If Spiller’s there on April 22, should the Falcons draft him?
You tell me: How would the guy in purple look in red? (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
In his latest mock draft, Don Banks of SI.com still has the Falcons taking the same cornerback with the 19th pick in Round 1 – Kyle Wilson of Boise State. But that’s not the intriguing part. The intriguing part is the player Banks has slotted to go 20th overall.
C.J. Spiller, running back, Clemson.
In every draft, for every team, there’s a name that assumes outsize importance. (”Wouldn’t it be great if our team got that guy?”) For Falcons fans, Spiller is that name this time. He played up the road. He played against Georgia Tech every season. He made spectacular plays. His drafting would excite a constituency in a way no offensive tackle ever could. That said …
The Falcons have a great running back in Michael Turner and someone who approximates Spiller in Jerious Norwood. (Although Norwood has worked under three coaching staffs, none of which has been able to unlock his potential.) The pressing need is again on defense. But if Spiller’s available when the Falcons’ turn comes, could they say no?
Thomas Dimitroff claims every draft is need-based, but the Falcons’ offense wasn’t quite as good as advertised in 2009. Dimitroff said this week that “this draft isn’t going to be as lopsided” as last year’s, which was almost all defense, and that would indicate the Falcons are open to possibilities. If the possibility exists for you to snatch a Percy Harvin, don’t you have to try? (Minnesota chose Harvin with the 22nd overall pick in 2009; he was voted rookie of the year.)
And my answer is … I don’t know. I go back and forth on this one. Spiller was a great college player when healthy, but he wasn’t always healthy. (He had to leave the ACC title game because of turf toe.) He’s not an every-down back, but the Falcons don’t really need an every-down back because they have Turner. He’d be great on reverses, which Mike Mularkey loves to call, and on screens, which Mularkey almost never calls.
Loading ...So, as opposed to the usual format where I tell you what I think and you’re free to disagree (which any right-thinking person would do), I’m going to be agnostic this once and ask for your help. Please tell me why the Falcons should — or should not — draft Spiller if he’s on the board. I thank you in advance.
Oh, and one thing more: The team Banks has taking Spiller at No. 20 — Houston — actually might pick 19th. The Falcons and the Texans have their coin flip today at the combine in Indianapolis. So it’s possible the Falcons could miss on Spiller by the outcome of a toss. That would be a bummer. Or would it?
Update: The Falcons won the coin flip this morning. They have the 19th pick.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
284 comments Add your comment
R.U.KIDDEN-ME???
February 26th, 2010
1:16 pm
MARK,LET’S PLAY “WHAT IF?” WHAT IF SSAYYYYYYY…..ROLANDO MCCLAIN IS STILL THERE WHADYADO THEN??!!!
TommyP
February 26th, 2010
1:27 pm
Colts are on the decline? That’s news to me.
teamguy
February 26th, 2010
1:28 pm
Well done, Chas!! Probable ROY, possible MVP! He’ll change games without even touching the ball, as punters try to kick away from him. Plus, he’ll make that offense even better with his ability to run, catch, and throw!
Hollywould
February 26th, 2010
1:29 pm
Mark, I was over on clairmont rd. at lunch and saw a RV with Kyle Wilson all over it. Painted with his pics/Boise st. insignias/and a web site. Check out http://www.boisestate.scout.com. I wonder why it is parked in a parking lot.
Chas
February 26th, 2010
1:30 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pAJh_eJ7yo
Watch this video and then tell me you are not going to take him.
Coop
February 26th, 2010
1:32 pm
R E T A R D E D ! !
Not taking him.
blord
February 26th, 2010
1:33 pm
This is per profootballtalk.com
Mike Smith: Adding to running back position not a priority
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on February 26, 2010 12:03 PM ET
“A few media folks have wondered about a possible reunion of LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Turner in Atlanta, but Falcons coach Mike Smith seemed to downplay the idea Friday.
While he noted the team always wants to improve it’s depth at running back, he spoke glowingly of Michael Turner and especially his backup Jason Snelling.
He also said that he likes the matchup problems that Jerious Norwood provides and said that running back wasn’t one of the team’s top priorities going into the offseason.
So you can basically scratch another team off the Tomlinson wish list.”
Looks like Spiller may not be on the list of things Mike Smith is looking for
Bigstack O' Pancakes. It is an Irish name.
February 26th, 2010
1:34 pm
That is a tough one. I say pass and draft a corner, LB, or O-Lineman. Spiller reminds me of a poor man’s Reggie Bush and Reggie Bush isn’t that great. I am glad I won’t be making this decision.
waw
February 26th, 2010
1:37 pm
On offense, the Falcons are farther ahead on weapons than they are on support. No on Spiller. Yes on O-line.
TommyP
February 26th, 2010
1:38 pm
Smith isn’t going to talk poorly about Snelling and Norwood. He’s also not going to say how they want Spiller so teams can trade up to take him before we do.
That article told me we don’t want LT. And with good reason.
falcon4life
February 26th, 2010
1:43 pm
I mentioned this a couple of days ago on your CB blog. Yes. CJ or some other #2 back is desperately needed. The D has enough young talent sprinkled in to improve. Plus with Peria Jerry and Michael Moore returning you are adding 2 starters to the defense right there. Norwood is not near as explosive as he was and Snelling is good but really best as a bcakup. We need someone that can carry the load if Turner is down. The alternative will set the Offense back and that is the key to this team taking the next level.
Nard34
February 26th, 2010
1:57 pm
CJ will be well gone before 19th. But I keep saying Dwyer is the best overall pure running back in the draft maybe the last 5-6 years and C.J. is the best overall all-purpose player too come out maybe the last 15-20 years…………. Which ever team gets either one will make a dramatic change instently every year falcon fans wants to draft defense and @ the end of the year complain about Offense not putting up enough points!
Nard34
February 26th, 2010
2:03 pm
why waste Ryan talent by not surrounding him with the best talent that is availble. The unwritten rule when drafting in any sport is to take the best talent availble. so if CJ is there draft him, if dwyer is there draft him, if thomas is there draft him it’s not that difficult get rid of Norwood he is a waste part ways with Jenkins sadly a 1st round bust and move-on.
Nard34
February 26th, 2010
2:07 pm
DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER DWYER!!!! JUS WATCH THE COMBINE…………..
IceFan
February 26th, 2010
2:10 pm
Sonny Clusters,
I’m certain they would appreciate the personal invite to DQ. I see a possible dual endorsement deal in both of your futures.
TommyP
February 26th, 2010
2:20 pm
Sonny Clusters needs a thought of the day type thing on here.
The guy simply spews wisdom.
Ted M
February 26th, 2010
2:27 pm
Dryer just weighed in at the combine at 229 and 5′11″ wow after losing 17 lbs
Ted M
February 26th, 2010
2:29 pm
spiller 5′11″ and 196 lbs
jarvis
February 26th, 2010
2:35 pm
drivel
Willy
February 26th, 2010
2:41 pm
Norwood is probably through. If he plays next year, it would almost certainly be his last; especially with the concussions and all. Let Dimitroff find those special defensive players he’s so good at finding, and have an absolutely phenomenal offense with the addition of a guy like Spiller. I’m for it.
Tron5000
February 26th, 2010
2:48 pm
Rotoworld reports that last year’s #19 pick, Jeremy Maclin, has a contract of 5yrs/$15.5 mil. Is CJ Spiller worth $3 mil a year? It’s hard to see how he’s not. Hmm. Never really entertained the idea, but for that kind of money…
TommyP
February 26th, 2010
2:58 pm
Glad we got so much give and take on the topic with Bradley.
?????
Harry the Hat
February 26th, 2010
3:02 pm
Yes on Spiller, but he’ll want a billion dolllars. Not worth that much!
PMC
February 26th, 2010
3:11 pm
I think there are more pressing needs but I’m also the guy that wanted Glenn Dorsey a couple years ago too. I think he’s probably gone, I’d love to be able to trade that pick and get into the second round as well. I definately wouldn’t mind having Spiller though I’m just concerned like Norwood that he’s not going to break tackles well on the NFL level. There are only maybe 3 guys in the league capable of running away from other NFL players like Spiller did in college.
I’m definately not going to cry if they add another weapon. Imagine going 3 wide with Harry Douglass in the slot, Spiller in the backfield, Tony G at TE, Roddy White and Jenkins wide. That’s all kinds of pressure on the defense in space.
Tron5000
February 26th, 2010
3:14 pm
Move up to get Derrick Morgan, or sign Karlos Dansby and go after Spiller at 19 and DE later.
ASHEVILLE DAWG
February 26th, 2010
3:16 pm
Spillers is the Percy Harvin of this draft. Spillars could return kicks and would give tuner a break. I think he is a sure thing for helping us this year. Being like Percy would not be a negative.
justin
February 26th, 2010
3:35 pm
im thinkin this would be a great oppotunity for us to take advantage of the amount of defensive talent in this draft. I know every draft has some big names but when looking up and down this board it looks like the first three rounds could have alot of potential game changers ( especially on the defensive side of the ball which we really need.) I really like the idea of seeing spiller in a falcons uniform but we really need help with our pass defense. We already have a decent change of pace with norwood and there are some old but quality FA’s out there as well. So I say lets go after a kyle wilson, brandon graham or even sergio kindle. Lets not forget we went 9 and 7 with our defense as awful as it was at times so we could be a smart draft away from unlocking a serious playoff here.
TheAntiMe
February 26th, 2010
3:40 pm
With the top 2 draft picks from last year (Peria Jerry and William Moore) hopefully coming back from season-long injuries, it will be pretty much as if the Falcons had an extra 1st and 2nd round pick on the defensive side of the ball.
That being the case, I would say that unless there is some highly-rated player still availible on defense when the Birds pick, I believe that you surely have to pick C.J. Spiller if he is still available.
I have my doubts, however, as to whether Spiller would still be on the board when the 19th pick rolls around.
He isn't playing gatech in the pros
February 26th, 2010
5:18 pm
No way should the falcons pick Spiller. Ofcouse he looked good if you watched his games against Georgia Tech and Florida State, who happened to be two of the worst defensive teams in a weak ACC. How bout his game against the mighty Gamecocks? Yes he did have the kickoff for a TD at the beginning, but then what did he do? 18 rushing yards and 19 receiving yards, but supposively he was injured or sick or maybe both, right Clemson fans? Bottom line if the Falcons do decide to take a RB in the 1st round they should the future Michael Turner aka Jon Dwyer and not CJ Spiller.
Ken Strickland
February 26th, 2010
5:21 pm
TOMMYP-you have got to be kidding.
2ND RD PICKS: MLB CLOFTON, ROG JBLALOCK, DT JBABINEAUX
3RD RD PICKS: CB COWENS, SS TDECOUD, OLB CWIRE
4TH RD PICKS: OLG SNICHOLAS, CB BWILLIAMS
5TH RD PICKS: RB MTURNER, DE KBIERMANN
6TH RD PICKS: DT TLEWIS
7TH RD PICKS: DT VWALKER
UFA(Undrafted free agents)OT TCLABO, OG HDAHL, CB BGRIMES, WR BFINNERAN
HOW CAN YOU MAKE SUCH AN IRRISPONSIBILE STATEMENT LIKE THAT WHEN OUR MAJORITY OF OUR STARTING OFF/DEF IS COMPRISED OF PLAYERS WHO WERE EITHER DRAFTED BELOW THE 1ST RD, OR SIGNED AS UFA’s?
SOME OF YOU SEEM TO THINK THIS IS FANTASY FOOTBALL. WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER RB BAD ENOUGH TO WASTE OUR ONLY PICK IN THE 1ST 2RDS ON ONE.
bg
February 26th, 2010
5:50 pm
dwyer
Really?
February 26th, 2010
5:56 pm
He isn’t playing gatech in the pros:
As long as you are cherry-picking stats, your hero Dwyer rushed for 49 yards against Iowa (and looked really bad doing it) and a whopping SEVEN yards against Miami. (As long as you’re keeping track, Spiller had about 300 total yards against Miami.)
Apparently, really good players can have bad games. Spiller’s bad games just happen to include scoring touchdowns, which he did in every game this season. Perhaps you should look at a player’s entire body of work like every NFL GM will do. That, of course, is why Spiller is well ahead of Dwyer (and every other RB) on the draft board.
Idiot.
michigan dirty bird
February 26th, 2010
6:08 pm
i would have no problem with cj cause i feel we need more playmakers and home run threats for matty and to spell the burner, but i think he’ll be gone and we should take taylor mays. decoud had a good year and we have moore i realize but mays is a freak
oldfart
February 26th, 2010
7:54 pm
He won’t be there, but if by some miracle that he is you have to take him. Then trade Norwood for a defender.
gman
February 26th, 2010
8:29 pm
D Sproles will be out there. If we need another fast RB at least look at one that’s proven he can make some noise in the NFL.
Michael
February 26th, 2010
8:48 pm
Yes I think we should draft him. The Falcons are a playoff caliber team. Last year they were thrown off course by the injury bug while playing a brutal schedule. Remember, the top two picks from last years draft saw limited action due to injury. Staring CB Brian Williams was lost for the season via injury against the Bears. After beating the bears this team was 4-1. It is my opinion that the Falcons should go into this draft looking for the best players on both sides of the ball. Depth is the way to go in this draft. Imagine what would have happened last season if Spiller had been a Falcon when Norwood and Turner were sidelined by injuries. You cannot pass up an impact player like this. He is a game changer and will make his team better on both sides of the ball.
Michael
February 26th, 2010
8:57 pm
A Couple more points. If the Falcons do not select a defensive player with the first pick it’s going to be OK. The success of the 2010 season is not dependent on the drafting a defensive player with their first pick.
Big Ray
February 26th, 2010
9:37 pm
Hmmmm….here’s a thought. If Spiller is available at #19, there are a couple of things that may have happened. Either his stock has fallen, or a lot of good defensive players have been taken (along with O-linemen).
If it’s the former, then Dimitroff and Smith need to know why Spiller’s stock has fallen.
If it’s the latter, drafting Spiller has more merit, as any defender left at this point may be a reach at #19.
Not an answer, just a thought…
waynester
February 26th, 2010
11:25 pm
Big Ray
your thought provoked this one: if Spiller is on the board at 19, we immediately phone San Diego and offer to trade our pick for their picks #60 and #91 plus a 2nd in 2011. They get CJ before the Texans race to the podium right behind us with Spiller’s name on their card. We get awesome value in the talent-rich 2nd-3rd.
Maxx
February 27th, 2010
6:45 am
I just think that we have needs other than at RB. Turner and Snelling will be a solid combo, but assuming we let go of Norwood, we do need a speed back, which I believe we can find later in the draft. I think we draft the best Defensive player available, hopefully Sean Witherspoon
TommyP
February 27th, 2010
10:18 am
Old blog but still a hot topic. I sure hope Ken Strickland reads this.
Ken: Are/were you on drugs when you posted your last response? What the hell were you talking about? You MADE MY POINT while thinking you were disagreeing with me.
We can find defensive help later in the draft, bozo. You’re NOT drafting a defensive starter at pick #19!!!!!!
Your post MADE MY POINT. What an idiot.
Chi Chi
February 27th, 2010
2:03 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOO we could get a guy like Trendon Holiday from LSU later in the draft and hes just as much of a game changer as Spiller.
Nesbitt for Heisman!
February 27th, 2010
5:31 pm
I’d rather have Dwyer. I know he is a similar style runner to Michael Turner, but he is more explosive. Dwyer and Turner could split the workload and both stay fresh all season long. We could run all day with that RB combo, and it would take pressure off of Matt Ryan and open up the passing game. Dwyer’s team was 4-0 against Spiller’s team while he was at Tech.
Observant
February 27th, 2010
6:01 pm
Spiller played with turf toe all year….yet was UNANIMOUS All American.
If the Falcons, or someone up the line even, DON’T take him, they need to take a new GM then.
He is a pontential game changer every time he touches the ball.
Jon Dwyer??? Compared to Spiller??? Best Dwyer can hope for is to gain 25 pounds and play as a fullback, or that pro speed will eat him up before he hits the line.
RSX
February 28th, 2010
12:23 am
I’m in favor of McCluster in Rd. 3, DEF Rd. 1
kshizzle
February 28th, 2010
2:11 am
Spiller is a special teams player in the NFL, albeit a great one like Hester, Metcaff and others. Do I draft him because I want/need a running back???? Heck no. Dwyer is the best NFL running back in the draft.
Rufus
February 28th, 2010
9:07 am
No! They need O and D linemen! The best back in the world can’t run without blocking.
Louie
February 28th, 2010
9:14 am
GO FOR IT
Mr. D
February 28th, 2010
9:20 am
Yes,i’m sold on him – Turner’s not always healthy and neither is Norwood. The team sufferd last year when one of them was out of action. Getting Spiller won’t be that easy though the Falcons would probally have to trade up and i say yes, yes, yes.
jamie cunningham
February 28th, 2010
9:52 am
i’d like to get spiller, but only after we have secured a plan for d.e./c.b. what about robert mathis? he lives in atlanta. him, abraham, jerry… thats a beast of a d’line! dunta robinson for c.b.? that’s exacttly what we need…
all due respect to norwood, but he’s done everything he’s gonna do here in atl, and douglas is easily the best return guy we’ll have next year. i’m not worried about our offense, they’ll be fine. the biggest problem with the offense last year was… matty ‘melted’ ice! he took forever to go through his progressions and was late most of the time with the ball. it was the ’sophomore slump’. i think he’ll be much better this year though and our offense will be as advertised for last year. what we do need is pressure on the opposing q/b and our defense will take a huge leap forward.