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!)
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
272 comments Add your comment
matt r
April 23rd, 2009
7:32 pm
And about damn time.
Whopper Dawg
April 23rd, 2009
7:34 pm
Agree. To TD, for TG. Thanks, we needed that.
country boy
April 23rd, 2009
7:36 pm
Good article MB but a long time coming.
The Rob
April 23rd, 2009
7:43 pm
Another great move by Dimitroff. Love this new regime.
Mark Bradley
April 23rd, 2009
7:44 pm
Well, yes. Forty-two years, actually.
Hard rain out here in unfashionable West Cobb. Sirens went off a while back. Everybody be careful.
Reid Adair
April 23rd, 2009
7:51 pm
I think it’s a bit premature to assume that Thomas Dimitroff is on the same level of accomplishment/effectiveness as John Schuerholz was with the Braves in the 1990’s. While Dimitroff has done well (as of now) so far in his first year with the Falcons, I think he has some work to do to be on the level of Schuerholz.
I hope that signing a tight end who has already been in the league for 12 years pays off as much as everyone would like. I am curious what the status of Gonzalez’s contract is and what impact it has on the salary cap.
gary delabate
April 23rd, 2009
8:00 pm
Loved the article. Love being able to love the birds. if TD had a poster, it would be on my wall. Please keep up the good work!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 23rd, 2009
8:00 pm
“I bet White never has consecutive 1000 plus receiving yard seasons with Vick as QB.”
Yes he does, if Vick has Mike Smith as his head coach and Tom Dimitroff as his GM instead of the idiots with whom he was saddled.
Greg
April 23rd, 2009
8:02 pm
I agree with you that Jerry or Hood is now on tap for our first-round pick, and that is the correct way to go, IMHO. But I am NOT a fan of the TG trade. You say “only a second round pick next year.” Well, I don’t see a 2nd-round pick next year (which will almost certainly be a HIGHER pick than this year’s 2nd-round pick, given our schedule this year) as an “only”—I see it as a pick that you must believe will be a very good player who will start for the long-term. No one would say TG hasn’t peaked yet. He’s 33 for God’s sake. And we pay a big, big salary. Frankly, although I didn’t want the Falcon’s to go with Pettigrew in the 1st round (because we need defense much more), I would rather have Pettigrew there than this trade.
Chuck
April 23rd, 2009
8:04 pm
Reid, it’s not like Dimitroff just arrived in the NFL. He did prove himself in New England too. Give credit where credit’s due.
captaincrunchwberries
April 23rd, 2009
8:09 pm
this is definitely a good thing, teams r really gonna have a hard time figuring out this triple threat. Michael Turner, The Wide Receivers, and Gonzalez. The whole NFC South better wake up cause come season start theres gonna be some sleepless nights.
Reid Adair
April 23rd, 2009
8:10 pm
Chuck, I never said Thomas Dimitroff just arrived in the NFL. However, in New England, he was not the general manager. He did very good work with the Patriots overseeing college scouting; I do not deny that.
Bravoshawkin
April 23rd, 2009
8:13 pm
Hey, don’t hate on Reggie Kelly, he was better than his teams those years!
Terrell
April 23rd, 2009
8:14 pm
No offense to JS but I would rather have a GM that’s going to do more than give us division titles. The Eagles have been to the NFC Conference Championship quite a few times, but people don’t talk about that. I don’t want this team to be reminded of the Braves of the 90s. They would win their division but not show up when it counted.
captaincrunchwberries
April 23rd, 2009
8:19 pm
THis trade want effect the salary cap at all, Gonzalez will be paid commission from aisle 10 of your Home Depot. Just remember Gonzalez, when loading the lumber on the trucks don’t forget to tie a flag on the end, ITS THE LAW!
eddiedawg
April 23rd, 2009
8:20 pm
Why does Vick always come up in these blogs?? He is GONE people-get over it.
Great move for Gonzi-giving up only a 2nd rd pick from NEXT year is brilliant-the guy had over 1000 rec yards and 10 td’s with GARBAGE at qb-can you imagine what he will do with Matty Ice at the helm??
Hey Mark-any truth to the rumors of trading our first round pick for Dorsey??
NRBQ
April 23rd, 2009
8:22 pm
MB: “Gonzalez isn’t what he was…..”
A peek at the ‘08 numbers should alleviate those fears.
96 catches, the 3rd most of his career.
1058 yards, 4th most.
10 TD’s, 2nd most.
6 catches pg, 3rd most.
66 yards pg, 3rd most.
But, oh yeah, he did fumble once in the last 9 years.
WPinAZ
April 23rd, 2009
8:22 pm
I like the move for TG. This seems right out of the NE Patriots handbook. Get an aging, yet still productive ACCOMPLISHED veteran (see Randy Moss, Junior Seau, The running back from Cicinnati?), while giving up very little in the imediate sense. You get a couple productive years out of them at the end of their careers while filling a GLARING NEED on your team. You’re able to properly manage your cap because they don’t cost you much, and there’s no long term committment because they’re already on the way out. You spend your drafts picks on young talent in later rounds and develop that talent with SOUND COACHING, again allowing you to better manage your cap money. The Patriots have been doing this for several years, and they’ve been succesful on the field and with the cap. And, they ALWAYS seem to have a ton of draft picks every year, even though they finish at or around the top of the standings each year.
I like what I see happening in Atlanta. It will only get better with Dimitroff calling the shots. Great to be a Dirty Bird fan these days!
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
8:24 pm
Well written Mark. TD is definately what we have longed for as a leader in the front office. That dream parade may just take place on Peachtree after all while I still young enough to celebrate it….
cobeac
April 23rd, 2009
8:26 pm
Its a TD (thomas Dimitroff) for the falcons ….just call him touchdown Tommy…
Seminole Warrior
April 23rd, 2009
8:27 pm
Greg, it is a second rounder for next year. But given this year’s lack of free agency signings, we stand to acquire at least two or three compensatory picks next season. And those will be in rounds three thru six. TD could bundle picks (non-comp) to move up into the second.
dimitroff is who we thought he was
April 23rd, 2009
8:40 pm
anyone that would knock this trade for the falcons is an idiot, they made out like bandits on the chiefs, 1000 yds, receiving threat, hall of famer, veteran leadership, a 2nd round pick next yr the only cost for all this, plus the comp picks atl will get next yr. some of these so called fans are just negative no matter what. the same ones that voyed they were through after the ryan pick last yr.
cdawson
April 23rd, 2009
8:41 pm
Enter your comments here
cdawson
April 23rd, 2009
8:42 pm
We have the real T.D. Gonzo is a phenomenal pik. Keep it up .. Glen Dorsey, Who?
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 23rd, 2009
8:51 pm
LETS PUT THIS MOVE INTO PERSPECTIVE:
THE FALCONS NOW HAVE……..
PRO BOWL ——— WIDE RECEIVER
PRO BOWL ————- RUNNING BACK
PRO BOWL —————- TIGHT END
WITH THIS TYPE OF PRO BOWL PERSONNEL, ANYTHING LESS THAN A SUPER BOWL TROPHY IS INEXCUSABLE.
NO MORE 1 AND DONES
NO MORE EXCUSES
SUPER BOWL OR QB BUST!!!!!!
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 23rd, 2009
8:57 pm
“T.D. THE GREAT”…….”IN GOD WE TRUST”…….”T.D. THE GENIUS”
BLAH BLAH BLAH
————-NEWS FLASH————-
2004 JIM MORA WENT TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HIS 1ST SEASON
2008 SMITH & T.D. ……….1 AND DONE……. THAT’S A GENIUS
Leavenworth
April 23rd, 2009
9:09 pm
Where’s your boy now?
Mike in Marietta
April 23rd, 2009
9:12 pm
Season ticket holder since the dome opened. Gone to falcon games since 1968…
VERY happy I will not be running into Vick Supporter 2 at the game….I mean really happy…like out of mind happy….
By the way loved seeing Vick play. Really sorry he was unwilling to up his game and learn how to check off his receivers. He never saw a receiver until they were 30 yards down the field.
DekalbDog
April 23rd, 2009
9:16 pm
This is a GREAT Move for the Falcons! we now have a Fast Break Offense that will give any opposing Defense Fits to plan for! No team can double over the top, and Play Action will work every time with a legitimate Tight End Threat! Anyone who cannot see the logic of this Trade does not know football plain and simple!.
Mike in Marietta
April 23rd, 2009
9:19 pm
VS2 Of course Vick had nothing to do with Mora’s demise.
My wife said it best…what did MV do when his dog lost a fight…Too bad what goes around does not come around here.
PlusSizeModel
April 23rd, 2009
9:20 pm
I can’t believe what a steal this move was! It this point it’s almost like defense is irrelevant—the Falcons are likely going to be putting up 35 every week barring any key injuries.
Oh, and gotta love weather report/travel warnings in a sports blog! Thanks, FM!
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 23rd, 2009
9:29 pm
SUPER BOWL OR 72-MILLION DOLLAR “BUST”
Falcon 1
April 23rd, 2009
9:30 pm
Nice move, and allows a deep defensive draft. Expectations should be kept resonable. Schedule is much tougher. Will take a little time to get there. Next year is when we start to see some real movement toward a championship.
falcon21
April 23rd, 2009
9:30 pm
What team do you follow VS2? You must not be a true fan of football or you would write about your team instead of always downing the Falcons. MV screwed himself.
Mark Bradley
April 23rd, 2009
9:31 pm
You’re welcome, PSM.
hollywould
April 23rd, 2009
9:37 pm
Mark,
I was against going for Gonzalez only because I was worried about how much to give up this year. With our free picks because of Boley, Brooking, etc. we can make up for the loss of this pick. My question is how much is TG making? I also agree with the poster on JS as although he seemed to make good moves we did not win titles.
Eric
April 23rd, 2009
9:43 pm
Hey Mark,I keep hearing rumors that the K.C. Atlanta trade is not over. I keep hearing that we will be making a trade for Glenn Dorsey with our first round pick. The reason being, we need a defensive tackle(none worth a first round pick in this years draft). Kansas City is switching to a 3-4 this year and Dorsey dosen’t fit their plan. Have you heard anything about this trade Mark?
T-Town Dawg
April 23rd, 2009
9:48 pm
Good to see ya back Vicks Jockstrap2. What happened to Vickuary 21. Must be Vicktember 21 now. Your boy is STILL wasting away in the Federal pen. Goodell will not re-instate him this year. I hope your team, the Carolina Pussycats sign him. That will be 2 guaranteed wins for our Falcons every year that he’s there. Birds are on the rise without Vick.
Volman
April 23rd, 2009
9:49 pm
Brilliant post Mr. Bradley. I love it!
Mark Bradley
April 23rd, 2009
10:00 pm
All I know, Eric, is that the Falcons have confirmed the Gonzalez-for-next-year’s-No.-2 on their Web site. There’s no mention of a deal-to-be-made-later.
Tony G Heading To Atlanta - Sports Blog - football, basketball, and baseball
April 23rd, 2009
10:19 pm
[...] Now that the deal is official, the Falcons will give a second round pick in 2010 for the Hall of Fame tight end. And this makes me happy. Because it’s next year, not this year. This is just the type of deal that will make me mad next year, but just the type of deal that makes me happy this year. [...]
BugKiller
April 23rd, 2009
10:23 pm
Please, for the love of God, do something about idiots like Vick Supporter 2.
Matt Ryan is a bust?
Someone needs to start taking their f—ing meds.
Mark Bradley
April 23rd, 2009
10:24 pm
Thanks, Volman. But “brilliant”? Moi? I’m blushing.
And here, Eric, is a link to the Glenn Dorsey rumor. Not vouching for it. Just passing it along.
Mark Bradley
April 23rd, 2009
10:29 pm
Another late-breaking link: In his late-late-latest mock draft, Don Banks of SI.com now has the Falcons taking Peria Jerry in Round 1.
Beautiful Monte
April 23rd, 2009
10:40 pm
Y’all give Vick Supporter a break. It’s quite obvious that his mother was a crack head, which has severely impaired her spawn’s “intellect”.
BTW, is there any truth to the rumor that Davenpoop-for-brains is Vick Supporter’s biological father?
We need to get Maury on the case!
BigMike
April 23rd, 2009
10:41 pm
Let’s see, Matt Ryan last year, T. Gonzalez this year for a second rounder next year! This guy is good. Now if you want to make it a clean swept, take the LB out of Niu in the second Rd this year, and A. Allen in the third and you’ve got a complete draft!P.S. A.Smitrh, or D. Robinson will be there at 24th pick.
ATFALCONS
April 23rd, 2009
10:42 pm
Not to burst the bubble but where you going to be in two years when he finally retires? Odds are not a super bowl win, luckily maybe a playoff win. Doubt it, why do you think you only got him for a second round pick, two years tops 1 playoff win and no super bowl. We got hosed!! Looks good on paper but he won’t produce….
Mark Bradley
April 23rd, 2009
10:43 pm
Now, now, Monte. Let’s leave aside the ad hominems. You folks have, in the main, been doing a nice job keeping it higher-level on both Bradley blogs today. No reason to stop now.
Henry
April 23rd, 2009
10:54 pm
Good move considering it is a second rounder in 2010. The rumors some days ago was a second rounder this year which would have been a bad move on the part of Thomas Dimitroff. TD’s focus now must be on Defense starting with Tackle, Safety, Linebacker and a corner over 5′9″.
Shut up Terrence
April 23rd, 2009
11:00 pm
Wow. This is a horrible trade. It goes against everything Dmitrof has stood for in terms of building through the draft. We trade a coveted 2010 2nd rounder for a past-his-prime tight end that we don’t need.
The offense run in Atlanta goes through Michael Turner and is better suited with a blocking tight end. Gonzalze doesn’t block because he’s not a team player. He’s too selfish, to “me me me.”
Look at how he threw a fit and demanded a trade. He’s a cancer and he’ll destroy the locker room chemistry, like he did in Kansas City. We traded a 2010 2nd rounder for a guy that will play one year and quit.
He’ll show up to training camp out of shape and get hurt before the season starts. The guy is always hurt. He’s missed so many games over the past few years.
And then what will Dimitrof do next year when Gonzalez is retired? I tell you what he WON’T do: draft a tight end in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft. Good job Thomas, you just set the franchise back five years.
I put this right up there with the Steve Smith-J.R. Rider trade.
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?