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
Tony Graziani
April 24th, 2009
2:36 pm
Maybe if I could have had this guy instead of O.J. Santiago I could have extended my hall of fame career with the Falcons.
Atl Resident
April 24th, 2009
2:40 pm
I’ve seen this happen too much to us before…..waiting to see how all this play out upcoming season which includes TG, Ryan, and that name Vick to be exact.
Long Time Falcon Fan
April 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
Welcome Tony!! From: Pearless Price, Ed Hartwell, Joe Horn, and a host of others that are a part of the over the hill gang that are not even playing football any more. On paper it always seems like a good idea. If you dont learn from history you are bound to repeat it.
Barry
April 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
Hey Y’all:
What a “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!” move by taking Tony Gonzalez and not having to give away draft picks this year. Now our Falcons can use this pick to get som “BIG NASTIESS” for our defensive line, in addition togetting some swift running and defending defensive backs. I was reserved on this move at first, but not giving up draft picks fro this player is monumnetal. Smith and Dimitroff must be applauded for this deal. I know Mike Mularkey is chomping at the bits to get Gonzalez into the scheme of throwing bombs to Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and the other receivers, and now Tony Gonzalez. I now “Turner the Burner” is looking forward to some break aways defensive backs covering our recievers way down field and have to see him after burst throught the line of scrimmage with full momentum. What a very, very scary sight for those defensive backs. Boy, I cannnot wait until nex season. My heart is bursting at the seems in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!”. Oh, and tomorrow during the draft, I am more than eager to see who our Falcons go for. Whomever they pick, I know it wil be well thought out as usual in keeping the “Process” beating along. Believe me. I know this season is going to be more suprising than last. The NFL and the teams in the league are afraid. They are very afraid of this “PROCESS”. It’s going down in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”. And the team, the fans, and the comm8unity is down with it in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!”.
NOW ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?????!!!!!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
……………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY”…………………….
Ringold
Brian
April 24th, 2009
3:01 pm
Well I guess you can only hang on to “I drafted Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks” for so long. And speaking of so long “So long, Rich McKay”. Also while a 2nd round pick seem like nothing for Gonzalez at 33 years he might be good next year and so-so the year after and I would not expect much from him in the 3rd or 4th. A 37 year old tight end, though tight ends have shown some longevity. It’s a great pick if Gonzalez produces for three seasons, else you’d like to think that a 2nd rounder might be a future 5 – 7 year contributor. Which means a double dividend for a consistent winner. You have to give these guys the benefit of the doubt, but anointing Dimitroff some kind of personnel guru after one year is a bit premature.
Tron5000
April 24th, 2009
3:01 pm
Scott Pioli gets punked by former lackey
http://www.nofiltersports.com/
Brock D
April 24th, 2009
3:02 pm
I think you can tell the intelligence level of the Vick supporters by the way they write. Seriously, my 2nd grade son can put together a more coherent paragraph than every single one of you junior high dropouts. And, oh yeah, Cowboy fans. Why are you even on here?
Tony Graziani
April 24th, 2009
3:06 pm
I will be signing autographs at Kroger next week.
Brock D
April 24th, 2009
3:06 pm
Falcons Sorry, are you one of the dogs Vick didn’t kill? Because you type pretty well for a dog.
Petrol Jelly
April 24th, 2009
3:07 pm
ANSWER : Both have recently forever lost a reliable & dependable Tight End.
—–
QUESTION : What do the Kansas City Chiefs and imprisoned disgrace Michael Vick have in common?
Mark da don
April 24th, 2009
3:11 pm
YALL REALLY THANK DA FALCONS NEED D LINEMAN MORE THAN A CONER OR SAFTEY DA FALCON SECONDARY WAS VERY WEAK 2 ME LAST YEAR NOW DAT MILLOY AN FOXWORTH DA 2 BEST LAST YEAR R GONE ITS REALLY GONNA B TROULBE AN I THANK CHRIS HOUSTON IS A LITTLE IFFY 2 ME
Mark da don
April 24th, 2009
3:13 pm
AND VICK WAS DA BEST I C DEY GOT RID OF ALL DA VICK SUPPORTERS EXCEPT RODDY WHITE
Optimistic Falcon Fan
April 24th, 2009
3:17 pm
C’mon long time falcon fan! Peerless Price, Ed Hartwell, Joe Horn? Really?! Those are all flash in the pan guys! Gonzo is a bonafide Hall Of Famer! Don’t hate the player, hate the last GM’s!
JohnGTFan
April 24th, 2009
3:17 pm
You know life really s*cks in Dallas when their fans (none of them from Dallas, or even Texas by the way) are commenting on this blog. But I’m glad they still have Wade Phillips. As long as he and Romo are there, then there is no fear of Dallas being successful when it counts. And it wouldn’t be a Falcons blog without the MV7 supporters. As ignorant as they are entertaining…you almost look forward to their posts. They actually think Vick is a better QB than Ryan. LOL LOL Whenever I have those moments I feel like a complete moron, I read their posts and remember that I’m not so bad. There is always someone out there with less common sense and intelligence than me…and I thank them for every post! Please keep it up! Anyway, the real thing going on..I like this trade for both teams. Atlanta, barring injury to Gonzo, Ryan, White or Turner…they will win the NFC South this year. And with KC rebuilding and going with the youth movement, they have another great tool to use in THIS YEAR’S draft. Washington will probably move up to the 3 for Sanchez (dumb move…but expect nothing less from Snyder). I see KC getting a lot of picks again this year. They did great last year as well. I would not at all be surprised to see them in the playoffs in 2 or 3 years, I really wouldn’t.
Brock D
April 24th, 2009
3:18 pm
Mark Da Don, first of al let me say what a priviledge it is to talk to an actual Don. What family do you run? Second, anyone who knows football knows that a secondary is only as good as the D-Line. This lesson is free you have to pay for the next one.
JohnGTFan
April 24th, 2009
3:19 pm
When I say “this year’s draft” for KC…its because I think they’ll trade the 2nd rounded in 2010 from ATL for picks in this weekend’s draft
PMC
April 24th, 2009
3:19 pm
All of you people talking about Tony Gonzalez being over the hill need to check the stats the past two years…. on AWFUL Chiefs teams.
He’s 33 and in great shape a 2nd rounder is a very fair deal for a future hall of famer with 2-3 productive years left. Maybe even then some if he keeps in shape. Jerry Rice was still making plays at 37 and 38.
You have to teach draft picks everything that’s the first roughly 2-3 years. Gonzo is ready to go out of the box just like Abraham was. We aren’t asking Gonzalez to be a hero. We’re asking him to do what he does…. score in the Red Zone. Move the chains, block the edge and take on the first guy down the field to spring long runs. Crumpler was good in his prime, we’ve NEVER had a guy that produced like Tony Gonzalez at TE. They were 6th in the league in offense WITHOUT Tony Gonzalez. Anyone doubting him in this thread either doesn’t watch football or is afraid of what he is going to do to thier team next year.
He’s a team leader, he’s a GREAT locker room guy and what he does in the middle of the field frees up other guys to make plays meaning he makes people around him better. So…. otherwise… this is a no brainer pick. If they trade down they can get the 2nd rounder next year back anyway.
AJC Sports jock sniffer for matt Rayan
April 24th, 2009
3:22 pm
Atl. will lose and lose big and there prize punk QB will get hurt (ego)! 7-9 read and weep Clowns!! The Falcon are just like BUSH BUSHED!!!! The GM Read AJC when they are 4-8 and read how great they think he is then losers!!!!
Matt Ryan
April 24th, 2009
3:28 pm
It’s good to be me……….me, Matt Ryan.
Justice For All
April 24th, 2009
3:31 pm
It will not matter who the TE is especially not this has been from the Chefs. President Obama need to put an end to all this sillyness and set Mike Vick free and make the Falcons let him play and make them pay the man what they owe him.
Arther Blank will go broke without Mike Vick and then ATL won’t have no more Falcons to hate on.
Andy
April 24th, 2009
3:32 pm
Good move to improve the offense with Gonzalez. I just love the offense we have now. If the line continues to improve we could be top-notch for years to come. People talk about the triple-threat of Roddy White, Micheal Turner and Tony Gonzalez (all to go along with Ryan), but what people fail to remember is that the other complementary players are what really can set this offense apart. Jerious Norwood is an amazing back that will only get more opportunities both rushing and recieving out of the backfield. Remember, he single-handedly won the last game of the year for us this season. Also, Michael Jenkins is a quality #2 receiver with good height and good hands. He is continuing to make big strides. Finally, Harry Douglas is a dynamite slot guy who will only have more big play opportunities with all of these other weapons around. Heck, I even though Justin Peelle was fine at TE, and he will be much better suited as a blocker and a threat in two TE sets. The main key for this offense and this team now is HEALTH. Stay healthy, please!!!! Do that and we should be fine this season. Go FALCONS!!!
JohnGTFan
April 24th, 2009
3:38 pm
Arthur Blank will go broke without Vick???? lol lol lol Just when I think someone can’t say anything more dumb than before.
JWW
April 24th, 2009
3:40 pm
I think the posters who say they support Vick are really just fans of other teams trying to upset us Falcon fans during our time of joy because there is no joy where they are.
JohnGTFan
April 24th, 2009
3:42 pm
JWW…don’t be upset…be entertained. Because if you ever have a dumb moment, these people should remind you that there is ALWAYS someone out there that more dumb than you are!!!! Just the way I look at it!
HGN
April 24th, 2009
3:55 pm
I think the Gonzalez trade is a very good one. The Falcons get what they need in a good pass catching and blocking TE, for a future number 2 that may be in the 25-30 range. The trade also frees up The Falcons to concentrate on defense early in the draft. Gonzalez maybe 33 years old, but he brings a wealth of experience, skill, and leadership to The Birds. I would rather see The Birds give up next years No. 2 and get a much needed defensive player in this years draft. If The Birds can land 2 defensive starters out of this years draft, it will all be worth the Gonzalez move.
Great job TD…. We will be pulling for you to work some magic tomorrow and Sunday too…..Keep up the good work.
gasportsfan09
April 24th, 2009
4:00 pm
Talk about somebody not taking their meds….bigeasy830 may have missed several doses!!! Yikes!!! Give us a break we as Falcon fans need good news like this every now and then. Even if this deal doesn’t work out (which i think it will) it’s not like we had to give up our entire draft to get him.
Mark da don
April 24th, 2009
4:16 pm
free vick
Mark da don
April 24th, 2009
4:17 pm
FALCONS HAVE A TERRIABLE SECONDARY NEED HELP FFFFFAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSTTTTTT
Mark da don
April 24th, 2009
4:17 pm
PUT VICK BACK THERE
uga_b
April 24th, 2009
4:24 pm
Mark, what do I need to do to be quoted? “Given these tough economic times…” I need something to add to my resume: Published in the AJC.
What I really like about TD is that he makes the commonsense move. The formula for this stuff is really simple. QBs are 50-50 propositions in the first round, but they are worth the chance. 1st round receivers have the highest bust potential so a late and well-deserved kudos to Rick McKay. Don’t overpay for “previously-enjoyed” free agents. Don’t trade away your early round picks when you are rebuilding.
If I went to dinner with the guy and he told me to try the seabass, I would try the seabass.
Stat Man
April 24th, 2009
4:34 pm
Hey all you MV7 lovers. Tell you what. Anybody that has ever done you wrong, stolen from you, committed a crime against you or your family – let’s FORCE you to hire them as your gardner, cook, maid or whatever. AND – you have to pay them decidedly more than they are worth.
Now YOU would be in the same boat as Arthur Blank going by your BS that he should be made to take him back, pay him and play him.
As a final question – I’d REALLY like to hear what MV7 ever did for you to earn your blind trust. I mean really – and don’t say he entertained you or any of that crap – so do movie stars and you wouldn’t be going ga ga over them the same way. Just pretend you owned a pit bull that you loved and it got loose and ran away. You later find out that MV7 had your dog killed after finding it and failing to turn it into a successful fighter. You still able to sing his praises???????????
Highlife
April 24th, 2009
4:38 pm
All I have to say to 7 supporters 5′ 11″ vs 6′ 4″ and can read defenses, he may not run a quick 40 but more than makes up for it with the quick releases and actually being able to see over the line!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
4:39 pm
You know, UGA B, you just might have succeeded with the sea bass line. That could be showing up in a column very soon.
Thanks much.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
4:44 pm
And to CC Jacket and the Schuerholz analogy breaking down … I must confess that I laughed. Good one, CCJ.
Mac
April 24th, 2009
4:57 pm
It’s 5 p.m. Friday. Looks like the Lions and Stafford aren’t going to get it done.
uga_b
April 24th, 2009
5:05 pm
I was taught in a communications class if you can weave in seabass the rest takes care of itself.
I am just glad the Falcons are picking late enough to give me time to get back from Steeplechase and change into my falcons jersey. And this year I can be sure we aren’t going to draft a RB from Michigan State or a virginia tech player.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
5:24 pm
UGA B, you make a salient point. You know what I remember about Alex Gonzalez, the Marlins shortstop who hit the extra-inning home run off Jeff Weaver to win Game 4 of the 2003 World Series? That his nickname was Sea Bass.
David Northman
April 24th, 2009
5:47 pm
Just wanted to drop a note and compliment Mr. Bradley and the many fine commenters he has attracted. Your columns are always a pleasure but I have been enjoying your comments section as well. Your interaction has added to the quality of this content and I encourage you to continue. Assuming you’re not paid extra to do this (if you are, GREAT!) I wanted to let you know I appreciate your efforts.
As for the Falcons, let us hope the lines get reinforced substantially in this draft.
Falcons & GM and neckville (rednecks) and AJC sports all the same
April 24th, 2009
5:55 pm
you know GT fans use to have class now they are just as bad as the Dawgs . But the dawg still has more rednecks but being from Georgia they have rednecks too. I am like rush, I hope the Falcons lose!!! 4-12!!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
6:04 pm
Many thanks, David, but I should tell you that you’ve done a dangerous thing. You’ve given me an idea. (Paid extra? Hmmm …)
Atl Resident
April 24th, 2009
6:28 pm
I like this deal, but we have to really see how this season goes. Dimitroff appeared little shaky when asked how soon he wants to get rid of Vick. He says it depends on draft, but he watching Vick and thinking about it just like all of us Falcons fans are too. This management is bold, but not crazy. They know what’s up. If the league let Pacman Jones, Ricky Williams, and Ray Lewis and plenty others back in you know Vick coming back. I like Ryan & Co., but come on this Atl, we know when Atl gets rid of good player with talent, wherever they end up they always succeed and make major impact, never fails, and then we get stuck again. So I’m not so convinced yet, but I’m on the lookout to see what happens.
Eddie
April 24th, 2009
7:18 pm
This is a good article I still think this move sets us up to get the beast in Gresham from Oklahoma!
north ga bob
April 24th, 2009
8:49 pm
From what I just read, Houston will take Cushing at number 16.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT:
34 YEAR OLD TIGHT END
RETIRE IN 2 YEARS
GIVE UP A 2ND ROUND PICK
DUMPED WITH A 17-MILLION DOLLAR SALARY
T.D. YOU GENIUS
Brock D
April 24th, 2009
8:59 pm
Vick Supporter 2, you’re a little off on the salary, dude. Not only is his salary far less but we don’t pay any of the bonus money left on the contract. That all goes to KC
OldTimer
April 24th, 2009
9:21 pm
This is what 12-4 looks like Mr. Bradley.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2009
9:30 pm
Schedule’s a lot tougher this time, OldTimer. I was thinking 10-6. But don’t hold me to it.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 24th, 2009
10:06 pm
YOU GUYS ARE SMOKING SOMETHING – THE BEST THEY WILL DO IS 6-10.
falcon21
April 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
One more time VS2, who is your team? Oh yeah, you will not know for a couple of years.
Mike
April 25th, 2009
12:05 am
my mock (excluding any trades)
1 Det Stafford QB GA…1st block of the rebuilding process
2 St Louis…after an attempted play action for Sanchez…they go find the replacement for Pace
3 KC… E Monroe LT…waiting for the trade that does not come, take a hard look at Curry..but decide to upgrade their horrendous O line
4 Seattle…Curry….really this guy is still on the board, no nonsense here
5 Cleveland…this could change depending on the Status of Edwards… as for now BJ Raji DT
6 Cincy…another LT Andre Smith…if anyone would gamble on this guy it is the Bengals
7 Oakland…they toy with the idea of Heyward-Bey, or Macklin..but hands down Crabtree is the best Receiver in the draft. Even AL Davis is not crazy enough to pass up this guy
8 Jax-barring a trade I think they go D here. They like Sanchez, and Wells…but take the big guy to upgrade the D.
9 Green Bay…Offense is nearly set, add a LT Michael Oher, and they should be good.
10 San Fran…after the Alex Smith debacle they gamble on another early qb..Mark Sanchez.
11 Buffalo…a team with a few needs, but can’t pass on Orakpo here.
12 Denver…Cushing LB..first block of rebuilding a horrible Defense.
13 Wash…the thumper to line up behind Haynesworth…Mayualuga
14 New Orleans…attempt to do someting about their second rate secondary by adding Jenkins CB/S
15 Houston…they really need the D….but a big RB like Wells to compliment Slaton is to much to pass on here
16 San Diego…Moreno will be groomed to be the next LT
17 NY Jets…NY Jets…with the loss of Coles, Macklin by be tough to pass up here
18 Denver…J Freeman, they are happy with Orton and Simms..really?
19 Tampa…with Freeman off the board they look to upgrade an aging D, and take P Jerry DT
20 Detroit…with their QB in place, they look to get Simms some help on defense and select E Brown DE
21 Philly…they will attempt to move up to grab Moreno…but if that fails look for them to take the nexr best thing and select D Brown RB UConn for Westbrook to eventually pass the torch to.
22 Minnesota…they have kept this no secret, at this point the world would be shocked if the did not take Harvin
23 New England…Matthews fits the mold, great addition with Thomas, and Mayo.
24 Atlanta…I may be dreaming..this guy has T Suggs written all over him…Aaron Maybin LB PSU.
25 Miami…another great D player to good to pass up, Ayers DE UT
26 Baltimore…Flacco thanks the football gods, and Heyward-Bey does not travel far from College Park
27 Indy….Looking for the big physical guy in the middle …Evander “Ziggy” Hood DT hopes to help Indy conquer the run
28 Buffalo…fingers were crossed at 11 this guy would last…B Pettigrew TE
29 NY Giants….rumors have Giants moving up to go after Heyward-Bey….but at this point another guy who stays close to home Kenny Britt WR
30 Tenn…..look for the Titans to go after receiver, Nicks is the best left here, however they will have to consider Robiske at this point
31 Arizona…no question they are going D….look for them to take English OLB, DE
32 Pitt…V Davis CB…best talent on the board, will be worked into the secondary to replace McFadden