The Falcons have to take a cornerback, right? Er, maybe not
Brent Grimes makes a deft play -- overruled by penalty, alas. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Cornerback, cornerback, cornerback. Most every mock draft has the Falcons spending their first pick on one. Thomas Dimitroff, who’ll do the picking, went to a function Tuesday night and the conversation turned to … well, guess.
The speculation makes some sense. The Falcons couldn’t stop the pass last season — they were 28th-best in a 32-team league — and they’ll own either the draft’s 19th or 20th overall pick. (Depends on a coin flip with Houston, upcoming at this weekend’s combine in Indianapolis.) And the sight of the Falcons’ young defensive backs being undone in most every game is burned, so to speak, in every fan’s memory. That said …
Dimitroff has the reputation of being picky, pun intended, about cornerbacks. “I get a kick out of that,” he said Wednesday, meaning his professional image. But there’s truth therein. He played cornerback for the Guelph Gryphons . (Guelph is a university in Ontario.) He described himself thusly: “A feisty little guy who had to make up for my lack of ability. I played with my heart and soul.”
Something the not-very-talented cornerback has learned about cornerbacks in general: There aren’t many great ones. The prototypical “shutdown corner” is seen about as often as Sasquatch. The best corner in football cannot shadow a journeyman wideout for 15 seconds. And that’s why the Falcons’ young defenders — Brent Grimes, Chris Houston, Christopher Owens — might not have been as bad as they appeared. That’s also why in-house urgency to draft another cornerback mightn’t match peripheral expectation.
“I definitely would love to get a No. 1 [cornerback, meaning not quite a shutdown guy but someone who can take an opponent's best receiver and hold his own], an evolving No. 1,” Dimitroff said. “But generally speaking, we as teams are hesitant to crown a guy as a No. 1 until he’s proven.”
Example: Tye Hill, now a Falcon reserve. The Rams took him with the 15th pick of the 2006 draft. Three years later, St. Louis gave up on Hill traded him here, where he has made little impression.
Dimitroff, speaking not specifically of Hill but generally: “You’d hope a guy taken in the top 10 or 15 would become a No. 1.” Then, addressing this year’s first-round pick: “But if he’s a deuce [meaning a No. 2 cornerback], I would have no hesitation about pulling his tag off the board [and drafting him].”
Consensus holds that Florida’s Joe Haden is the best cornerback in this draft, but he figures to be gone by the time the Falcons choose. They’re expected to eyeball men like Alabama’s Kareem Jackson and Boise State’s Kyle Wilson and Oklahoma’s Dominique Franks and Oklahoma State’s Perrish Cox and Florida State’s Patrick Robinson at the combine, and there’s a chance Dimitroff could fall in love with one of them. There’s also a chance he won’t see any of them as Round 1 material.
Loading ...On the day he was introduced as the Falcons’ general manager, Dimitroff famously said: “Every draft is need-based.” But what do the Falcons need more — another young cornerback or a pass rusher who might render the incumbent young corners more formidable? And would there be a difference-making defensive end available at No. 19/20?
Something to consider: The Falcons would like to keep Brian Williams, the cornerback acquired from Jacksonville in preseason who started five games before hurting his knee. Williams is a free agent, and the team is monitoring his rehab. Would re-signing him mitigate the apparent Round 1 need for a DB?
Then there’s this: The Falcons’ defensive backs won’t be coached in 2010 by Emmitt Thomas, a holdover from previous administrations who was retained when Dimitroff and Arthur Blank hired Mike Smith as head coach. The team and E.T. parted ways in January. Tim Lewis is now the secondary coach. Don’t overlook that, either.
And one thing more: Last year’s No. 1 pick, defensive tackle Peria Jerry, was lost to a knee injury in September. Said Dimitroff: “That was a huge loss for us. [His presence as an inside rusher] would have affected production in the secondary.”
With so many variables, there can be no knowing what Dimitroff will do come April 22. The outside world fully expects the Falcons to take a cornerback. Me, I’m still thinking the feisty little GM might grab himself a big ol’ defensive end.
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119 comments Add your comment
Greg
February 24th, 2010
3:20 pm
Like others, I like Sidbury and Bierman, like their motors, etc., and they are good at rushing the QB; but they’re not the dominant big, strong type of DE who can take over a game and demand a double-team. We could really use one of that kind to link up with Perry next year. I don’t think we’re that deep at DE. Abe (who himself is on the small side) seems to have been figured out by most teams, or he’s getting older/slower, or I don’t know what. But I saw him handled a lot last year. We simply can’t count on him to become the Abe of ‘08. We have GOT to get a pass rush!!!
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
3:21 pm
That’s OK, Ricky. I wouldn’t bother reading anything I write myself.
JB
February 24th, 2010
3:30 pm
Whomever they draft #1, he must succeed. If Jamal Anderson had been another Abraham or Kerny Falcons would be contenders. Same is true for P. Jerry.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
3:31 pm
It’s a little early to lump Peria Jerry with Jamaal Anderson, JB. One has had ample chances to show what he can achieve. The other got hurt in Game 2.
SC Smith
February 24th, 2010
3:35 pm
We will be lucky to get anything for J.Anderson. But I think our DE’s are better than most believe. Kroy and Sidbury are gonna be fine. Corner would be great but I don’t know if we can get an upgrade in the first round where we pick. Just go for the best player availible. But as I’ve said before OLB is a big need area and Eric Norwood in the 2nd (if we can get one) or 3rd round. I watched him in almost every game for four years, he is a beast and would be an upgrade. He will start now.
Walker, Texas Ranger
February 24th, 2010
3:35 pm
There will not be a 1st round corner when the Falcons pick, take a DE or OLB
Walker, Texas Ranger
February 24th, 2010
3:38 pm
Our WOLB was rated about dead last, probably a need area. Hell come to think of it, I wouldn’t have my feelings hurt with any position drafted #1 except QB, they are all need areas
Ivan Vasilii Vladivostok, aka "Pasha dat a$$"
February 24th, 2010
3:41 pm
He described himself thusly: “A feisty little guy who had to make up for my lack of ability. I played with my heart and soul.”
And you’re a executive now, not a Pro Bowl CB; dont pick based on what you are, we need speed and swagger without all the whataboutmeimspecial attitude. Pour water on Champ Bailey and re-produce him like a Gremlin.
Trade up for picks, 5-7 round guys usually dont make the roster like FA or released guys anyway.
We are in a position to give away the back of the draft for 3-4 1st and 2nd rounders; DO IT, we may not have football past this year anyway.
LLOYD CHRISTMAS
February 24th, 2010
3:46 pm
We would have to give up a second and a forth pick in order to trade Anderson
I'm Gumby, dammit!!
February 24th, 2010
3:47 pm
Trust me. The king doesn’t want Jamaal.
Mave2124
February 24th, 2010
3:56 pm
I think DE or OLB would not be unexpected picks, but where we go will be clearer the 2nd week of March based on Free Agency movement. If we go get a CB, then it is a moot point. I also think we can get some good CBs in the 3rd Rd, like the kid out of Rutgers.
Winners know when to pull out, of the parking space
February 24th, 2010
3:56 pm
DL all the way!
ddawgdavis
February 24th, 2010
4:09 pm
Carlos Dunlap or Edwards from Michigan
Definitely Taylor Mays! We lost on Cushing and Matthews! I have to stick by my guns.
JawjuhBoy
February 24th, 2010
4:11 pm
DL or OLB 1st-rd
CB 3rd
Just read where a politician had an affair with his maw-n’-law. A truer Southerner has never been born. Jerry Springer should thank the Lawd he has us!
mountain_jim
February 24th, 2010
4:12 pm
I don’t understand why Oline is not considered a need. Our pass blocking was poor last year imho, and the run blocking was not nearly as good against elite defenses compared to he average defenses in 08.
Tailback U
February 24th, 2010
4:13 pm
I am ok with taking a corner if Dimitroff is that sold on a
guy because he knows his stuff when it comes to DBs.
But as to need two thoughts here, one is that while we anticipate
Beer Man and Sidbury are likley risers you simply can’t have
enough guys who can pressure a QB on the team and especially
with Abraham’s penchant for injuries. Second I still maintain
that the Weatherspoon kid is going to be the safest selection
available. While I tend to lean his direction at the moment
we might hear more in the days ahead about these guys to alter
our opinion.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
February 24th, 2010
4:21 pm
trade anderson to the raiders for a pick didn’t the raiders take Aundray Bruce ?
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
4:21 pm
Tailback U, as UGA B noted during last year’s draft, if Dimitroff took you to dinner and said, “Try the sea bass,” you should try the sea bass.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
4:22 pm
I don’t believe there’s a market for a guy who has 2 1/2 sacks in three full years, SOUTH GA. Not even with the Silver and Black.
teamguy
February 24th, 2010
4:31 pm
A request to the world: can we drop “plethora” from our collective vocabulary? Howard Cosell started that nonsense showing off on Monday night football. .it’s a stupid word. .just say a passle, or a bunch, or a heap. .raise your right hand and swear!
MSS
February 24th, 2010
4:37 pm
we have to really good young corners we need to draft a DE i would rather us sign a free agent CB then spend our 1st pick on another young corner
Skeptical Falcons Fan
February 24th, 2010
4:41 pm
Did Aundray Bruce have any illegitimate children we can now draft with our 1st Round Pick?
Falcon Fan 35
February 24th, 2010
4:51 pm
Not sure where to find the stats. How much more time did the falcons defense spend on the field compared to last year? Our rushing attack was dominant the year before… Which is perfect for the type of players we have on the defensive side of the ball. High energy, explosive undersized D-linemen. Offense was very inconsistent and the defense was on the field alot more. Lets get a dominant left tackle put baker at right and we could run on anyone.. sustain drives longer… keep defense fresh.. we could even put dahl at left guard clabo at right guard.. with mcclure clabo and dahl all right in the middle.. we would be nasty… let baker and dominant left tackle protect matty ice.
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
4:53 pm
Mark ,
Love this blog, helluva job.
I think you’re right – there is no first round talent at CB, so TD will pick either a DE or OLB. He’ll pick whichever has the best value, and as we know, some guys listed as DE in college can play OLB, though the transition is usually not seamless. A player at either position can put pressure on the QB, and we need to get younger (and better) at OLB anyway, before Peterson gets too old and becomes dramatically less effective like the Dearly Departed Who Shall Not Be Named Lest We Incur The Wrath of Crabapplejoe….
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
4:54 pm
Taylor Mays ticked everybody off at the Senior Bowl and played like crap. No thanks, keep it moving…
ET
February 24th, 2010
4:54 pm
I think I’ll stick with plethora… & why should I call K.C., has he lost his Sunshine band?
Rambover
February 24th, 2010
4:59 pm
Compensatory picks are announced by the league around March 31, give or take a day or two.
Stone Man
February 24th, 2010
5:07 pm
Just imagine,when we drafted Anderson at #8 a couple of years ago,Derrelle Revis was taken by the Jets at 14.
nativefalcon
February 24th, 2010
5:29 pm
Mark, I think we should get the best Linebacker we can get like spikes for petersens eventual replacement, or another CB. We need to get either Aaron Kampman or Kyle Van de bosch, or Julius Peppers as the DE upgrade. Kampman wants to leave GB and is a free agent and is hurt, but Brees was hurt and he turned out well after that. We need Bookend DEs, Peppers is way too expensive but Kampman would be affordable. With the draft pick I would rather us get a LB or CB then a DE the Anderson experiement was a total failure and we need to get good NOW, not 3 years from now.
Joseph Allen McWhorter
February 24th, 2010
5:30 pm
I don’t know whether the Falcons will select a cornerback with their first pick or not, Mark, but I figure they will concentrating mostly on defense during the entire April draft because that is where they need the most help! With Peria Jerry and William Moore coming back from injuries, that will really help. The 2010 Falcons will be just fine. Thomas Dimitroff is a very intelligent general manager and he will execute the draft beautifully!
D Hall
February 24th, 2010
5:41 pm
To Falconz Fan, as Brent Grimes mother, I can assure you that he is over 5′ 9″, and I would bet on that. It’s funny how people keep putting a label on my son as being short, but if I’m not mistaken, there are alot of corner’s that are 5′ 9″ and if given the opportunity, they have done well. If you want to take that bet save your money and please don’t bet 5′ 7″ is hasn’t been that since high school.
OpenMinded
February 24th, 2010
5:43 pm
Mark… what was the take on William Morre by Falcon’s heirarchy after he was placed on IR?
Do they still thinke he’s a player or are they concerned that he is too fragile?
Whopper Dawg
February 24th, 2010
5:47 pm
Of the corners you listed that will be available when the Falcons pick, I wager at least one of them turns into a true shutdown corner. The questions is: Is TD smart enough to pick the right one? Is a shutdown corner a bargain at 19/20, you bet? So, TD get the right one.
However, I don’t think TD will draft a corner, I think TD thinks he is smart enough to grab one later. And in this draft due to the TG deal, it will be much later.
I would be much surprised if it is not a DE or outside LB.
DawgDad
February 24th, 2010
6:16 pm
Another top-shelf linebacker to play alongside Lofton would be really nice, and is probably the biggest need. But at 19/20 you’re spending a first round pick on OLB value you can probably match with a a 2nd round pick. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Falcons trade up or down, more likely down. I have the feeling they’re still cleaning house and sorting through the roster, looking to improve overall depth, and would benefit from picking up a 2 or 3 and another pick in a trade-down.
In short, if they pick at 19/20 I think they take the best player available that isn’t a QB or punter, regardless of position.
The best days for this regime may still be 1-2 years out, with added pieces and maturity on D (a lot of very young key players there with little or limited experience), and more maturity at QB, and with an infusion of talent at WR/RB that’s probably coming in next year’s draft.
FalconRed
February 24th, 2010
6:23 pm
I don’t care what they do….as long as they get rid of Chris Houston!!!
Singletary
February 24th, 2010
6:59 pm
As an average (to shorter amongst the NFL behemoths,) I’d take umbrage to “the feisty little GM” comment. Hope TD is a “roll with it” guy, and you aren’t locked out for THAT comment.
Your point about CBs inability to run with the WR “big dogs” for 15 seconds is well taken. Guess we are back at the understanding Smitty seems to grasp instinctively: it ALL begins with the line. Piercing, plaguing, pouncing, punching… don’t remember which Falcons fan who coined the phrase, but “The Biermann is making a delivery to their backfield” is EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT.
Luv 2 Hate Me
February 24th, 2010
7:00 pm
All I have to say is ” DARREN SHARPER “
hiramsaint
February 24th, 2010
7:21 pm
DS wants to retire with a winner
todd grantham
February 24th, 2010
7:27 pm
Mark, who is big ray??
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
February 24th, 2010
7:34 pm
Hopefully Chris Houston and Jamaal Anderson are gone.
Any improvement on the defense will be appreciated as a fan. I got Sick And Tired of seeing too many teams be successful on 3rd and long last season. After that…improve the offensive line (give Ryan more time).
Oh..I almost forgot…we also need help in the wide receiver position. Booker did not provide much of an impact and “let me drop another pass” (aka butter fingers) Jenkins should not be a starter on any NFL team.
Falcons Fan
February 24th, 2010
7:36 pm
Nice play Brent. Will somebody tell me again where the penalty was?
willie
February 24th, 2010
7:40 pm
I normally don’t like going for CB’s early but we clearly need one and Kyle Wilson looked great in the Senior Bowl week (much like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie did a couple of years ago). If he backs that up with a strong Combine and Pro Day, I would be fine with that pick. He is 5′10″ which is tall enough. TD knows defensive backs, so he will have a strong feeling about him either way. I am having trouble believing that our odds are good at getting a stud pass rusher that late in the 1st, but I think we could get a great OLB. I would be fine with a CB or OLB there.
simply hampton
February 24th, 2010
7:53 pm
I would take Witherspoon if he is there. DE and CBs need three years to develop and get used to the speed of the game I would take DE edwards from the vikings or a fairly young DE in free agency.A CB can be had later as a project its gonna take three years anyway. I feel the only way to go in the first round is best available OLB and I hope it is Witherspoon I think he has leadership shills and is a ball hawk.
J-MAN
February 24th, 2010
8:06 pm
I want Leigh Bodden!!!!!!!!!!!
garcia
February 24th, 2010
8:22 pm
Bodden is the answer at CB. Experience, quality, size and (after a stint with NE) a team player.
Sign him, then address the pass rush.
Delbert D.
February 24th, 2010
8:33 pm
Round 2, want a pancake OL-man.
James
February 24th, 2010
8:36 pm
Dang, Big Ray gets the gray box in this blog too! Didn’t know you were up on football, Big Ray!
Here’s a question for everyone: who on the Hawks would be the best fit at cornerback for the Falcons?
I would vote Speedy Claxton just for the name, but he’s gone, I think.
GTFan1
February 24th, 2010
8:56 pm
Is the NFL scouting combine overrated? You decide!
http://thesportsdebates.com/category/tsd/the-nfl-combine-relevance-debate/
Tate
February 24th, 2010
9:03 pm
why not get a get a OLB in the first round and trade maybe into second round for Myron Rolle i would be confident that someone smart enough to be a Rhodes scholar would understand the defense quickly and would be a very smart player
GT GRAD
February 24th, 2010
9:32 pm
Sign Brian Williams ASAP.
Draft a DE in the 1st round as long as a solid DE is still available when we pick!