The Falcoholic's 2009 NFL Draft Live Blog, Day One
by Dave Choate on Apr 25, 2009 3:58 PM EDT
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For me, the NFL Draft is a little bit of a holiday in its own right. The anticipation that I build up for it over the course of almost four full months is like a mini-Christmas.
After the Tony Gonzalez trade, some of you may feel the draft itself loses some of its luster. I couldn't disagree more. Watching and openly mocking other teams while waiting for the Falcons to make a potentially franchise-altering pick is good clean fun, and I never get tired of watching it. This year, my wife is fleeing the house and leaving my brother and I to soak in hours upon hours of draft coverage with the help of gallons and gallons of beer. I'll be blogging through the entire thing for your reading pleasure, but I'm not going to promise it'll be coherent.
Basically, I'll be updating on this post throughout the day, mingling with you guys in the comments and writing up separate posts for each draft pick the Falcons make. Day two will be a little more dicey because I have to work, so anyone who wants to volunteer to put up FanPosts and perhaps live blog a little around our picks should shoot me an e-mail post haste.
Be sure to check out the following list of SBN blogs joining me for the draft, which I will update throughout the day. The action is after the jump:
Mocking The Draft
Hogs Haven
Bolts From The Blue
Mile High Report
Music City Miracles
Stampede Blue
The Phinsider
Buffalo Rumblings
Pats Pulpit
Pride of Detroit
Arrowhead Pride
Niners Nation
Baltimore Beatdown
8:03 p.m.: The Jaguars pick is OT Eben Britton, meaning the Jaguars have now revamped both of their tackle spots. That's pretty damn epic, especially because Maurice Jones-Drew is now going to have the opportunity to eat the league alive. In a related story, he is my only decent fantasy running back.
8:01 p.m.: The Bengals pick Rey Malugglafuggla, causing MentallyMIA to break down completely. Lock your doors.
8:00 p.m.: This is the dead zone of the draft. There's still a long ways to go until the Falcons pick again, and I'm up to my ass in worries about who is going to be there. Solution?
Beer!
7:52 p.m.: CB Alphonso Smith is off the board. Denver takes him. Like an old guy on a whiskey bender, I just can't raise any excitement.
7:42 p.m.: James Laurinaitis goes to the Rams. I really like the kid and think he could've made the move to the outside for us, but alas. I now fear that Sintim will soon be off the board.
7:37 p.m.: Umm, okay. We might have to wait until later to get that safety. Patrick Chung is also off the board, courtesy of the Patriots.
7:36 p.m.: Man, Louis Delmas is gone. I was thinking he might be a real option for us at the end of the second, but I misjudged that badly. Damn you, brain!
7:32 p.m.: The Steelers go with DT Evander Hood, who some of us would have really liked. No use in looking back now, but he'll likely be very good for Pittsburgh.
7:29 p.m.: Chris Wells goes to Arizona. With the offensive weapons they already have and Tim Hightower to complement him, Arizona is going love this pick in the months ahead.
7:18 p.m.: Kenny Britt is a solid receiver, but this feels like Tennessee taking the need based thing a little too far. Still, I criticized them for Chris Johnson last year and was completely wrong, so benefit of the doubt applies again.
7:12 p.m.: Hakeem Nicks is solid pick for the Giants. They did a lot to fix their defensive problems in free agency, so it's time to hit it from the offensive side.
7:08 p.m.: Here's how I'm hoping this will go. The Falcons will get a quality linebacker in the second or third round, fill a need at safety, pick up a tackle in the fourth or fifth and then hit defensive end, cornerback or linebacker once again. There's a lot of quality defensive options, and as long as we stick to that philosophy, I'm firmly on board.
7:05 p.m.: As I continue to try to catch up, Indy picked up running back Donald Brown (great weapon) and the Bills pick C Eric Wood, who is a terrific option for them. The draft is getting better as it goes on.
6:55 p.m.: The Dolphins went with CB Vontae Davis, while the Packers go with LB Clay Matthews. Both very solid picks, and the Packers are having a very good draft.
6:42 p.m.: OH MY LORD! The Falcons take Peria Jerry, a penetrating defensive tackle. He's not the huge, run-clogging guy we wanted, but defensive tackle was a need and he's a hell of a player. I'm a little stunned.
6:36 p.m.: Patriots trade down to the Baltimore Ravens, who select OT Michael Oher. There goes the dream, man. Still, stone cold solid pick for the Ravens, and the Patriots get to move down. I hope the Falcons are moving downward, as well.
6:32 p.m.: If the rumors are to be believed, the Patriots are desperately trying to move this pick. If one more offensive player goes off the board, the Falcons will have a truly epic number of choices. My head is spinning like crazy.
6:30 p.m.: The Vikings pick WR Percy Harvin, he of the herb lovin'. This is a tough call, because Harvin is definitely talented, but I don't really understand making this pick. He'll be a weapon in Minnesota, but it'd be nice if they had a good QB to throw to him.
6:26 p.m.: The Browns finally make a pick. Center Alex Mack is a guy I like quite a bit, and he should be excellent value for Cleveland. They've done a great job today.
6:20 p.m.: The Detroit Lions pick TE Brandon Pettigrew, which is one of the biggest surprises of the draft so far. Stafford has his safety valve now, but they need to get him some offensive line help or here's going to be Hamburger Helper.
6:13 p.m.: ESPN ruins yet another pick for us. Jeremy Maclin is going to the Eagles, who are improving their offense yet again.
6:12 p.m.: Insanely, the Browns have traded yet again. The Eagles are on the clock.
6:10 p.m.: Great argument from the ESPN guys (what?!) about letting Jay Cutler go. Sure, he was whiny. Sure, he looks dopey. He's also a very good quarterback. Wasn't smart to let him go.
6:07 p.m.: Denver's second pick finally addresses their defensive needs. The Broncos go with DE Robert Ayers, who just trucks through people. Good call.
6:02 p.m.: Josh Freeman, I think, is a very high quality pick. It's going to take a year or two for that to pay dividends, though.
6:01 p.m.: Brian Cushing is off the board. Looks like the Bucs are going for QB Josh Freeman. Sorry for the delay.
5:40 p.m.: The Saints address glaring needs in their secondary with CB/S Malcolm Jenkins. I can't argue with this pick in any way. Tough kid.
5:36 p.m.: Cushing, Matthews or Malcolm Jenkins are the likely picks for our hated rival here. Cross your fingers that that linebackers stay on the board.
5:33 p.m.: The Redskins practically fire their pick at Goodell. Brian Orakpo was probably the best player on the board at this point, so this is amazing value. For once, the Redskins make an excellent pick.
5:31 p.m.: Running back Knowshon Moreno goes to the Denver Broncos, which is a mildly surprising pick. If anybody needed help at running back, though, it was Denver. Solid pick.
5:28 p.m.: I love the unpredictability of the draft, you know? This is what makes it worth watching. If the Broncos pick Sintim here, I will cry like Jesse28's new baby boy.
5:26 p.m.: The Bills pick up Aaron Maybin, who is very solid value here. I don't know why everyone's booing. Maybe they're sick of ESPN tipping the goddamn picks!
5:21 p.m.: The 49ers pick up WR Michael Crabtree, adding what you might call "an awesome wide receiver" to their team. Can't quibble with this one.
5:16 p.m.: Amazed that Michael Crabtree and Brian Orakpo are still hanging around. They'll be off the board soon.
5:13 p.m.: I love B.J. Raji, so I think this is a great pick. The Green Bay Packers just immediately updated their line, concerns about him fitting in the 3-4 aside.
5:05 p.m.: Jaguars pick tackle Eugene Monroe, immediately upgrading their line. Great pick for a team that had an offensive line only in the loosest sense of the word last year.
5:03 p.m.: This draft has already been full of surprises. I'd no longer be surprised if somebody like Brian Cushing fell all the way to 24.
5:00 p.m.: Todd McShay looks livid about this pick. As an intelligent human being, I'm not surprised.
4:56 p.m.: Darrius Heyward-Bey goes to the Oakland Raiders ahead of Michael Crabtree. The Raiders make the newspaper industry look well-run and ahead of the curve.
4:54 p.m.: Last two overhyped quarterbacks: Matt Leinart and Brady Quinn. I'm not drawing a connection, I'm just saying that ESPN can't talk about the goddamn pick that just happened because of Sanchez. For the love of Vishnu, talk about ANDRE SMITH!
4:51 p.m.: The Bengals pick offensive tackle Andre Smith, whose character concerns actually make him the best human being on the Bengals. If he's not the headcase they think he is, fantastic value at six. I like that pick.
4:47 p.m.: Andre Smith has an enormous family. And is enormous. And enormous value here. Just enormous.
4:45 p.m.: Pack Man just launched "No One Knows" by the Queens of the Stone Age. Another great song to rock out to. In less important news, the Browns get a first round pick, a second round pick and three players. Holy hell!
4:43 p.m.: ESPN is practically making love to Mark Sanchez. At least buy him dinner first, you devils!
4:39 p.m.: The Browns are trading to the Jets. And the Jets have taken Mark Sanchez. Great landing spot for him, really, and a smart move for the Browns. Nicely done.
4:35 p.m.: Seriously, he just exudes this nice guy aura. I'll stop now.
4:32 p.m.: Despite the ESPN man crush on Mark Sanchez, Aaron Curry goes to the Seattle Seahawks. The poor guy is crying and hugging friends and family. If there was one player in this draft that I want to see succeed, it's Curry. I hope he does great things in Seattle, and I think this is an excellent pick.
4:31 p.m.: Having a laptop on my lap on an 85 degree is not a lot of fun. Makes me think of this horrible scenario.
4:25 p.m.: And the Chiefs go with Tyson Jackson, who I must admit I didn't think was the best defensive end in this draft. He may well be a surprise because he's got all the tools to succeed, but I don't understand how Curry is falling so quickly.
4:22 p.m.: Hey, you know why Tyson Jackson is being hyped for the third slot? Because Mel Kiper suddenly decided he should be, and everyone else followed suit. If the Chiefs are smart, they'll get Aaron Curry and create a franchise cornerstone here. Basically, never listen to Kiper.
4:18 p.m.: A Matt Ryan commercial! My heart, it is a-fluttering!
4:16 p.m.: Mel Kiper jabbers about picking Mark Sanchez being a better pick. Okay...you're a team with an incredible number of weaknesses and an extremely expensive quarterback they can't trade. Let's go get another QB! Sanchez could be a very good quarterback, but this wasn't the team he needed to go to. Kiper is full of shit.
4:15 p.m.: The Rams pick up Jason Smith, the class of this year's tackle...well, class. Very solid pick and should fill a major need created when Orlando Pace moved out. Picking Sanchez here would've been idiotic.
4:13 p.m.: It's unbelievable how inane the chatter is between picks. Pretty soon they're going to start talking about suits.
4:10 p.m.: The Rams lack leadership, according to Steve Young. They also lack competence at about half the positions on their roster. But you're right, Steve. It's the leadership.
4:06 p.m.: Erin Andrews calls Calvin Johnson a freak. It's not his fault he has electromagnetism! Leave him alone!
4:05 p.m.: HOLY CRAP! They announced the Stafford pick immediately! I'm in shock here! I can't stop using exclamation points! And Stafford is getting booed like Mario at a haunted house.
4:02 p.m.: Keyshawn caught 800 balls? Teehee.
4:00 p.m.: I'm going to watch the ESPN telecast, because I hate myself with a fiery passion.
3:57 p.m.: And we're almost ready to start. The Falcoholic brother and I have taken up our positions and after an afternoon spent munching on chips, cheese and salsa, there's a very real chance we're going to achieve lift off.
3:00 p.m.: Everyone's got a song that helps them get ridiculously pumped for games, so why not one for the draft? The Falcoholic strongly recommends "Hit 'Em Up" by 2pac or "Reptilia" by The Strokes.
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I like my death metal
Listen to music with lyrics so distorted they can’t be comprehended with intense drum rythms and complicated guitar licks.
August Burns Red, “truth of a liar” is a favorite.
Well, I’m here. The draft just can’t start soon enough.
I'm blasting goregrind masters' Disfiguring the Goddess' new EP
Nothing like extreme death metal before going off to see a symphony orchestra play.
"If the Falcons ever manage to win a Super Bowl in my lifetime, I'll french kiss a toilet." - a friend.
by Adam Schultz on Apr 25, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
it's a shame you are going to miss this
oh well, I understand, gotta appease the soon to be wifey. It’s all good though, this will help her be more giving during football season when you drop the, “remember what I did for you during the NFL draft” line
still not streaming for me ..
Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.
by armchair quarterback on Apr 25, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
did you try refreshing the page?
I got a text from the site and as soon as I did, it was available online
thnx
i’m in now.
Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.
by armchair quarterback on Apr 25, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
New to the site
I figure this is the best time to join the site!
welcome
you’ll love it here. it has a great group of fans.
you are right, this is a great time to join the site too
Good bunch of fans, indeed
The level of discourse beats the hell out of the AJC blog, that’s for sure. Lots more people posting here than last year, I wonder why… :)
Enjoy the draft, it’s our last real football fix until training camp. Even if it is like watching paint dry, it is kind of fun. Cheers, and welcome.
I Definitely Like This Better than the AJC Blog
There are so many people on the AJC blog who aren’t very rational about the team. It certainly makes it better to get some good solid football discussion.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
welcome
Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.
by armchair quarterback on Apr 25, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
yes thnx
i had to refresh several times.. but it’s good now
Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.
by armchair quarterback on Apr 25, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
cracking open barrels of beer
Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.
by armchair quarterback on Apr 25, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Clothing
…provides precious absorbency, as well. Not a small consideration at my age.
Speaking of football, I bet Stafford is a bust.
All depends on how the Lions handle him
If he goes out and gets walloped like David Carr he’ll bust, but he’s got the tools to play.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
On that note
How lucky are we that the #3 pick in last year’s draft could step right in and play? It’s really absurd to imagine.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks guys
I already like the comment they made about stafford. “you can’t except him to be like Ryan” :)
Stunning
I had a ready-made joke about the Lions taking ten minutes to pick, but to their eternal credit the made this thing move. Bravo!
If everyone takes their full ten minutes to pick...
then the Falcons’ 24th pick comes around 8 pm ET, right?
booing the pick, not the player
Lions didn’t have much choice. Everyone wants to see them fix themselves and how are they supposed to do it? Fans don’t think that a QB is a quick enough pick
If history teaches us anything...
it’s probably safe to boo a Detroit #1 pick, isn’t it? They all DO seem to wash out…
This is true.
That is a hopeless franchise.
Except CJ
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
Definitely A Reach
But not an unexpected reach. He’s been climbing up the draft boards the last few days.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Pioli comes from the same place as TD – he probably knows some stuff that makes him confident with this pick. This guy will probably turn out to be a surprise
That certainly is true..
And last I checked I’m not wearing any super bowl rings, so I’ll defer.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
It fits their proposed system ...
but Jackson reminds me of an over-hyped Cullin Jenkins.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Fairly surprised they didn't take Sanchez
But this is DEFINITELY the safer pick. Think there’s a bidding war going on for #5 to pick up Sanchez?
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Naw ...
In fact, I think Sanchez will fall to 8 or lower.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
I'd be he's OK w/ it ...
Granted, there are some affluent people in KC, and it isn’t a complete waste of space. But there’s SO MUCH more going on in Seattle. Heck, if I were a football player (I wish), I’d rather play in Seattle.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
I'd be = I'd bet
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
He is nothing but quality
A solid player and person. I’d definitely love to have him on the Falcons. Ah we can dream.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
we can dream
I know I am – just a 7th round pick. Or better yet, you can have vick and our 6th round pick for your 6th round pick just one step up
I don't think it'll happen ...
I want him off our roster too, but it won’t happen until he’s reinstated or until his reinstatement is inevitable.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Can you imagine?
Jets fans actually CHEERING a Jets draft pick? Can’t remember the last time that happened.
what'd they trade?
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
The Terms
Browns get Kenyon Coleman, Brett Ratliff, and Abram Elam and Jets’ first-round and second-round picks.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
what'd they trade?
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Wow
Jets got ripped.
Theyre first, second
Coleman-DE
Brett Ratliff-QB
and some DB for… Sanchez. WHo in my opinion is overrated
That's an intense trade
Browns get a rotational DE, a starting safety, and two picks further back for less money
Andre Smith is my hero ...
The kid barely exerts any effort since the end of the season, fires his agent two weeks ago, ignores all the naysayers who claim he’s immature … AND he’s still a top ten pick.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
it's fine, Dave
just remind us to check them every 15 minutes or so… I never check until you say something about it, but they are a great read. Keep it up
Two more picks till the Packers.
… Not that you care.
Al Davis
The usual thing is to go for the pick you think will be best, but really Davis? REALLY? A Terp?
Come on.
I'll play the devil's advocate here ...
and say skipping over Crabtree makes some sense. I mean, he is slower than you’d think, and lack of competition inflates your stats. Oh, and the whole being injured aspect.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
and it isn't likely to change
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
Does Everyone Remember What It Was Like to Be Held Hostage By Your Owner
Because that’s the feeling Raiders fans must have. Al Davis is absolutely abysmal at running that franchise.
I can only hope
I can only hope that whoever buys this team from Davis’ family whenever he passes realizes that hiring a competent GM is job #1 for fixing this franchise. There is no question this team has talent, but its in all the wrong places.
lol
one of my closest friends is a B&O, and he has said this many times for many years now. hilarious
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
I Don't Care How Good They Were
When they made it to the Super Bowl in 2003. Since then, they’ve really been questionable.
NFL Network
Deion Sanders asking Crabtree about how it feels to not be the first WR drafted. What a jackass.
BLASPHEMY!
Thou shalt not take Prime Time’s name in vane … but I can almost assure you he didn’t think that question up himself. It was probably the man in the booth, if you know what I’m sayin’.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
When you're skill set and Bravo t.v. show isn't there ...
you still gotta pay them bills!
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
The Foot Definitely Hurt His Draft Stock
It’s an unfortunate incident, except for the team that is smart enough to realize he’s probably going to heal from it and steal him in the 10-15 range.
Y'all think that Smith looks a lot bigger than Monroe?
They’re apparently the exact same size, but Monroe seems smaller to me.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Lets trade up for Crabtree, I know we need defense but dude Ryan to Gonzalez, White, and Crabtree.
"The only time the Mets win is in the offseason"
We could be like the Colts lol.
"The only time the Mets win is in the offseason"
by Falconzfan284 on Apr 25, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Um ...
NO
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
The draft moves so much faster....
Now that they’ve moved it from 15 mins to 10. Much more enjoyable.
oh wait
Pack Man is your brother…. oooooooooooooooh…. I get it now.
Please excuse me. Alchohol inhibits my reaction time
Haha
Yeah, family ties lead me to root for the Falcons, except when they face the Packers.
Do you mean "lose to the Falcons"?
… so your uncle tells us that Dave is lacking in the “full head of hair department,” can you confirm or deny?
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
hahaha
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
ownd
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
I don't recall
The Packers losing to the Falcons. This year, or in that icy playoff game in Lambeau.
He’s got hair. We’ll see for how long.
Week 5 (last fall)
But I really do have a lot of respect for the Packers. I live in Wisconsin, so most of my friends are either Packers or Bears fans. Trust me, Packers fans are 100 times more bearable than Bears fans. But you probably already knew that.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
I like to think Packer's fans are a reasonable bunch, if you're not talking about Favre haha
Yeah, I remember the loss. Our season just went downhill from there. But hey, it was awesome to see the Falcons turn it around last year so quickly, so I couldn’t hold too much of a grudge.
Was "Puff" the dragon's name?
I keed! I keed!
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
I travel freely through time
Makes it tough to keep my sense of anticipation for Clint Sin….I’ve said too much.
waves = sacks?
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
are you kidding?
He was one of the top DTs in the league (I think 4th in tackles). Sure he only got one sack, but it was his first NFL season. I think he has had some time to develop and will look great on the Falcons
+1
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Plus,
DT’s are really know for their high sack totals
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
Crabtree to the 49ers
Waiting for Deion to ask him if he’s qualified to carry Jerry Rice’s jockstrap.
Redskins
are going to have a mean pass rush next season.
Hope we get at least one tackle. We gotta play them
Im here =]
I get to watch it here down under =D
New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.
Just a quick note
I dig the Tony Gonzalez trade =)
New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.
welcome
quick fill in. Pack Man = Dave’s brother
Raiders can’t make a good pick to save their lives. Poor fans. Al Davis needs to keel over already.
glad to see you could join us
Oh I saw that Raiders pick
I laughed so loud at 6.30 in the morning
New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.
Moreno
Moreno in Denver will be ugly. With Orton, they’ll be leaning heavy on the run, and they’ve got some awesome lead blockers, with Peyton Hillis there coming off injury next season.
Jenkins to NO?
Jenkins keeping it classy with his completely disheveled look. Just like a New Orleans player.
don't take cushing, don't take cushing, don't take cushing
I wanna keep my hopes up for a few more rounds
Dave will be back shortly.
Technical difficulties.
that is REALLY early
They must really like his potential. I was actually hoping we might trade back and snag him and another productive player later.
Did NOT see that coming
No.
Red Bull and Coffee. Very sad I know.
New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.
I feel you at least
I spent last NFL season in Iraq. So I know what it’s like to watch games at 1 in the morning.
Good for you though. Way to be a devout fan. Glad to have you onboard
Hood fits our scheme better IMO
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Well, I like Ziggy
his massive size and speed combo.
by FlyYouFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
VIIIIIIIIIIIIICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCTOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Actually, it does sort of make sense
You take a QB with upside, you sit him behind Leftwich for a little while, and you see if he can win the spot.
Still, this does NOT help them improve immediately
I like that pick... for us
if they play it smart, he might stand a chance… never gonna be a master of the no-huddle. However, it helps us get 2 wins next season. Thats 7 away from my dream season. So it works for me.
Yeah ...
but I’d rather take White, or one of several others, if I am looking for upside. Bucs have other needs. But I’m not complaining or nothing.
Dear Mr. Freeman:
Meet my cleats …
Best Regards,
Da Predatah
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
I'm the only Freeman apologist here
But I think if he sits for a year, he could be scary. If they start him right off the bat, they may well ruin him.
um
wouldn’t picking him period equate to him beating out Leftwhich? If he takes anything from Leftwhich, his career is already over.
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
I must say ...
it’s looking like TD will have all kinds of options by the time we pick.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Something in this draft.
A lot of risks. It seems teams are risking more. I think Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco picks of last year really make other teams trigger happy. This can only be good for us.
New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.
I think we're going to trade down ...
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Just saw Teddy the Cockatoo dunk the basketball
Very happy right now.
New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.
woah
I don’t get this draft… AT ALL.
Go Browns. You are making this exciting to me. Who do you trade your pick to next?
You really think the Eagles couldn’t have got that guy at their pick?
I think
The Browns are being smart. They realise that there are a lot of players falling. So I like what they are doing.
New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.
Maclin?
Come on … now this is getting absurd. I’d bet Harvin is wondering how much his foray w/ the wacky tobacky is going to cost him.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Go TD and Coach Smith
So far, we haven’t reached for anyone in a draft full of crazy moves. Let’s be happy we’ve finally got people who know when NOT to make bad moves.
I know we have defensive needs ...
but I wouldn’t be mad at TD for taking Oher.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Agreed
Was pleading with my wife to make him fall to us. She looked at me and whispered to my new son that daddy was crazy
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
Pettigrew's OFF the board!
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
in fact
I was hoping Pettigrew being on the board would have been our leverage to talk KC into a new trade… however, I’m starting to think whatever pick is available for us is going to be INCREDIBLE. Hurry up 24
Baaaaaaaaah!
Don’t tell iRonin this, but I really wanted Mack …
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Yeah Yeah
You’re right, and I know it, but I don’t have to like it!
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Yeah, I'm REALLY liking our options
I’m almost liking our options so much I think we should trade back to the end of round one and get another decent pick
I still firmly believe he's value at 24
But if we could trade down and still get him, then sure. Great move.
I like Matthews
for no other reason than his fine pedigree. The draft is a crapshoot, but it looks like we’ll almost surely fill a need here.
I never wanted maualuga
’cause I never thought he would be available at our pick. But I want him now!
You HAVE to respect his moxy
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
I'm not going to lie I'm almost about to jump on the Oher train
Can you imagine Baker and Oher as bookends for many many years? Is there a defensive pick that can top that potential?
Comrade has many options
Like the concept of OL bookends, but the D is fairly screaming for help IMO.
Forgot about him
Like clay mathews though, how come hes dropped this far???
by napoleon dynamite on Apr 25, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
This is nerve-wracking
I never expected our path to be this wide open at this point. I don’t know what to expect, and I’m both elated and terrified.
Oher or Mauaguala
Both would be great… Matt Ryan with 7 seconds throwing to White, Jenkins,and Gonzo…
and we're taking
peria jerry
Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.
by armchair quarterback on Apr 25, 2009 6:38 PM EDT reply actions
Could be one of about 5 players here
Bet its TD surpirse coming up!!!
by napoleon dynamite on Apr 25, 2009 6:38 PM EDT reply actions
... too late
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
I can't take this!
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
sorry I'm late
I have been sitting on the beach on Paname City. Got back to the t.v. just in time. Lots of stuff on the board.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Big DT Jerry is the man!
If the durability issues are not a factor, seems like a good pick. A good D starts on the line.
Hope this one works out
Its always hard to argue with good linemen
I wouldn't have a problem w/ this pick ...
if we didn’t need a run stuffer. I’ll probably get over it, but right now I’m perplexed.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Little surprised.
But Line depth is always good.
New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.
Alright, let's look at this way
The Falcons need a pass rush boost, and Jerry will provide that. They’re clearly banking on Trey Lewis being healthy and being able to plug when needed, but Jerry is still great value. Let’s let him put on a few pounds and see how he fits in the scheme. I’m not unhappy, just shocked.
That is the only way you can rationalize it ...
Trey must be (1) healthy and (2) looking good.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Glaring need filled
Though you can argue that LB and DB are equally pressing areas of need, I like the pick. Being a simple minded individual, I think successful teams start at the lines. Our D was terribly pourous against the run at times last year, and that problem simply has to be addressed.
I guess this also means...
that TD & Co think JA is worth another years time. I don’t, but oh well. I like the pick only because we needed a better DT.
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
it's just
when you are drafting need vs. best available
yes, DT is our biggest need
but Mau seemed like the best available + fills a BIG need… I dunno. Why is Mau dropping so far?
Mau has talent, but ...
he’s better suited to play inside.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
He isn't 310+
But he’s still 300, and capable of adding more weight. Plus, he’s not merely a pass rush DT, he can also stuff the run. We definitely needed that.
he can also stuff the run
Where are you getting that? Everything I’ve read says he struggles/plays too high against the run.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
his NFL.com draft report says
that the team he played with improved from 101st in the nation in run D to 4th after he joined
Maybe ...
but there aren’t 11 of him playing at once.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Agreed ...
I don’t mean to be some negative, but as someone who never doubted the Ryan pick … I feel I deserve to be a skeptic from time to time.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Seriously!
When hasn’t Jerry been injured?
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Um ...
is that why he didn’t work out at the combine and missed his pro day (w/ a hammy injury)?
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
Reminds me a little bit of when the Packers took Harrell.
Hopefully there will be different results though.
Jerry's Injury Report:
2004: Sat out the final four games with an ankle sprain.
2005: Missed the first four games with an ankle injury.
2006: Bothered most of the season by foot and hand problems that eventually saw him sit out the Wake Forest (9/23), Georgia (9/30), Arkansas (10/21) and Auburn (10/28) contests.
2008: Missed the season opener vs. Memphis (8/30) after undergoing arthroscopic right knee surgery (8/18) to repair a meniscus tear.
2009: Could not complete agility tests at the NFL Combine and limited on Pro Day due to a hamstring strain.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
I'm not gonna like the pick
until he proves to me otherwise… It was the same with Matt Ryan, so my opinion is pretty irrelivent
I'm no better informed than anyone
but Dimitroff has proven over and over again that he knows a hell of a lot more about football than I do. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt until he’s proven wrong.
Not taking shots at anyone, but it amuses me how much stock people put in draftees’ college records before they play a down as a pro. History has repeatedly shown that it’s a crapshoot.
You're NOT wrong
But it’s hard to be optimistic all the time. Not saying TD didn’t have the best of intentions, but I bet he isn’t as sold about this pick as he was about Ryan.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
You got me ...
I hope I’m wrong, but like I said above, I never doubted the Ryan pick for a second. I get to be a skeptic every couple of years.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
I can understand why you're not sold
But the more I think about, the more I like this pick. He has a chance to be the second coming of Rod Coleman, and an interior lineman who can get to the QB is a valuable commodity.
I can live with it
I just think I was hoping for someone that would be like, “HOLY SHIT! THE FALCONS ARE GOING TO BE UNSTOPPABLE” However, I guess this pick is going to pay for itself as the season plays out. Hopefully he stays healthy
Good Point
I’m not going to be critical just yet
by Erich Vowell on Apr 25, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn
Why did they not pick Vonta Davis then?
by Erich Vowell on Apr 25, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
How About...
Clay Matthews? what problems does he have
by Erich Vowell on Apr 25, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
none
I would have liked that. I think I just wanted LB really really badly. Though our need really was at DT. It makes sense what happened
Yeah your right
I’m not going to 2nd guess unless he is going to be on the DL all season long
by Erich Vowell on Apr 25, 2009 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions
James Laurenitis
(Not sure on spelling) But I here he’s quite good. Thought on getting him in the second?
New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.
Well, Jerry will be used sparingly in his first season Im guessing.
But listen, TD Knows what hes doing dont worry.
you sound like you are trying to talk me into accepting a surgeon
but yeah… you are right… DT was our biggest need. TD has a plan, it’s gonna unfold.
We're still going to get a linebacker
It’s a deep draft class. We may be able to get Laurinaitis or Sintim by trading up a few spots, and either would be well worth it.
What would they give up
For a pick? other picks?
by Erich Vowell on Apr 25, 2009 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions
It's possible
Or they could stand pat and still have plenty of options. Jasper Brinkley could get it done in the third round, though there is a question of him moving outside.
This may sound very dumb
But since I haven’t been following the draft. Why has Chris Wells been falling? Character issues?
New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.
No one
Has needed a RB
Denver got Knowshon
And Philly picked a WR.
by FlyYouFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Or getting more alochol to ash it away
by FlyYouFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah.
Is there an age… restriction for this site?lol
by FlyYouFalcons on Apr 25, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know
I feel like with the addition of Gonzalez the Falcons don’t need any help in the passing game
Really
Jenkins is a good 2nd bannana? I guess Robinson could make big strides this year and become the 2nd WR.
by Erich Vowell on Apr 25, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Ummm
I think you’re a little behind on the news, my friend, which is understandable. Robinson was traded to the Rams. I do believe in Jenkins and Harry Douglas, though.