 33, Gonzalez isn’t what he was, but he’s way better than anything the Falcons had. And, by parting only with a Round 2 pick in next year’s draft, Dimitroff has cleared the path to do what he intended all along.
Since the 2008 draft was completed, 2009 had been earmarked for defense. Dimitroff bid adieu to five defensive starters over the winter because he felt he could find better. But reality, as reality will, intervened. There seemed a chance that Brandon Pettigrew, a gifted tight end from Oklahoma State, might fall to the Falcons in Round 1. And Dimitroff really liked Pettigrew.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.Here’s my reading: Dimitroff was torn. He knew his D needed immediate fixing, but he wanted a tight end who would give Matt Ryan another outlet and would block like the crack of dawn for Michael Turner. This wouldn’t have been Dan Reeves taking Reggie Kelly for the heck of it. This would have been a considered decision, and I think Dimitroff might well have taken Pettigrew.
But now there’s no need. The Falcons have Gonzalez, and they still have seven picks to spend over the weekend. As many as six could be devoted to defense. (Dimitroff would like another offensive lineman, preferably a right tackle.) My guess – and, seeing as how Dimitroff wouldn’t say, it’s only a guess – is that the Round 1 pick won’t be a defensive back.
Dimitroff believes safeties make greater economic sense when found in later rounds, and he doesn’t consider many cornerbacks in this draft true No. 1 corners, meaning cover guys. That leaves defensive line and linebacker, and there are a lot of linebackers out there, including the three Southern Cal guys. But I keep coming back to what Dimitroff said in January: That Mike Smith, who coaches this team, believes tackles are the key position in any defense.
I’m guessing the Falcons will take a defensive tackle in Round 1 – either Peria Jerry of Ole Miss or Evander (Ziggy) Hood of Missouri. (Me, I’d prefer Hood, if only because of the nickname.) But we’ve seen enough over these past 15 months to feel confident, whatever Dimitroff deigns to do. I mean, he signed Michael Turner. He drafted Matt Ryan. He landed Tony Gonzalez.
In 43 years of operation, the Falcons haven’t managed consecutive winning seasons because they never had the man with the plan. They have him now. They have their Schuerholz.
(Self-promotion time: I’ll be blogging live on the NFL draft from rustic Flowery Branch on Saturday. We’ll start around 3:30 p.m. — the draft commences at 4 — and go until the Falcons get around to picking in Round 1, which should be around 7:30 or 8. And I’ll see if I can get some handsome photos of esteemed colleague D. Orlando Ledbetter to post while we’re waiting. Join the semi-fun!)
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272 comments Add your comment
GeorgiaHomer
April 23rd, 2009
11:09 pm
If the Falcons can garner a deal to get G. Dorsey for a first round pick T.D. is a true savant. Either way they can fill holes on the defense. Brooking was overrated and we could snag Asher in the late rounds. It’s all good in tha hood.
GeorgiaHomer
April 23rd, 2009
11:12 pm
Vick was exciting but not the answer. No run and gun QB wins the bowl. In Ryan and Dimitroff we trust.
uga_b
April 23rd, 2009
11:12 pm
I see Mark has been reading my comments. DB is out of the question due to the lack of top cover skills talent and its all around depth for lower rounds. Honestly, I think they are happy starting Wire and Lofton like most of last year and letting Nicholas and Peterson battle it out. Doesn’t look like it is a big enough position of need to guarantee a 1st rounder unless someone unexpected falls. It sounds like if a “LB” did happen, it would be more of a rush end hybrid. D-line lost Grady and Trey Lewis is coming off Knee Surgery. This is the true position of need.
So, to me, it seems like whichever position falls DL and hybrid DE/LB. They will take the higher rated person and move on or trade back. Second round they will look at DBs or take the other need from the first round. I don;t think Peria will be there but I like that pick.
Mark Bradley
April 23rd, 2009
11:14 pm
Tony Gonzalez has worked 12 NFL seasons. That means the maximum number of regular-season games he could have played is 192.
How many games has Gonzalez actually played? Try 190.
Yes, he’s hurt all the time. Give me a break.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 23rd, 2009
11:30 pm
“BTW, is there any truth to the rumor that Davenpoop-for-brains is Vick Supporter’s biological father?”
In the timeless words of Shawty Put, dat baby don’t look like me.
Big B CH 99
April 23rd, 2009
11:38 pm
Hey most of y’all have had some really god points on here, but Shut up Terrence, U don’t make any sense at all. I’m both a KC & Atlanta fan, so I understand it from both perspectives.
1.) as Bradley pointed out, Tony has not always been hurt
2.) He’s a leader & is definitely not a cancer.
3.) he asked for a trade b/c he would like to have a shot at a Super Bowl before he retires, but he always said if he didn’t get traded he would still play and not be a distraction.
4.) He can Block, he’s always been known more for his pass catching ability, but it’s not like he can’t block
5.) He’s great for the Community
Whopper Dawg
April 23rd, 2009
11:45 pm
Rumor that I heard was Dorsey and TG for Anderson and our 1, but now after giving our two for TG, would 1 for Dorsey be worth it, I think so.
Just to make sure that Vick Supporter Two knows where I stand, I would make the deal contingent on the Chiefs also taking the rights to Vick. For nothing.
gabuldawg
April 24th, 2009
12:05 am
I see this trade as more of a chance that Atlanta is trading backwards now. I don’t think Ziggy Hood is worth a 1st rounder. I see them trading back and looking for a team like us last year when we grabbed Sam Baker. Maybe we pick up a 2nd & 3rd rounder by being patient.
Stewart
April 24th, 2009
12:15 am
Tony Gonzalez is one of the NFL’s best all-time tight ends. Even if he only plays a few more years, he’ll be a massive upgrade for the Falcons. All for a 2010 2nd rounder? With compensatory picks we should be fine for 2010, and if we need a 2nd rounder then we’ll trade for one. This is a deal that you just have to make if you’re Dimitroff. Health issues are a concern with an older player but in the NFL health issues are a concern for any player. You make the deal and move on.
From KC’s end it isn’t a bad deal either. With Pioli at the helm they too are likely to take the NE route to respectability, but they’ll be a year or so behind the Falcons. They need that 2010 pick more than we do, and more than they need the rest of Gonzalez’s career. On top of that they get to honor the request of one of their best and most loyal players. A good deal all around.
I’m really impressed that the Falcons could make this deal and keep their draft board intact for 2009.
gabuldawg
April 24th, 2009
12:33 am
Stewart, I couldn’t agree more with your assessment. I think that is exactly why he made it a 2010 pick. If we get 2-3 3 round picks for next years draft due to our losses this year, that easily makes up for losing a 2nd rounder for Gonzales. A proven pro bowl TE vs a 4.8 speed kid out of college is an easy call to me.
another eric
April 24th, 2009
1:01 am
Vick Supporter 2 is right. He keeps yelling that Ryan will be a bust unless he wins the Super Bowl, much like everyone did when they yelled that Vick was a bust because he didn’t win a Super Bowl. It is a double standard that needs to be pointed out and all the dumb rednecks that dont see that are just amusing. But I dont really care about any of that crap. I’m a Braves fan and appreciate the 14 year run more than the Championship (attended each home game of the ‘95 Series). Building winning teams over time takes preparation, intelligence and the appreciation of nuance. The Falcons are swinging a lick at providing what we’ve all wanted for so long, a consistently competitive team. TD knows what he is doing; TG is going to play well. Quit your race-baiting folks and appreciate the good times. The Braves have shown us that you sure do miss it when it’s gone.
Paulie
April 24th, 2009
1:09 am
I think TD is a genius. He said that TG looked like he was 25 (in great physical shape). Dude’s played 12 years at a super level, Pro Bowl 10 of those years, probable HOF in his future, huge upgrade to our TE position, and we give up a 2nd round pick next year. Where’s the downside??? When I first heard the news, I groaned because I thought they meant this year’s #2. Next year is so very much better. We’re gonna be just fine, with a true brain trust in command and some studs on the field. GO FALCONS!!!
Mr. Riley
April 24th, 2009
1:20 am
I know i was kind of suprised to see the falcons pick up TG, but i truly hope there is a method to there madness…considering his(TG)age there can only be 1 to 2 good years left (barring he does not get injured) for him to play..however they do have that additional offensive threat now so that helps…but only time will tell how this plays out…
The 39 Steps
April 24th, 2009
1:26 am
Greg is a doofus
Shut up Terrence
April 24th, 2009
1:41 am
Adding Gonzalez will be the downfall of this franchise. Absolute disaster. A 2010 2nd round pick gone. Dmitrof better make a trade to get that 2nd rounder back.
Chefs Fan
April 24th, 2009
2:01 am
Good trade for both teams. TG is a great player and will be for the next few years. What this means for the Falcons is that they are expecting to win now. TG is the best TE of all time and once you see him you guys will agree. He is a good person, comes into camp in shape, plays hard, etc. TG also deserves a chance to win at least one playoff game in his career, something the Chiefs have been unable to do. The Chiefs are not going to be good for at least another two years and by then TG will be gone and we will hopefully draft well and get at least something for him. Unfortunately TE is the worst position to have the best player ever, I will still miss him though.
Gravy Train
April 24th, 2009
2:08 am
Oh yeah…MB when I was a Sports Editor over at Kennesaw State, I had a guy come in and request to submit a weekly opinion column “ala Mark Bradley” as he put it. Just thought you might like to know that your influence has made it’s way to the halls of academia. No matter how hard this guy tried, he could not duplicate nor surpass the original.
Thanks for sticking around.
Big Chief
April 24th, 2009
2:21 am
Congrats Atlanta, you’re getting a GREAT player. Tony G is the ultimate professional. The only knock possible against him is that he wanted a trade, but that was understandable with the front office mess the Chiefs had last year and no sign it was going to end. He’s like a machine the way he can catch and make big plays. He’s got a work ethic like you can’t believe. As for his blocking he’s WAY underrated. Go back and check some film, especially from a few years back when KC whipped a Baltimore defense with Tony G putting Ray Lewis on the ground over and over again. Who knows, if Atlanta gets Tony some playoff wins, he may play longer than a couple of years. Enjoy!
taxistan
April 24th, 2009
2:50 am
Reggie Kelly was still active in the NFL as a tight end last year and will probably be active next year. Nice career for a “bad draft choice”.
TG will do very well in ATL and play for 3 years minimum. Matty Ice will love him.
TD is a genius!!!!!
I am sick of Mick Vick trash on this blog. I am an animal lover with two dogs and four cats. I despise what MV did. But, he has or soon will have served his time. He should be cleared by the league to play. As for you nitwits who think he was wonderful. YOU ARE WRONG!!
Mike Vick, if he applied himself could have been the best QB who ever lived. He didn’t apply himself and instead relied on his formidable athletic skill. Not enough!!
I have found myself {distastefully} defending MV on blogs such as this. I have also damned him. I’m sick of the whole thing. Mike Vick is who he is, let the future play out!
Mike R.
April 24th, 2009
3:46 am
I am from Atlanta go to the University of Missouri. Of the two Missouri prospects that could wind up being Falcons, whom I have both seen play many times, William Moore (safety) is a significantly better football player than Ziggy Hood (DT). I would rather us reach for Willie-Mo than draft Ziggy in round one. Moore was compromised his senior season by an absolutely terrible linebacking and secondary corps and he wasn’t allowed to be the promising sure-fire first round safety centerfielder he was considered after his junior year. Trust me, William Moore would look great in a Falcon’s uniform.
Mike R.
April 24th, 2009
3:52 am
Also, are some of y’all serious? We gave up a second round draft pick next year…. big deal… 90% of them don’t pan our anyway. What did we get? One of the greatest TE’s of all time, who still has a decent amount of gas left in the tank. Even if it is for only a year or two, it is probably more of a contribution than you would get from the average second round pick. And “Shut Up Terrance” you think Tony G. is a bad character guy?, that is absolutely the most ludicrous thing I have ever read. Ask anyone in Kansas City, he was a model citizen, teammate and leader while with the Chiefs. This was a great trade for us.
eturn
April 24th, 2009
4:21 am
Come on ppl grow up…Let the MV thing go. It has been over a year and the falcons have moved on..Stop living in the past…I see alot of that on these blogs..Some people just cant let go and move on.But then again i think it shows some people’s IQ.
mobetter
April 24th, 2009
4:32 am
boys this is a MAN GAME . SO LET GO THE LITTLE BOY HAND (mv) go and let hem play with the dog………… good job TD
mobetter
April 24th, 2009
4:58 am
too shut up ; good veryyyy gooooood when given to self ………..lol dont get on the wing next year when we talking about the winnning pass that won the super bowl by tg
mobetter
April 24th, 2009
5:10 am
too bugkiller let drop a few bomb, put downn some trap and spay some raid cause bugs like them are hard to kill.lol
Ted Striker
April 24th, 2009
5:47 am
Najeh, that video makes me laugh every single time.
bigeasy830
April 24th, 2009
7:02 am
What a pathetic organization and fans, you Falcon fans are celebrating because you got an aging TE. VS2 is right, since you Falcon fans believe you have so much talent, do you believe you will at least match last years win total. Do you believe that you are a contender for the Super Bowl. Your team performed at it’s best when Michael Turner carried you to victories, so do you think that an aging TE will open up more runnig lanes for him or will your team throw more with that weak armed QB of yours. VS2 is right about another thing, “NO MORE EXCUSSES”. And, why is it that a Vick hater was the first to bring his name up on this blog.
Fresh for 2009, YOU SUCKERS!!!!!
Previous Ryan Skeptic
April 24th, 2009
7:11 am
Great article Mark. Every moves that Thomas Dimitroff has made thus far confirms that he is indeed the best GM in football. Words can’t express how EXCITED I am about having him on board with the Falcons. It feels good to be a Falcon fan today. Mr. Dimitroff made yet another great move yesterday. I look forward to seeing Tony Gonzalez running out of our tunnel this season wearing our jersey! There is no doubt in my mind that we will have an even more potent offense this year (Ryan, Turner, White and Gonzalez). Look at those weapons. What more can you ask for!? Needless to say, I love the direction that we are going.
Dash
April 24th, 2009
7:35 am
Just a question, but isn’t Jerry a UT? And don’t we need a NT? Or does that matter? I’d be perfectly fine with getting Evander Hood or Peria Jerry.
Caleb
April 24th, 2009
7:40 am
I always used to admire the Steelers, Pats and other organizations who always talked about a “process” or “system” during draft day. I’m glad our beloved team now had one in place. When next season’s schedule came out, I really struggled to believe (long time Falcons fan obviously) that the Falcons could pull off another winning season. Now that they have a top notch tight end and can focus on upgrading the defense, I’m starting to belive that we are fully capable of making the playoffs again next year. With Smitty and VanGorger in charge, I doubt the defense will do anything other than improve. I sort of wish they would wear their old red throwback helmets occasionally. I miss the red helmets.
Ted Striker
April 24th, 2009
8:02 am
Easy there, bigeasy. Try the decaf.
Mac
April 24th, 2009
8:02 am
I agree Dimitroff is a good man with a good plan. But, I thought that with Lebaron, Braatz and Bennett were too, and they couldn’t get two consecutive winning teams. Hope Dimitroff and Smitty break the curse.
By the way, I was in Flowery Branch on Saturday for Rotary Club training. Didn’t seem so rustic.
Steve
April 24th, 2009
8:02 am
I’m cautiously optimistic about Gonzales. If feels like a good move in the right direction. Ignore the Vick talk and move on. I am only concerned about Vick supporters when they move into my neighborhood with all that stupidity crammed into one small brain. Looking forward to seeing someone from the SEC be selected Number 1 tomorrow.
dap01
April 24th, 2009
8:03 am
I wish the Hawks had a Thomas Dimitroff!
Good article, MB.
Warren
April 24th, 2009
8:06 am
Can’t figure out KC – they made a good deal to get Vrabel and Cassell from New England, but now they’ve essentially given away the man who would have been Cassell’s best target. Who’s he going to throw to now? Vrabel? Oh, well, KC’s loss is most assuredly the Falcons’ gain. ‘Bout time! Continued great work by Dimitroff.
BILLY JACK
April 24th, 2009
8:14 am
vick supporter 2 sounds like the biggest moron ever on this blog.
TommyP
April 24th, 2009
8:17 am
Great job as always, Mark.
Mark it down….Peria Jerry will be the Falcons pick barring a trade (and barring Jerry obviously gets picked beforehand).
It would be a great value pick right there…he’s a future Pro Bowler in my opinion. Very underrated.
Tomorrow is such a fun day….and what people forget is that it’s a COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAY, not so much a pro football day. Yeah, the pro teams are making the picks but the talk and the footage is 95% college football and I personally love that.
So, for a Georgia Bulldog fan and Atlanta Falcon fan, tomorrow is going to be something to grill out for.
Stafford going first…Knowshown being the most complete back in the draft and following his selection, the Gonzalez trade and then our pick in the 1st round.
Fire up the grill and ice down the cold ones! Go Dawgs and go Falcons!
David
April 24th, 2009
8:21 am
Get the player that has the best chance to be an impact player and future pro bowler at Safety, LB or DT.
godawg
April 24th, 2009
8:24 am
Caption from picture on the front page of Sports:
“In the past, Falcons fans shuttered when the GM made a move. That’s changed with Thomas Dimitroff, who traded for tight end Tony Gonzalez Thursday. Mark Bradley Column • Big trade • Gonzalez photos”
“shuttered?” They covered the windows of their homes? Try “shuddered” and an English class…ajc hacks…thanks for helping perpetuate the myth that all we Southerners are morons…
Zoomie
April 24th, 2009
8:24 am
bigeasy830: 1) Yep, we got an aging tight end that is one of the best that ever played the game; and New Orleans? You got Shockey. 2) We may match last years record, we may not, but we’re going to be competitive and give defensive coordinators fits. I could all but hear the collective groan throughout the remainder of the NFC South when this trade hit the wires yesterday; proven, pro-bowl tight end, and now the draft is wide open to strengthen the defense — Mike Smith’s specialty. 3) We are as much a contender for the Superbowl as anyone else at this stage. And yes, TG will open up more running lanes AND MR will throw more with that “weak” arm that took your boys to the woodshed once last year despite being a rookie with a rookie head coach and a rookie GM. 4) VS2 is right about nothing; with all the good posts on this board, it says a lot about you that you would hitch your wagon to him. Since you’re so into questions, here’s one for you: Do you know what this “?” is?
Vick loves licking Matt Ryans marbles
April 24th, 2009
8:26 am
I’m tired of all the vick supporters as ignorant as they are they should be right next to him in prison or reading a hooked-on-phonics book…….
David
April 24th, 2009
8:28 am
Mark any idea as to why Banks has Malaluga behind Cushing and Matthews? You think the Birds would pass on Mal if he was there?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
8:34 am
Don’t know for sure, David, as to what Banks is thinking. I do know the Falcons have been linked more with Cushing and Matthews, for what that’s worth.
And thanks, Gravy Train. Thanks, Dap. Thanks, TommyP.
FalconFan57
April 24th, 2009
8:42 am
Hey guys, let the Vick crap go. I like the move TG made. I think he wanted to address the TE issue w/o using up draft picks that he wanted to use on defense. TG has been extremely productive with much less talent around him and should excel with the Falcons. Yes, TG is in the later years of his career but IF TD does anywhere near as well in this years draft targeting defensive players as he did last year with offensive players, well the next few years we’ll be in a position to start looking at ‘the best available player’ and not having to address ‘need picks’. I think TD is moving the Falcons on a fast track to maintain winning seasons for years to come. Go FALCONS and thanks to TD & MS!!!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
8:43 am
Regarding the three SC guys, Scouts, Inc. has them ranked thusly: Cushing the 19th-best overall prospect, Matthews the 21st and Maualuga the 24th. And Maualuga is regarded as an inside linebacker, whereas the Falcons, who play a 4-3 and who have Lofton in the middle, figure to take an OLB.
Gatorzone
April 24th, 2009
8:47 am
Hey Mark, I know we gave up a number 2 for 2010, but didn’t we stockpile a bunch of #3’s for next year? Therefore, we have the flexibility to move up if so desired?
haney
April 24th, 2009
8:47 am
I think getting TG is a GREAT move. He will allow Ryan to have a great middle of the field option, which in turn helps the wideouts as well as the running game. Plain and simple, this O should put up a lot of points this season, and might need to with the D. The good news, now Thomas can do his best to take care of the many needs on defense.
I also have a sneaky feeling Dimitroff is not done dealing yet. I would not be suprised if he didn’t trade his #1 pick and move down a few slots, trying to pick up another pick or grab that pick he gave up for next year back. Course, I think the Falcons are getting some comp picks next year for the free agents they lost. Still, the Patriots have been masters of either moving up slots or moving back slots and getting more picks. Last year he pulled off the deal to move up and get Baker, I think this year he might fall back to maybe get another draft pick. This draft is very solid, a lot of depth so another 2nd or 3rd round pick might be worth moving down.
Bottom line, TD running a draft is a very comforting feeling to long suffering Falcon fans.
Honest John
April 24th, 2009
8:47 am
Well about the TG trade. Between the lines I see this as a trade for rights to MV7 depending he is cleared to play this year or next. The #2 pick next year? Just insurance in case Vick is not reinstated OR messes up again. So, I think we rid ourselves of Mr Vick and end up keeping the #2 next year. Just a hunch.
Marcus
April 24th, 2009
9:02 am
MB,
Would you put it past Dimitroff get one of the “2nd tier” TEs (anyone not named Pettigrew) if they are available by virtue of trading down (or out) of a 3rd or below draft position to gain additional lower round draft picks to get one of those guys (like Cornelius Ingram, Travis Beckum or the like) to groom under Gonzalez?
Bill
April 24th, 2009
9:27 am
Mark how much cap room do the Falcons have left after taking on Tony G’s contract?Could this be an issue?