Bradley’s Buzz: SI sees the Falcons taking a Boise cornerback
Another day, another mock draft. This one comes from Don Banks of SI.com, and his is noteworthy because it doesn’t have the Falcons taking a pass rusher with the 19th overall pick. (Which, as noted previously, the Falcons don’t yet own — there’s a coin flip with Houston upcoming in February.)
No, Banks has the Falcons taking a cornerback. And not just any cornerback. A cornerback from Boise State. His name: Kyle Wilson. Banks’ rationale:
“The search for the draft’s No. 2-rated cornerback behind Florida’s Joe Haden at this week’s Senior Bowl turned up a surprising name, that of the former Bronco defensive back, Wilson. He has blanketed receivers on behalf of the North squad, and has made play after play on the ball. There’s no team that needs cornerback help more than Atlanta, and look for Wilson to continue to climb up teams’ draft boards.”
Cross-reference time: ESPN.com’s Scouts Inc. has Wilson ranked fourth among cornerbacks and 38th overall (link requires registration), which means he’d be a reach at No. 19. But both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay of the Worldwide Leader have commented favorably on Wilson this week, according to Chad Cripe of the Idaho Statesman.
And then there’s the RV factor. Reports Mike Herndon in the Mobile Press-Register:
“A blue-and-orange bus sat in the Ladd-Peebles Stadium parking lot as the North squad practiced Wednesday morning, bearing the name and larger-than-life likeness of Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson.
“Wilson[5-foot-10, 186 pounds], a native of Piscataway, N.J., said the bus is owned by his older brother, Jerry Wilson, a former player at Princeton.
” ‘He drove it to all my games this last year,’ said Wilson, who admitted to being surprised when he first saw the bus. ‘My brother goes all out for me. He’s my No. 1 supporter. He’s always there for me, whatever I need, any advice, any help. He just wanted to show support and he made it fun traveling to all my games this year for my family.’ “
I’ve mentioned it before, but here it is 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 judge of defensive backs, and he might just have been impressed by Wilson in Mobile this week.
And if Wilson’s workouts and the RV aren’t enough to turn heads, there’s always this Web site — Kdub1.com. It contains this admonition: “Receivers beware. Quarterbacks beware. Special teams’ defenses beware. [Wilson also returned kicks.] #1 is gunning for you.”
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133 comments Add your comment
Dr. Warren
January 29th, 2010
12:53 pm
There’s plenty, Sonny. We got a DQ on the walking street, Wujiang Lu, in our neighborhood. (Lu means street). Krispy-Kreme just opened up down the block. The Chinese think it’s too sweet, though. The Chinese don’t like sweet. I mean it when I say Green Tea Blizzards are their favorite.
http://shanghaiist.com/2005/08/22/dairy_queen.php
Sonny Clusters
January 29th, 2010
1:27 pm
Dr. Warren that was very interesting. We was disappointed that they don’t offer butterscotch for dipping even though we never order that. There is an ice storm coming (maybe) and we will be going out for milk and bread in a few minutes to beat the crowd. We may stop and get some Dilly Bars to go. They is another Warren that favors Dairy Queens and that is Warren Buffett. He liked DQ so much that he bought it. We did the same thing with the Pecan Clusters Mudslide but a green tea blizzard might be all right, too, with nuts and some whipped cream.
Declining UGA
January 29th, 2010
1:55 pm
Falcon41 – Sure that Falcon team was good but you fail to mention that was an era where any tall receiver (who was the guy for the Eagles that was like 6′5″ and had the record for most games with at least one catch in a row? Was it Carmichael?) was a very rare dude!!! Receivers were mostly 5′9″ and defensive backs were around the same size. How tall was Alfred Jenkins? Billy Whiteshoes Johnson? Today receivers are much taller and physical and thus CB’s probably need to be larger as well.
My main concern with selecting a CB from Boise would be his lack of weekly competition to prove his weekly motivation to play at a high level. He can go to a camp play hard for a short period of time and then simply fail in the NFL due to the weekly beating the body takes. BCS conferences generally play competition on a more regular basis than Boise and thus allow a better judgement on whether the player shows up to play on a weekly basis. Would love to see his 40 time and other skills at the combine to compare CB to CB. Doubt seriously he winds up as a first rounder but maybe mid to late 2nd round.
Pete
January 29th, 2010
1:56 pm
Way too early to predict what position or WHO the Falcons will select in round 1.
Free agency, trades, combine and player interviews are a VERY neccessary ingredient to the proccess. TD does not shoot from the hip or take shortcuts.
Dr. Warren
January 29th, 2010
1:58 pm
Green tea blizzards give you all the anti-oxidants you need to fight the Shanghai pollution, which equals Jeff’s rookie year batting average + the LA and Houston pollution index.
falcon
January 29th, 2010
2:03 pm
With the improved play by both Brent Grimes and Chris Owens, and the return of Brian Williams I don’t see the need of spending the 1st pick on a CB. I’m thinking DE or LB. I was glad to see Mike Smith comment very favorably a few weeks back on both Grimes and Owens.
Stirg d'Nahsif
January 29th, 2010
2:10 pm
Mr. baxter, do you really want to compare the defensive ends of this draft to the likes of “reggie white, claude humphry, ed too tall jones, deacon jones”?
Okay, I’ll play. Let’s start with Reggie White. Right after college, he signed with Memphis Showboats of the USFL and played two seasons. He then was signed by the Eagles, which made his third season playing professional ball. Even then, he didn’t go to the pro-bowl until a year later. That eliminates him from the equation.
Claude Humphrey was drafted in 1968 but didn’t go to the Pro-Bowl until 1970. That eliminates him from the equation.
Ed “Too Tall” Jones was selected for the Pro-Bowl in 1981 (first selection) but he was drafted in 1974. His first two-three years wasn’t significant. Let’s remove him from the equation.
Finally, you present Deacon Jones. He was drafted in 1961 and made his first Pro-Bowl appearance in 1964; and he was a member of the Fearsome Foursome. Even with that membership, he needed at least three years to master his craft.
So, we’re back to my theory. It takes a defensive end three plus years to master his craft. So why would we draft a defensive end and expect an immediate impact for this season. I can understand drafting for the future but we already have those players.
Try again.
Falcons73
January 29th, 2010
2:18 pm
Mark, I agree with you…last time I checked a DB can’t put pressure on the QB. Mediocre DB’s look great when the quarterback is laying on the ground.
West Coast Bias
January 29th, 2010
2:35 pm
Kyle Wilson is a fantastic football player who plays with an attitude and makes bigs plays every every game. Most of you fools that are knocking him don’t have a clue as to what you’re talking about because you’re passed out on your couches by the time Boise State plays on Saturday nights on the West Coast.
Falconz fan
January 29th, 2010
3:03 pm
Folks, please stop saying that they are OK with Grimes. People want to point to his INT when he jumped 3 feet high. Yeh, that was nice but if you watch the play, the receiver was wide open 5 yards behind him. It was only intercepted b/c of a poor throw. Also, the dude cannot tackle! I’m tired of seeing him stiff-armed to the ground b/c he’s 5 ft tall and has arms about 18 inches long! He’s a nickel back at best, period!
Steve
January 29th, 2010
3:16 pm
A tall CB who can cover is nice, but they are a RARITY. I would rather draft a short corner who we know can cover than a tall corner who we are rolling the dice on.
That being said, I agree with you MB. The Falcons need a pass rusher or a LB right now much more than they need a CB. ESPN is hating on the Falcons CB’s because they are no name guys, but they did pretty well last year considering we had absolutely no pass rush and our LB’s couldn’t cover a rock.
JB FALCON
January 29th, 2010
3:46 pm
I’ve read this whole blog and no has mentioned the rumor that Antonio Cromartie is wanting out of San Diego? Possible FA?
TheAntiMe
January 29th, 2010
4:22 pm
The Falcons don’t need another Mini-Me Cornerback, thank you. Let’s hope that whoever the Falcons draft at CB, in whatever round, measures up to at least 6 feet tall.
falcon
January 29th, 2010
5:43 pm
tell it to Mike Smith falconz fan. Since they put Grimes at RC he played well.
Hamad Meander
January 29th, 2010
7:02 pm
I personally don’t want to see the Falcons take ANY cornerback in the first round. It seems that position is a risky take in the first round. I would prefer a lower risk position – that is usually offensive line and linebacker. Being that we need a pass rush and defensive players, let’s go linebacker. I doubt Rolando McClain will be at #19, but Sergio Kindle might be. He might not be the best fit for our 4-3 defense though…..
I say TRADE DOWN. Don’t reach for the #38th guy with the 19th pick.
Marcus
January 29th, 2010
8:48 pm
MB
way back in the summer, Lindy’s ‘09 College Edition had Wilson rated as the No. 4 CB (behind UK’s T. Lindley, Cal’s SyQuan Thompson, and UFs Haden) and the 33rd rated SR draft prospect.
We shall see…
Answer me this …. contrary to our beliefs and observations on what the Falcon D is lacking, some other mocks (at least 2, and one of them was Kipers from last week) have us taking a 1st round LB
…. what is their rationale?
Mike in Savannah
January 29th, 2010
9:00 pm
Marcus, Mike Peterson, played well, but not great. And he’s in his mid-30’s. Stephen Nicolaus played well, but the Falcons need a long-term solution at either OLB position. Eric Norwood or Sean Weatherspoon would fit that need perfectly. IMO, I say go with Weatherspoon as he’s around the ball every play, a 3 year starter, he has a non-stop motor, and has not been injured in his collegiate career.
joswald
January 29th, 2010
9:26 pm
Need a defensive lineman to rush the passer then Owens and Grimes will be just fine with Chevis at the Nickle. Time for Houston to be dealt for a 2nd or 3rd rounder and get something out of the guy since he cannot defend a pass…Adios Houston…
Wes Bailey
January 29th, 2010
9:28 pm
I have’nt seen anything in print about this but I believe that the Falcons will attempt to sign Aaron Campman of the Packers if he is an UFA which I believe he is. He did not like playing in the 3 – 4 defense and he would look awfully good in Red & Black and he can rush the passer. Then the Birds could go after one of the better DB’s.
Mavericknroddy0284
January 29th, 2010
9:44 pm
OMG..Falcons fans…can we please stop making excuses for the terrible offense we witnessed this year…THE MAJOR INJURIES DIDNT START UNTIL WK 10 AGAINST CAROLINA (minus harry douglas)…that was when turner initially went down…minus the performance against San Fran they really underachieved…from turners fumbles, to matt ryans int’s, to jenkins just being one of the falcons most useless players..I don’t know about you all but I expected a lil more (which is why i spent my hard earned money on the NFL TICKET and numerous falcons jerseys)…i know we need to fix this defense but i honestly feel like we are a Great OTackle away from being a Dynamic offense. I say use the first round pick on that…then get Wilfork and Cromartie in FA..cmon Mr. Blank i know we got the money…show your fans that you truly want to win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gary baxter
January 29th, 2010
10:35 pm
ok i get it. only pro bowl players make an impact.
mars
January 30th, 2010
9:53 am
With J Anderson out of the way, we have Abraham, Bierman, Sidbury, and C. Davis @ DE. I’ll take ‘em. Corners were young and rusty, but with continued development accompanied by a pass rush and the impending return of Brian Williams they will be fine. Periah Jerry and Tommy Johnson could use a little help. Peterson should have another good year, but I cannot remember a time when Stephen Nicholas EVER lived up to the hype surrounding him. On offense, Running back is not a priority, even with my fantasy choice of moving Norwood to WR to replace M Jenkins when we show his sorry can the door. What we do need on offense is more, better linemen. Core of this unit are leftovers from the undersized clip-blockers of the failed Vick Era. With Gonzalez returning, it might be a good idea to have him mentoring a replacement in his golden years. I have flirted with the idea of Tebow as a hybrid H-Back style tight end, and like the possibilities. Long shot though. So, with the signing of my asst GM contract, I shall push for upgrading at OLB, OL, DL, and TE respectively. As for the rest, available talent shall dictate the decisions.
mars
January 30th, 2010
9:56 am
Thank you.
mars
January 30th, 2010
9:56 am
Next question, please.
In Dimitroff We Trust
January 30th, 2010
11:11 am
Why is it that we still hear whining about short cornerbacks ? What were the heights of the greatest ever cornerback(s) ? I just witnessed the 44 year curse of the Falcons get broke with a rookie GM, rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback. That “rookie” GM assembled these pieces and has already proven himself to me with picks like Sidbury, Owens, Lofton, Biermann, Matt Ryan, and yes… Brent Grimes (who led the team in INT’s and came on strong late in his ROOKIE season.
I am so glad we have the team at the top who have assembled a good foundation. I also give credit to Arthur Blank and even Rich McKay for finding Dimitroff and putting together this team.
The sky is the limit…
Doug
January 31st, 2010
1:32 am
Well, he sure stood out in the Senior Bowl…in other words, nobody threw the ball his way after the first couple of attempts. Only one short pass was completed on him and he wrapped up the receiver immediately and drove him into the ground. Same story in the Fiesta Bowl, though TCU paid early for even trying him with a pick and another knocked away. They avoided his side for the rest of the night. The guy is an ultra-competitive monster who plays an in-your face style. If the Falcons wait until round 2, he will be gone.
Tweets that mention Bradley's Buzz: SI sees the Falcons taking a Boise cornerback | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
January 31st, 2010
5:40 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley, Darryl Ledbetter. Darryl Ledbetter said: RT @MarkBradleyAJC: Could the Atlanta Falcons draft a cornerback from Boise State? SI.com says they could indeed. http://bit.ly/9rhA52 [...]
Tweets that mention Bradley's Buzz: SI sees the Falcons taking a Boise cornerback | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
January 31st, 2010
5:46 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley, Nick Stekovic, Hotlink Youth Club, Matt Cornelius, Darryl Ledbetter and others. Darryl Ledbetter said: RT @MarkBradleyAJC: Bradley’s Buzz: SI sees the Falcons taking a Boise cornerback http://bit.ly/aG9QHW [...]
Martell
January 31st, 2010
6:58 am
Deion Sanders was a freak of nature. He was at least a 6 foot corner that could change direction on a dime. He was a pure cover corner and the best at coverage. Most good to great corners average height will be at about 5′10″
Ivan
January 31st, 2010
10:33 am
O lineman or D lineman in the first please. The secondary can be improved with a FA pickup.
Bradley's Buzz: SI sees the Falcons taking a Boise cornerback … | NFL Topics Blog
February 16th, 2010
11:07 pm
[...] D. Orlando Ledbetter wrote a very interesting post today. Here’s a quick excerpt:Mark Bradley of the AJC reports that Don Banks of SI.com has the Falcons picking Kyle Wilson, a cornerback from Boise State, in his mock draft. [...]
Bradley's Buzz: Mel sees Tech's Bay Bay as a first-rounder | Mark Bradley
February 17th, 2010
8:49 pm
[...] Well, Mel sees their Round 1 pick the same way Don Banks of SI.com saw it a few weeks ago — Kyle Wilson, a cornerback from Boise State. Here’s Mel K. on K. Wilson: Wilson is another player who jumped at the Senior Bowl. [...]
Sporting News sees a Round 1 Tech windfall in its mock draft | Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
2:01 pm
[...] of Alabama (the projected pick in Todd McShay’s latest mock draft on ESPN.com) and not Kyle Wilson of Boise State (the choice of ESPN’s Mel Kiper and SI.com’s Don Banks). SN goes with Patrick Robinson [...]