For the Falcons, a Round 1 defensive end only makes sense
Adrian Clayborn of Iowa. Is he explosive enough? (AP photo)
The NFL draft hasn’t yet arrived, and already Thomas Dimitroff has contracted a special strain of fatigue. “I’m sick of saying, ‘Explosive player,’ ” he said.
“Explosive” has become the latest buzzword to hit Flowery Branch. (”Process” was beaten to death in 2008, and “urgency” and “consistency” were the twin themes of 2009.) Dimitroff is, among other things, a wordsmith, and the general manager hates it when he can’t find a synonym.
Trouble is, there isn’t one to describe what the Falcons lack. Repetition be hanged, they need explosive players.
In other offseasons, they’d have found one by now. That’s the Dimitroff Way: Build through the draft, augment via other means. In 2008 the Falcons signed Michael Turner as a free agent, and he led the NFC in rushing. In 2009 they traded for Tony Gonzalez, the All-Pro tight end, ahead of the draft. In 2010 they signed Dunta Robinson, thereby alleviating the need to draft a cornerback.
This year: Nothing. The NFL lockout locked things down. Quoth the well-spoken GM: “Our incredibly narrow focus on building our team through the draft would not have been as narrow [this year] … The last three years we’ve been active [in trades and free agency]. This has caused us to focus even more on what we can control.”
Meaning the draft. The Falcons own the 27th pick in Round 1. Most mock drafts have them exercising that choice on a defensive end — a high-yield pass rusher meets the definition of “explosive player” — and this could be one time when external consensus mirrors internal thinking.
Not that Dimitroff is saying. But it seemed instructive that in a 45-minute conversation he took pains to review how defensive ends chosen in recent Round 1’s have fared as pros. CliffsNotes version: Results aren’t encouraging to those teams in such a market.
Dimitroff: “A lot of teams getting mass production from pass rushers are getting it from linebackers — like Clay Matthews [with Green Bay] or LaMarr Woodley with Pittsburgh in the 3-4.”
Does this mean the Falcons, who don’t employ the 3-4, won’t draft a defensive end in the first round? “I’m not saying that at all. What I’m saying is that you, me, our owner and our entire fan base has to be realistic about the production you’re going to get from a defensive end.”
That said, Dimitoff also offered this: “There’s no question that if you’re drafting someone in Round 1, you want to get production and need to get production.”
The Falcons were 13-3 and the NFC’s No. 1 seed. They were routed in their first playoff game by Green Bay, which would win the Super Bowl, in large measure because they couldn’t pressure Aaron Rodgers or cover his receivers. Does Dimitroff see his team as being one explosive player from a Super Bowl title itself?
“Because we were 13-3 does not mean we were one more step from the coveted game … There are a number of spots in this team we need to address.”
It has been speculated that the Falcons are working to move upward in the hope of landing Georgia’s A.J. Green or Alabama’s Julio Jones. (Wide receiver also fits the definition of “explosive player.”) To do that, the Falcons would have to leap into the top 10 if not the top five, which would be a mighty bound when you’re sitting at No. 27. It makes sense to try, and it would be the coup of coups if they succeed. But we shouldn’t hold our collective breath.
What we should do is do as we’ve been doing: Look for the Falcons to draft a defensive end. They can find a receiver to complement Roddy White in Round 2; they might not find John Abraham’s pass-rushing bookend so low.
The guess is that the Falcons would be delighted if Adrian Clayborn, the Iowa defensive end, is there when they pick. (In light of revelations that Justin Houston, the Georgia linebacker, tested positive for marijuana, it would be a surprise if they chose him.) As much as Dimitroff might try to drive down expectations, the guess is that he’s hoping for a defensive end in Round 1, hoping even harder he’ll become that explosive player.
By Mark Bradley
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78 comments Add your comment
GTT
April 27th, 2011
1:04 pm
Cam Heyward. First?
Mark Bradley
April 27th, 2011
1:05 pm
Yes. Kudos, GTT.
Outside Observer
April 27th, 2011
1:13 pm
Cam Heyward? No thanks.
GTT
April 27th, 2011
1:16 pm
Big, strong, high motor, football smarts and good character. Yeah, nothing to like there. What was I thinking?
Mark Bradley
April 27th, 2011
1:17 pm
I like Cameron Heyward. Just saying.
Claws of the Scorpion
April 27th, 2011
1:17 pm
I think it’s going to be in this order OLB, WR, DE, LT
Outside Observer
April 27th, 2011
1:19 pm
I believe you just described Jamaal Anderson. They seem pretty similar to me. Do you think Heyward is fast enough to pressure the quarterback? I don’t. I would prefer a speed rusher and that is not Heyward.
D A DoubleU G
April 27th, 2011
1:19 pm
I personally do not think failing a marijuana test is that much of an alarm.
Many will tell me otherwise, but I truly hope the Falcons take Justin Houston if he is still on the board.
jhughes
April 27th, 2011
1:20 pm
KUDOS TO MARK! you were second very nice
falconsam
April 27th, 2011
1:22 pm
I like Cam Heyward as a football player, but not in our system. He is big strong, and suited to stop the run. Definitely a 3-4 DE.
The Dogkiller Returns
April 27th, 2011
1:28 pm
DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE!
Offense will take of itself once they unchain Ryan and let him call the shots.
joe
April 27th, 2011
1:30 pm
D A DoubleU G –
That is either the biggest homer comment I have ever seen or I guess you enjoy the medicinal purposes of the plant yourself?
Wunderlink
April 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
Enter your comments here
joe
April 27th, 2011
1:32 pm
Justin Houston??? Really??? Great brains on that one….
ss
April 27th, 2011
1:32 pm
Justin Houston?? Really???? Great brain trust there….
Big Dawg Daddy
April 27th, 2011
1:33 pm
I believe all the top DE’s will be gone by 27, unless teams trade up to get QB’s. Look for the Falcons to end up with the TE from Notre Dame or the WR from Maryland. DE may not come until the 3rd round.
Bob Pettit
April 27th, 2011
1:37 pm
Give us Barrabas…..
Cash
April 27th, 2011
1:43 pm
Justin H was a second rounder at best before the drug revelation.
juvenal
April 27th, 2011
1:48 pm
have been saying DE since your first post on this subject-glad you are on board…..don’t forget Bower’s stock also down, Houston flexible as DE/OLB(can’t believe i actually agree with da on something)
Dr. Warren
April 27th, 2011
1:52 pm
I like the intensity of that guy Clayborn. Just take a look at him in that photo. The red/black birds need that badly, especially since Weatherspoon, who was supposed to be a real fireplug, didn’t exactly set the world on fire. Wonder how Weatherspoon will pan out.
Wunderlink
April 27th, 2011
1:58 pm
You people are mad on this blog….. this is not be the great defensive draft they say it is …how many college teams actually dominated on defense this year…. Auburn & Oregon basically outscored their opponents….mark it down this will be one of the biggest bust years ever….there is not 16 DE/Dl that are 1st & early second round material period….the experts are just quoting what they hear from the GMs…one reason the offense is not so highly touted is due to the spread offense…nobody gives those guys a chance at the next level…….after the feeding frenzy is over early to get that impact defensive guy….teams will settle down & make picks that might actually benefit their teams! Remeber these can’t miss names from last years draft
Derrick Morgan -GT-Titans pick 16
Brandon Graham -UM-Eagles pick 13
Gerald McCoy -OU-Buccaneers pick 3
Jason Pierre-Paul USF-Giants pick 15
Alualu Tyson -UCal-Jaguars pick 10
Jerry Hughes -TCU-Colts pick 31
Dan Williams -UT-Cards pick 26
A lot of those pick were supposed to be impact guys….lol whatever there are not 16 impact D-linemen in this draft mark it down!!!!!!!
G4tor
April 27th, 2011
2:01 pm
1st round – take best available DE/LB
2nd round – take best available WR. Preferably one that can stretch the field with speed/size.
Once the lockout is lifted for good, take a look at the free agency market for a veteran DE. The Titans have a good one (Jason Babin) that could make an immediate impact. Give him a good contract, pay him and keep him happy. Take a look at Plaxico Burress…we could sign him to a 1-2 year deal and if he produces on the field and stays out of trouble, then it will be well worth it. This way, they get top talent at a good price. That’s my 2 pennies.
Larry
April 27th, 2011
2:01 pm
Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh or Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona
CMS
April 27th, 2011
2:02 pm
I still like the idea of getting AJ Green. Cam Newton to Carolina as the number one pick doesn’t make since from a football point of view…its a smoke screen. Who will he throw the ball to? AJ however presents a viable target that helps a young QB like Jimmy Clausen develop. TM must stop this. They don’t have the personel to stop AJ. He would present another problem for their defense.
Wunderlink
April 27th, 2011
2:11 pm
One pick on defense is not gonna improve VanGorders scheme on D……Dimitroff had better address this vanilla offense we run….teams pack the box because there is no deep threat….that means safeties play with more freedom against us…..any doubters should check the Green Bay tape, Charles Woodson played like a LB/SS out there!!!
kevin
April 27th, 2011
2:14 pm
Depending on what it costs to move up, AJ Green is the best wide receiver the draft has seen since Calvin Johnson. If you can reasonably trade up to get him, it’s a no brainer. Unlike many of the DE’s being considered, AJ, barring injury, a sure star in the NFL. With any of the DE’s being considered, it’s a gamble from a production standpoint.
rduck
April 27th, 2011
2:20 pm
I would stray away from Houston at this point. Good player, but showed a real lack of intelligence by smoking weed before the combine. Clayborn is a very good player but he also has issues with his health. I hate thinking about a WR or TE in the 1st, but I could be dead wrong. The Ayers kid from UCLA is intriguing. Haven’t seen much of him. Seems like a solid player and a good fit for the system. The whole AJ Green thing is a cop out. No way do we move that far up without mortgaging the farm. I guess if I had the pick, I would choose Clayborn. I have seen him be a takeover player and a real disruptive force in games. But what do I know?
Dr. Warren
April 27th, 2011
2:24 pm
This is a deceptive 13-3 team, plain and simple. They got whomped Hawks-style in the playoffs, at home, no less, allowing 48 points. Drastic losses call for drastic moves for improvement. Why not package Michael Turner, who will soon be declining, to grab A.J. Green and then start Snelling at RB.
rduck
April 27th, 2011
2:25 pm
Maybe hope Hankerson from Miami is still around in the 2nd. No way do we move up for Green or Jones. Cost is way too high!
rduck
April 27th, 2011
2:29 pm
I agree that Green is a talent. But the cost of moving up to get him seems way to unreasonable for a team that just won 13 games and was the top seed in the playoffs. Granted, it wasn’t the prettiest 13 wins, but a win is a win. I agree that we need help at WR for a deep threat, but we would have to give up major pieces to the already fitting puzzle and mortgage our top picks in the future to get him. Not worth it if you ask me…
kevin
April 27th, 2011
2:30 pm
If AJ Green turns out to be as explosive as a Percy Harvin our Calvin Johnson (and all indications suggest he will be), he is worth the move. Especially, when the alternative is potentially completely wasting a pick on a DE who may or may not perform in the NFL.
rduck
April 27th, 2011
2:33 pm
I just really hope they find a speedy, change of pace back later in the rounds to compliment the running game. The Norwood Project is finished. He can’t stay on the field, much less perform on it…
Bill
April 27th, 2011
2:34 pm
Adrian Clayborn will do just fine..if we can get him 27th. Some good recievers we can get later. Don’t give away the future to get Green.
Falcon fan
April 27th, 2011
2:35 pm
The coat is to high for AJ Green..
rduck
April 27th, 2011
2:38 pm
All I know is that Defense wins Championships in the NFL. The Falcons lost big in the playoffs because they were scorched on Defense for 48 points. Green is a very talented receiver, but IMO, you can’t give up that much to go get him (ala Ricky Williams). Percy Harvin and Calvin Johnson are great players coming out of college with little downside at all. Yet nobody made the move from bottom to top to get them. Reason… too expensive.
Wunderlink
April 27th, 2011
2:40 pm
We could have very easily finished 9-7 thank goodness we did not….everyone would be screaming revamp everything from top to bottom….TD has hard choices ahead…are we a for real 13-3 contender as is…if we draft all out for defense we better get a playmaker on offense thru Free Agency!
Falcon Flyer
April 27th, 2011
2:41 pm
juvenal
April 27th, 2011
1:48 pm
have been saying DE since your first post on this subject-glad you are on board…..don’t forget Bower’s stock also down, Houston flexible as DE/OLB(can’t believe i actually agree with da on something)
—————————————————————————
IMO, I think Houston will get manhandled as a DE in the NFL. I could be wrong but I doubt you’ll see him there in the NFL and if the Falcons take him at 27 (highly unlikely) he’ll end up at OLB.
Wunderlick, you can’t even compare Morgan to the other guys on that list. The guy missed most of last year (approx 75% of the season) with a torn ACL. How the hell do you expect him him to do anything from the bench when he can barely walk? Not saying the guy will be great or even good as a pro, but the guy couldn’t help it because he got injured.
CMS, Newton going #1 to Carolina makes more sense than Green does. Their biggest issue is at QB I think anyway. AJ Green’s prescense won’t help Clausen much if any. I don’t think Green has the big play ability to stetch the field like alot of people believes he does. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good WR, but he probably can’t run by half or more of the CBs in the league.
kevin
April 27th, 2011
2:48 pm
Jacquez Rodgers from OSU might be a nice Norwood replacement. Small, but talk about explosive.
Fu Manchu
April 27th, 2011
2:49 pm
@rduck, have to agree with you there. New Orleans gave up just about their entire draft that year I believe to get Williams and it didn’t turn out to be as good as they’d hoped for. It wasn’t like they were going anywhere anyway but you get the picture. Agreed on Harvin and Johnson too, more specifically Johnson. The Falcons were sitting at 12 in the 07 draft and didn’t move up to get him when WR was a much bigger issue than it is this year. Alot of scouts and experts said he’s been the best, most complete receiver hands down to enter the draft since Keyshawn Johnson. I just don’t see the point in giving away a ton to move up and get Green when they could have done the same thing several years ago and given up so much less.
Fu Manchu
April 27th, 2011
2:50 pm
My mistake, they picked 8th in 07 not 12th.
Jimmy Crack
April 27th, 2011
3:00 pm
(Insert Defensive End’s name that falls to #27 here) = Jamaal Anderson
Wunderlink
April 27th, 2011
3:26 pm
@ Falcon Flyer
You make the perfect point for me i.e. could Peria Jerry help getting hurt his rookie season, also do you consider him an impact player or bust….injuries has & always will be a part of this game….so stop crying over spilled milk…check Morgans stats for the othe 25%….bottom line whether due to injury or poor play if you don’t get value if it was a wasted 1st rounder….here are some of the teams who got high value last year
Bradford -OU-Rams pick 1
Suh -Neb-Lions pick 2
Joe Hayden -Browns pick 7
Dez Bryant -OSU-DAL pick 24
Bryan Bulaga -Iowa-Packers pick 23
Eric Berry -Tenn-KC pick 5
Devin McCourty -URut-NE pick 27*
Rolanda McClain -Ala-Oak pick 8
Maurkice Pouncey -Fla-Pitt pick 18
There were others who showed flashes…. these guys were consistent
Wunderlink
April 27th, 2011
3:34 pm
Have to agree with Jimmy Crack ; at 27th all you will get is a “Hybrid” or “Tweener” ….who won’t turnout any better than what we currently have!
Dan
April 27th, 2011
3:38 pm
LB Akeem Ayers round 1, CB Ras Dowling round 2 and the droping of DE Justin Houston round 3 with his reveal of his liking to get a little high every once in awhile
Sid
April 27th, 2011
3:46 pm
People forget we still have Kerry Meier coming back at wide reciever. Another Steve Largent in the making.
Nate D
April 27th, 2011
3:48 pm
Forget Clayborn he suck and so does heyward if we stay 27th we draft either Ayers, Houston or Rudolph lets move up and get J.J WATT
Tyler
April 27th, 2011
3:51 pm
Trade up to 10-15 and take Bowers from Clemson. He’s a freak.
TSA Screeners = Uneducated Perverts & Pedophiles
April 27th, 2011
4:29 pm
I hope the Falcons can improve on Defense WITHOUT drafting any drug addicts from the University of Georgia.
bsg3003
April 27th, 2011
5:02 pm
TSA Screeners = Uneducated Perverts & Pedophiles
April 27th, 2011
————————–
had to take your shot at uga huh? smh
Hey Marcel
April 27th, 2011
5:04 pm
Did I mention Kerry Meier is coming back?
1990_Champs_GT
April 27th, 2011
5:16 pm
Yes to Heyward or Clayborn (in that order). Resounding “NO” to trading up for either Green or Jones. Too many picks would be involved.
A trade for Larry Fitzgerald (First and a Third maybe?) after the legal stuff is settled sounds much better.
alex9
April 27th, 2011
6:03 pm
Still believe the Falcons should do everything possible to trade for Larry Fitzgerald even if it means giving up the 1st round pick. A LB should be the next pick (Akeem Ayers) and then another WR such as Titus Young/ Jerrel Jernigan or a DE end such as Sam Acho, Christian Ballard or Dontay Mooch.The 4th round a CB such as, David Harris,Reshad Carmichael or Chmidi Chekewa. The 5th another DE Greg Remoes,Jerrel Rowe or Kendrick Ellis. The 6th round OT Stephen Wisneiensk, Marus Cannan or Orlando Franklin. The 7th round a TE D.J. Williams, Weslye Saunders or Lance Kendricks. A WR Kris Durham. A RB Mario Fannin or WR Ricardo Lockette.
Then hit the Free agency for a DT and LB…..
Tech Guy
April 27th, 2011
6:03 pm
AJ Green doesn’t have the brains for Mike Smith to want him.
Paddy
April 27th, 2011
6:36 pm
In life you get “one kiss at the pig”. Justin Houston blew his chance at the pig and a ton of money. Do these kids ever sit down and give any consideration to how the real world operates? It shows me he is not mature enough to invest any sizeable amount of cash. You just have to wonder sometimes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Delbert D.
April 27th, 2011
6:40 pm
Let’s help Thomas with his problem:
Dynamite player.
C-4 player.
Semtex player.
150 kiloton MRV player.
G4tor
April 27th, 2011
6:41 pm
Bottom line is that the draft is a gamble. The odds of some players being successful are higher then others…but on certain guys, it’s worth taking the chance. My gut feeling is that A.J or Jones would instantly make our passing attack something that would give opposing defenses and defensive coordinators nightmares. I’m a die hard Gator fan and I can genuinely say that it would be worth whatever it takes to get one of these guys, especially A.J Green. I wouldnt give up our entire draft, that just isnt TD and Mike Smith’s style. But giving up our 1st, 2nd and next years 1st round pick(s)
would be okay with me. Anymore would make me cringe a bit.
Singletary
April 27th, 2011
6:44 pm
While we might WANT Heyward, TD has a habit of not going Big Ten. So far, it is working for him…
jerry
April 27th, 2011
7:26 pm
Let’s get A.J., Cam, and Justin. That will give us 2 liars, a dope smoker, and for the final round, someone who likes to slap his girl friend around. This will give us an NBA look.
Whopper Dawg
April 27th, 2011
7:28 pm
I don’t think that TD will move up, he rarely does. Expect another middling first round pick that will be a rotational dline player just like Jerry and Peters. Maybe Spoon can play this year. We need to get something out of the last two drafts, I expect nothing out of this draft and when that materializes on the field, everyone will say wait three years while the Bucs are passing us waving a hat.
Doglifer
April 27th, 2011
8:14 pm
Can’t say as I’d be gambling on Houston, either, and I’m a Dog season ticket holder. Great at times, nonexistent at others.
Why not Cam Heyward? I’ve read those here that say ‘no’, I just want to know why?
Dr Warren is right, I believe. Time to think about moving Michael ‘The Gut’ Turner. His ‘Burner’ days are done, I’m afraid. The ‘vanilla-ization’ of the offense will continue until we get another gamebreaking receiver to go with Roddy, and a running back who complements Snelling. We need a J-Rock who doesn’t stay hurt.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 27th, 2011
8:26 pm
aj green would be great but if we go we defense, how about someone who can get the job done & not injury prone. Anderson, Jerry & Witherspoon all had injury issues to deal with. If you’re going with a DE…please pick nobody with prior issues….PLEASE
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 27th, 2011
8:27 pm
i think the falcons could get VT’s RB in the 2nd round if possible
Joe Johnson is a Bitch
April 27th, 2011
8:37 pm
Falcons trade DOWN and get more fresh defense. Wise move.
High Times in Clarke County
April 27th, 2011
8:39 pm
Please, no way the Falcons WILL (nor SHOULD) take stoned dummy Justin Houston. Let him go to fat blowhard Rex Ryan. It’ll be nice to see the lousy Jets take a bust.
We should be looking at every end available. If one isn’t there for us at pick 27, trade down. No traders? Take a flier on Ayers from UCLA. We can take Randall Cobb 2. He’d be our best pick overall. We could take a corner in the 3rd round, possibly RB DeMarco Murray?
Just about anyone would be ok w/our first pick besides Stoner Houston and another lousy OL.
OldTimer
April 27th, 2011
8:41 pm
Trade Turner and some change for a defensive end with an attitude. The Green Bay game was a complete embarrassment.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 27th, 2011
9:02 pm
stoner houston?? give me a break..kid tested positive at the combine. he’s a great athlete and i doubt he would be toking up before gameday. it’s not like he’s hooked on pain killers & meth.
Joe Tess Fish House
April 27th, 2011
9:03 pm
They Ned 2 do sumtin about repalcing that bust Perrier Jerry.
North Ave Trade School Hater
April 27th, 2011
9:22 pm
And the whole congregation said, Amen.
Roger
April 27th, 2011
9:36 pm
Draft Josh Smith as a tight end in the last round. He can’t shoot, but maybe he can block and catch!
woody-switzer
April 28th, 2011
12:19 am
Demarco will be 2011 A. Foster! Get him! Or Cam Heyward.
Brad Kirkland
April 28th, 2011
8:32 am
How does a first round prospect even consider smoking marijuana? Justin Houston just lost a chance of a lifetime. Draft the best athlete on the board.
Hayseed Dixie
April 28th, 2011
8:35 am
I hope some smart GM cuts Houston a break.
Its funny: if he had gotten stupid-drunk every day before the combine instead, he’d be fine.
Marijuana prohibition in this country is a selectively prosecuted joke.
Jeff
April 28th, 2011
9:12 am
I did a mock draft last night and I really do think all of the pass rushing defensive ends will be off the board (especially with New Orleans and Baltimore picking immediately before the Falcons). Unless the Falcons trade up, they will address the defensive backfield and draft corner Brandon Harris from Miami. He’s a multi-year starter with the Hurricanes and he’s a player that the Falcons have visited with during the pre-draft process. He’s a player that can step in and start at CB from day one. That’s the kind of impact player they need.
ddawgdavis
April 28th, 2011
9:15 am
Brooks Reed! We whiffed on Clay Matthews, so let’s not miss on a chance for another HIGH motor guy
YourPoliticalAnimal
April 28th, 2011
10:16 am
I would try very hard to get A.J. Green . . . but I wouldn’t pull a Mike Ditka trading the future for Ricky Williams to get him . . . Dimitroff appears to be too smart for that . . . he doesn’t appear to be one who is ruled by his emotions . . . I hope either the Birds or my Bills get Ricardo Lockette out of my alma mater, Fort Valley State U. . .
YourPoliticalAnimal
April 28th, 2011
10:16 am
Lockette, out of Fort Valley State, could be a sleeper in the mold of Andre Reed, or . . . drum roll here . . . Jerry Rice . . .
Maekchu
April 28th, 2011
12:11 pm
Mark, please don’t encourage those childish douche bags that feel they have to say “First” every time. That was a common thing with adolescents about 10 years ago. These days it’s just annoying.
RobertM320
May 1st, 2011
12:24 pm
And Dimitroff gave away the farm… For a WR. FIVE picks for a guy who may touch the ball 7-8 times a game at most. And if Roddy doesn’t get enough balls thrown his way, he’ll pout. Buccaneers improved their D big time. Saints improved their D AND their offense big time. And we get a WR. Expect to be third in the division this year.