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
mdk222
February 24th, 2010
2:00 pm
First
Bigstack O' Pancakes. It is an Irish name.
February 24th, 2010
2:01 pm
You are on a roll with butter today!
Dawg-Catcher
February 24th, 2010
2:01 pm
First???
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
2:02 pm
Kudos to mdk222. Winner by a skinny minute.
Brandon from Warner Robins
February 24th, 2010
2:02 pm
Afternoon Mark,
I think a CB makes sense. But what about a DE or LB? both areas of concern.
Lost KSU fan
February 24th, 2010
2:03 pm
First!!!
Lost KSU fan
February 24th, 2010
2:04 pm
Damn!
Lost KSU fan
February 24th, 2010
2:04 pm
What about going after Dunta Robinson???
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
2:07 pm
Brandon, a cornerback makes sense if he’s an upgrade. But I think it might be easier to make an uprgrade at defensive end.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
2:09 pm
Dunta Robinson would be an option, Lost KSU fan. But he’s going to want No. 1 cornerback money, which is what the Falcons wouldn’t give Domonique Foxworth, who got it in Baltimore.
NCFalconFan
February 24th, 2010
2:09 pm
FIRST!!!! Do you think they will go after free agents, Bodden or Dunta Robinson?
Love your work !!!
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
2:10 pm
Mel Kiper’s needs for the Falcons are CB, DE, OLB & WR. I think Sidbury & Bierrman are quality ends & I expect Abe to bounce back. So the demand for another DE isn’t as great as some might think. However, this team still needs quality defensive backs to match up against NO’s plethora of WRs, Carolina’s Steve Smith & Tampa’s Antonio Bryant. Grimes has heart, but he’s severely undersized. Houston is a serviceable nickleback & the jury is still out on Chris Owens. Pick a corner!
BTW, do you think the Falcons would consider going after Darren Sharper?
-REElentessly Roe!!!
NCFalconFan
February 24th, 2010
2:10 pm
DARN!!!! It did not take me 8 minute to write my comment
gabeaux
February 24th, 2010
2:11 pm
A great pass rush makes your DBs look real good.
Harry
February 24th, 2010
2:12 pm
I strongly feel that TD might take a OLB, Sean Weatherspoon. He has mentioned in numerous Radio Shows that he can find a DE in 3rd or 4th round.
Also, We have Biermann in the wings to flourish beside Abraham. We will have Jerry and Moore return this season too. If we draft an OLB to make impact right away and draft a DE later to learn under Abraham to replace him in couple of years….that will be good for the team.
That is just my 2 cents
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
2:12 pm
I don’t think the Falcons would be interested in Sharper, Ree Roe. He’ll want too much.
TommyP
February 24th, 2010
2:14 pm
I’d prefer a pretty good DE. It seems CBs can be had later but good DE’s seem difficult to find after the first round.
Lost KSU fan
February 24th, 2010
2:17 pm
I’m with TommyP. I think you make more of a difference on a defense with impact guys in the front seven.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
2:19 pm
Agreed, TommyP.
Falconz fan
February 24th, 2010
2:19 pm
No, no no. Not another DE in the first round. I would rather them go OLB or CB. Houston is a bust, don’t think he could cover my Mom. Grimes and Owens are decent and would serve as good backups, nickel and dime type guys. I love Grimes heart but you can’t coach height. It’s hilarious that the Falcons website lists Grimes at 5′10″. I can promise you he’s not even 5′7″ with cleats on!
F-105 Thunderchief
February 24th, 2010
2:19 pm
At the end, Owens and Grimes, especially, showed some decent play. Grimes had what, five picks? He’s still awfully short, though.
Don
February 24th, 2010
2:20 pm
It’s a question of relative value. If Dimitroff thinks there’s not much of a difference in the corner they rate #2 and the one they rate #6 and he thinks he can get #5 or #6 in round 3 it would make more sense to use the first round pick on a defensive end or outside linebacker who can help improve the pass rush and effectively improve the entire secondary.
Since corners are a bit of a crapshoot, there might be the opportunity to take one in round 3 and another in round 4 or 5. From what I read Trevard Lindley of Kentucky has slipped to a projected 4th or 5th round pick.
Just the Facts..
February 24th, 2010
2:20 pm
Get a solid DE, and your CB’s look good when the QB hasn’t much time to throw. Listen people the Falcons, HAVE NO PASS RUSH OUTSIDE OF ABRAHAM!
JMF
February 24th, 2010
2:21 pm
I thought donovan warren from michigan was considered the 2nd best cb. I think we should draft the best available cb, lb or de. Then I think we should look at upgrading our off line.
K. Biermann
February 24th, 2010
2:22 pm
Oh, I don’t know about that.
George Bailey
February 24th, 2010
2:23 pm
I thought our corners looked pretty good the last 4-5 games of the season. With a different coach and some maturing and Brian Williams back they’ll be fine. We need a playmaking DE or OLB.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
2:24 pm
Something to consider: How many good tall cornerbacks are there? Nnamdi Asomugha is 6-foot-2, but he’s the exception. Darrelle Revis is 5-11. Asante Samuel is 5-10. And there’s a reason for that: Receivers can be big because they have only to run their pattern. Cornerbacks have to run and turn, and a bigger man doesn’t have — sorry to break into football-speak — the same lever action with his hips.
Falconz fan
February 24th, 2010
2:24 pm
MB, is Jamal Anderson’s contract up yet? I sure hope he’s not wearing the red and black come September.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
2:25 pm
Jamaal Anderson is still under contract, Falconz fan, but there’s a good chance he’ll work elsewhere next season.
tddf30
February 24th, 2010
2:25 pm
The way I see it is you never go after a position as deep as DE around the 20th spot. If you are lucky enough to get one of the top 2 guys at that position that is great. But if there is depth you are always more likely to over draft one because there will be far too many “good” players to compare him to. I say go with OLB where we are almost guaranteed to get a top 2 player since there will be so many DE and DT drafted before the 20th and there is probably only 1 or 2 CB’s that are worthy of the 1st round.
Or we could trade down to the second round and draft a CB and pick up another pick or 2 in this deep defensive draft.
Or even just draft AOA in the 3rd-4th round as he could develop into a solid CB considering his combination of size and speed, only real flaw is his small school, but maybe we will go back to the athletic small school pool after drafting Sid last year.
AndyC
February 24th, 2010
2:28 pm
Is mightn’t a real word?
Falconz fan
February 24th, 2010
2:29 pm
Like at Burger King?
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
2:30 pm
It is for my purposes, AndyC.
Mark Bradley
February 24th, 2010
2:31 pm
OK, Falconz fan, you went and did it. You made me laugh out loud.
AndyC
February 24th, 2010
2:33 pm
Mightn’t is a real word and here’s and article on it’s sudden proliferation.
http://www.cjr.org/the_audit/mightnt_the_journal_mind_its_c.php
Bangkapi Ajarn
February 24th, 2010
2:35 pm
Mark, you mentioned the 19th or 20th decision resting on a coin flip this weekend (Friday??), but I haven’t seen an expected announcement date of the supplementary picks, which should affect the Falcons options – which rounds and how many could affect strategy perhaps?
When will be know for sure what supplementary picks the Falcons have been officially awarded?
Mike in H-Town
February 24th, 2010
2:40 pm
Trust me, you guys don’t want Dunta Robinson…take it from someone who has seen every snap of his career. Overrated and overpriced.
SimpleDawg
February 24th, 2010
2:42 pm
The closer to the ball, the more important the player is on defense.
Get a top-notch pass rusher, and everyone in the secondary gets better.
Abraham is too unreliable, too brittle. Get a young stud who’s full of vim and vinegar…one who has a nose for the ball and evil intentions for the opposing QB.
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
2:43 pm
Will the Falcons be big players in free agency? It’s looking more & more like we’ll have an uncapped yr next season, but nothing I’ve read indicates the Falcons are willing to spend big money on free agents. Am I misinterpreting or do the Falcons intend to make ANY noise in free agency?
-Roe v. REE!!
PMC
February 24th, 2010
2:52 pm
Two injuries that really sunk the defense for quite a large portion last year were the Peria Jerry injury and the Brian Williams injury.
The first two games of the year they were still not quite getting the pressure they wanted but it was enough to create quite a few turnovers.
The Saints offense has been really good for several years. The difference this year was that turnover margin.
I really don’t think the secondary is all that terrible evidenced by what they were able to do at the end of the year. Where they really need to get a lot better is outside linebacker and defensive end… though a lot of this would have been better last year had Jerry not gone down so perhaps finding quality depth at Nose Guard is a priority too.
All this said…. the offensive tackle situation is far from rosy and it would be nice to have another weapon on offense. He might go earlier than we can afford to get him but Collin Peak would look nice in a Falcon Uni.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
February 24th, 2010
2:53 pm
whats the over/under on Al Davis drafting the fastest man in the draft in the first round even if he could have got him in the 5th ?
Craig
February 24th, 2010
2:53 pm
Dunta Robinson. C’mon Arthur Blank. Pay the man, get him here, and draft Brandon Graham out of Michigan. Or get Sean Weatherspoon out of MO at outside LB, who was solid looking in the senior bowl, and we are loaded at the DE position. But seriously, don’t pass on Dunta Robinson. We know what to expect out of him, unlike any of the corners available in the draft, and lets not forget ATL’s track record with CBs in the draft.
Bangkapi Ajarn
February 24th, 2010
2:53 pm
Dimitroff has mentioned on occasion that he prefers needs based draft selections, as I recall, with an eye towards “motor” and character. Based on that, I suspect that he may look at the greatest need to be addressed is a pass rush.
Be it thru free agency (not a realistic quick fix based on D3’s excellent posts sofar) or the draft, there are three areas of need that must be addressed in one way or another –
a) secondary play to allow pass rushers more time (coverage sacks) – Thia has been addressed GM wise by a change in position coaches, and could be further addressed by resigning Williams.
b) Line backers upgrade to provide blitzes. Two of the supplementary picks should be for the two starting LB’s lost last year (Brooking and Boley), Patterson is past the point of being able to provide the urgency and speed needed at starting OLB, so this is a definite area for Dimitroff’s attention. Draft possibly very early, another stud to match with Nichols and Lofton.
c) DL, which he addressed last year with Perry. Abraham is aging, and has a history of injury and will need to be replaced soon. He has two studs in training, but there ARE two positions and a need for rotations to keep them fresh. Anderson, if he has a future here, is a DT and will likely need to fight Walker and/or Jefferson for a roster spot if he isn’t traded for a better draft position (trade one of the 4’s and Anderson for a 2 for just one example). DT is a definite area of need for Dimitroff to address in the offseason, then.
Based on this, I would humbly submit that OLB is the greatest need for the 1st round pick, and a pretty good DE could likely be had in the 2nd if a trade using Anderson could be effected.
Just some idle thoughts from afar. Thanks for listening.
Mike Jay
February 24th, 2010
2:54 pm
Bradley just said ” It’s all in the hips, It’s all in the hips”
I would take a OLB or DE before CB. I like the young guys on our Dline and think they will only get better but outside of Lofton our LB’s are a big Meh.
Mike Jay
February 24th, 2010
2:57 pm
Nobody is going to give us 2nd rounder for Anderson and a fourth.
Nativebird
February 24th, 2010
3:08 pm
Puuulease…no more first pick college cornerbacks that are ’supposed’ to be shut-down NFL’ers, and inevitably never are. And we waste 3 years “developing” him.
Cornerbacks, schornerbacks…they’re a DIME A DOZEN in the draft. NONE, should ever have a #1 pick wasted on them. You PAY for PROVEN Nfl cornerbacks in this league in FA. draft linemen, ends and linebackers.
matt r
February 24th, 2010
3:12 pm
ET phone KC?
cheese
February 24th, 2010
3:15 pm
we have more than enough CB’s on our team that are good enough to start. like many said if you get good pressure on the QB it will make your corners look good. i would like for the falcons get the best available DE or OLB with thier first pick, possible get a quality RB & TE for turner and gonzalez to mentor, and it wont hurt to get more depth for the OL & DL.
Only LOSERS Back into Parking Spaces
February 24th, 2010
3:16 pm
I hope the Falcons draft a new owner.
Ricky
February 24th, 2010
3:19 pm
Look, I didn’t read your article and I apologize for the snub but we have some talent back there believe it or not. But if you give even an average QB all damn day to throw the ball he will eventually find an open receiver.
We need a pass rush……………plain and simple. And the answer is NOT Julius Peppers……….!! We had 26 sacks for the season…………NFL leader in sacks was the Vikings with 48. So 4 fewer sacks and we would have been next to last in the category. Still waiting on the Jamaal Anderson experiment to be officially concluded as his stats contribute little to the pass rush, not even being double teamed: 2007-0 sacks, 2008-2 sacks, 2009-1/2 sack (yes, as in 0.5). So let’s get a bad ass defensive end (thru the draft). Yes, Peppers had 10.5 sacks last year but so many times production drops in direct contrast to the big fat contract he will get. John Abraham went from 16 sacks in 08′ to 5.5 in 2009. We can make that Peppers money work for us in other ways.
Wished we could trade for Suh but that ain’t going to happen, but he would be worth it.
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!
Jeff
February 24th, 2010
10:43 pm
Falcons need to go after an experienced CB via trade or free agency. They have enough young corners. I think they should take the best DE on the board when they draft.
Zizzle
February 24th, 2010
11:21 pm
I think the needs are defensive end. Watching the Falcons last year, the young corners we’re far more effective when the line established a sound pass rush. When the quarterbacks were forced to throw early, Grimes and Owens really we’re effective as young Corners. If Brian Williams can stay healthy and we can sign him, I bet the Falcons will have far more success in the secondary. DeCoud and Colman were solid! Peria Jerry made a nice impact in the Miami game showing good push up the middle. Hope he is ready to go too! Sidbury could be a fun one to watch as well as he develops! The Falcons finshed in the top 10 against the run last year! Something Smitty preaches!
cowbulls
February 25th, 2010
1:10 am
When do we find out about supplemental picks?
NikkiFree
February 25th, 2010
5:16 am
I think I will puke if the Falcons spend a first round pick on a CB. We need serious help on the line.
Notso Fast
February 25th, 2010
6:01 am
DE Or OLB. WAtching the playoffs this year showed me the value of the pass rush. We don’t have a great pass rush and need one.
Thomas Dimitroff said...
February 25th, 2010
7:41 am
…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.” That’s another way of saying “I may have been small, but I was slow”!
JB
February 25th, 2010
7:46 am
Mark……What’s the word on Peria Jerry ? is he in shape? Is he committed? He’s been sitting around with millions in the bank for a year and that makes it tough for a 22-23 year old to get up and work like hell to play like a number 1. I hope he is the real deal.
Required Reading | Hard Knox Sports
February 25th, 2010
7:55 am
[...] Falcons thinking DB in draft? [AJC] [...]
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2010
8:35 am
The Falcons are enthusiastic about both Peria Jerry and William Moore and expect both to contribute heavily in 2010.
falcon4life
February 25th, 2010
8:41 am
With the 19th pick in the 2010 draft the Atlanta Falcons select…..C.J. Spiller, RB , Clemson. They let Norwood go and avoid the problem we had when Turner the Burner went down. Ryan was not ready to shoulder the load with a below average running game and he may not be ready this year. The very young defensive secondary needs a chance to grow up, drafting another rookie corner will not solve anything.
Fish2774
February 25th, 2010
9:24 am
I think TD should go in the direction of a veteran corner or two. Dunta Robinson and Leigh Bodden will soon be available. Cut Houston and Chevis Jackson, and put Grimes at Nickel or Dime. Resign Brian Williams and draft a hybrid linebacker that can play up or down. Nicholas can’t cover anything down field and Peterson’s time is almost near. Right now we have Chuancey Davis that can go onside or outside, so my guess will be 1st rd: Linebacker, 3rd: Wide Receiver, 4th Defensive End and so on.
Question: Should the Falcons pursue CB Dunta Robinson? | Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2010
9:35 am
[...] Falcons, as mentioned yesterday, are perceived as needing a CB. Robinson is a good — not great — cornerback who’s only 27 and who might have [...]
vafalconfan
February 25th, 2010
9:41 am
This just in..we need someone to rush the QB.
Jim
February 25th, 2010
9:49 am
I would like to see the Falcons approach this year as they did 2 years ago–try to add something thru free agency prior to draft (Turner, Coleman). This would cut down their “needs list” to help draft focus. I believe they are about $13M under this years cap, which is about as good a benchmark as any for the next few years. I would think with that kind of cushion they could bring in at least one free agent that would actually help the starting unit at either DE, OLB, CB, or OT. It looks like the draft holds more promise for the Falcons at DE than anywhere else. If Williams comes back healthy, I don’t think CB is as large a need as the other 3.
Mark Bradley
February 25th, 2010
9:51 am
I’m not saying the Falcons wouldn’t chase a free agent, Jim.They have a specific notion of what they want and want they can afford to pay.
JJ
February 25th, 2010
10:39 am
Mark, nice article. Stats from profootballfocus.com list Peterson 50th out of 53 OLB.(49th pass rushing, 48 run defense and 31st pass coverage while nicholas 42 in pass coverage.) Hard to argue this isn’t the weakest link. Our D cannot get off the field because every 3rd down they target our WLB. So I hope we get Spoon before the aints take him at 32!
Big Ray
February 25th, 2010
9:40 pm
My bad about the gray box stuff. Sometimes I’ll be working on my own Hawks basketball blog, and forget to log out before venturing over to someone else’s blog. Again, my bad…
O'Brien
February 26th, 2010
12:26 pm
Big Ray,
The interesting thing about Taylor Mays is if he had come out last year, he might have been a top 10 pick. But he went back to school, didn’t play as well, and then stunk at the senior bowl.
Going back to school does not always work out. See Sam Bradford (although my conspiract theory is Bradford did not want to be drafted by the Lions, where QB careers go to die).
gdg73
March 2nd, 2010
11:22 am
trade 3rd for Antonio Cromartie, draft Sean Witherspoon. Then our 2010 defensive newcomers would be Cromartie, Witherspoon, Peria Jerry. and William Moore. Solid upgrades to a sagging defense.