Bradley’s Buzz: Kiper prescribes a pass rush for the Falcons
It’s Jan. 27. The NFL draft is April 22-24. (Yes, it’s three days this year, beginning with Round 1 on a Thursday night.) And Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN has already delivered not just a Rock 1 mock but possibilities for Rounds 2 and 3. (Link requires registration.) Mel, it’s fair to say, works hard at his job.
You probably know that Kiper has the Falcons taking Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle with the draft’s 19th pick. (Although it’s not yet clear if the Falcons will have the 19th pick. The NFL will flip a coin to decide next month.) You’re also doubtless aware the Falcons don’t hold a Round 2 pick this season, having dealt it to Kansas City for Tony Gonzalez. But here, courtesy of Mel Jr., are names to watch for the Falcons’ Round 3 pick, which is 73rd overall:
- Jason Worilds, defensive end, Virginia Tech.
- Dominique Franks, cornerback, Oklahoma.
- Syd’Quan Thompson, cornerback, California.
- Eric Decker, wide receiver, Minnesota.
- Darryl Washington, linebacker, TCU.
- Garrett Graham, tight end, Wisconsin.
And here we have Mel’s rationale:
“The Falcons tied for 26th in the NFL in sacks in 2009, so anybody that gives them some help in getting to the quarterback is a good thing. Kindle is probably undersized as a pure 4-3 DE, but he can help in pass-rushing situations. Kindle could also convert to an upright. I think the Falcons would be thrilled if a guy like Griffen fell to them at No. 19. They could also use help at CB, and I actually think they should add some depth at the WR position, because as Matt Ryan enters his third year he’ll be able to do more — and more talent at receiver, or even an apprentice to Tony Gonzalez, wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
Me, I’d look hardest at Franks and Thompson, the latter in particular. He’s ranked eighth among cornerbacks and 83rd on Scouts Inc.’s Top 100 (link requires registration). Washington is ranked fourth among inside linebackers and 73rd overall, but I can’t see the Falcons taking linebackers with their first two picks. That’s if we assume they take Kindle in Round 1, as per Kiper.
But I’m not sure they will. Ideally, the Falcons would take a defensive end in Round 1, a cornerback in Round 3 and then probably an offensive lineman in Round 4. (That’s me guessing, by the way.) And you could get away with drafting Kindle if you played a 3-4 because an outside linebacker in that set is a key pass rusher, but the Falcons deploy a 4-3 and don’t blitz overmuch.
Again, that’s me guessing. And I’ve got nearly three months to change my mind.
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114 comments Add your comment
Sonny Clusters
January 27th, 2010
7:05 pm
One more thing about Jeff . . . every team in the league knew how to pitch him when he was with the Braves but the Braves pitchers didn’t pitch him that way when they faced him and we was wondering why not? We would get him out like we used to. We’d bounce one and get a swinging strike. We’d throw one behind his back and get strike two, and then we’d rare back and throw one across the letters and watch him swing right through one for strike three. If we was facing Smoltz we’d lay back until he threw us one we could drive and we’d hit it over Jeff’s head.
tell it like it is
January 27th, 2010
7:18 pm
throw in the kitchen sink they need that to.
rainman
January 27th, 2010
7:25 pm
There’s no way Blank or TD would have the stones to get Wilfork, so might as well get the next best thing — Dan Williams from Tennessee.
He’s got the same body type and a good motor. Even with all the other needs on defense, it would be nice to have the interior of the D-line locked down once and for all. I’m tired of one injury screwing up the whole year.
Poor McKay
January 27th, 2010
7:29 pm
I can’t imagine that a CB drafted in the bottom third of the draft will produce more next year than some of the young guys we already have (I’m thinking mostly about Owens). Falcons need a VET to play CB, not more youth. Sign an above average CB in free agency and let Tim Lewis work some magic on Owens, Chevis and Grimes (but strictly as a nickel CB).
The McRib - why only for a limited time?
January 27th, 2010
7:51 pm
I hear Aundray Bruce’s son is available…
rms
January 27th, 2010
7:53 pm
Mark
Is there a way you can pull up the past mock draft in the past and see if these so-call experts were dead-on with their predicted picks?? whether its local media or national media or Mel Kiper or whomever. I just wanna know how close they really are to making draft predictions.
Greg
January 27th, 2010
7:58 pm
After Bierman & Sidbury (not to mention the ageing Abraham) do we really need another under-sized DE? Seems like nonsense to me. Go CB.
todd grantham
January 27th, 2010
8:00 pm
unfortunately the georgia florida basketball score reminds me of a football score 45-33
todd grantham
January 27th, 2010
8:06 pm
Mark, you listening to the game?
Mike in Savannah
January 27th, 2010
8:07 pm
Why would we draft another CB (he would be the 5th in the last 3 years)? We need to sign a veteran CB as proved by trying to draft and develop the last few. There will not be a DE rated high enough to draft at #19 and Kindle barely broke 100 takles total in his last two years as a starter at Texas. As Bradley said, we don’t need a DE/LB 3-4 hybrid. We do, however need a LB to backup Mike Peterson when he gets hurt (he’s not getting any younger) or replace Stephen Nicolaus (who?). Draft Sean Weatherspoon from Mizzou. He’s a beast and is always in the action. Played against some talented teams in the Big 12 and was never injured. We could also use an OL or DE, but good offensive lineman can be drafted in the later rounds and there aren’t any studs at DE that will be available at #19 or #20.
Harry
January 27th, 2010
8:22 pm
First of all…Compensatory picks starts from the end of 3rd round. Also, Brooking will count towards our compensatory picks because we signed Mike Peterson after July 1st. Mike Peterson signing will count towards next year.
According to TD on 680 the fan interview…we will have 3 Compensatory picks. 3rd, 4th and 5th or 3rd, 3rd and 5th. He also mentioned that a good DE could be found in 3rd and 4th rounds.
I am not sure what he is indicating towards. I personally feel …..he is leaning towards a CB if a right player falls to us at 19th or 20th. Mcshay talked about Brandon Graham, Perrish Cox are his top picks for Falcons in 1st Round.
Mike in Savannah
January 27th, 2010
8:31 pm
We do not need another young CB that we have to develop. We need one that can play right and be good right away, i.e. a veteran CB.
Supes
January 27th, 2010
8:57 pm
I trust that TD will find a way to get into that 2nd round and draft a quality player there, it’s a very deep draft in the first 2 rounds, I can’t see the Falcons only having a 1st round pick and not picking again until the 3rd. There will be trades made.
GHunt
January 27th, 2010
9:14 pm
A tremendous pass rush will solve our defensive promblems. A healthy William Moore and Bryan Wlliams will greatly enhance the secondary. We need to draft Mount Cody or Dunlap with the 1st pick. The only other choice that would offset this thinking would be if C J Spiller fell to us.
jojo
January 27th, 2010
9:20 pm
Don’t overlook DE Corey Wootton out of Northwestern. Tall rangy and a great pass rusher. He could be there at 19 or 20.
SHill
January 27th, 2010
9:22 pm
Mark
It seems likely that the Falcons will end up with a First, 2 Thirds, 2 Fourths, 2 Fifths, a Sixth and a Seventh round pick. Based on the point system, it is unlikely that you could or would package later round picks to move up to the second round. It would simply take too many picks to move up. It seems like it will take a trade to get into the second round. Do you think there is any trade value for Jenkins, Norwood or Anderson?
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
9:44 pm
Not much, SHill. Maybe Norwood and Jenkins.
Sonny Clusters
January 27th, 2010
9:49 pm
Obama is a White Sox fan.
GHunt
January 27th, 2010
9:55 pm
Spiller is the # 1 RB in this draft. Mount Cody is the # 1 NT and Dunlap has more upside than Morgan. The only shut down corner in this draft is believed to be Hayden. Will he be there when the Falcons pick? I don’t think so. Let draft an impact player, not a project with the first pick. If none of the four mentioned players are available to us, then we should consider moving back later in the round and pick up additional pick(s).
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
January 27th, 2010
10:07 pm
A DL with the first 3 picks wouldn’t hurt my feelings. Mark, you think Chuck Norris would try football now that all the pansies won’t pay to see him in a movie anymore.
Reid Adair
January 27th, 2010
10:18 pm
I would agree with your order, Mark. Go defensive end in the first round, cornerback in the third round and offensive line in the fourth. I am also not certain that Sergio Kindle would be a defensive end with the Falcons’ 4-3 scheme as easily as Kiper believes he would.
The Grinch
January 27th, 2010
10:37 pm
For everyone recommending Vince Wilfork, have you read his comments about his contract today? That arrogant moron needs to be as far from this team as humanly possible.
Mark, I don’t know that Spiller is much better than Norwood overall, but he does run between the tackles better and since that’s all our vaunted OC will do with Norwood then yes, he’s a better fit. A 5 year old can see that Brent Grimes can arm tackle Norwood; why is he not used in space where he can be effective? I just don’t understand. Dan Reeves used to do the same thing with Dunn, though to Dunn’s credit he did try hard.
chris
January 27th, 2010
10:47 pm
We need a TE in the first round to backup Tony Gonzalez, Trade Norwood for round 2 and draft the DE from Old Miss and Jenkins for a round 3 and draft the WR from Georgia Tech.
chris
January 27th, 2010
10:50 pm
Mick Vick needs to be back in the ATL he can backup Matt
Mike in Savannah
January 27th, 2010
10:50 pm
Corey Wooten from Northwestern was not the same player he was last year before his injury. And he didn’t play against top tier talent week after week either. He finished the season with a whooping 21 tackles.
JabboRockefeller
January 27th, 2010
10:59 pm
I think Jenkins would bring a fair amount in a trade. He has plenty of NFL experience, still young, great size, nice blocking ability, gets open. His hands are his only weakness, but I’m sure there are teams who believe THEIR receivers coach could straighten out a guy with the dropsies… He’s got it ALL but the hands at this point…
JabboRockefeller
January 27th, 2010
11:05 pm
Oh, the only thing Norwood and Anderson would bring in a trade proposition, is laughter.. Norwood, WAYYY to injury prone, and had a lousy year to boot. Anderson, well, LMFAO…
LJ
January 27th, 2010
11:41 pm
@JabboRockefeller,
Perhaps Anderson should start cashing in on the fact that he looks like he could easily win a Ludacris look-a-like contest!
Singletary
January 27th, 2010
11:51 pm
Hmmmm, lemme see. There don’t seem to be many CBs in the draft that are 6′0″ or taller. What? Do they all elect to be WRs if they have hand skills, too? (I’m sure the pay & glory is better.) DEs that aren’t big enough; no TEs-in-waiting?. Dr. Fish better see if he can keep all our 09 newbies off the injury list. How is TD ever going to find diamonds in the rough? Oh, right, he’s TD.
myra
January 27th, 2010
11:54 pm
ooooohh LJ now that waz funnnnny!!!!!!!
Dead ringer.
myra
January 27th, 2010
11:55 pm
I knew id seen that face b 4
myra
January 28th, 2010
12:08 am
We need DE,CB, one new wide rec,a new running back,and a TE. We absolutely need a better #2 WR. Jenkins reminds me of Roy Williams on the cowpokes. Just a wallflower.
What about the running back from Ole Miss? He looks like a tough lil dude.
I hope we wait on TE so we can get Luke Stocker (TN)in 2011. Hes gonna be a beast.
Finally we just need somebody who dont get hurt.
Can u get a full body scan on a playa @ combine or sumpin like dat?
GHunt
January 28th, 2010
12:38 am
Mike, what about Dan Williams of Tennessee? Pass rush, pass rush! Can;t say that enough,OK.
Mark Bradley
January 28th, 2010
12:58 am
Spiller is a terrific player, without a doubt. But I’m sure, Mr. Grinch, you’ll remember how much money the Falcons once invested in a backfield containing Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett. (So much that Duckett was traded ahead of his free-agent season.) Do you want to put even more money into an offense that was already eating up 65 percent of the payroll last season?
Mike in Savannah
January 28th, 2010
1:32 am
GHunt, Dan Williams is great player, but another DT? How many do we need?
myra, Andre Dixon from Ole Miss looks good, too. But he’s another Turner, Snelling type. If we are going to draft another RB, he should be like Norwood was a few years ago… fast, agile, and a great receiver out of the backfield. Like C.J. Spiller from Clemson. But chances are, Spiller won’t be available at 19/20. Also, we won’t need another WR. We have one coming of the IR next year who is dynamic player in his own right… Harry Douglas.
Jeff
January 28th, 2010
2:56 am
C’mon people, use your heads! Do not EVER waste a first-round pick on an offensive lineman (or a D-lineman, for that matter, unless he is a SURE FIRE hall of famer!!!) You can get very, very good guards and tackles and D-linemen through FREE AGENCY. But top-tier DBs and receivers and RB are hard to come by unless you trade away a ton. So that being said, I say strengthen the D-line with a veteran FA signing (plus, remember, we’ll get Jerry back, so that’s just like a top draft pick coming in in 2010). Next, you see if there is a top DB like Taylor Mays at USC or some of the LBs and DBs at Alabama and get some of them.
I think we should trade down to lower first round to get some extra picks, then trust that TD knows what he’s doing. There are plenty of good offensive and defensive linemen available every year in FA, but how many game-changing safeties or corners or tailbacks or wideouts are there? Not many.
Remember, Tony Boselli was a “can’t miss” O-line prospect 15 years ago, and the Jags never won a Super Bowl even WITH him as an anchor. The Chiefs picked Glen Dorsey a couple of years ago, and he hasn’t helped their defense one bit. And Mario Williams to the Texans with the No. 1 overall pick? Sorry, the LB from USC (Cushing?) makes the difference on that D.
However, guys like Champ Bailey and Deion Sanders and Troy Polumalu etc. are hard to find… I say look for a guy who could become one of those.
All that being said, here is one fan’s wish list for the Falcons:
A couple of SOLID defensive guys that can be long-time starters, and unless they are the 2nd coming of Dwight Freeney, make them safeties are LBs or CBs.
A strong, smart, good-hands WR that can catch 80 balls a year so we can get rid of Jenkins. (And we should get Harry Douglas back from injury this year, too).
An RB like CJ Spiller who can spell Turner AND be a dangerous kick returner (he and Douglas both as options on special teams? I like that).
Remember, the OLD Falcons of past regimes would waste top-10 overall picks on offensive linemen or defensive linemen (Lincoln Kennedy, Bob Whitfield, Patrick Kerney, Aundray Bruce, Tony Casillas, Rick Bryan, Mike Pitts, etc.)… yet teams find guys just as good or better every year through FA. But when teams find a stud skill player (Marvin Harrison, Palumalu, Ronnie Lott, Darrell Green, Mel Blount, Michael Irvin, Rodney Harrison, John Lynch, etc.), those guys can be a starter for a decade, make a difference and win Super Bowls.)
Dboy
January 28th, 2010
3:22 am
I swear some of you guys don’t know football. Sidbury is not undersize and is going to be a pretty darn good DE. Trust that!! We need a CB. If Parish Cox is there take him quick! 6 1 190 corner that we need. I would love to have Spiller he wont be there when we pick. We can get a Joe McKnight in the 3rd round if he is there. When Turner got hurt we had no running game. Snelling is not a back up you want to fill in for a long period of time. Plus we need that change up guy. Norwood is too small in the legs and cant run between the tackles and is injury prone. We need to some how get into the second rd to be honest. Package Chris Houston & Jammal anderson and a future draft pick or something.
Rocky Road
January 28th, 2010
4:55 am
Get Taylor Mays or C.J. Spiller (if one of them are available) in the first round, if we get C.J. Spiller, then trade Norwood and Chris Houston possibly to San Diego for What’s his name???? Can’t remember the name but he wants out of San Diego, we need Free Agents on the defensive side of the ball, a person who can come in and make an impact IMMEDIATELY!!!!!
Bill
January 28th, 2010
7:22 am
Aren’t the Falcons supposed to get supplemental picks for losing those free agents last year? When and where will that shake out?
fanATicaL
January 28th, 2010
7:31 am
The name is Shawm Merrimen and a good FA pick.I like the Vince Wilfork and Julius Peppers, also.No CB’s, we have Owens and I think Tye Hill will come along with a full offseason in our Def.That will be our first round pick in our secondary.The CJ Spiller would be great for filling that void behind Turner.The question is how much are they willing to spend to make two steps closer to the SB. One team we beat that lost one game away from the SB.The other team beat us by 3points in the SB.Ending the season in the top 10 against the run.Puts us closer to the mark.Soooo many injuries we almost dont what team we have on the roster.Versus how they would play(chemistry) on the field.
willdave
January 28th, 2010
8:54 am
Mark, your guess is as good as anyone’s. My only advice to the Falcons would be do not waste a higher draft pick on any player who has had a history of frequent injuries. Injury-prone players tend to live up to that reputation when they get to Atlanta. (See Sam Baker, Peria Jerry, etc.)
Mark Bradley
January 28th, 2010
9:14 am
If we can fault Thomas Dimitroff for anything, willdave, it’s for drafting guys with a history of injury. William Moore falls into that category, too.
Bill
January 28th, 2010
9:34 am
Wow these comments are all over the map.
First – all these folks that say trade Norwood for a Second round pick – would you give a second for him? If so, wh draft a Spiller when you have Norwood? (Personally, I like Spiller, I just do not think we get a second for him).
Second – I concur with a previous comment – you are not going to find an impact DE at the 19th spot – It takes time – is there a DE at 19 that is going to come in and play better than Davis or Bierman – two guys that now have a few years in the league, a few more years of NFL coaching, know our system et al? Not at 19.
19 is a great spot for a O-lineman. We need another tackle and give Ryan some time to get the ball to the playmakers – this helps the defense as well.
Agree with other posts – a FE defensive tackle – we need the depth – Seymore would be great – also, a push in the middle will add to our DE sacks.
My hope – trade down from 19 for a late 1 and late 2 – if Spiller is then still on the board, I take him, if not I grap an O-lineman. Maybe I can get a 3 or 4 for Norwood. For the late second – a linebacker – again we need depth, and a long term replacement for Peterson
After that – go for best player available
Nick H
January 28th, 2010
9:43 am
Falcons need to take Parrish Cox. A nice sized CB from Okl.St. who shut down AJ Green. He has also spent plenty of time working against Dez Bryant so he is no stranger to covering NFL talent.
Blog Fan
January 28th, 2010
9:50 am
Just wanted to give everyone in here a BIG Thank you!! I look forward to reading this blog everyday. I have know idea how ya’ll get all the information you post, but I know you all work hard and do your research. This blog keeps the Falcons alive all year and makes the draft and preseason interesting to watch Thanks again!!
humble(1)
January 28th, 2010
11:05 am
I think we should trade down a few spots and maybe pick up another 3rd rounder and then possibly select Javier Arenas. He would fill two needs in one fell swoop. A CB and a KR. Weems did OK last year but to have a top notch KR is such a game changer. He is also an above average CB and can hopefully be developed into a quality starter. He is a little small at 5′9″ but he has good coverage skills.
humble(1)
January 28th, 2010
11:15 am
Norwood is gone. I believe he is a RFA. And for all of the people wanting Spiller you are nuts. Did you not watch the second half of the season? Jason Snelling is more than a serviceable back up. We have our feature runner in Turner. Ther is no way we spend late first or early second round money on another RB that is in the same mold as Norwood.
We also will not draft a Safety early as we took William Moore in the 2nd last year. He is our future at the safety spot, and the same goes for a DT with Peria Jerry coming back. Hopefully both can stay healthy enough to be big time contributors. LB, CB, DE or OL will be our first pick no matter where we draft.
Of course all of this depends on what we do in FA. A guy like Leigh Bodden would be a great fit at CB. Although the FA class this year is going to be kind of weak if the CBA doesn’t get done because it will lengthen the RFA contract terms allowing teams to match any offer.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
January 28th, 2010
11:20 am
Free agency is where the Falcons need to concentrate. Available are Jaamal Brown (OT – let Clabo move on), Jahri Evans (Guard – let Dahl move on), and on defense there is Antoine Bethea, Dunta Robinson (CB), and Oshi Atogue. Sign these guys for at least 3 years -Super Bowl contenders we have been waiting for. Then trade all the current draft choices for future draft choices to keep the salary cap down.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
January 28th, 2010
11:26 am
Taylor Mays is not quick enough to play Safety in the NFL – will be moved to LB after this is realized. Falcons don’t need another Jamaal Andereson type project who may be decent 3-4 years down the road and then go FA to another team. We someone now, ready to go.
Ivan
January 28th, 2010
12:34 pm
Drafting defensive line in the first round won’t hurt my feelings one bit.