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.
Blake
April 26th, 2009
11:24 am
Asher ran a 4.3 at his pro day. He has speed
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:25 am
They are real high on Nicholas and he’s big an physical. Not sure they take OLB because of that. There is a lot of value still on this board. If Duke is there, then it gets tough.
Jerry
April 26th, 2009
11:28 am
dang!!!!!!!! asher to vikings
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:28 am
Asher is younger too and didn’t have that extra year that would have really helped him develop into a better corner than DJ. Asher’s biggest positive is his physical nature. DJ has that “it” factor where good things happen around him.
Either way we will be happy and they can battle Von and Chevis for Nickel.
J-Mo
April 26th, 2009
11:29 am
OK, Asher is gone … I say trade picks with Miami and switch in a future round with Miami and / or give up a 7th round pick. Let’s go get DJ.
NH
April 26th, 2009
11:29 am
Doesn’t DJ also return kicks?
mark
April 26th, 2009
11:29 am
with what has been happening with the falcons the last 15 months, and all good may i add. i am the most happiest for our owner mr. blanks, we have an owner that truly want to win. along the way there were trip up’s. but they were with the intention on having a winner in the atl, so with that said, we still have a way to go. i beiieve there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. mr.blanks you got it right. again i am truly happy for you. go falcons. i see a super bowl win in our near future
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:29 am
Now it gets real interesting. Wonder if they are considering Jared Cook at all. This feels like offensive line.
Grimes has started and Houston came on a bit. They may feel okay there with Hutchins coming back.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
11:30 am
asher drafted grrr
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:30 am
DJ is a really good returner, but we have Harry Douglas.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:32 am
Were not going to trade up, still to much talent, and we can let it fall in our laps.
J-Mo
April 26th, 2009
11:33 am
New England has also already taken a CB (Butler), and I think Baltimore has already addressed their secondary needs in the offseason through free agency. HOPEFULLY, DJ lands to us. Just hope some other team doesn’t trade up to take him.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:35 am
To me a CB or OLB makes sense here. Nichoals only figures in one of the OLB positions, and no offense to Wire, but he just isnt a starter in my books.
1eyedJack
April 26th, 2009
11:36 am
look for the falcons to take the USC linebacker.
J-Mo
April 26th, 2009
11:37 am
Why is everyone taking DBs NOT named DJ Moore? One more pick than we’re up. I trust whatever T.D. does.
Jerry
April 26th, 2009
11:37 am
its going to be the usc linebacker, dj, or duke
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:37 am
Coy used to be a safety so he’s small. That’s the biggest problem I see. Which OLB do you take here though? Can you not get the same basic player in the 4th? Peterson provides coverage. We definitely need another OLB.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:37 am
crap. pick traded
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
11:37 am
uh oh trade
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:39 am
Guess we will never know if the Falcons were going to surprise us by taking Cook. Here we go.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:39 am
Weeeewwww.. They took Cook. We can get Malavia or Moore here.
J-Mo
April 26th, 2009
11:39 am
If we don’t take DJ … there’s definitely a reason the Falcons and everyone else is not picking him.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
11:41 am
wow
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:42 am
Hahahaha. Well. We took a CB. Maybe ESPN will talk about someone who wasnt taken yesterday today.
J-Mo
April 26th, 2009
11:42 am
Wow … yep … DJ must have some issues.
Jerry
April 26th, 2009
11:42 am
what?
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:42 am
Damn, They took Ownens from San Jose state. Wow, something is up with DJ. Maybe a one hit wonder.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:44 am
So, no we can pick up a OLB in the 4th? What do you guys think?
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
11:45 am
owens
Combine Results:
40 Yard Dash : 4.51 seconds
Bench Press : 14.0 reps
Vertical Jump : 34.5 inches
Broad Jump : 110.0 inches
3 Cone Drill : 6.93 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle : 4.17 seconds
60 Yard Shuttle : 11.4 seconds
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:45 am
They have really dropped the ball on covering this Draft. This is awful.
Maybe TI will come out and tell me Who’s Next?
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
11:46 am
Yea we will pick up LBs next
water boy
April 26th, 2009
11:46 am
Wonder what M. Bradley thinks about this CB pick? Has anyone ever seen this kid play or heard anything about him?
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:47 am
I think we may trade up pretty soon. I wouldn’t mind going up and getting Duke. Then take the OLB in the 6th with the final pick.
NH
April 26th, 2009
11:47 am
I like the OLB pic next. Maybe Freeman from OSU will fall to us.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
11:49 am
Ahhh, the draft. It’s like Christmas in Spring. Sometimes you get an XBOX 360, sometimes you get a sweater vest and sometimes you get an XBOX 360 that works for a few years then gets arrested for dog fighting.
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
11:49 am
Arg – they picked a corner from San Diego State. With Duke Robinson, Marcus Freeman, and Herman Johnson on the board, I’m not thrilled.
Asher Allen’s combine number – 4.64 40 yard dash. He’s gone to the Vikes.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:50 am
Here is the combine video link on Ownes our new CB.
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80f34065
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
11:50 am
I like the SJSU kid. He’s physical and will support the run
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
11:51 am
i just entered owen stats
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
11:51 am
Everyone please get off the Marcus Freeman thing. There’s a reason he hasn’t been drafted yet
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
11:52 am
asher allen pro day 40 speed was much better then his combine 40
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
11:53 am
I guess the Falcons are planning on starting Coy Wire at weakside linebacker. Might not be a bad plan, as he is a converted RB/SS. He might be a little undersized, but can get to the ball carrier a bit faster than a converted DE.
drake
April 26th, 2009
11:54 am
Can someone tell Mel Kiper that he desperately needs a haircut? He’s starting to develop some sort of weird combed afro.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
11:55 am
Seahawks released Leroy Hill from his franchise tag. TD, go get him!
Hockey Biltong
April 26th, 2009
11:55 am
I wouldn’t be suprised if another big nose tackle is picked in this draft, after a backer is taken first. Someone to work in tandem with Peria or spell him.
J-Mo
April 26th, 2009
11:56 am
Someone mentioned it yesterday, and I’d love to see them go get Derrick Brooks for next year.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:57 am
Kid looks fluid. Thanks for the link, Joe.
They aren’t screwed LB-wise. They would start Nicholas Wire and Curtis. Then you have Peterson back up all 3 positions and let Gilbert play special teams. Not awful. Biggest question mark is who plays Nickel coverage. We are lacking cover skills.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
11:57 am
lol kiper do need a cut
drake
April 26th, 2009
11:58 am
“Has anyone ever seen this kid play or heard anything about him?” water boy
Yes, all of us huge San Jose State fans here on this blog.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
11:58 am
Brock I like your idea and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
11:59 am
I’ve seen the kid play. He’s a tough guy. I think y’all will be pleasantly surprised
water boy
April 26th, 2009
11:59 am
haha. just asking drake. you never know what SJS alums are living in the area and love the falcons…all one of them.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
11:59 am
If we have to use Wire, well fine, but I would rather have some one bigger. Also someone that can get around the Lineman that get to the LB level.
water boy
April 26th, 2009
12:00 pm
See Drake. Brock D is the one!
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
12:00 pm
uga_b: that will be $19.95 a month
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:01 pm
Couldn’t they get a bigger couch?
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
12:02 pm
HAHAA what a joke. ESPN is soooo lame. At least they have Bill Cosby. He is telling it like it is!
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
12:03 pm
lol@ bill cosby
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:03 pm
If we go big, I would like to go after Ricky Jean-Francois.
Where is the CNN hologram?
drake
April 26th, 2009
12:04 pm
haha, touche water boy
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:05 pm
I totally support the former comedian awkward interview where you wonder if he had been drinking.
Wingo noticed the couch too…ESPN here I come!
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
12:06 pm
couch was 2 small
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:07 pm
Corvey (Not Corey, Wingo) is a hard worker. I think Carolina will be pleased. Surprised Rashad was still there.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
12:07 pm
how many uga players been drafted?
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:08 pm
Stafford (1), Moreno (1), Massaquoi (2), and Irvin (3).
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
12:08 pm
4
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
12:09 pm
You missed Asher uga_b
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:10 pm
Okay, so 5. haha
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
12:13 pm
and a uga LB might get drafted. uconn and uga are owning this year
Bill in Dallas
April 26th, 2009
12:14 pm
I’m really disappointed we didn’t take D.J. Moore. This guy was early on projected as a first round pick. To get someone like that late third would have been just what we needed.
Now, let’s get Nic Harris in the 4th.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
12:14 pm
We’ve got two early 5th rd picks. I’d love to see TD package those and move up to the early 4th.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:15 pm
UGA’s Ellerbe will go in the Draft.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
12:17 pm
yea Ellerbe is his name
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:18 pm
I wonder if they are afraid DJ may not be able to play in a system. He was a playmaking freelancer.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
12:19 pm
I think Moore is too much like Houston.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:20 pm
I also think CJ Byrd will go by the 7th. And Jarius Wynn may be drafted so the Dawgs are doing well. Shame we didnt get more out of the talent.
I am all for a trade up.
Barkin'Dog
April 26th, 2009
12:20 pm
Check this link out for Chris Owens details, including a great video:
http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/cb/Christopher-Owens.php
PlusSizeModel
April 26th, 2009
12:26 pm
I’d just like to point out that schedule strength is overrated as any real factor. Stat geeks have run the numbers, (sorry, no links), and the effect on a team’s success based on their opponent’s records the previous year is negligible. If you stop and think about how today’s NFL fluctuates from year-to-year due to parity this makes sense.
Also, Mike Woodson is a horrible coach and this has been obvious for a long, long time. Game 3 was a textbook coaching disaster. The team has zero purpose.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:26 pm
Great link. Seems like a prototypical Dimitroff player.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:27 pm
I wonder if we end up taking Hermann Johnson. He’s got first round ability but there are questions about his work ethic. He’s going to be there for us.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
12:29 pm
It looks like what Brian Hoyer brings is a hot girlfriend.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
12:33 pm
Dallas has reached twice now. I love it! I wonder where all the Cowboy fans who crash this blog are today?
Mike
April 26th, 2009
12:40 pm
Moore is an outstanding pick at Safety. He will be All-Pro by his second year barring injury.
Supes
April 26th, 2009
12:40 pm
I think the falcons have dropped the ball so far with 3rd round pick. Never heard of the guy, he didn’t play major college ball. DJ Moore played ball in the SEC, arguably the most physical conference of college football around, and had to go up against some pretty darn good receivers with blazing speed.
We also didn’t draft ANY of the USC linebackers…Kaika was there for the taking. He would have been perfect for an OLB understudy and or starter depending on how he worked out. The guy was the most dominating of USC’s LB against Penn State in the RoseBowl, yes he’s a bit undersized but so what?
Still haven’t addressed the LB position, and please Mike Peterson is a band-aid, not a long term solution. We have 1 proven starter right now…Lofton. Nicholas and Wire are NOT starter every down LB material.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
12:41 pm
i think we will draft jarius wynn in the 6th or 7th round
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
12:44 pm
is anyone really sure what it is dimitroff and smith really look for in DB’s? so far I would say they are not concerned with size at the position otherwise I am struggling to figure what the guys they have used have in common and why we let the only good one we had in Foxworth get away
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
12:48 pm
I think falcons are trying to save up on money and just build players from the draft. thats why they didn’t pick up big name players in free agency or resign foxworth.(remember releasin vick will hurt our cap)
chuck
April 26th, 2009
12:48 pm
Darn dorell scott went to rams
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
12:48 pm
Supes, by that logic Jerry Rice(MVSU), Walter Payton(Jax St) and Andre Reed(Kutztown) must have all been terrible NFL players.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
12:48 pm
malcolm jenkins looks like D hall
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
12:49 pm
Dylan, Foxworth is no where near worth the money he got. That’s why he’s gone.
FalconFan
April 26th, 2009
12:51 pm
Foxworth was a salary cap casualty. I’m sure the Falcons would have loved to keep him, but not for the salary that he got.
The CB Owens that we just took is a little puzzling. He doesn’t seem like someone who could really be a starter but maybe they’re anticipating C.Jackson to move to the starter role and are drafting someone to be the nickel guy. Could we not have gotten someone like that later though?
jason
April 26th, 2009
12:52 pm
I don’t see how anyone can question the PROCESS of TD after last year. Supes, you pass should be pulled. Relax and enjoy.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
12:53 pm
Oh yeah, Supes, to further my point. Tim Couch and Heath Shuler played “major” college football, so I guess they’ll be in the Hall of Fame.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
12:54 pm
Brock I agree with that I do worry about our secondary again though we will have at least one unproven safety out there and have no true shutdown corner foxworth was as close as we came to one last year I still see no replacement.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
12:56 pm
Is Chauncey going to start at DE next season and if so where does that leave Anderson? does jerry truly solve all of the falcons line problems?
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
12:57 pm
Dylan, when you build a good D-line you can make any secondary better. Jerry should be an immediate impact in the Pass D. If he played the run better he would have been top 10.
FalconFan
April 26th, 2009
12:58 pm
They’ll let Davis and Anderson battle it out at DE. I still think they need someone to backup Abe that’s more productive but not really going to get anyone this late I don’t think.
I’d expect to LB and OT addressed in the near future.
If there was a space eating guy, ala Miller from Texas, still on the board that would be a decent pickup since the depth at the DT position is questionable.
falcongirl
April 26th, 2009
1:00 pm
I don’t get the Owens pick. CB is a need but based on player rankings it looked like he would have been available in later rounds. Not sure what TD is thinking but I didn’t get the Harry D pick last year either. Hope I’m wrong on this one too.
jason
April 26th, 2009
1:01 pm
Davis will play both spots, and anderson will back up Davis. A space eater in the middle would be nice. Our DTs while good and quick; we will need some beef.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:04 pm
I think depth al around is going to be a problem for the falcons between a young unproven secondary a thin LB core and a thin line with only one real pass rushing defensive end. then we are thin at O-line and RB. What happens to the falcons if turner gets hurt?
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:08 pm
Falcon Girl, player rankings had Ryan Leaf as the better QB over Peyton Manning.
Supes
April 26th, 2009
1:10 pm
Brock D, of course there are EXCEPTIONS. However, the percentages are in favor of the players coming from the big conferences, why argue with the statistics?
Jason, I’m trying to enjoy the process, and I do trust TD and CMS, but I also question some of these picks (or the ones that weren’t made). It’s what we do as passionate fans, we don’t just nod along and not wonder what could have been. It’s what blogging is all about.
Oh, and Michael Johnson went in the 3rd round…Should the Falcons have moved up to grab him? Maybe another draft mistake, is that they haven’t made any agressive moves to move up? Is it b/c they don’t “love” any of these players? Who knows.
water boy
April 26th, 2009
1:10 pm
Someone put Brock on ESPN rather than some of the clowns they have (T. McShay). You are making too much sense bro.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:10 pm
If we don’t draft an LB, I would bet dimes to donuts we try to sign Leroy Hill.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:11 pm
Brock the point falcongirl was making was that he could have gotten the same player lower in the draft according to the rankings you never know who will be the better player you just try to make the best value in the draft and wasnt peyton the better value for the colts then leaf was for the chargers?
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:12 pm
Thanks water boy, I guess I can use as a reference.
water boy
April 26th, 2009
1:13 pm
I am a GT fan and watch M. Johnson play for years. He is the type of player that SHOULD impact every down of every game, but he doesn’t. I would rather have a hard working, consistently productive player than a guy who COULD make plays but rarely does. I like Johnson and wish him the best but we already have a MJ on our roster…Anderson. Anyone really want another Anderson of DE?
Cuz
April 26th, 2009
1:15 pm
Seeing as how I am older than the Falcon franchise, I am real encouraged by the steps taken by Dimitriof and Coach Smith to build a winning program. All the years the Falcons spent roaming the wilderness appear to be over and the promised land seems just over the hill. Congradts on the staff for doing their homework for the trades and the draft. I look forward to seeing the newbies on the field during pre-season.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:16 pm
Dylan my point to falcongirl was that the “experts” player rankings are no where near an exact science. As for the Leaf/Manning thing that was exactly my point
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:16 pm
waterboy I couldnt agree more with that assessment MJ could be great in the nfl if he really buckles down and works hard but nothing in his peronality so far has made me believe he will do that. Anderson I still have some hope for he got screwed his first year in the nfl under a head coach that seemingly didnt know what he was doing nor care I think working under the new regime could really help him.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:19 pm
I think everybody is giving up way too early on JA as well. Let’s not forget he was a junior when he was drafted. He made strides last year and I think he will improve again this year.
water boy
April 26th, 2009
1:19 pm
Well Dylan, this is the year for Anderson to show his wares. If he continues to do next to nothing this year he should be released or moved way down the bench. I just can’t stand seeing him get stood up and locked down by one guy on a clear passing down. What would J. Abraham do with pressure from the other side too.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:19 pm
DJ Moore just went to Chicago
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:20 pm
so let me understand Brock you would have drafted tom brady 1st pick even knowing that noone else would take him till the 199th pick of the draft? I would rather take the guy as low as I can get him to get the best value in the draft when players are in the same tier of picks then the team has a decision to make but if you jump to take a player ala the raiders 2nd round pick even if the player turns into a stud that was a bad pick because they could have waited and paid the guy alot less having a better value for their cap and team this is how you succeed in all pro sports.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:21 pm
You’re not gettin it Dylan. You’re making my head hurt.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:22 pm
again waterboy couldnt agree more this is the season he has to show what kind of pro player he will be and we will be forced to make a decision.
water boy
April 26th, 2009
1:22 pm
By the way, CBS Sportsline had Owens ranked ahead of A. Allen (not that it means anything to me, I trust the Falcon’s scouts and TD)
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:25 pm
Amen water boy
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:25 pm
well isnt it on you to get your point across i am truly trying to understand I wouldnt ask questions otherwise. I think what you are trying to say is taht the experts draft boards arent the same as the teams. in other words Dimitroff made taht pick because he believed the player he wanted there wouldnt be around in the next round.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:29 pm
Thankyou Dylan, You got it. No GM in there right mind is using any of these online “expert” draft boards. That’s why they do it for a living.
falcongirl
April 26th, 2009
1:29 pm
Brock- I get your point and agree. Rankings are not an exact science (Ryan Leaf and Tom Brady being great examples). I’m not saying the guy doesn’t have talent…just seems like we could have picked him up in a later round and still been able to pick up other needed players who will not be there in later rounds.
I’m no expert…just didn’t see that one coming. We’ll see what happens next.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:29 pm
falcons could draft ellison an olb out of USC
jason
April 26th, 2009
1:29 pm
Supes not trying to offend. I don’t get some picks either. If I had my way ATL would draft predominately SEC, but Div 1 powerhouses all the way. But unfortunately, it don’t work that way, and I would quickly be out of a job.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
1:30 pm
hmmm
falcongirl
April 26th, 2009
1:30 pm
Dylan- Thanks for clarifying my point.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:30 pm
apparently TD is not happy at DE either
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:32 pm
no problem falcongirl I thought the same thing when that pick was made.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:32 pm
Sidbury is a stud. Love, love, love this pick. Granted he played 1-AA but he led his team to a national title and dominated in the title game. I saw film on him yesterday and I think he’s got big upside. He’ll be a project at first but that’s fin for a late 4th rounder.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:35 pm
I agree Brock he has abrahma type of potential not sure how he will be as a run stopper but his spin and club moves are good enough to get him some sacks right now
NH
April 26th, 2009
1:36 pm
Love Sidbury! Now lets try and give Matty Ice some more help and get Duke Robinson early in the 5th
f.i.l.a.
April 26th, 2009
1:37 pm
I love the sidbury pick..The kid is a beast 6″4 260+ and not to mention how fast he is..4.6 forty time!
Great pick
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:37 pm
Can we Get Marcus Freeman in rd 5?
Larry
April 26th, 2009
1:39 pm
Common denominator of Turner, Ryan, Gonzalez, and now Jerry: No earrings, braids or pony tails–just tough confident real men!
Thank God we didn’t draft Crabtree trying to mimic Deion Sanders’ jewelry or Cushing with his slicked back hair and his pony tail curled up in a bun.
Real men, real football!
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
1:40 pm
Oh boy – ok, now I am a bit concerned – is picking a DE for depth at DE, or will they try to convert him to outside linebacker. I was really hoping to see a true outside linebacker taken or a big offensive lineman like Duke Robinson or Herman Johnson.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:40 pm
so it takes a certain fashion to be a good NFL player? and I know I would have hated to draft the next deion sanders god that guy sucked!
mars
April 26th, 2009
1:45 pm
Goodbye, J Anderson!
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
1:46 pm
lmao
water boy
April 26th, 2009
1:47 pm
I am not the only one that is doubting J. Anderson’s skills. Looks like TD and CMS wanted a TRUE pass rusher too. If J. Anderson does somehow pan out, wow, we will have a helluva DL.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:48 pm
I’ve gotta believe the next pick is O-line or possibly Taylor from Michigan or both since we have 2 early 5ths
jason
April 26th, 2009
1:48 pm
Could you see anderson move to DT permently ?
Bangkapi Ajarn
April 26th, 2009
1:48 pm
Sidbury lo
oks great for passing downs, but what about the possibility of shifting J.Anderson to linebacker,use Sidbury more on the line??
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:49 pm
Bangkapi, I think it would be the other way around. If JA switches positions it’ll most likely be to DT
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:50 pm
Damn these compensatory picks!
jason
April 26th, 2009
1:51 pm
Sidbury, Anderson, Jerri, Abraham in passing situations… What do you think?
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:51 pm
How bout we trade JA for the philly corner that wants out
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
1:52 pm
Babineaux is a far better pass rusher than Anderson, Jason. For that matter so is Bierman
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:56 pm
anyone else a lil worried about the curse of 370 and micheal turner?
jason
April 26th, 2009
1:56 pm
Brock D, I guess Jamaal would be the odd man out at this point.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
1:58 pm
except that sidbury is unproven at the nfl level and isnt great against the run jamaal was very good against the run last year at this point they would at least alternate them according to situation and down.
jason
April 26th, 2009
2:00 pm
I’m just looking at DE. Abraham, Anderson, Davis, Sidbury, and Bierman. Anderson could rotate along the DL and provide a little depth at all positions.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
2:02 pm
That’s exactly right Dylan. JAnd on run downs and Sid on pass. Sid, Abe, Bab, Jerry on 3rd and long sounds pretty damn good
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
2:04 pm
Wow, great pick with Sidbury, the pass rush is going to be hard to beat. Now we just need to hope the DB’s are good enough in the pass and the only worry will be stopping the run
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:05 pm
yep throw in a blitzing linebacker and we should get some sacks
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:06 pm
another CB
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:06 pm
whoa another cb.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:07 pm
I have never heard of this guy. I dont really follow furman football though.
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
2:07 pm
Will Middleton, hows he? ESPN completely missed trhe pick even though they were talking about the Falcons when it happened.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
2:08 pm
Ok, they finally stumped me. Never heard of this kid but hey, I trust TD and hopefully this kid surprises us.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:08 pm
William Middleton is from atlanta
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:08 pm
he went to marist
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:10 pm
this is strange with munnerlynn and the harris’ still on the board seems like he could have waited on this one
falcongirl
April 26th, 2009
2:12 pm
Didn’t see that coming either…
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
2:12 pm
There was a Will Middleton who is graduating from Kell HS this year (recruited to SC). I’m pretty sure this isn’t the same guys though.
water boy
April 26th, 2009
2:13 pm
Mort just said the Falcons plan to use JA inside. Don’t know where he got that but that might make sense. He was good against the run but has no burst upfield in pass rush. Middleton is ranked as the 34th best CB on CBS Sportsline. He is 5-10, 193, 4.42 speed. Good stats but who knows how he will be as a pro.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:14 pm
pretty good draft though. if the falcons sign leroy hill man their offseason will be tops in nfl
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:16 pm
the falcons brass saw alot of him and his highlights I trust Dimitroff and Smith but I really think this was a reach he would have at least been around for their next pick. and we really need some more depth on the O-line.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:18 pm
Jamaal has slowly morphed into a 5-technique, but still without the starter skill set. Move him inside and run with a line more like the Giants.
This is where Thomas’s college scouting background comes in: picking up good depth from small colleges. Production over combine.
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
2:19 pm
Middleton’s Bio from Furman, can’t say its very impressive, but I’ll trust TD knows what he’s doing:
http://www.furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/middleton_william00.html
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:21 pm
And as far as “reaching” is concerned, i think the concept is stupid. Players cannot rise and fall. Its a one generation game. You take the players that fit your system where you pick and don’t worry about it. Trust your scouts. Trading is fun, but if you always make the right pick at your spot, you are the Steelers. I also like how the patriots do it. Stockpile picks for next year if no one excites you.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:21 pm
traddeeeeee
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
2:22 pm
We traded our 143 pick.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:22 pm
whoa we traded the pick
guess TD is trying fill more needs
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:23 pm
I like that Middleton was a captain.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:23 pm
uga I am gonna guess you dont play fantasy sports
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
2:24 pm
Anyone know the trade parameter with Dallas. I’m guessing we traded back to Rd 5 pick 20 to pick up an extra 6th.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:25 pm
I have. I always worked the free agency wire. You take who’s available. You give up a lot to trade.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:27 pm
falcons
Round 5, Pick 20 (156) (From Cowboys)
Round 6, Pick 3 (176) (From Rams)
Round 7, Pick 1 (210) (From Lions through Cowboys)
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:27 pm
I was refferring to reaching in the draft. in fantasy football it would be stupid to draft jason elam with your first pick no matter how good you thought he was this is reaching.
Sam
April 26th, 2009
2:28 pm
Second of two fifth round picks (143 overall) to Dallas for the 156th and 210th pick in the NFL Draft.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
2:28 pm
I see the move back to 20 in round 5, but do not see anything on nfl.com in the 6th round. Did they get a next year pick or a player?
falcongirl
April 26th, 2009
2:28 pm
Looks like we got the 1st pick in the 7th round
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
2:29 pm
thanks JJM
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:29 pm
side thought is it just me or is the think with your dipstick commercial annoying?
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:31 pm
Not to say I told you so, but … once the Tony Gonzalez trade was done, you had to think the Falcons would go defense, defense, defense, defense. And that’s what they’ve done: DT, S, CB, LB.
I’m guessing they’ll take a flier on an offensive lineman — a tackle — before today is done. With TE addressed, that seemed the only spot on offense they’d want to address.
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
2:31 pm
Did we not have a 7th round pick before?
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
2:31 pm
Use your dipstick…LOL! Yea I will use my dipstick to destroy that commercial. Yea it looks like they picked up that pick in the 7th.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
2:32 pm
I wouldn’t be disappointed with the TE out of Rice with one of the next picks. He’s a great athlete and he’d have a couple of years to apprentice under the best that ever played the position.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:32 pm
mark we drafted a LB?
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
2:33 pm
No we gave up 7th to denver for Foxworth.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
2:33 pm
GoldenLove, no we didnt have a 7th
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:33 pm
Sorry. Sidbury’s a DE, not an LB. I’m running a little slow today.
And another cornerback — William Middleton of Furman — in Round 5. Two picks to go.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
2:34 pm
Hes referring to Sidbury, JJM
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:34 pm
DT,S,CB,DE,CB
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
2:34 pm
C’mon MB, get with it, we expect more from you
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:35 pm
I think Jamaal Anderson is very close to becoming a full-time DT.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:36 pm
Dylan, reaching is taking Mario Williams and passing on Bush. Every reach is because your scouting department got it wrong. I understand the concept but the only thing that matters is where they are rated on your board. You take what works for your team and not Draft analysts with a million mocks.
If no one is worth the pick you trade out. If someone is worth it, you trade up. But taking the player you like best at your spot while others dont like him as much is irrelevant. If his grade is high enough to justify that round, take him and move on.
In your analogy, Elam would not have as high a grade as a QB. But to be fair, it depends on your league, maybe a kicker is worth a lot in your “scheme”.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
2:36 pm
Nic Harris is off the board
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
2:36 pm
Enter your comments here
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
2:37 pm
3 picks MB, you really must have not gotten much sleep last night
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:37 pm
I never seen jamaal play DT I don’t know how that would work out but if we do that does sidbury start?
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:38 pm
Sidbury is kind of a hybrid DE/LB. I still think they draft a WR in the 7th round. Just a hunch.
AD
April 26th, 2009
2:38 pm
Bradley, we have suprisingly not taken a LB yet unless you know something I don’t. I’d like to see us Go with OLB Marcus Freeman next and then go OT and maybe WR like Cosby or something in the 7th.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:39 pm
Sidbury looks like a steal. Scouts, Inc., has him the 49th-best player in the draft, and the Falcons got him with Pick No. 125. He had 11 1/2 sacks as a senior.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:40 pm
thats what I would do @ AD
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:40 pm
Biermann and Sidbury would battle for the 3rd DE spot and hopefully challenge Chauncey.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:42 pm
awwwwwwww i forgot about Biermann number 71 right? I like this guy I thought he played better then jamaal
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:43 pm
On the other hand, Middleton the CB didn’t even rate a full bio from Scouts, Inc., which had him the 49th-best CB available. But, seeing as how the Falcons used to train at Furman, I’m guessing they know a little something about him.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:45 pm
Dylan, are you really Trey Wingo???
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:46 pm
I saw middleton play in a high school game before
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:47 pm
As for Chris Owens, the Round 3 cornerback: Scouts, Inc. — sorry to keep invoking the name, but I’m determined to get my money’s worth from the $39.95 I had to pay — had him the 195th-best player available and the 24th-best CB. He’s short — 5-foot-9 3/4 — but fast.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:47 pm
Everyone played better than Jamaal…
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
2:47 pm
Ouch, I changed the channel to the Braves game for a second. I’m going back to the draft.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:48 pm
Mark, to help with our debate, what was Scout’s take on DJ Moore? He was still available.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:48 pm
Marcus Freeman was ranked the eighth-best LB in the draft, and he hasn’t gone. Don’t understand that one.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:49 pm
Watchout Eli!
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:49 pm
no I am not trey wingo but I do think you are wrong on waht a reach is its not drafting a guy in the first round at pick 5 that was ranked as an 11th its taking a guy in round 2 that was ranked as undrafted free agent
f.i.l.a.
April 26th, 2009
2:49 pm
yall might want 2 search william middleton on youtube..His highlights show he has a lot of potential..I truly believe that in a few years from now middleton will be remember as a 5th rnd steal
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:50 pm
I am with mark bradley on this one why is everyone so afraid of freeman?
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:51 pm
My argument is that Oaklands scouting department, Al Davis, is consistently awful.
Its about your grade on the player, but if you cant grade…maybe you “reach”
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:52 pm
Glad you asked, UGA B. (And thanks for hanging around.) Scouts, Inc., had D.J. Moore as the 38th-best player in the draft and the fifth-best CB. But he’s short, SInc. noted, and he ran slow 40s at the combo and Vandy’s pro day. And I’m sure the Falcons (and everyone else) saw how Georgia’s big receivers went over him in Athens last fall. (Though Moore redeemed himself later on. I covered that game.)
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
2:53 pm
sure scouting plays a part but dont you think gms use some logic to they know they shouldnt draft a project 5th rounder in the first round that would be a bad return on the pick its about saving money and getting the most out of every pick
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
2:54 pm
fila, you have a link tp the video? All I find when I search his name is Liposuction and Prince William.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:56 pm
We can agree to disagree. My argument was just assuming you can accurately value the player and if no one has a grade commiserate with pick’s salary, you do what NE did and trade it. But if you take the person you have graded highest, you tend to be successful by not overthinking it.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:58 pm
Just logged into TweetDeck. I’ll see if the next Falcons pick shows up.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
2:58 pm
what would yall grade the falcons draft so far? ill say a B
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
2:58 pm
There goes freeman. Snap.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
2:58 pm
Yeah, DJ had some consistency problems, but he made huge plays and got around the ball. The falcons really need help in the turnover department. And UGA was as good as they wanted to be some last year, and as bad as they wanted to be. But no shame in getting beat every once in awhile.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:59 pm
And Jasper Binkley, of whom there has been some discussion regarding the Falcons, just went to the Vikings at No. 150.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
2:59 pm
Yes. Freeman to the Bears, two picks ahead of Atlanta’s.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:00 pm
On another front, Lisa Salters is Tweeting from the Celtics-Bulls game.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:01 pm
Wait? Who drafted T.O.?
f.i.l.a.
April 26th, 2009
3:01 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ6OPlEQex4
if that doesnt work search william middleton 2008 highlights-furman
check it out and you will see the potential he has
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
3:03 pm
I am struggling to see how the Falcons were in a need situation for TWO cornerbacks. I am not struggling to see how there is still no depth at offensive tackle and offensive guard. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS NOW WITH THIS PICK!!!!
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
3:03 pm
Ellerbe maybe?
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:03 pm
F.I.L.A’s video has been removed…Dimitroff you scoundrel!
KC in Smyrna
April 26th, 2009
3:04 pm
I want Duke Robinson. Why is he still on the board. He could help solidify the interior OL.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:04 pm
There’s your tackle
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
3:04 pm
OT
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
3:04 pm
Well there is your depth Hamad.
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
3:05 pm
Garrett Reynolds, OT, NC
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:05 pm
OT Garrett Reynolds, NC.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
3:05 pm
Don’t know this kid either, but late rounds are for depth and we need it on the O-line. Kudos
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
3:05 pm
I tend to lean on draft evaluation looking at one calculation – weight. If the draftees don’t average over 250 lbs, then there isn’t enough beef. So I see we picked up a tackle. Thank you! I would have still preferred Duke Robinson.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:06 pm
Hamad, ask for Leroy Hill!
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
3:06 pm
man they got their big man on the line Reynolds is a monster 6′7″ and 300+ he could eat sam baker
Goldenglove002
April 26th, 2009
3:07 pm
Got another pick not so far away, maybe Ellerbe will still be there.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:08 pm
Per Scouts, Inc.: He’s 6-7, 309. He was the 25th-highest-rated OT and the 207th player overall. Average grade on run-blocking. Below-average on pass protection.
KC in Smyrna
April 26th, 2009
3:12 pm
I like the focus on Defense, but I would love to dip into the Offense again if Duke Robinson is still around in the 6th round. If not, grab another DT. Maybe one of the guys from GT Walker or Richards.
It is refreshing to see a professional draft room. None of this garbage talk of “athletic arrogance”? Remember those days. Thank God and Greyhound they are gone.
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
3:13 pm
Mark, I hope they coach him up some to protect Matt Ryan – I hate to see a ‘below average’ mark on Reynolds in pass protection. At least he won’t be starting on Matt’s blind side.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:13 pm
KC, and be thankful we didnt take a VaTech corner that is too slow and will move to safety…
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:16 pm
Don’t know why Duke Robinson hasn’t gone. I bet he doesn’t, either. (Second-best guard in the draft, according to you-know-who.)
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:17 pm
Falcons just Twittered that Peria Jerry has arrived in Arthur M. Blank’s private jet.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:18 pm
Didn’t we also have Duke in for interviews? Maybe we are working out a package to trade up.
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
3:20 pm
What are the falcons plans at OLB? I am surprised they haven’t addressed that yet
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:22 pm
Sorry. The Falcons’ Tweet referred to our story by Ms. Carroll Rogers on Jerry, who arrived in Flowery Branch at 2 a.m. (Not long after I left, as it happened.)
Here’s Ms. CR’s story on Jerry.
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
3:24 pm
I would guess again that the Falcons are satisfied with the following at linebacker: Coy Wire (Weakside) Curtis Lofton (Middle) and Mike Peterson (Strongside) with Stephen Nicholas backing up on strongside, and Robert James coming off IR to backup weakside…..
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
3:28 pm
And Duke goes to the Panthers. That kinda hurts. I hate to see that big boy and Jeff Otah like up together and maul an undersized defensive line like ours. Don’t get me wrong – I like our line ok, but those boys are BIG.
KC in Smyrna
April 26th, 2009
3:31 pm
Hamad, that is the worst possible team to get Duke. They have GREAT size and talent. I was hoping the Falcons could get Duke. I trust T.D. knows what he is doing.
joe
April 26th, 2009
3:31 pm
“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.”
All of our talent was on offense, not defense. Hence why we didn’t win it all. Of course Mark Bradley has already told us how Stafford sucks nuts and Detroit was stupid to draft him. So maybe we didn’t have the talent. Then again I doubt Mark Bradley could find his butth*le with a funnel.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:31 pm
An awful lot of folks have to have an awful lot of reservations about you for you to go 163rd overall. And I believe my little observation falls under the heading of “Duh.”
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:34 pm
Well. I thought we had a shot at Herman…no more.
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
3:35 pm
We still have a few positions to fill – we’ve got no one on the roster that is backing up Erik Coleman @ free safety. The McClure situation makes me wish we had a center, but I can’t find one left that really does anything for me.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:37 pm
Appropos of nothing, I just now realized that I’ve seen seven of the top 12 draftees play in person. Five of them I saw play in 2008.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:38 pm
Most safeties are being crosstrained to do both. I think Decoud could do it and we also have Fudge. Most teams don’t carry 5 safeties.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:39 pm
Lets go and get Ricky Jean-Francois
atmdog
April 26th, 2009
3:41 pm
Remember there are always players cut for different reasons during training camp and pre season. Falcons will pick up a couple of players to fill some holes in backup positions.
atmdog
April 26th, 2009
3:42 pm
Talk of MV7 back in the NFL will start soon…..
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
3:43 pm
How about the Kicker from Wake, Elam is no spring chicken
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
3:44 pm
True that most teams are looking for safeties that play both positions, but a 5′10 190 lb safety isn’t going to be ask to come up to the line of scrimmage for run support. You aren’t also going to find many of the bigger safeties capable of keeping up with the speedy slot receivers.
Hopefully, you have the guy that excels in playing over the corners for deep pass route support, and you have the guy who can cover the intermediate routes and come up to stuff the run. I think having two safeties that you think can do all of that is a little optimistic.
Most teams also don’t carry six corners either, so either a draft pick or an existing CB isn’t going to make the team.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:44 pm
Yes, there are, ATM. If I recall, both Foxworth and Fudge were training-camp arrivals.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
3:47 pm
Hamad, what about Bob Sanders?
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:47 pm
I like the Rickey Jean-Francois idea. DT from LSU. (I’ve seen him play, too!) He’s rated 98th in the draft, ninth at his position. Can’t have too many big linemen.
KC in Smyrna
April 26th, 2009
3:47 pm
I’m not worried about Safety. Many people are forgetting about Decoud. Also, the Falcons are looking to have as many as 4 compensatory picks next year. With the deals signed by Foxworth, Brooking, and Boley, we are in good shape to get free mid-round picks. I am guessing we get a couple of 4th round picks. I’m pulling for those guys to play well so we can continue our draft plan.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:48 pm
I think Irons may be gone. Only 3 corners are safe: houston, chevis, and owens. Grimes and Hutchins are pretty sure to make it. That means Middleton and Irons will battle this out.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:50 pm
Rickey disappeared sometimes, but he’s got talent. At this point in the draft, take the chance in case Lewis cant come fully back.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
3:51 pm
wow javon ringer just now getting picked
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
3:51 pm
Everyone in the NFL should be so lucky as to have a Bob Sanders. That dude is definitely not the norm. That dude is only 5-8, 206 and plays like 6-2, 220.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:52 pm
I will tell you that the Falcons don’t like guys who disappear, UGA B. What the word “process” was to 2008, the words “consistency” and “urgency” are to 2009.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:54 pm
I hear ya, but you can’t coach talent. What NE does is have the process motivate guys that need it.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
3:55 pm
I saw Javon Ringer against Georgia in the Capital One Bowl. I wasn’t impressed. Ran hard, but wasn’t fast.
Bill
April 26th, 2009
3:56 pm
We’re next!
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
3:57 pm
Zach Follett?
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
3:57 pm
Not sure the future for someone who averages 4.2 yds per carry in college. The myth is bigger than the player.
David
April 26th, 2009
4:00 pm
UGA- Check out this info on Ricky Jean-Francois: While a member of the Tigers football team, he was suspended by the NCAA for 12 months, had academic problems and angered his head coach for unflattering comments made about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow before the teams met in 2008.
Not sure I want him with that baggage.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
4:01 pm
Hooray, the Brian Hoyer obligatory hot girlfriend shot! Back to the Cos’…
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
4:02 pm
first miami player?
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
4:02 pm
Spencer Adkins, LB, Miami.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
4:03 pm
Yea that was I was going to say JJM, that is a rarity. We have an OLB now.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
4:03 pm
David, yeah he had a ways to go last year to get back in good graces. It was my understanding that he had done that, but those flaws are why he is available. I like the OLB pick.
Brock D
April 26th, 2009
4:03 pm
I just moved up to Athens from Miami. I went to most of the Canes games down there and I don’t know much about this guy. What I do know is UM is LB U
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
4:03 pm
who?
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
4:04 pm
Let’s throw out our 7th round pick on Brian Hoyer’s girlfriend. She certainly could be an immediate starter on our cheerleading squad.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
4:05 pm
I think that was the first miami player drafted
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
4:05 pm
Not even a full bio from Scouts, Inc., on Adkins, either. He’s ranked the 24th-best ILB. He’s 5-11, 230.
And I saw him play, too, though I don’t recall him. I saw him against Tech in that Thursday night blowout where Miami looked like the worst-coached team ever.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
4:07 pm
And with that, I’m going to get ready to go to Mass. Thanks again for hanging in, y’all. These last four days — since the Tony Gonzalez trade on — have been a blast. At least for me, and I hope for you.
KC in Smyrna
April 26th, 2009
4:09 pm
I trust TD, but this one is a head scratcher. That guy would have been available as a free agent. I was hoping for more BEEF on the DL. They must really think that Trey Lewis will make a full recovery.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2009
4:10 pm
Have a good one Mark
Dylan w/o the dead
April 26th, 2009
4:11 pm
i say Bradley should start using Hoyers gf pic instead of his it would bring alot more people to the blog
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
4:13 pm
KC – beef is m favorite word when looking at a draft class. I wonder too why no more linemen on both sides of the ball. I am under the school of thought that the closer to the line of scrimmage, the more impact on the season a guy can have. For example – if you are looking at needs at both DL and CB, and two equal guys are available, go closest to the line first.
Bill
April 26th, 2009
4:18 pm
Great story on Jerry and his mother by Ms. Rogers.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
4:20 pm
Maybe have her and Erin squeeze into the tiny couch and give us a scouting report.
Camperb
April 26th, 2009
4:21 pm
I was feeling good after the TG trade and day one results but today has me stumped. Haven’t heard a thing about Middleton or Adkins until now.
KC in Smyrna
April 26th, 2009
4:21 pm
ESPN on Adkins: Atkins lacks instincts and it’s going to take some major repetitions for him to catch on. He also has durability issues. However, he is a quick-twitched athlete who possesses above average range.
- Looks like a Special team player and possible cover LB.
Hockey Biltong
April 26th, 2009
4:42 pm
Look for pre season pick ups. Maybe pick an oversized DT then!
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
4:43 pm
We needed someone who could cover tight ends and I guess this kid can run.
David
April 26th, 2009
4:58 pm
I can’t get stats on Atkins at UM. He played high School in Naples, FL.
Here’s his college recruiting Bio for what it’d worth. The 25 sacks last two years stands out!!!
http://miami.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=26630
Attn Arm-chair GM's
April 26th, 2009
4:58 pm
Just because Kiper and Mayock didn’t have them in their mock draft, doesn’t mean they can’t play. I trust TD over any of those jokers. After the 3rd round, it’s about making sure a guy has to try to make your team. Undrafted FA’s can choose where they play, but these 4th-7th rounders are guys that our staff wants first crack at.
Joe Schmoe
April 26th, 2009
5:34 pm
Vance Walker, nice pick up at the end.
KC in Smyrna
April 26th, 2009
5:44 pm
Very good pickup. I’m happy now. (2) DT, (1) DE, (1) LB, (1) Safety, (2) CB, (1) large-frame RT. That is a called filling your needs. D@MN, I LOVE THIS NEW FRONT OFFICE!!!
Follow your system! Get good players and fill your needs.
Barry
April 26th, 2009
5:56 pm
Hey Y’all:
The “HEARTBEAT” is getting “STRONGER!! Can you hear it:THUMP1,THUMP2,THUMP3, and Tony Gonzalez!! NFL get ready for our Falcons to fight through the league for a championship. We ain’t playing. Y’all played with us enough. Now it is our turn to turn op trhe heat, and we are going to do it in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”. I can’t wait to see the offense flying, The defense crushing, the special teams doing things real “special”, and the comunity, the media and the
“THE ATLANTA FALCONS FANS” raising a ruckus in the Georgia Dome when teams come to “OUR HOUSE”. When the Falcons are on the road, our teams reputation as a nitty, gritty, nasty hitting, creative playing bunch will preced them before arriveing in those cities. Their hearts will be mush, but our FAlcons heart will be solid and coordinated performing in “kicking that butt” in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!” I antsy aand excited and can’t wait until the season starts that I am about to have a heart attack. But I won’t let that happen now because I am ready to go down with my Falcons in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” Can you hear it? THUMP! THUMP!! THUMP!!! THUMP!!!! ……. What a beautiful sound!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
…………………………”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!…………..
74Dawg
April 26th, 2009
5:57 pm
Day 2 a little confusing. Day 1 plus Tony G trade, maybe a homerun. But I second guessed Dimitroff last year and was wrong,so I will give him the benefit of the doubt this time.Still,I don’t recall any of our 4th round and later pics making the roster last year either. Am I forgetting someone? At least we aren’t throwing away late round pics on QBs from directional State U.
74Dawg
April 26th, 2009
6:00 pm
Enter your comments here
country boy
April 26th, 2009
6:16 pm
Well I guess we may be finished drafting players. I trust TD and Smitty but apparently they are more comfortable with our LB’s than I thought. Seemed like losing two starts left holes but I guess Wire and Nichols are ready. I knew Peterson & Lofton are solid.
Hamad Meander
April 26th, 2009
6:30 pm
Looks decent, but I was hoping for a few different picks. I would have loved to have seen a true outside linebacker and a offensive lineman that could play tackle or guard. I also was hoping for a center.
I am happy in that I believe we have two starters from the first two picks. That’s what you want.
Barry
April 26th, 2009
6:38 pm
Go Falcons!!!!
KC in Smyrna
April 26th, 2009
6:50 pm
9-10 of last year’s players made the squad. Only the TE from LSU was cut. Thomas Brown was winning the 3rd RB spot before his injury.
loch dhu
April 26th, 2009
7:40 pm
I am pretty sure that the front office had a plan when they let all those guys go. It wasn’t like they were jumping ship, I bet most would have stayed if there was a plce for them. As much as I hate to see Brookings, Milloy and the big guy go, but their time here was pretty much done. Thanks for the good work but we have to get younger. How can you whine when our defense was ranked where it was. There were some scarey moments last year with teams rallying in the last quarter. We were just a couple of plays away from a a few more wins. This is a great blue collar draft, and I can see these guys working hard for us for years to come. Go Birds
DGdDawg
April 26th, 2009
7:59 pm
can someone please tell me who is going to play linebacker???
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
8:21 pm
Back from Mass and dinner, in that order. I like Vance Walker a lot — good player, good guy. Ranked 17th in the draft, went 210th. Ranked 16th among DTs.
Here’s what Scouts, Inc., says: “Walker plays with a mean streak and is relentless at the point of attack. However, he needs major work on his technique and doesn’t move well laterally.”
Reid Adair
April 26th, 2009
8:43 pm
Mark, I’m certainly no expert, but I was pleased overall with the draft. Like you had mentioned previously, it was all defense – with the exception of an offensive tackle.
I was also happy to see the enthusiasm Peria Jerry expressed in his press conference today. He seems genuinely happy to be an Atlanta Falcon, and I think the team may have found its next Grady Jackson.
By the way, thanks for all of the time and hard work during the draft this weekend.
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
8:51 pm
Didn’t feel like work, Reid. It was too much fun for that. But thanks all the same.
Tyler
April 26th, 2009
8:54 pm
I think the Owens kid is going to be a real sleeper. I watched the video that kid is good at reading the reciever even though the competition will be much greater I think he can be a great corner. I love this draft every round of it.
NRBQ
April 26th, 2009
9:01 pm
Too late for a clever comeback?
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
9:03 pm
Not if you have one, NRBQ.
NRBQ
April 26th, 2009
9:07 pm
Ouch!
Didn’t you just leave church?
(Great job, BTW)
Mark Bradley
April 26th, 2009
9:15 pm
Sorry. I wasn’t trying to be smart-alecky. (Just comes naturally, I guess.)
Thanks, NRBQ. Don’t be a stranger, y’hear?
Edward
April 26th, 2009
9:30 pm
I have never been so proud of a franchise that I love so dearly. Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith have done an outstanding job in only 2 seasons at the helm. It is truly amazing what a football team in the NFL can do when they have these 4 major components, a good owner, good general manager, good head coach, and a good quarterback. The Falcons are certainly headed into a great direction and it feels even better when you’ve supported this team nearly all your life like I and so many others have.
uga_b
April 26th, 2009
10:06 pm
My next move would be to get CJ Byrd signed as an FA. He showed well at UGA’s pro day and would be a good special teamer. Local kid; good guy.
I like the depth and feel we got 2 starters on the first day.
tyler
April 26th, 2009
11:25 pm
A good draft in terms of our needs. I love the fact we focused on D in order to give Coach Smith the depth he desires on the def. side of the ball.
Maybe Sidbury can play OLB. I think training camp will have our def. coaches very excited. Time to coach up these young, fast, determined rookies ; it’s on our defensive coaching staff now.
BrianM
April 27th, 2009
7:34 am
Does P. Jerry need a nickname? I nominate Peria “John Coffee” Jerry. Great draft Falcons!