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
gdg73
April 24th, 2009
9:27 am
why on earth would TD even consider Matthews or Cushing at #24? We are set at LB right now. We can find depth at the LB position later in the draft. Like the article states, Smitty sees the importance of good DTs. We have ONE dependable DT on this team right now. ONE!!!! We need at least three. Trey Lewis is the wild card. Even if he does come back healthy, we need another body on the line. That’s why I say go DT/UT in the first round. And if need be find a NT later in the draft. Teams that run 3-4 defenses are the only teams that really covet the true NT/NG position. Thats why they pick them early. Vince Wilfork and Casey Hampton are prime examples.
leggomyego
April 24th, 2009
9:33 am
fantastic trade. Dimitroff is the envy of all NFL GM’s. Nuff Said.
Would second the motion for Bradley (see how we stick you with all the grunt work, MB?) to score us some salary numbers on TG, that would be swell.
VS2 = Troll, you folks don’t get that? Let him babble, ain’t no skin off my back. He’s just opening his mouth and removing all doubt. Like his hero Bobby Brown, that’s his prerogative. he can do what he wanna do…
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
9:37 am
I’ll have to find out about Gonzalez’s salary and the Falcons’ cap room. I’ll be in Flowery Branch tomorrow — blogging live, so y’all tune in! — and I’ll endeavor to learn.
I would be surprised if the Falcons drafted a tight end, Marcus. But I am, as you know, often surprised.
kcfan
April 24th, 2009
9:40 am
You are going to love what Tony brings every game. He has been a joy to watch since day one with the Chiefs. I hope he helps the Falcons to the Super Bowl. I will be watching–the Chiefs finishing out of the playoffs again.
wreckmaniac
April 24th, 2009
9:44 am
Compare a GM to Schurholtz when their team has been to a handfull of Super Bowls. This would apply recently only to the GM at Pittsburgh.
And forget Super Bowls. The way to rate the Falcons, as stated, is whether or not they can achieve two successive winning seasons which
has never been done. Three would be a seismic event.
Joe BirdDawg
April 24th, 2009
9:45 am
MB, Good piece once again. It remains to be seen about the “D” though. “D” wins championships in this league and boy we gave up quite a bit, but I too believe eventually they will be replaced by someone ….lets just hope sooner than later.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
9:48 am
Thanks, Joe. And obviously there’s much still to prove. But think of it this way: If, on the eve of the draft a year ago, someone would have told you that in April 2009 the Falcons would be coming off an 11-5 season and would have just added Tony Gonzalez to go with the rookie of the year Matt Ryan … would you have taken that?
thebighairybeast
April 24th, 2009
10:01 am
Good move I think. Major upgrade for us in a major need spot, period. And people say he cant block. I do believe a guy named Priest Holmes had no problem running behind and setting a few records of his own while doing it.
Joe BirdDawg
April 24th, 2009
10:02 am
with a smile!
TW
April 24th, 2009
10:02 am
As much as I’d like to be fired up about Gonzalez, I heard the same stuff about Joe Horn – he’s old, but…he’s as good off the fireld as on…will be a great model for the younger players. will FREE UP THE OTHER RECEIVERS…
Best wished to Tony – hope it works. One thing for sure – we’ve got a great coach and a great QB.
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2009
10:03 am
Hey Mark you know if the falcons have DE Michael Johnson on their draft board?
Rufio
April 24th, 2009
10:05 am
I thought I heard on the radio yesterday that the Falcons were $24 million under the cap before this move.
Also did you guys see the analysis of the trade on ESPN yesterday… the NFL guys were loving it. Hasselbeck said he was excited about the trade and he doesn’t even play for the Falcons… and they were trying to wrap their brains around the possibilites with this Offense.
I’m excited to say the least… ready for tomorrow.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
10:06 am
There’s some difference between Tony G. and Joe Horn, TW: Horn had been hurt most of the previous season and hadn’t had much to do with the Saints’ advance to the NFC title game against Chicago. Gonzalez caught 96 passes in 2008 and didn’t miss a game.
FAITH IN VICK
April 24th, 2009
10:07 am
ALGE CRUMPLER IS MY TIGHT END!
BARACK OBAMA IS MY PRESIDENT!
MIKE VICK IS MY QUARTERBACK!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
10:09 am
I don’t know what the Falcons’ opinion of Michael Johnson is, JJM. I wish I did.
But — and this is just me speculating, OK? — I would note that they have a tall defensive end of less than optimum tenacity on their roster already. Name of Jamaal.
Veteran Fan
April 24th, 2009
10:11 am
Don’t jump off the train right away, but how about Mr Vick solving our need at corner. As a qb he had trouble throwing the ball but his knowledge of offensive schemes could be invaluable at corner. Good physical player with above average speed and a ton of motivitation! Would save a draft pick and heal a divided city.
Beautiful Monte
April 24th, 2009
10:14 am
Speaking of trolls:
The one who calls itself “another Eric” uses the term “rednecks” … and then calls on fans to to stop the race baiting!
I bet “another Eric” was one of the “Vick Supporters” who appeared at the infamous ESPN “townhall meeting” to support the conVICKted felon who used to wear No. 7 for the Falcons. That bunch was so ignorant they make Flava Flav look Barack Obama.
Please, “another Eric”, do us all a “fava” have yourself spayed and/or neutered before you can contaminate the world with the fruit of your ignorant loins.
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2009
10:15 am
lol we know how most fans feel about “Jamaal” but I like Michael Johnson alot. I would use him on special teams and a back up DE unless “Jamaal” doesn’t show up.
TommyP
April 24th, 2009
10:18 am
I do not see Cushing being a “Dimitroff/Blank” kind of guy. Too much baggage.
Steroid accusations not just back in college but in high school?????
Started a racist website?
And you thought Vick polarized the races in Atlanta. No way on Cushing.
Oh yeah….he’s from USC which appears to be as dirty as Miami and Oklahoma in the ’80s.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
10:24 am
It’s an intriguing question: What if Michael Johnson is there when the Falcons pick in Round 3? Do you take a chance on a guy — and Johnson is a good guy, I must stipulate — with first-round talent? (Especially when your team needs another pass rusher.)
Don’t know the answer. But I guess we’ll see this weekend.
Craig
April 24th, 2009
10:25 am
I can see the first drive of the season now. 1st and 10 at the 20. Ryan passes to Roddy for a 20 yard gain. 1st and 10 at the 40. Hand off to Turner for a 30 yard run. 1st and 10 at the 30. Pass down the middle to TG for a 30 yard TD!!
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2009
10:30 am
I heard Michael Johnson stock is dropping. That being said if he’s there in round 3 should we take a chance on him or should we spend that pick on other needs like a DB. Plus I think this years draft is deep in defensive ends we could draft a good one in round 4.
tarmar
April 24th, 2009
10:39 am
Gonzalez is a great add, for sure. But looking at his stats, one has to think that something has got to give. I mean, this guy has never missed a regular season game in his long career.
Like I said, I love the addition; I just get a creepy feeling about his continuing durability. My fingers will stay crossed for him and the team, tho.
haney
April 24th, 2009
10:41 am
I hope the Falcons can take Asher Allen in maybe the third round, of course I am a UGA alum but I think that kid has some skills. I am not a GT fan but if the Falcons could grab Michael Johnson in the third, WOW, great move. He has a lot of potential as a great pass rusher in the NFL-I really have thought he would be a 1st round pick. THis draft has a lot of depth and so I think the Falcons can really improve the D with this draft. And, if they really want to get a young TR, there are some good ones they could get in the later rounds and let them learn from Tony G. I just hope the first 3 picks are for the D and certainly think they will be.
D.Carter
April 24th, 2009
10:46 am
2 sleepers Sean Smith 6′4 physical corner who can play the bigger recievers….. Ramses Barden 6′6 WR from Cal Poly late bloomer who catches the ball away from his body and at the top of his jump… and Sammie lee Hill DT from Stillman 6′4 329 uncanny quickness for a man his size… all these players are projected as 2nd thru 4th rounders …………..
GTSteve
April 24th, 2009
10:49 am
M Vick is the reason that I started watching the NFL again, he was/is a great athlete, but anyone that thinks the Falcons would be better with Vick still at QB is not showing their IQ, they are showing that they are Racist.
misterj64
April 24th, 2009
10:53 am
Enter your comments here
Bobby Dowell
April 24th, 2009
11:12 am
It’s great to have hope again. No matter who we draft or how many games we win this year, we have hope. Thank you Mr Blank!
303Chiefs
April 24th, 2009
11:12 am
Congratulations guys, you just got the best TE in the history of the NFL. The Chiefs HAD to do the deal. Believe me, Pioli and Haley are popping champagne right now for receiving a 2nd round pick for a 33yo TE who unfortunately went public with the fact that he wanted out. To get a 2nd when their hands were basically tied is a great move.
That being said, this is the proverbial deal that is good for both teams. You guys will LOVE Tony. I’ve basically watched him play every down of his entire career, and believe me – he hasn’t lost a thing. NOTHING. He’s still hands-down the best TE in the game, and based on what I saw last year, he’s got AT LEAST 3 good years in him. And your guys’ Super Bowl window is open right now – so although a 2nd round pick is a high price to pay for a 33 yo TE, you had to do the deal.
chiefsfan
April 24th, 2009
11:18 am
Looking at his TG’s age you might question whether a 2nd pick was a good deal…well, DON’T…after you see him in action you’ll see his skills have diminished very little…he’s avoided injuries of any significant sort for his entire career…he’s got as 3-4 years left in him if he still wants to play…he is hands-down the best TE to ever play the game…you’ll see that in the next season…his hands are incredible and he catches balls nobody can catch…truly a unique special player!…enjoy him…Falcons gain, Chiefs loss!
coachx
April 24th, 2009
11:20 am
I agree we need a ST but do not see one that fits the run stuffing role we need. Both Perry and Hood struggle against the run and best when stunting and rushing the QB….just like Babbineaux does.
Neither Lofton or Peterson are ideal 3rd down LBs. Both struggle with dropping back in coverage. B/c of that I like Matthews at LB (he can also rush the passer.)
My 1st round guys in order are: Matthews OLB, English DE, Butler CB, A. Smith CB. 9of course these are the guys who are supposed to be taken from 22-30.
Darrin "The Vent King"
April 24th, 2009
11:21 am
I think I’m going to cry….(sniff,sniff) Dimitroff you da man.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
11:23 am
CoachX, you’ve obviously been watching some film. Kudos.
Daniel
April 24th, 2009
11:23 am
nice column Mark, I love this move, given that we get to keep our 2cd round pick this year. The USC linebackers are good players– though some weird personal issues– I am very skeptical of Cushing. I hope they go DT… I, too, like Piere Jerie, but to be honest I don’t know much about “Ziggy” except what I have read.
harry rand
April 24th, 2009
11:24 am
The Falcons probably won’t be without that no.2 next year, when the convict gets out of prison they can get that much for him, maybe.
harry rand
April 24th, 2009
11:24 am
Enter your comments here
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
11:25 am
As an aside, you should know that TD gets uncomfortable when people talk about him being smart. (Which people do, a lot of people.) He’s not at all arrogant. He’s just … smart.
Dallas Fan(8 SB's 5 SB Wins)
April 24th, 2009
11:26 am
Oh, my goodness, another great move! Thomas Dimitroff is going to save this team and finally bring Atlanta to yet another great playoff game and lose. Please! Atlanta Fans and especially AJC sportswriters, are the biggest closet and fairweather fans I’ve ever seen. Why not try this? Actually win a few playoff games and actually win a Super Bowl and then you can sing some praises, until then it’s business as usual.
mark
April 24th, 2009
11:28 am
oh happy days. i love you td. you are heaven sent for us long suffering falcon fans. keep up the good work. it’s a process. go falcons
Macon Braves (RIP)
April 24th, 2009
11:34 am
VICK SUPPORTER 2—-$72 million bust would suck (ain’t happening though guy), but it would especially suck since the Falcons are suffering from the $100+ million bust that they just suffered from. Where’s your boy now, has he gotten to go home and wear the ankle bracelet yet or is he still kickin it with the other felony inmates???
Marcus
April 24th, 2009
11:40 am
Dunno about now, but I think Gonzalez was an 1$1 million cap hit if we had traded for him in ‘08. One of these websites (FOXSports.com or NFLPA) had a salary breakdown for every player.
TROTTINGHOME
April 24th, 2009
11:41 am
about time bradley
egiles
April 24th, 2009
11:43 am
i feel that the trade for a TE will help especially since we dont have a proven TE on our roster. i hope we take Brain Cushing with our first pick and focus on our defence through out this draft. Dimitroff is the reason the falcons r doing good in the first place because of the decisions he had to make to rebuild a team.
fog
April 24th, 2009
11:44 am
Dimitroff definitely is pulling the right strings. He will probably select a defensive lineman. All the truly great defenses had outstanding D lines. Having a good front 3 or 4 allows linebackers to fill the gaps and deny the run. No glory for the D line, but I guarantee you the linebackers will give them plenty of credit for allowing them to make all the tackles. That being said, I wonder if Dimitroff would consider moving up in the draft to select LB Curry. This guy (if he ranks high on their board) looks like he could be a ProBowler. He has excellent skills, and his off the field activities would continue to move us away from the Mike Vick BS. If they did get into position to draft Curry, they could go after a free agent DL. Regardless of what he does on draft day, Dimitroff looks to be a great GM. Thanks for giving us a team to be proud of.
Supes
April 24th, 2009
11:52 am
DALLAS fan…WHEN did your SORRY team last win a playoff game? Oh yeah that’s right…it’s been so long you forgot to COUNT. Nothing but a jealous hater who LIVES in the past glory days of the mid 90’s. Face it, your BOYS are a bunch of CHOKERS come December, they’ll crumble like paper once again. Philly, Giants both own your Dallas Cowgirls.
Moving right along…(just had to address the jealous Cowgirls fan)
I see that Vick Jockstrap Sniffer(1,2,3,99xinfinty) are back at it. Fools sure are entertaining, get a good laugh and also from the joker known as Big Easy. Amost wanna feel sorry for them, but don’t…they are like a broken down record. Always the same old sh*t out of their little narrow minded minds.
Mark, Good Blog and I look forward to the one you’ll be doing on Saturday for the draft. No doubt TD is a smart man, and he’s yet to fail us as an organization. Until that day comes, in Thomas we trust!
dawgrific
April 24th, 2009
11:55 am
Very nice article M, as hearing about the trade yesterday made me SO happy that the Clampett’s are no longer running my favorite team. So your article certainly sums up what I think every time this regime makes a move. I have one word for what is going From Smith on up, and that is TRUST!
Go Falcons!
p.s. True Falcons fans loved Vick (including me) , though his underachievements had grown tired his last couple of seasons, even before the doggie mess.
dawgrific
April 24th, 2009
11:57 am
p.p.s. Even Vick’s prison teams are still waiting for the 1st 4th quarter comeback win of his career.
Joey Porter
April 24th, 2009
12:08 pm
GT Steve are you serious Dude?
May be after three wins in the playoffs and four pro bowls your comment will be valid.
At this point you are on a planet by yourself.
Nicholas Irwin
April 24th, 2009
12:11 pm
You people can’t be serious. It’s not next year yet. He has a year to figure out what to do about losing that second-round pick. And anyway, it’s just a damn second-round pick. While it’s not wise to constantly be trading draft picks for veterans, a single second-round pick isn’t worth much. Anybody who is actually down on this trade is really out-thinking themselves.
Brock D
April 24th, 2009
12:13 pm
Hey Nicholas, “a single 2nd round pick isn’t worth much”? Can you say Brett Favre?