The new Falcons: They’re real simple and really smart
Say this for the newfangled Falcons: They don’t lie. They tell you what they plan to do, and then they do it. On the day Mike Smith became their coach, he said he wanted to run the ball and to stop the run. Last season his team managed half that. Round 1 of the 2009 draft was the first step toward getting the other half right.
“You want someone who can create double-teams and unblocked situations,” Smith said Saturday, and in Peria – pronounced Per-RAY – Jerry, they believe they’ve found a newer and better and (slightly) sleeker Grady Jackson. And we on the periphery have no reason to doubt them. They’ve gotten pretty good at this talent-identification thing.
Already the Falcons are better than they were when they walked off in the field in Glendale, Ariz. They have a Pro Bowl tight end who will make a good offense better still, and now they have a defensive anchor.
There can be no real quibbles with this pick. (Not even from this observer, who favored Evander Hood for the selfish reason that a lineman nicknamed Ziggy would be worth his tonnage in puns.) They said they were going to upgrade their defense, and they determined the upgrading should begin at the heart.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.Sometimes we confuse smart with clever, but the two aren’t the same. Being clever can sometimes lead to overthink, which can lead to trouble. The newfangled Falcons are meat-and-potatoes smart. They see football as a simple game, and they’ve taken a simple approach to getting better.
Said Thomas Dimitroff, the architect: “We wanted to be stronger and faster and more aggressive and more urgent.”
Said Smith, the foreman: “We wanted someone who would be very disruptive.”
Granted, it’s a new sensation. Mindful of Aundray Bruce and Steve Broussard and Bruce Pickens and Reggie Kelly, we’re accustomed to approaching every Falcons draft with a dollop of dread. We should stop sweating. This franchise is in good hands. Matt Ryan was the perfect pick at the ideal moment, and the rest of the 2008 draft was nearly as inspired. And now the big man from Ole Miss arrives to plug the middle.
Dimitroff again: “He’s country-strong. He’s a 1-gap guy with a high motor.”
First Michael Turner, then Matt Ryan, then Tony Gonzalez, now Peria Jerry. That’s four major acquisitions in 15 months for the new regime, and every one of them makes unassailable sense. Given that the first three play offense, this draft had to be given over to D, and Jerry was the soundest possible start. In Round 2 the Falcons found a safety in William Moore of Missouri, and they’ll surely seek a linebacker and a cornerback come Sunday. But you must grab an accomplished run-stuffer where you find him.
A good team a year ago, the Falcons have positioned themselves to be better in 2009. (Though their record, owing to the stiffer schedule, might not be quite so glittering.) They’re building from the inside out, which is always the way to go if you want your construction to endure.
And this one will. These are not your dad’s Falcons, who trafficked in gimmicks, or even your older brother’s. These are the new Falcons. These are the smart Falcons.
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431 comments Add your comment
NRBQ
April 25th, 2009
9:47 pm
Mark:
Don’t confuse smart with being clever. Words a writer should heed, himself.
Right now, your online editor would be wise to heed this advise, as several paragraphs are repeated.
NRBQ
April 25th, 2009
9:54 pm
And Jeez, did you date yourself with your musical references on the last blog. You gotta write for the Kids!
Mark Bradley
April 25th, 2009
10:01 pm
Wait a second. Somebody whose sign-in is NRBQ is tweaking me for dated musical references?
Reid Adair
April 25th, 2009
10:19 pm
It is amazing what Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith have accomplished in their brief Falcons’ tenure.
Thankfully, these aren’t my dad’s Falcons … or my older brother’s (if I had one).
turkey
April 25th, 2009
10:20 pm
And it only took 40 years.
Mark Bradley
April 25th, 2009
10:34 pm
You know, it took the Steelers a while to get it right, too. But when they did …
And with that, I’m stopping. It’s completely nuts for me to liken, even obliquely, the Falcons to the franchise that has won six SBs. But it has been a long day. And I’m headed home.
Anybody want anything from Taco Bell?
Marcus
April 25th, 2009
10:34 pm
can’t wait until Rounds 3-7.
lawton
April 25th, 2009
10:35 pm
good picks. i wouldve preferred that they had a shot at safety patrick chung ( a troy polamalu) clone, but we had to get what we could. being physical up the middle has been what this team has lacked for a loooonnngg time. good picks so far.
Falcon4Life
April 25th, 2009
10:35 pm
William Moore was a steal in the second round. Most do not realize that he was hurt his senior season. Now his hips are more fluid making him if not the top S, the second best. Mark, do you agree that if the Ravens had not traded up; ATL would have selected Oher instead?
Shamus Thacker
April 25th, 2009
10:36 pm
Only makes it sweeter.
Falcon4Life
April 25th, 2009
10:37 pm
Mark,
Do you believe Marcus Freeman will be available when ATL picks? Also do you think Jasper Brinkley would be a good fit, moving him over to OLB?
Darrin "The Vent King"
April 25th, 2009
10:39 pm
Saw Jerry’s highlights and like the pick. Right now its kind of hard to argue with what Dimitroff decides anyway. The W Moore pick was a steal too. Both these guys will be starting real soon if not day 1- can’t be mad with that. Two holes filled nicely. Jerry seems to be that 3-techniqu disruptive type DT Coach Smith is used to having for run defense and creating havoc in the middle of the line which (gulp!) will free up Big Abe even more. If Trey Lewis can come back strong and JA98 can get it going, with Babs continued improvement we will be nice. With the rest of the picks we have, all I can see is improved defense. Nice day 1 IMO!! TD- you da man! GO FALCONS!!
Wabe
April 25th, 2009
10:40 pm
I kind of had a feeling the Falcons were going to take Peria Jerry about 10 picks before they ended up doing it. Just seemed they were focused on getting a DT w/the departure of Jackson. Also, football games are won and lost in the trenches, and it would seem fit for the falcons to plug the middle of that D-Line w/their first pick in this years draft. MUST STOP THE RUN/PRESSURE THE QB!
I really like their second pick. William Moore is known to be a playmaking safety. He’s a ballhawk. Critics argue if he jumped a year before, he had the potential of being a high first round pick. He wasn’t as productive in his last season at Mizzou, but definetely fills a need for the Falcons. Watching 3 of the other big name safeties go off the board before their 2nd pick, picking Moore was obvious – - and you could tell after watching how quickly they finalized this pick after they were put on the clock. The falcons knew who they wanted here – and they got exactly who they wanted.
Two picks, two areas of need addressed. Good stuff Dimitroff – lets just hope their talent translates into the NFL.
Big Al
April 25th, 2009
10:45 pm
I accept anything John Shuer… I mean Thomas Dimitroff does. Tony G. will look great in a Falcons uni. Love the Jerry pick.
Go Dawgs! Congrats to Matt, Knowshon, and MoMass. And congrats to Hines on a contract extension. I’m a happy football fan right now.
Shamus Thacker
April 25th, 2009
10:45 pm
I’m torn between Taco Bell and Pure Lard injections.
Think I’ll go with Taco Bell too, but it’s close.
Shamus Thacker
April 25th, 2009
10:46 pm
Moore was a S-T-E-A-L!!!
finally
April 25th, 2009
10:50 pm
Been a long time since Wade Traynam missed the ball on a kickoff. And Randy Johnson was sacked for the first of what had to be 1000 times. And Don Hansen took over for our beloved, injured Tommy Nobis, the finest lnebacker in history to not be in the HOF.
Finally, competence.
Hamad Meander
April 25th, 2009
10:55 pm
Nothing too exciting, but everything solid and smart. The team needed a DT and a SS, and they got them. The only disappointment was that Peria was drafted at about where he was expected – it wasn’t like he totally fell into our laps. I thought the way the first round was going – a few surprises – that the Falcons might end up @ 24 with someone they DIDN’T expect.
Getting William Moore # 55 was probably more like the situation described above – I think the Falcons were pleasantly surprised that he was still on the board when their pick came up. He was a top 20 pick last year if he had left Missouri his Junior year.
Basically, and practically, the Falcons have filled two starting positions today. It would be a surprise not to see Peria and Moore starting.
Shamus Thacker
April 25th, 2009
10:56 pm
How the Hell can you pass on a guy named Jasper Brinkley?
Gotta be one tough dude.
webhead
April 25th, 2009
10:56 pm
You forgot his mistakes. He didn’t have to get rid of BROOKING, WHO WAS STILL A VERY GOOD IF NOT GREAT PLAYER.A very good leader and teacher to the young kids.They could have found a way to keep a Falcon great with talent still to spare, so he’s not perfect. Maybe he can find room for Mike Johnson,he’s going to be a beast in the NFL.PEACE OUT!
South o' Columbus
April 25th, 2009
11:02 pm
Any yellerjackets go today?
Wabe
April 25th, 2009
11:08 pm
KEITH BROOKING NEEDED TO GO!!!!!!
He will never be forgotten in ATL after his 3rd and 16 mishap vs the Cardinals in Wildcard Weekend.
Falcon4Life
April 25th, 2009
11:12 pm
Look Brooking was overrated. He was not the best run stuffer for a LB. I hope to see ATL land Freeman and Brinkley tomorrow. I am not sure if they will be around though. Ellerbe would be a good pick up also.
NW_Falcon
April 25th, 2009
11:15 pm
Great start, but will not get the praise that last year’s draft got. That is too bad because these are good picks that not only fit the gaps but arguably the best available when drafted.
Colonel Reb
April 25th, 2009
11:16 pm
Congrats Falcon fans, Peria is an absolute STUD and a great kid too. Kick some a$$ Peria! HOTTY TODDY!!
Baracked the vote!
April 25th, 2009
11:25 pm
Mark, you are exactly right. In the past, i would be nervous before the draft, worrying a player would drop down which would lead to a pick while a need identified prior to the draft would go unfulfilled. unfortunately, the 09 schedule is a bear. Also, congrats to the bulldogs!
row3
April 25th, 2009
11:30 pm
Jerry at #24 and Moore at #55, what a steal at both picks. T.D. is a F@%$*^%g Genuis. Can’t wait till Tomorrow, who else can will we steal?… Without having to trade up and losing picks. AAA+++
chuck
April 25th, 2009
11:32 pm
What do you folks think of Dorell Scott or Michael Hamlin(who has a knack for the ball) as Falcons in Day 2?
GT610
April 25th, 2009
11:32 pm
South O’Columbus….No Yellerjackets today…Although, who won the game in November? I believe it was them Jackets that stung them dawgs in their own house. Matthew Stafford will be a bust in Detroit don’t get your panties in a wad Dawgs fans. Stafford + Detriot= Joey Harrington. Mark it down. I wish Stafford the best, but wait the best thing he has going for him IS a Yellerjacket in Calvin Johnson…how’s that for you South O’ Columbus?
bravofan
April 25th, 2009
11:38 pm
does anybody know what kind of black bracelet matthew stafford wears?
SlimG
April 25th, 2009
11:38 pm
Picks look fine to me. At 24 not really looking for a lot. We’ll see. I like the Gonzo pickup our offense seems set. Look for us to take another DB and offensive lineman.
David
April 25th, 2009
11:38 pm
Loyalty to the falcons finally feels good
South o' Columbus
April 25th, 2009
11:43 pm
GT610…shine your ring, polish it well. Keep it close and kiss it every day. You will probably get another 3 point victory in another 7 years or so and a new ring to keep you busy. As a bonus you’ll even get another chance to post on a blog or two for a year. Yep, I like that.
Archie
April 25th, 2009
11:48 pm
With a run stuffing DT like Peria Jerry, your linebackers become better without having to do anything at all. I wouldn’t be upset if we took Michael Johnson if he’s still around when our next pick comes up. That’ll really make the defensive line a strength of the team.
chuck
April 25th, 2009
11:57 pm
I’m beginning to really like our chances of winning the NFC South!
intellibird
April 26th, 2009
12:06 am
Michael Johnson would be a good day 2 pick. That would really raise the competition along the defensive line. He may turn out to be the player that we thought Jamal Anderson would be, or maybe they will push each other to get better. Anyhow, I like the day 1 picks. Another bowling ball in the middle to go along with Trey Lewis. Lets keep going defense. Maybe an offensive lineman too on Sunday.
Supes
April 26th, 2009
12:07 am
Mark, solid work. You’ve done a good job covering this day 1 on the blog too.
I voted for “solid pick” on Jerry. I do realize they filled a need with a solid pick. However, I do wonder if passing up on both Clay Matthews Jr. and Ray M. from USC will come back to haunt the Falcons, who still need a playmaking LB! Those 2 guys have pro bowl potential. Not sure if the Falcons can get a starting LB in rounds 3-6, but in Thomas Dimitroff I trust, so I will not pass judgement at this point. Wait for the whole draft…then 3 full seasons to say great, solid or bust.
Oh, and the addition of Jerry should help J. Anderson, it’s DO or DIE for him.
Moore pick…I think it was an absolute steal. The guy was a top 10 pick last year but didn’t come out. He was never truly healthy in 08. If he stays healthy, he’ll be a heck of a player at safety.
braveshater
April 26th, 2009
12:10 am
TD hell of a job. William Moore is an instant impact guy, he wsa banged up his entire senior season, but never complained and played thru it. Jerry will be a stud for a long time to come. He and Abe will wreck havoc in opposing teams backfields this season. And you people need to stop with the Keith Brooking sentiments, he was always overrated, and chasing down ball carriers from behind. How many great linebackers play that way, ahhh 0.
Shamus Thacker
April 26th, 2009
12:14 am
Keith Brooking was master of the “ten-yards and a cloud of dust” play.
He’s rode more ball carriers than Kim Kardashian.
Always felt like he underachieved, though the effort was clearly there. He just wasn’t as gifted physically, or mentally, as it turns out, as the delusion I’d formed from his time at Tech.
I could never understand the Pro Bowl selections. Made tons of tackles, after being “escorted” ten yards by the Center. Stats do lie at times. He also had/has hands that made Granny’s look like Jerry Rice, and she’s DEAD! Had more balls bounce off his chest than Marylin Chambers.
This draft is sweet(pre-draft trade included). E’thing else will be icing on the cake.
rms
April 26th, 2009
12:22 am
hey Mark, is too late for 2 beef gorditas supremes and a grilled stuffed burrito with mild sauce
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
12:27 am
Sorry, RMS. I just missed your post. (I had two items from the 99-cent menu, you should know.)
And, speaking of my drive home, I’d just about gotten over my disappointment over Ziggy not being a Falcon when, just as I pull into the neighborhood, guess who comes on Sirius XM NFL Radio? The man himself.
I started weeping all over again.
rms
April 26th, 2009
12:31 am
DANG!!! I am starving and I am too lazy to get up and go get something. Nice to hear Madden at least on radio again. Do you see the Falcons picking Micheal Johnson at DE next, or what is your guess?
rms
April 26th, 2009
12:32 am
by the way what was he saying about the draft.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
12:35 am
Ziggy was very happy to be a Steeler, and was, he said, willing to play wherever they ask him to play.
As for tomorrow: If Asher Allen is there in Round 3, I think the Falcons will pick him.
And thanks, Supes. Always a pleasure.
tyler
April 26th, 2009
12:39 am
Had to have the DT. Good pick. Hopefully Lewis can come back and offer some comp. I like what I hear about Moore. Safeties that are play makers always seem to come later than the first round ( Ed Reed exception) . This is a defensive draft and we put it in TD’s hands. Keep drafting defense and let Coach Smith do what he does best.
rms
April 26th, 2009
12:43 am
I am looking forward to the Falcons season than those sorry behind inconsistent Hawks. Hurry up football season, Hurry!!!
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
1:16 am
Dimitroff said the other day that safeties historically come after Round 1. That’s what I mean when I say he tells you what he’s going to do — well, not exactly what he’s going to do — and then does it. You just need to listen close.
DawgsRUs
April 26th, 2009
1:17 am
No disappointments here. Can’t wait to see who the Falcons choose next. Asher Allen would be a good choice in round 3 but we’ll see. I will not question the Falcons’ decisions on the draft until Mr. Dimitroff and Mike Smith give me reason to do so. Much like my designated driver on New Year’s…I trust them totally until they wreck!
Dr. Warren
April 26th, 2009
1:27 am
Mark, were the Chinese right about about the Falcons picking Jerry or what? That statistical method seems to work. (Note that the prediction came before the Gonzalez trade).
DawgsRUs
April 26th, 2009
1:45 am
What? The Chinese picking for the Falcons?
Dr. Warren, I missed the scoop on the statistical method. To what are you referring?
cantonkid
April 26th, 2009
1:46 am
I like both of these picks and I think we should continue to pick defense unless Duke Robinson is available when we pick in the third round.That pick will give you something to quip about, won’t it Mark?
wxwax
April 26th, 2009
3:59 am
It’s hard not to be excited, although I think you should have gone with the hard-shell Taco Supreme.
It’s instructive to watch the Falcons go with character (Moore’s backstory is heartwarming, I didn’t know he led the 25 recognition at Mizzou) while the Bengals continue to gamble by picking ‘Bama’s Andre Smith.
The Falcons’ schedule this season is just brutal. But hey, the Steelers played the NFC East last year, and things turned out OK for them. So it’s not hopeless. Especially if these rookies can contribute and Sam Baker can stay healthy (he’s a good ‘un.)
Dave
April 26th, 2009
5:51 am
In retrospect Dimtroff is a genius. First if we had not gotten Gonzo we would have had no shot at Pettigrew anyway he was already gone. If we had gone for the LB in Clay Mathews Brace and all the DTs were gone which was a bigger need for us. Getting a safety in Moore who would have been a top twenty player if he had come out his junior year is a steal. We needed two DBs so you wanted one of these two DBs to come quickly as this was a position of higher need. Moore can play both FS and SS so this gives us greater flexibility if we get hit with injuries. You have no reason to not trust Dimitroff. Probably the biggest get of this draft will be Hall of Fame TE Gonzo who will take a still developing Matt Ryan and give him even more confidence in year two by having the QB’s best friend a TE to help him grow during his Wonder Years when he needs the most help at QB. I can’t wait to see Dimitroff work his magic in day two when we have our other five picks. Maybe one day we will say it was not Matt Ryan who was our greatest pickup it was the architect Thomas Dimitroff.
Dawg4Life
April 26th, 2009
6:36 am
Did I just read someone say it was a mistake to cut Brooking? That he was still a great player? Brooking stinks, and has for the past 2 seasons. 0 TFL last season, 0 turnovers.
I am with Dave. We kind of have to look at Tony Gonzalez as our “1st round” pick, and one hell of one at that. All the holes that were listed pre-draft are all being filled. I think that it is a good thing that they still drafted Jerry even though things kind of got shaken up in the first round. This shows that they aren’t just crasping at straws. The moves are well planned, and well executed. I can’t wait to see who they add this afternoon.
Mrs. Butterworth- baseball is boring and is played with zero athletic ability. Its a game, not a sport. Baseball should change its name to “Major League I have to inject myself with steroids to hit a little Baseball”.
log cabin
April 26th, 2009
6:58 am
mrs butterworth—-you mean those wonderful steroid injecting, speed taking, madonna-chasing baseball players?
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
7:01 am
Hey MB, have you heard anyhting about the possibility of trading for Glen Dorsey? I’m guessing it’s off the table now with the selection of Jerry but ESPN reported that there were discussions.
Baba O'Riley
April 26th, 2009
7:11 am
You Tech haters asking which Tech player was taken on Day 1 should be embarrassed. UGA had amazing talent (as witnessed by the draft), yet couldn’t beat Tech at HOME on Munson/Dooley day. Tech returns 19 starters. UGA returns Willie.
brent
April 26th, 2009
7:14 am
hola! this is fun. glad calvin is tall and athletic so he can maybe catch a few of those overthrown missiles. stafford has about the same touch as vick did. can you say jeff george without the attitude? shoulda stayed for his senior year, but then he knew moreno was leaving, uh oh….it sure is good to be a falcons fan nowadays. dimitroff is a friggin genius. i like mark’s reference to the steelers. course we got 6 super bowls to go but i digress. when have you ever felt confident that we were almost always going to make the right decision? we got a brutal schedule this year so it may not show up record-wise. then again with gonzo, the offense got alot better immediately. red zone red zone red zone
Zup
April 26th, 2009
8:02 am
Listening to TD talk about the draft and football in general is liking listening to Allen Greenspan talk about the economy. They tell you everything, but most of us are not smart enough to understand it all. TD is turning this ship around one piece at a time. Hopefully he’ll grab a servicable CB today–but then again–TD may have different plans.
Zup
April 26th, 2009
8:06 am
For what it’s worth–I was elated that the USC LBs didn’t end up in Falcons unis. USC runs a formulaic defense (effective for the PAC-10), but would they be as dominant in the NFL. Jerry was a safer, smarter move.
Zup
April 26th, 2009
8:07 am
Also, everyone needs to thank Al Davis for wasting picks and pushing quality hands into our hands.
Zup
April 26th, 2009
8:08 am
(picks into our hands)–typo
Paulie
April 26th, 2009
8:08 am
Lemme throw out a couple of names for consideration: for OLB, Julius Williams from Connecticut. Solid player, not flashy, might not even be drafted, but a couple of commentators have mentioned him and he does look like he’s got a go get it, high motor, in gear all day soul. Could be the playmaker LB someone pined for above. For OT, a kid named Joel Bell from Furman. Dude is huge: 6′8″, about 310. Strong, good skill set, ranked 10th OL by National Football Post. Might slip under most folks’ radar. Real happy with the teams’ draft so far, including the TG acquisition. Not sure what TD/MS saw in Moore that my man Sean Smith did not have, but I’m content with their judgment. Love, love, love the Jerry pick. Would have been pretty happy with Ziggy, too. We are doing great. Go Falcons!!!
Gabron Salome
April 26th, 2009
8:11 am
Great draft soo far. Jerry, filled a need. Moore, filled a need, and thats what the draft is for. I wish you guys would leave Brooking alone, he’s gone soo you can rejoice and dog fans can sit down and stop hating. He was a staple of our defense for a decade and I salute him. You guys are like a nagging wife picking out the bad things, how easily we forget the hundreds of tackles he made and probowls he represented our team. Oh yeah! Good luck Keith in the rest of your career.
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
8:29 am
Great posting MB. Like you, I was all over the Ziggy Express. I’m also disappointed that we did not get him but I’m a realist.
We got a heck of a player in Jerry and a steal in Moore. This thing is going to be great for a long time to come. My father’s Falcons were a team that everyone loved to laugh at.
MY Falcons and the Falcons of my son will be a team that soon NO ONE will laugh at. My prayer is that my son and I get to take my dad to a nice spot along Peachtree to view that special parade we all have been waiting SO SO SO long to see.
Keep it up MB…you are the man!!
ONE NATION….THE FALCON NATION!!!
SeminoleWarrior
April 26th, 2009
8:36 am
Marcus Freeman and Tyrone McKenzie are still on the board. They are strong, active linebackers that we could use. Depth on the OL is still there as well; Duke Robinson, Andy Kemp, Lousi Vasquez at guard; James Meredith, Joel Bell, Fenuki Tupou at tackle.
TommyP
April 26th, 2009
8:44 am
I think Dimitroff will do a deal today. Nothing major but once a player starts slipping a bit I feel he’ll deal one of those 5th rounders to move up either in the 3rd or 4th rounds.
And what in the world is Seattle doing with….FOUR 7th round picks?
A couple of names that stand out to me that are still available:
Duke Robinson – OT
Asher Allen – CB
DJ Moore – CB
Jamon Meredith – OT
Daryl Beckwith – LB
Jasper Brinkley – LB
Bug young
April 26th, 2009
8:50 am
We final have a front office that know how to draft player. Looking forward to training camp and next season. Super draft so far.
Thanks from Urban & Nutt
April 26th, 2009
9:08 am
Guess what? Jerry is a product of Ed Orgerons(now UT coach) recruiting. Houston Nutt is now getting the glory of Orgerons recruiting just as Urban Cryer is getting the glory from Ron Zooks recruiting at Gayturdland. Who were the idiot admins who fired these two from Ole Miss and Florida? Are the idiot admins still employeed at the 2 schools?
http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2009/apr/25/energy-shot-orgeron-returns-to-college-with/?partner=RSS
chc4
April 26th, 2009
9:10 am
From Kiper:
Falcons get bargain in second round
Atlanta made a great pick in the second round with its selection of Missouri safety William Moore. This is a kid who would’ve been a top-10 or top-15 player if not for a foot injury that he sustained in the season opener against Illinois and a rib injury the week before the Big 12 championship. The foot injury limited him all season, but you only have to look at his numbers during his junior season to see what type of player the Falcons have picked up.
In that excellent junior season, Moore intercepted eight passes and made 115 tackles. He’s a player, and he could make an immediate impact in the NFC South.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
9:47 am
Thanks, Seminole Warrior. And I do believe Dr. Warren, who’s based in Shanghai, indeed called the Peria Jerry pick via some form of numerical analysis.
And I know ESPN reported the Glenn Dorsey rumor. (So did some Web sites earlier in the week.) But I don’t believe there was much, if anything, to it.
STUCK IN SC
April 26th, 2009
9:55 am
Guys I am absolutely fired up about this GM and coaching staff, hell the whole organization! I am SO fired up that I may pay that outrageous price Directv puts on their NFL ticket! Once the housing market rebounds I plan on getting the heck out of South Carolina and come home to the promised land! GO FALCONS! and wish me luck on trying to sell my house!
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
10:11 am
good pick
Jerry
April 26th, 2009
10:30 am
1st Peria Jerry DT Miss
2nd William Moore SS Missouri
3rd Asher Allen CB UGA
William moore will play the thomas davis/greg blue safety position in VanGorder’s defense
Jerry
April 26th, 2009
10:32 am
Does anybody pick Duke robinson if he is there?
Rob
April 26th, 2009
10:32 am
MB, I know this is a Falcons blog but since you’re on here I have to ask: When the Hawks lose in 5 games, r u gonna flip-flop again on Woody?
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
10:33 am
There goes Michael Johnson
Blake
April 26th, 2009
10:43 am
Im still holding out hope that DJ Moore keeps dropping. He is a good corner plus could be a factor in the return game. If he goes I would look at someoen like Derrick Williams from Penn St that could impact on kick and punt returns
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
10:43 am
Bengals got a steal.
bama12titles
April 26th, 2009
10:51 am
Mark,
Any stats on just how good Peria Jerry is? I believe he led the conference if not the nation in tackles for losses by a D-lineman or at least by a D tackle and may have led the conference and or nation in sacks as a D-tackle.
As a Bama fan I toldl my brethren during the season last year just how much better I thought Jerry was then our own DT Terrence Cody. After watching him tear up our offensive line last year and the year before Bama fans pretty much knew about this guy.
I’m a Falcons fan too and I’m ecstatic over getting Jerry after watching him the last 2 years. I think this guy is an absolute beast, he will be an immediate impact player and I told my friends yesterday when the selection was made that I think Jerry will be all-pro in his 2nd year and will probably win some kind of defensive rookie award or defensive newcomer award, etc.
While I don’t fancy myself as a Mel Kiper type of draft expert I honestly don’t see how we could have done any better in meeting our needs then by getting Jerry.
Falcon228
April 26th, 2009
10:57 am
The talent this year isn’t what it was last year. The trades, the moves up, the moves down and I still don’t know what happened to the Cowboys at pick 51. When they gave us a look into their draft room they, (Phillips, JJ and JJ Jr.), looked like they were in Area 51 instead of pick 51. I know, I know they traded picks with Buffalo but those 3 looked like Larry, Moe and Curly Joe. Why did they even show up. The Falcons got 2 solid picks. But today is the day when a GM and Head Coach can show what they have done with their research. We won’t know until about mid-season how this draft went.
Jerry
April 26th, 2009
10:57 am
Mark,
didnt the falcons like that other usc linebacker kaluka maiava who has a third round grade
Jerry
April 26th, 2009
11:01 am
we need to trade up for dj moore
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:01 am
We have replaced all our missing starters by my estimation. Specifically, brooking via free agency. Boley lost his job last year. Moore for Lawyer if he beats out Decoud. Jerry for Grady. Now we can get a lot of value. I still would love another corner, but we have 2 starters. Thats why Asher makes a lot of sense. I get the feeling we are happy with our LB situation and don’t feel like we have to rush it. Be interesting to see when they get a o-lineman.
Part of me thinks we draft a receiver late.
Jerry
April 26th, 2009
11:02 am
trade up for dj moore
J-Mo
April 26th, 2009
11:06 am
I think they want DJ or Asher. If one of them goes … they’ll trade up to get the other.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:09 am
I dont see the falcons trading up at this point. They will take the best avalible pick on Defense.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:09 am
Duke Robinson would be hard to pass up. I am surprised Cook is still on the board. I think we are going to like this pick. The people we want seem to be falling.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:10 am
I agree Joe. The good thing is we got those higher picks for Laurent and could trade back down in those rounds to where we picking before. It might not cost more than a 5th round swap.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:11 am
The Lions pick a receiver!
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:12 am
What was the detail of that trade for Laurent? I dont remember the details.
J-Mo
April 26th, 2009
11:12 am
Let’s hope for that Tight-End run. You have to think the Eagles will take one of the Tight-Ends, and then Miami will NOT take a 3rd CB. That leaves only 5 teams ahead of us that might take DJ and / or Asher.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:14 am
Was OLB Malavia from USC suppose to be off the board by now?
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:17 am
We swapped our 5th round and 6th or 7th round pick with STL. Moved us up about 15 spots in each round.
I cant remember if it was the 6th or 7th, but the move in the 5th is what we could us. Or give up a 7th.
Doesn’t look like we need to.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:18 am
Here are the details:
http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/04/06/falcons_rams_trade.html
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
11:20 am
I would take asher allen over dj moore. moore is only 5″9 i think
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:21 am
What hurts Moore’s value for the Falcons is that we don’t need his return skills, which are great. I think Asher is a little better pure corner. I like DJ better overall.
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
11:22 am
Well, the Falcons pick soon. I am hoping for a OLB or a OL. I do not think Asher Allen should be the 3rd round pick. He’s small and not as fast as you would want for a 3rd round Corner. Chevis Jackson last year was a 3rd rounder for the Falcons with nearly the same measurables as Allen. Might as well use what we’ve got.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
11:23 am
what was asher pro day 40 speed?
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:23 am
If we are going to take a corner, I guess it should be DJ. It think Allen will be around in the fourth. I think they both measure at close to 5′9.