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
Whopper Dawg
January 27th, 2010
5:15 pm
First?
rhymes with smushschmortion
January 27th, 2010
5:15 pm
first
rhymes with smushschmortion
January 27th, 2010
5:16 pm
well done sir
WW
January 27th, 2010
5:16 pm
Mel Kiper Jr. is dumber than Mora.
Best CB available. Expect two CB to go down next season.
Do not let any of your CB go.
Herschel Talker
January 27th, 2010
5:18 pm
Who gives a crap who is first? Get a life.
Whopper Dawg
January 27th, 2010
5:18 pm
When you are hot, you are hot!!
Now, for my comments – Mark, I think the TD is counting on some fairly high value compensatory picks for losing Brookings and the CB. Do you think any could be as high as the second round? Brooking and the CB are and were both starters.
Whopper Dawg
January 27th, 2010
5:22 pm
Herschel Talker –
Since I am first, I do, and since you logged on and posted a comment only on who is first – YOU DO!!!
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
5:25 pm
Don’t know where the compensatory picks will fall, Whopper Dawg, but you’re right about Brooking and Domonique Foxworth being starters for their new teams.
And kudos on being first.
rhymes with smushschmortion
January 27th, 2010
5:26 pm
The falcons have to get a pass rushing DE opposite of John Abraham to get some pressure on the qb because VanGorder only blitzes about 30% of the time (20th in the league) and relies on pressuring the qb with 4 lineman. Maybe Biermann or Sidbury can keep developing into that player.. I hope Peria Jerry returning from injury and lining up with Babineaux will give us a solid interior capable of getting to qb’s. The Giants super bowl team a few years ago had it right with a
dominate defensive line that covered up the holes in the secondary.
ATL Fan
January 27th, 2010
5:29 pm
Mark, any ideas regarding whether the Falcons will trade down for additional picks?
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
5:30 pm
I don’t even think the Falcons will know about trading down for a while yet, ATL fan.
De' truth
January 27th, 2010
5:31 pm
I just don’t see how you can have a meaningful conversation about the draft when the Falcon’s position and number of picks is not known. But, what is known is that down at 19th or 20th who knows who will be available? So, take the best available regardless of the position he plays.
RomeDawg
January 27th, 2010
5:34 pm
I am worried Kindle is a pick based on potential and not results. He was a MONSTER player in high school but only slightly above average in college.
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
5:38 pm
I’m thinking a defensive end is a greater need than an outside linebacker, RomeDawg. But Thomas Dimitroff might think otherwise.
Sonny Clusters
January 27th, 2010
5:38 pm
We was in high-level meetings today and missed all the baseball blogging which is our favorite blogging of all.
David
January 27th, 2010
5:40 pm
Don’t forget we will get some compensatory picks with losses to Foxworth and Brooking.
extremus
January 27th, 2010
5:41 pm
We all know that the signing of Tony Gonzalez changed the landscape as far as last year’s draft was concerned for the Falcons. These seem like good picks if things stay the same personnel-wise between now and Draft Day, but there are simply so many glaring needs that we saw this past season, it’s hard to assume Dimitroff will stand pat for that long. Any ideas for possible trades or free agent signings which could potentially take these draft projetions back to the drawing board, Mr. Bradley?
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
5:42 pm
Well, Mr. Clusters, you’re free to catch up. Here’s something about John Smoltz perhaps rejoining his little buddy Jeff in New York.
SMITTYSTHEMAN
January 27th, 2010
5:42 pm
Mark — What if C.J. Spiller is still available? Surely you wouldn’t pass up a such a talent?
TXDawg
January 27th, 2010
5:42 pm
I’m getting closer and closer to first every day! Kindle…potential…no results?? Don’t you want a player continuing upward coming out of college? Or do you want someone who’s already maxed out?
Kindle is still a beast and he surely proved as much against Alabama in the MNC.
headmofo
January 27th, 2010
5:43 pm
Defensive End or Corner are our only options in the first round.
TD needs to try to trade down in the first round and pick up a second round player for us to round out our needs. If we are able to move down we can’t lose in this draft. After Haden none of the other corners have separated themselves from the pack. If we are unable to move down we will probably go after a big name Defensive End or Corner to help us win now.
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
5:45 pm
Is Spiller an upgrade on Jerious Norwood? Just asking, mind you.
THEproATL
January 27th, 2010
5:45 pm
I think there will be someone at 19th or 20th who can help the Falcons IMMEDIATELY!!! Some mock drafts have Taylor Mays from USC falling to the Falcons at that pick…In TD we trust!!!
WillieTaylor
January 27th, 2010
5:46 pm
Enter your comments here
David
January 27th, 2010
5:47 pm
I forgot about Boley and Grady Jackson. I would like to see us strengthen one of the three areas on defense. Let’s get strong at LB, DL, or secondary. Pick one and load up in that area. Right now none are a strength.
SMITTYSTHEMAN
January 27th, 2010
5:49 pm
He’s definitely an upgrade on Norwood. Norwood is so weak in the lower body that it doesn’t take much to bring him down. Just the opposite for Spiller. Can juke you out of your shoes or eun over you. Plus, a great return man.
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
5:49 pm
I’ve seen reports that Mays hasn’t been impressive at the Senior Bowl, THEproATL.
Paddy
January 27th, 2010
5:50 pm
Mel Kiper gets more out of this inexact science than any man alive. He is a great read but bugs the poop out of me on TV. Maybe if he changed that 60’s haircut or stopped to breath like most humans. Nonetheless, I like his stuff!
I like us to take a DE.
mowreck
January 27th, 2010
5:53 pm
Well, I hope the compensatory picks or at least one of them comes in the 2nd round.
Mitun
January 27th, 2010
5:54 pm
I think we should get Kindle or Patrick Robinson if avaliablewith the first round pick. I hope that we could get a second rounder through a trade maybe. for the 3rd rounder get Riley Cooper or Aaron Hernendez.
Stirg d'Nahsif
January 27th, 2010
5:54 pm
People, people, people! Step away from the desire of drafting a defensive end (unless Derrick Morgan is available to us; which I doubt). There’s not one defensive end, including Morgan, that will come out of college and make an impact as bonafide pass rusher. The key to a successful pass rush is a strong push up the middle. When an offensive line can double or triple team the defensive tackles, it allows the ends to rush on a one-on-one matchup. Abraham, Biermann, Sidbury and (sadly) Anderson are all (over)capable of doing what any rookie defensive end can do. Defensive End is one position that takes, at least, three years to develop. We have our defensive ends; We just need a push up the middle (I would suggest free agency, e.g., Vince Wilfork).
I say we aggressively go after Vince Wilfork and Richard Seymour (both recruited by Thomas D.). That would give us the most feared defensive line in all of football: Wilfork, Seymour, Abraham, Jerry, Babs, Sidbury, Biermann and Anderson. With that lineup, I don’t care who plays cornerback; Receivers would never see the ball, with that pass rush. Also, with that lineup, we can draft a true left tackle (move Baker to his natural position at right tackle) and go after late rounders, like Witherspoon or Norwood. Case closed.
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2010
5:56 pm
Mel’s an easy target, Paddy, probably because he has no sense of humor. But he knows the draft.
cosmos
January 27th, 2010
5:58 pm
If Spiller is available at 19 or 20 when the Falcons draft, then I would take him. Norwood is NOT durable. He spends a lot of time on the DL. Plus Spiller is a hard runner between the tackles. I also like the linebacker from Ala and the O tackle at Iowa or is it Iowa St.
Speark of Truth!!
January 27th, 2010
6:05 pm
The falcons have more holes than can be honestly filled in one draft…It they were smare that would trade there first round pick and attempt to add multiple picks in later rounds to help….
David
January 27th, 2010
6:09 pm
If there is a resolution to the collective bargaining agreement you won’t have to decide if Norwood is better because he will leave as an UFA. With Snelling showing that he can relieve Turner you need a change of pace back but I would not waste a high pick on that unless it was Spiller. Keep in mind this will be Turner’s third year and that will be his seventh albeit he is fresh from backing LT. Spiller also can return KO’s.
GT GRAD
January 27th, 2010
6:11 pm
We should get comp. picks for Foxworth, Boley and Grady. I expect one in the 3rd or 4th round and two in the 5th round.
We would have been eligible for a comp. pick for Brooking as well (it would have been the highest possible for the four players; probably a 2nd round pick) if the Falcons had not signed Peterson to replace Brooking………….NFL teams only get comp. picks if they lose productive players in free agency and do not replace them with comparable players during the free agency process. I think it was a mistake signing Peterson; I realize he made a few high profiles plays early in the season, but he is much slower than Brooking and he was not very productive throughout the entire season. The birds would have been better off in the long run playing the young linebackers on the roster and benefiting from the comp. pick for losing Brooking!!
Ross
January 27th, 2010
6:11 pm
I would make it a general principle to avoid people from Thug Tech (VT). I don’t care how skilled they are athletically, that program is character poison. Whoever they draft, character and smarts should be the highest priorities. Football hinges on intangibles and good character rises to the occasion more often than raw skill. There are plenty of excellent athletes who are also good young men, and smart.
UpperDeck4Life
January 27th, 2010
6:12 pm
Mark, what do you think are the chances the team takes Idaho guard Iupati in the first? 19 or 20 seems a little high, only because guards don’t get drafted high, but he seems like a prospect that can’t be passed up. McShay raves about him and says he is the best guard prospect in a couple of drafts. I know the bigger need is DE, but trading down to get a second to take a DE there and take Iupti in the mid 20s seems like a great move.
Benjamin
January 27th, 2010
6:19 pm
Having seen Eric Decker live (twice), and watched him on television several times more, I’d be somewhat surprised if the man is still on the board by the time our third round pick rolls around.
And, regardless of need, if we don’t draft him by that point, I’ll be disappointed.
Decker’s a beast.
wxwax
January 27th, 2010
6:32 pm
Just please, Thomas, don’t draft any more injury-prone players. The Falcons have their quota from lat year’s draft.
collegeballfan
January 27th, 2010
6:34 pm
I am thinking pass rushing defensive end. Nothing improves a defensive backfield like a good pass rush. And Abraham is getting on in years and there is no other pass rusher on the DL.
cdog
January 27th, 2010
6:34 pm
mark, whats your take on the falcons drafting a wide reciever first ? we need one opposite roddy white for the offense to be really explosive.
Ric Flair
January 27th, 2010
6:39 pm
“Ladies………….you can’t be first, but you can be next”
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 27th, 2010
6:39 pm
It’s a pain to not be able to flip back and forth between your column and Jeff’s because the Western Union pop-up blocks the drop down menu.
ASHEVILLE DAWG
January 27th, 2010
6:41 pm
If you saw the Falcons this past season, you know the defense needs lots of help. Your guess about de,cb, then offense lineman sounds about right to me. Spillers is next years’ Percy Harvin. Book it.
DZ
January 27th, 2010
6:46 pm
I don’t think Kiper saw too many Falcons games this past season. They need CB #1.
//
Sonny Clusters
January 27th, 2010
6:51 pm
When we read that about Smoltz going to New York with Jeff we was wondering if they will be roomies on the road and if Jeff is going to go bald like Smoltz. We was also thinking facing them both on the same day might be a real advantage for the Braves.
jellybeandawg
January 27th, 2010
6:51 pm
I don’t think the Falcons will be able help the defense from the draft because none of the available 19th defensive draft picks will be ready to start next year and they need IMMEDIATE help. They should look to shore up the defense through free agency and draft a backup for Norwood.
Keith
January 27th, 2010
6:58 pm
Count on it the Falcons will make a trade to get into the second round. Norwood will be the trade bait…We have to have another LB and CB in the 1st. and 2nd. rounds..
robertussen
January 27th, 2010
7:02 pm
dz its team d. the opposing qbs had all day to find a wr against the falcons. if they feel the pass rush it makes our cbs better. so i agree that de is our #1 need. and add another cb thorough free agency would be the way to go.
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.
Birdseed: January 28, 2010
January 28th, 2010
12:57 pm
[...] Bradley’s Buzz: Kiper prescribes a pass rush for the Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Am I the only one that thinks mock drafts at this point in the offseason are a bit ridiculous? I guess it doesn’t matter what I think since I’m obviously looking at them. [...]
What are you guys smoking?
January 28th, 2010
3:10 pm
ok, first of all, our DE’s and CB’s are not the problem. Our pass rush problem starts at the DT position. Because they don’t command any respect from the opposing line, our DE’s suffer. We need more beef in the middle plan and simple. Now i’m not saying that we should draft one in the first round but nether the less we need to upgrade. Do that and see how much better DE’s and secondary looks.
Tweets that mention Bradley's Buzz: Kiper prescribes a pass rush for the Falcons | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
January 28th, 2010
3:17 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley and Julie Mckee, tonya bell. tonya bell said: Bradley's Buzz: Kiper prescribes a pass rush for the Falcons: Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) Hes gonna be a b… http://bit.ly/9tlQBL [...]
hmmmm......
January 28th, 2010
5:53 pm
How about Rolle that guy from FSU?
Wildebeast
January 28th, 2010
7:41 pm
Chris Houston…hope to see him flippin’ burgers at Krystal!
TNT
January 28th, 2010
8:42 pm
Dexter Mccluster would be an absolute steal in the later rounds. guarantee you he runs chris johnson type time at the combine
Mike
January 28th, 2010
9:56 pm
To everyone screaming about drafting a CB or DE with the first pick, let me try and get a point across to you.
Pass rush is 60% of your pass defense (if not more). The Falcons were near the bottom of every pass rushing stat this season. I don’t care who the quarterback is, you give them 5-8 secs to find a reciever, and they will!! That takes care of the CB. DE’s take way too long to develope. Let’s face it, if we draft a DE, and he gets 1 sack, most Falcons fans will be calling for his release(”oh no, another Jamal Anderson”).
My solution: draft a true DT that will not be moved off the line and will require double teams to slow…Mt. Cody. This move does more than just stuff the run. It will give at least one DE a one-on-one situation, and who’s not to say that the 370lb beast doesn’t push those OL into the backfield?!?! What I noticed last year was obvious doubles on Abraham or Babs. With a 3rd-string-at-best DT starting most of the season and Anderson being himself, we didn’t stand a chance (granted, Bierman started some later on in the season).
The point is that we need to get the QB out of rhythm. Wether that means sacks, hurries, hits, whatever….he needs to have someone in his face. We have Williams, Douglas, and Jerry coming back and will be out from Vick’s contract, freeing up i think around 7 million in cap space (somewhere in that area?). Draft Cody, sign a top tier DT, i don’t care which. Bierman and Sidbury will be fine next season (remember, 3 years max). Owens and Grimes played great the last few games of the season, and with Houston, Williams, and Jackson i think we are fine there. Though an upgrade at CB wouldnt hurt my feelings, i just want a DT to be priority (draft DT, sign CB…sign DT, draft CB)
GHunt
January 29th, 2010
2:32 am
Mark, if we draft Spiller, Norwood is out. If we draft Dunlap frrom Florida, Jamal Anderson is as good as gone. Mount Cody solidifies the run defense and frees Abraham and other DL as he will have to be double and or triple teamed. No one else in the draft who will be available at 19/20 can have the immediate impact on the team as the previously mentioned players. Anybody out there who would not give up Norwood fror Spiller or JA for Dunlap? Mount Cody improves everbody on the DL and don’t forget he is an excellent backfield blocker on shortgage situation.
Bradley's Buzz: SI sees the Falcons taking a Boise cornerback | Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:46 am
[...] again: If I had to guess today — and I don’t, but I will anyway — I’d say the Falcons will take a defensive end in Round 1 and wait for Round 3 to snag a cornerback. But Thomas Dimitroff is known in the industry as a keen [...]
DJ
January 29th, 2010
7:54 am
After the Saints game I met 2 kids from Mississipi State here to see Jerious Norwood. They told me that their kid Anthony Dixon was even better as he broke most of JN’s records for the Bulldogs and was the top rusher in the SEC.
Spiller has a big heart but some questionable feet (as in injury prone). I don’t think he is worth a #1 just to be a backup to Turner and Snelling, especially when we need pass rush.
Take the speed linebacker in round 1; if we need a running back then put Mr. Dixon on your board for round 3 or a trade up.
PlanB
January 29th, 2010
11:25 am
Get the pass rush!!! I think AB is going to have to give up some big money to make this team good soon. Top notch DT, DE or CB. (2 of these 3). I think Biermann & Sidberry will be OK. Draft LB #1. With this, I like our depth. Getting last years injured players back and playing time & experience for Grimes, Owens, Nicholas, DeCoud, Sidberry, Biermann etal. really helped. We can get by with Norwood using him differently, screens, etc. I do think MS should question his coordinators as to whether they are using the best schemes & play calls best for the team.
Big Ray
January 30th, 2010
3:36 pm
I agree with the idea of adding a veteran cornerback. Unless a very special talent drops in our laps in the first round, I don’t see the point in drafting a guy who will likely not be able to take playing time away from Owens, Grimes, and maybe even Chevis Jackson.
Will Brian Williams still be around? I liked him, before he got hurt. I don’t know what Tye Hill’s deal is. And I’m tired of Chris Houston.
I can see us taking a pass-rusher in the first round. As in, I don’t know if it will be a DE or LB, or hybrid combo thereof. Either way, it will have to be an impact player. And I don’t see us getting one of those in the first round, that plays in the secondary.
It all starts with the pass rush, and that’s where I think TD will draft. Doesn’t mean it will be a DE, though.
Big Ray
January 30th, 2010
3:38 pm
I don’t recommend going after Vince Wilfork. He’s good, but he’s also a guy whining about money, and getting paid based on what he USED to do. I can see signing him being like the Redskins getting Albert Haynesworth. All that money, then poof, he was gone with injury.
Bradley's Buzz: Kiper prescribes a pass rush for the Falcons … | NFL Topics Blog
February 14th, 2010
10:55 pm
[...] unknown wrote a very interesting post today. Here’s a quick excerpt:Mark Bradley of the AJC notes that Mel Kiper of ESPN believes the Falcons will take a pass rusher high in the NFL draft. [...]