The Falcoholic's 2009 NFL Draft Open Thread, Day Two
by Dave Choate on Apr 26, 2009 8:00 AM EDT
in Events
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PrintWelcome to the second day of what I like to call "the NFL Draft." A fancy name, I know, but there's no use in dressing down this extravaganza.
The first day and first two rounds pulled in two potential defensive starters, and that theme should continue today. In Comrade Dimitroff we trust, so try to keep your pitchforks dull and your torches to a dull glow, unless we pick up a quarterback in the third round. Then you can start yelling, and I'll probably join you. Personally, I'm hoping for a little help on the offensive line and then nothing but defensive picks. Probably won't work out perfectly that way.
Bad news, as I mentioned yesterday. Because of a couple of assignments, I'm not going to be able to follow along with you guys for most of the draft. I'll be back mid-afternoon, but if someone is willing to write up a short scouting report for each of our picks, they'll be promoted to the front page when I get back. I'll also live blog as much as humanly possible, but I'm afraid I can't make any promises.
Have fun, all. Here's a list of fellow SBNers who will be live blogging:
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
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Lets have another big day...
I think we did decent yesterday, def. compared to others. I wish we couldve gotten GB’s draft.lol
yesterday was good
took me all night to digest the picks, but I think I like them now. I don’t know what I want in the third round now though. Do I want an OT or a LB? Damnit all. I wish we coulda had another second round pick.
Alright TD. By the great powers of Vishnu, pick a full course meal out of this draft’s teeth
I think we'll take the best OT or LB avaliable
And if there are two players we really like, we do have the ammo to trade back into the 3rd round
does anybody in here use twitter?
I have church later this morning and then work this afternoon, I’m not going to get to see the Falcons early picks. I was hoping someone would twitter them and any other really odd picks that happen to come inbetween so I can get the word via my phone
I do.
Exactly 1 person follows me. God bless my wife.
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
I'll follow you
but I’ll need you to give me draft updates since I’m gonna be away from the comp for a couple of hours. You are the naganole that I found on twitter right? Or did I just start following some random creepy 30 year old guy?
by MentallyMIA on Apr 26, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
LOL, that's me, but I'm home, I'm not twittering now.
But the atlantafalcons.com site has a twitter page updating on the draft. NFL.com does ,too…
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
I was so mad yesterday,
But after reading scouting reports on Jerry, most feel he can add 15-20 lbs to his frame w/o giving up explosiveness or flexability. While viewed as a 3 technique at the NFL lever right now, he did put both hands in the dirt and play in the one gap a good bit in college. If the conditioning program has him at 315 when the season starts, holy hell he could be special. As for Moore, I watched his junior year footage, and it’s fantastic. Let’s not forget how many NFL caliber receivers he had to cover in the Big 12. So after calming down and doing some research, I realize now that TD is smarter than me. Now let me get back to drinking my red and black kool-aid.
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
you are right
Jerry is going to be a beast and I have no opposition to Moore, he’s ready to start and is going to make an impact. I really hope the Falcons manage to start turning the ball over in 09
by MentallyMIA on Apr 26, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Everette Brown to Carolina scares the hell out of me.
I said it in the previous thread, but thank goodness their DTs are so awful and our running game is so good. Their pass rush off the edge will be insane…
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!
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.
Note that D.J. Moore and Michael Johnson Are Both Still on the Board
Those are two formerly projected first rounders who have slipped far, both would be worth a pick in the 3rd here. Also wouldn’t mind taking an OT.
Think we might need to wait until 4th to get good value at OLB. Unfortunately not sure we’ll be able to get a starter right out of the gate there. Maybe they have more faith in Nicholas than we think?
If we take Johnson in the 3rd round, I'd be blown away.
It might not be a need based pick, but that’s an awesome value pick. Brinkley is still out there. Maybe his bro was on to something…
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
Weren't we considering Matt Shaughnessy in the fifth round?
The Raiders continue to both flabber and gast.
The Bengals are getting talent, but
…they are another back hole, almost Raideresque. No one will ever hear from MJ again. 3 years from now he’ll be coaching HS football. Ouch.
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
I disagree
Well, at least on the MJ aspect of your comments. While I do agree that Cincy is a midwestern version of Oakland, maybe this is the beginning of a change of pace for them. MJ is a quality player with a solid character, no troubles whatsoever. If he does not let the rest of that jailbreak team corrupt him, then he will be fine and more than likely will be a beast at the position. If not, and he starts hanging out with the wrong guys up there, then maybe you’ll be a little more prophetic than I want to believe right now.
Good players get drafted to bad teams, thats how the system is designed, but that doesn’t mean that those same good players are bad by association. I wish we would have gotten him. Either way, I wish him all the best of luck and I hope he destroys the AFC.
"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
San Jose State’s defense was their strongest suit last season. The majority of their guys in the draft are on the defensive side of the ball. Owens was first team all WAC and made 68 tackles, third most on the team. He was a third year starter at CB.
But I might be biased. I go to San Jose State. :) I’m just happy we have two guys already drafted, Owens, and Jarron Gilbert who went to the Bears earlier in the third round, and the possibility for more.
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Apr 26, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Wonder what the deal with Moore is
I figured if the Falcons were going to go CB there, he’d be the pick. Strange that a guy like that is dropping so far.
That's What I'm Wondering
I’m actually a Vanderbilt alum and I’ve seen DJ play. The guy was a shutdown corner in the toughest conference in college football. He lacks adequate size, being only 5’9", and his 40 time was a 4.5, so you had to figure he’d slip, but his nose for the game is outstanding.
Unless Chris Owens was just infinitely faster, they’re the same size and he’s a WAC corner. I really don’t get it.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Owens ran a 4.5 too
But from what I’ve read, he seems like Grimsey on ‘roids (w/out the ’roids). Small dude, but he doesn’t back down, and he has great leaping ability/athleticism.
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.
So I have a theory (actually it isn't my theory)
But I was watching the film www.nfl.com had on Moore, and the commentator suggested he could put on 10-15 lbs and convert to OLB. At first I was skeptical, but Urlacher did it (converted from S to LB out of college), so I wonder whether TD has that in mind.
In other words, maybe he does have faith in DeCoud … and Moore will be some sort of hybrid LB/S for his first few years. DeCoud on passing Downs, Moore on running downs, and Moore playing OLB for 10-15 snaps a game.
What do y’all think?
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.
That’s the first thing I thought too. I think this would be good from a coverage standpoint. Even an average-at-coverage safety usually is better guarding backs and TE’s than an average-at-coverage linebacker.
I think he’d be weakside, just considering the average strength/block-shedding disparity between safeties and linebackers.
by BigManChili on Apr 26, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
LB Prospect
Well, don’t forget that not only do we have Nicholas still, but we get Robert James back this year (unless he gets hurt again). James projects to be a coverage linebacker (In the words of our fearless leader one season ago: “Has surprisingly excellent coverage skills”), but I don’t know if he or Moore could bulk up enough for strongside.
Personally, since we took Lawrence Sidbury at DE (where we resigned Chauncey Davis AND still have Kroy Biermann), I think we should consider moving Biermann back to OLB (his college position) and use him as a strongside/rush linebacker.
As an aside, I’ve noticed a lot of our mid-round picks last season and this draft are versatile. Many DE/OLB hybrids, OLB/S hybrids, etc…
I gotta say
I think that he’ll stay at Safety. We could also sign Leroy Hill who was just released from the Seahawks. That would round out our LB core and leave as with viable potions at safety
If my mother put on a helmet and shoulder pads and a uniform that wasn't the same as the one I was wearing, I'd run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother.
-Bo Jackson
by Pregame with Pabst on Apr 26, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not so sure about that...
He turned down a 6-yr, $36M deal from Seattle this offseason. My three concerns are:
1). He didn’t resign because he wants to be “the guy”, and paid like one. The team seems pretty committed to Curtis Lofton, but maybe we have room for two.
2.) He faces a possible suspension/enrollment in the substance-abuse program after an offseason arrest (in Atlanta, no less) for marijuana possession.
3.) He may have looked better than he actually is when he played in Seattle with Julian Peterson AND Lofa Tatupu. (I call this “John McCargo” syndrome)
Anyone else think TD might have been eyeing Asher Allen?
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.
Why
do you say that? I’ve read reports on them checking out Christopher Owens (and Bradley Fletcher) for weeks…
No real reason ...
The only reason I mentioned it is because he was there until a few picks before our third round pick, and we all know how the Falcons love to draft a “home town” kid. I’m glad they didn’t though.
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.
Hopeing for D.J. Moore
Oh well. Christopher Owens is fine since Dimitroff is running the show.
Have patience young padewan!
Obviously TD has some degree of faith in Nicholas, and don’t forget how deep this draft is at OLB.
Oh, and:
Mike Peterson > Coy Wire > Poo
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 def think we should go OT ... then OLB
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 think the Brass is more comfortable with the OLB Position
There’s good value for any offensive lineman at this point.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Everybody forgets about Nicholas
I think he could very easily be used as that rush outside linebacker. We saw him standing up at the line in some third down situations last year and I think he could be an every down player in the way that teams are talking about those hybrid DE/OLBs. We know he has speed, and that certainly would help in coverage. If he comes along enough to earn some real playing time, the Falcons wouldn’t be that bad off at linebacker.
Definitely agree
I think of all the guys who are projects currently on our roster they’re probably most comfortable with Nicholas. And who can blame them, he’s been pretty good when he’s had opportunities.
DT and Safety were probably our biggest needs and we plugged those up early. Maybe the rest is just adding depth.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
I have faith in Nicholas and think that if he can hold a starting position, we all will be mighty happy with the results.
"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
Names
That I’m hoping last ~20 more picks…
Jamon Meredith
Marcus Freeman
Lawrence Sidbury
Xavier Fulton
Gerald Cadogan
Fenuki Tupou
Jonathan Casillas
Brandon Williams
Wow, just looking – there are a ton of decent OT options left…
Completely Agree
There is great potential to get good value at offensive tackle at this point in the draft. Don’t forget that we have the 2nd pick of the 5th round too, so there’s a chance that we could snag two of that list.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
And the Falcons like Duke Robinson too
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
That Makes 5 Vanderbilt Players
On one NFL roster, which is either very adept drafting, or extremely poor decision making.
I certainly wouldn’t have tried to get five Vanderbilt players on one team, although each one of those guys was solid in college (Cutler, Chris Williams, DJ Moore, Earl Bennett, and Hunter Hillenmeyer).
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Nic Harris OLB??
Anyone considering Nic Harris moving to OLB. Nic Harris played with Lofton——he just needs to put on some more size. But could be another Boley….
we picked
LAwrence Sidbury DE….. i don’t know what to think
by TheFranchiseis#2 on Apr 26, 2009 1:31 PM EDT reply actions
he got
11.5 sacks in 2008 at richimond
by TheFranchiseis#2 on Apr 26, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I've read that he could project to an OLB
Sounds like a fairly verstile player that could fit multiple roles. Not bad for the bottom of the 4th.
He is good
Not great against the run, but might be turned into a linebacker
Right from Dimitroff’s mouth on new picks…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9VsBJZbS…
Scouts, Inc. take on Sidbury
Prototypical height, bulk and top-end speed for 3-4 outside linebacker. Adequate bulk, adequate height and excellent top-end speed for a 4-3 defensive end.
Sidbury will defiantely add some pressure from edge, I’d like to see OL coming up here. I’ve got my fingers crossed for Duke Robinson
If my mother put on a helmet and shoulder pads and a uniform that wasn't the same as the one I was wearing, I'd run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother.
-Bo Jackson
by Pregame with Pabst on Apr 26, 2009 1:51 PM EDT reply actions
I remember Sidbury from the 1-AA championship game
He looked unstoppable. Just flat out fast. Granted, it was against 1-AA competition, but he certainly showed that he can play. And if you look at his frame, it seems like he could easily afford to bulk up somewhat. I really like this pick.
another CB
strange
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 26, 2009 2:05 PM EDT reply actions
Middleton?
Not to say that Scouts, Inc. knows everything, but he is the 49th ranked CB. With Freeman (OLB) and plenty of OL talent still on the board, I can’t say I like this pick.
by FalconCrazie on Apr 26, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
we have another pick shortly
maybe they will go OLB ..
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 26, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
He'd Better Have Loads of Potential
I mean loads
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
does anyone have a scouting report on Middleton?
Perhaps they are looking to use him as a return man?
Hard to find stuff on this guy...
“A small school sleeper, William Middleton recorded 194 tackles, 7 TFL, 7 INT and 19 PBU in his career. Middleton has potential as a zone corner and held his own at the Texas vs. Nation Game.”
Here's what NFL Network Says
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/william-middleton?id=89760
He’s an Atlanta boy, went to Marist, then played at Furman.
For those lazy folks
“Not many corners are named team MVP, but Middleton was very deserving of that honor after an All-American senior season. A three-year starter for the Paladins, he saved his best for last: 95 tackles, nine for loss, five sacks, four interceptions and nine pass breakups. Some teams will downgrade him for his lack of height, but Middleton’s strong build and speed should allow him to overcome that limitation at the next level.”
Thanks to BigManChill and LetsGoFalcons
Depth in the secondary was a major need and he sounds like a good character guy (like the other players we have drafted). I trust the Falcon brain trust wouldn’t have drafted him if they didn’t think he will succeed in our scheme.
Welcome.
I’m just confused as to why we drafted two corners when we already have:
Chris Houston
Chevis Jackson
Von Hutchins
Brent Grimes
David Irons
Glenn Sharpe
Plus two other guys from the practice squad, Darius Vinnett and Ronnie Prude.
And now we need to add TWO more players to that? We won’t carry more than six max, so who goes?
we might be moving some of them to safety
also, some people have speculated that we might convert Moore to OLB
The Moore comment was me.
I support moving Von Hutchins to safety for the obvious coverage ability, but there were rumors when Chevis Jackson came out that he’d eventually have to be moved there.
www.nfl.com has been saying that Moore might shift to OLB for a while ...
I like the idea though.
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.
another CB?
wow
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 26, 2009 2:22 PM EDT reply actions
we got
he Atlanta Falcons have traded their second of two fifth round picks (143 overall) to Dallas for the 156th and 210th pick in the NFL Draft.
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 26, 2009 2:23 PM EDT reply actions
good trade?
I think, now we have 3 more instead of 2 more picks where we can get depth at different positions
At this point, why not?
This late in the draft, unless there is one particular player you are looking at or one position of gaping need, they may as well. More picks means more depth and more chances to mine a winner from the second day.
Excellent point
Not every draft is going to be like last season’s. We have to accept that some of TD’s picks this year are going to be busts (blasphemy, I know). We might as well draft as much talent as possible and hope we get lucky.
Overall, I like this draft
I think Owens is a tremendous player, and if Dimitroff isn’t sold on Chris Houston, we could be looking at an Owens and Chevis Jackson tandem for a long time.
Little bit weirded out by the Middleton pick, though. Who is going to lose a spot for him?
Why all the secondary picks?
Perhaps the Falcons are trying to get some guys on the roster who might be able to cover Kellen Winslow and Jeremy Shockey?
I think it's probably what you were saying earlier SG
They’re going to get as many guys as possible to compete for that other cornerback spot. Worst comes to worst you’ve got depth in nickel and dime situations.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
We'll need to get rid of more than that...
Goodbye Glenn Sharpe as well, unless Von Hutchins or someone else moves to safety.
Duke Robinson and Jamon Meredith on the board
Best value pick right now would be an offensive lineman.
there's your OT
OT Garrett Reynolds, North Carolina
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 26, 2009 3:04 PM EDT reply actions
Big kid
Almost 6’8, 309 pounds, has some room to grow out his frame and is supposed to be rock solid against the run. For a fifth round pick, I’m not sure the Falcons could get a much better fit.
From NFL.com:
“Reynolds may lack the flashy athleticism that characterizes many of this year’s top tackle prospects, but his toughness and reliability on the right side could help him ultimately enjoy a more established pro career than some rated ahead of him. A three-year starter, with his action almost exclusively at right tackle, Reynolds has the frame and physicality to remain at the position at the next level. He lacks the speed to handle speed rushers, however, and isn’t the consistent drive blocker his size might indicate. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine. "
I GOT MY OFFENSIVE TACKLE!
REJOICE!
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.
Scouting report
Strengths:
Huge frame with long arms…Physical and aggressive…Violent initial punch…Gets a nice push in the run game…Technically sound…Terrific awareness…Fantastic motor…Has lots of experience…Nice bloodlines.
Weaknesses:
Marginal athleticism…Isn’t very light on his feet…Not a natural knee bender…Doesn’t use proper leverage…Has trouble protecting the edge against speed..Not real mobile…Struggles in space…Must get stronger.
When they say bloodlines, his father played collegiate ball and his uncle played in the NFL for 15 years (Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds)
Good pick
You can never have enough linemen. Robinson probabaly was never an option. The Falcons need a tackle much more than a guard.
Either Scouts, Inc. Is the Greatest Authority on Talent in the World
Or the rest of the NFL couldn’t disagree more with their picks. I love this choice, a big hogmolly to fill in for Clabo and Baker when they need breathers.
I'm going to go out on a limb here ...
and say that Clabo just lost his starting position.
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.
Maybe not immediately
But over the next year or two? Almost definitely. Sounds like all this kid’s issues can be coached and handled by better conditioning, so I love this pick. Great value.
Caveat
I’ll second that, but next year. Clabo will start this season, but he’s officially “on notice”.
Quick note
Mocking Dan at Mocking The Draft thinks Sidbury will get moved to outside linebacker. In that case, he’s like a cheaper Clint Sintim, and he just might be as good.
I was thinking that was an option
Putting him and Nicholas on the outside would them a ton of speed at linebacker. But like I said earlier, it looks like Sidbury could easily gain some weight if they wanted to keep him on the line.
He could
But he may actually be a better fit at linebacker, just given the team’s needs. Either way, he’ll upgrade our pass rush, and I can’t complain about that.
Oh, for sure
I just meant that its great to have that option there. OLB is clearly a bigger need, and Sidbury certainly seems like a guy who could make the transition
He's a flexible player
Which was probably why he was an ideal pick in the 4th round.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Just like a regular Patriots draft
Nothing too flashy, just good solid picks to build depth. I like what I’ve seen, even though we haven’t gotten much “flash” to spark the fanbase like last year.
Who can complain with a bunch of solid roleplayers like these? What position is filled by that last pick?
Don’t forget Robert James coming back. He’s makes two DE/OLB tweeners.
I’m thinking either WR, another OL, or a pure OLB.
You said that last year!
That’s right; I remember now.
Wow. From a pure athletic standpoint, he reminds me of Julian Peterson.
Not a bad guy to have around
Not sure he’ll ever be more than a backup, but a backup that can play almost anywhere is incredibly valuable. I’ll be glad to see him, Trey Lewis and Thomas Brown coming back.
I'm guessing OL, WR, or OLB
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.
Center or DT
You really can’t complain about the positions that are being filled. Nothing too flashy is exactly right, and its exactly what the Falcons needed to do. They aren’t picks that get people high-fiving at draft parties, but they are doing what the team needs to get done.
You know
All I asked TD to do was draft defense, and he’s done that and still come up with a potential starting offensive tackle. This is a tremendous draft, oddness of the Middleton pick aside.
With your wisdom
I’m digging the confidence
SuperStar Fred McGriff gives this post his "full endorsahment"!
by Molly Flogger on Apr 26, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Wisdom? You're too kind
Every draft has its share of guys who don’t pan out, but think TD’s done everything we could possibly ask him to do. If we can jump to say 15th in overall defense to go with our offense, the Falcons are going to be insanely fun to watch.
Another take on Middleton
For foxsports Scott Ekluds says Middleton “is a corner with outstanding ball skills who can also provide a physical presence as well…
As a senior in 2008, Middleton posted an amazing 95 tackles from his corner position, finishing second on the team and he tied for first on the team with four…
Also, Middleton is very smart, finishing a biology degree in four years with future plans to attend medical school.”
He sounds like he'll be an asset
My only qualm was picking two cornerbacks when we could’ve been addressing other positions. There may be a bloodletting there, though, and it wouldn’t stun me to see Chris Houston moved.
Dave:
What are your thoughts on Moore converting to OLB?
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 think I'd rather see Sidbury do it
Moore’s a big hitter, but I don’t feel like he’d be much of a factor in a pass rushing sense, and that’s where we need the most immediate help. I think he’s a quality fit at strong safety.
They worked out Aaron Kelly from Clemson
But I guess that’s not really a good indicator now is it.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Sammie Stroughter
-Oregon State, has that Special Teams ability.
by Mick Shrimpton on Apr 26, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
What's Demetrius Byrd's health situation after his accident?
Quan Cosby? Local kid Aaron Kelly?
Carolina gets another large Offensive Lineman.
Damn Cardinals just took the mammoth Herman Johnson…..
Yeah, Carolina gets Duke Robinson
They’re having a surprisingly good draft, considering the number of picks they have.
Herman Johnson fell like crazy ...
I guess teams aren’t too thrilled about a 370 lb OL.
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.
As much as I love him
I think he’s Free Agent material. The Falcons could get him in double time if they wanted him, but it looks like FB isn’t a priority position this draft for anyone, so maybe they can get it done that way.
Why waste a pick on him when OM is a beast?
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
would you want him if he wasn't from GA?
exactly
SuperStar Fred McGriff gives this post his "full endorsahment"!
by Molly Flogger on Apr 26, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't care if he went to Southern Middle Central N Dakota College...
Why waste a pic on a FB when we have one of the top 3 pure FBs in the league…
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
Hey!
My mom went to Southern Middle Central N Dakota College…
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.
preaching to the choir
uga homer picks just anger me, like those whining to get shockley a few years ago
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by Molly Flogger on Apr 26, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Whoa there ...
I’d normally agree w/ you, but Shock is the man. He shards excellence dammit!
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 think it's kinda natural
Unless you’re like me and don’t have any college rooting interests whatsoever, which comes from not going to a big football program school. I still like Shockley!
For anyone who's interested
I posted brief draft capsules on rounds three through five in a separate post.
Javon Ringer finally off the board
One of my favorite players in the entire draft makes it to the end of the fifth round. Falcons picking very soon.
Titans have taken 2 RB to add to the 2 good backs they already have...
Maybe their gonna put Vince Young back in there and run the GT Flexbone…lmao
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
Seahawks LB Leroy Hill now a Free Agent
After signing Aaron Curry, Seahawks removed the franchise tag from Hill.
He’s a Georgia native and only 26 years old.
We need to find a way to get back a 2nd rounder in next years draft
wonder how they’ll do it
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It won't happen today
But w/ all the comp picks coming our way, I’d imagine TD can make it happen.
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 w/ the 176 pick in the 2009 NFL draft ...
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've been hoping
we would 6th or 7th
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 26, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think so ...
McClure apparently isn’t holding out. I think that’ll be a need next year, but w/ 3-4 Cs already on the roster, I don’t think it’ll happen.
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.
Versatility is good, but sometimes you feel better with someone who that’s their natural position.
Well that's our only real criteria
So bring him in
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by Molly Flogger on Apr 26, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
here we go
With the 176th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft (6th Round), the #Falcons select Spencer Adkins, LB, Miami (FL)
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 26, 2009 4:01 PM EDT reply actions
I heard he thinks UGA stinks
though
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by Molly Flogger on Apr 26, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
just a pretty wicked reality complex
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by Molly Flogger on Apr 26, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
And at this point...
…a mike is probably better to back up Lofton. Depth in the 6th round – not starters.
by FalconCrazie on Apr 26, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone got a scouting report on Adkins?
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From the Draft Countdown forums..
Ran a 4.4 and put up 30 reps of 225 at the Pro Day yesterday. A former HS DE, moved to a traditional linebacker spot at Miami, he struggled, moved inside as a blitzing middle backer / DPR and had some moderate success as a role player.
He is as raw as raw gets. He moved around a lot and never settled in. Pretty poor in coverage. With that said, I’d still be interested in NFL coaches getting a hold of Atkins and seeing if they can coach him up and put him into a position to succeed. He has a good amount of potential. Smart kid too, well spoken guy.
Inside linebacker
So he’s probably best utilized as Curtis Lofton’s backup. Tough kid who will probably be a force on special teams.
Adkins
BIOGRAPHY: Part-time starter the past two seasons lining up at both defensive end and linebacker. Totals last season included 20/6/4 after 52/3/1 as a junior.
POSITIVES: Athletic defensive prospect with an incomplete game. Displays good sideline-to-sideline range, fluid pedaling in reverse and covers a good amount of area on the field. Breaks down well, effectively uses his hands to protect himself, and stout at the point of attack. Forceful up the field in run defense and fluid changing direction.
NEGATIVES: Displays hesitation in his game and slow reacting to the action. Marginally productive at Miami and never met expectations.
ANALYSIS: After breakout junior campaign in 2007, Adkins was unable to build on that momentum last season. He is more athlete than football player at this point, and he needs to improve almost every aspect of his game. At the very least, Adkins should be stashed on a practice squad for future development possibilities.
PROJECTION: Free Agent
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.
An athletic, intelligent project?
Sounds right up Mike Smith’s alley. If anyone can mold him, it’s our coaching staff. I’ll be excited to see where he’s at in two years.
He's a big boy too ...
5’10 and almost 250 lbs.
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.
built like a dump truck
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by Molly Flogger on Apr 26, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
From draftcountown.com:
Ran a 4.4 and put up 30 reps of 225 at the Pro Day yesterday. A former HS DE, moved to a traditional linebacker spot at Miami, he struggled, moved inside as a blitzing middle backer / DPR and had some moderate success as a role player.
He is as raw as raw gets. He moved around a lot and never settled in. Pretty poor in coverage. With that said, I’d still be interested in NFL coaches getting a hold of Atkins and seeing if they can coach him up and put him into a position to succeed. He has a good amount of potential. Smart kid too, well spoken guy.
This post is probably irrelevant, but I thought it was worth noting a potential undrafted sleeper from a major program.
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Great minds....
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by Molly Flogger on Apr 26, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay
Last pick. I’m going to say wide receiver, because I have such a great track record of picking.
Brandon Gibson
Wa State
fearless prediction
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by Molly Flogger on Apr 26, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Dave the Falconer
Blogger/Place Holder
Analysis: He’ll be slightly undersized at any position in the NFL, but his ferocious and versatile use of complex verbs and illustrative metaphors will make him an asset in 2-3 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.
Would that be Bill Cosby-ish fear?
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
He's only played ILB last year.
He was a high 4* recruit out of high school at OLB, and he’ll be developed to be the b/u for Peterson at WOLB. I think Nicholas will be starting at SOLB with Wire as the b/u.
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
I see Sidbury backing up Peterson ...
but I agree w/ the rest of your analysis. Oh, and Adkins is apparently a terror on kick coverage.
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.
Sidbury graded well at DE...
At 266 now, there’s a chance he starts the year at SDE playing around 280. He is a lot like JA
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
Really?
They appear like complete opposites to me …
Sidbury is a known asset as a pass rusher, and JA couldn’t rush the pass if Paris Hilton was lined up at QB in a 2 piece.
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.
Refering to size at the DE position, for a 4-3 end...
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
This is why there is a compelling argument
For moving JA inside. If he could put on the weight, he’d really be an asset against the run in the middle.
Which is very funny
Since he showed up at Arkansas as a Wide Receiver
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
TE I believe
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.
Probably somewhere in between
Rivals had him listed as WR, might have moved to TE while there
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess it's a moot point
Davis will be the starting SDE be the end of the season.
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
See ...
that’s what I’m thinking. I think Chauncey would have left had TD not offered him the chance to start. I really see Sidbury converting and Adkins as a long-term backup at ILB.
Either way, our D is getting scarier by the 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.
I like the competetition factor for this summer.
If you want a spot on the LB core, you’re gonna have to earn it. I’d think only Lofton has his spot locked up…
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
Going about as expected in my book…..
In typical fashion we take solid gamers with high character across the board. First two picks went with big names while the rest of rounds littered with small school talent. Perry, Moore and Sidbury were all expect to go to the Falcons——rest although surprises was typical of the TD era. Coach Smith and TD said to give them 2 drafts under their belt so we’ll see where we are after this season. For now I trust these guys decisions although there were so many solid players passed up.
I think we're going to have to adjust to that
I do quite a bit of research on the draft, but guys I think are solid end up passed up by the Falcons over and over again. My knowledge of these guys and how they fit just isn’t in their league, so I’m willing to let them make what mistakes they will.
Yeah
In the end, I’m not out there at the pro days and at the combine watching them, and I’m not watching much on the game tape. Only Dimitroff and Smith can truly draft what they like, and we can only speculate. But boy is speculation fun.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm suprised they didn't take Garner as a tackle.
I guess the kid out of UNC provides depth at guard too. Woohoo, competition for Ole Playblock…
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
Bear Pascoe
he was destined to be a football player when his parents signed his birth certificate
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Fun exercise alert!
By the end of 2009, where will our draft picks be? My predictions:
Peria Jerry will be in a starting rotation at DT.
William Moore will be the starting SS.
Chris Owens will be the nickel back.
Lawrence Sidbury will be starting at OLB.
William Middleton will be backup CB and a special teams force.
Garrett Reynolds will be the backup RT.
Spencer Adkins will be backup MLB.
Here goes:
Peria Jerry will be a starting DT
William Moore will platoon w/ DeCoud and play 5-10 snaps/game at OLB
Chris Owens will be the nickel back
Lawrence Sidbury will be starting at OLB
William Middleton will be on the practice squad
Garrett Reynolds will be the starting RT
Spencer Adkins will be backup MLB
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.
Ok
Jerry in a starting rotation at DT
Moore starting at SS
Owens as a DIME back
Sidbury being a tremendous glue player at OLB and DE
Middleton being a special teams bandit
Reynolds backing up Clabo and pushing him for time
Adkins backing up Lofton and contributing heavily on special teams
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, except for Sidbury.
If JA bites the bullet and does the work to bulk up and move inside, we’re gonna need a b/u to Davis. He fits that role. Something I never said but I believe is how good Biermann is. He’s a perfect sub for Abraham. I think he could grow into a starting role someday. If Moore is able to take over the SS spot, I hope next year we pick up Eric Berry out of UT for our FS. OMG, that’s be a sick pairing at safety
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
If Lewis is healthy ...
we’d already have a solid three man rotation at DT w/ Lewis, Babs, and Perry, which makes me think JA will fill in for Davis on obvious running downs … freeing up Sidbury for the transition to OLB. But we might have to agree to disagree me thinks.
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.
DT rotation of JA, Babs, Jerry and Lewis...
That’s deep. Lets hope Trey Lewis comes back at that 2007 level.
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
By the way
Our mock draft was completely and miserably wrong. Which means we did our job! Can’t wait to do the next one.
Round 7, pick 1!
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by Molly Flogger on Apr 26, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
How 'bout the 'aints
From Yasinskas on the Saints Not Picking a Power Runner, but a Punter in the 5th Round:
They didn’t and it became totally clear there’s no chance of the Saints drafting Jennings when they traded up into the fifth round …to get a punter. The Saints traded their seventh-round pick and a fifth-round choice in 2010 to the Giants to take Southern Methodist punter Thomas Morstead, even though you could make a pretty good case that the Saints don’t need a punter with Glenn Pukalak already on the roster.
Beastly name
Sounds like a nickname
but so does Ziggy…
and it is
by FlyYouFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I really like Jason, Elam, but
…if Graham Gano is available, you have to think about taking him. He was 4 for 5 on 50+ yard kicks and his punts are almost on par with Koenen. He changed field postion alot for his team in college. Elam is automatic inside of 40, but 40-49 is iffy . 50+ kicks go to Koenen, and I have little faith in his place kicking. Love his punting though…
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
Yikes ...
I respect your opinion, but you and I aren’t even on the same planet. That’d be a wasted pick IMO. Let’s get some OL depth or a development WR. Koenen is the man, and Elam isn’t going anywhere. To that effect, how many teams carry 2 kickers and a punter?
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 wasn’t saying it never happens, only that is barely ever happens.
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 I said take him, I didn't mean draft him...
Sorry for the lack of clarification. I don’t think he’ll be drafted. I think we should sign him and make him compete with Elam. You can say Elam isn’t going anywhere, but competition makes you better. Make him compete for his spot.
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
I like that rationale ... can't argue w/ it
By the way … you should try the reply button. No offense, but it’s hard to tell when you’re responding to me or posting another comment.
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 still thabnk we should look at Greg Carr & Willie Williams as undrafted FAs, too...
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
Vance Walker
DT/ GA Tech
Walker started two of the 10 games he appeared in during his true freshman season in 2005. He finished the year with 15 total tackles, 12 unassisted tackles, three tackles-for-loss, one sack and one fumble recovery. Walker started two of the 14 games he appeared in during the 2006 season. He finished with 17 total tackles, nine unassisted tackles, one tackle-for-loss, half a sack and one fumble recovery. Walker started all 13 games of the 2007 season. He finished with 45 total tackles, 30 unassisted tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Walker appeared in 12 out of 13 games during the 2008 season. He finished with 33 tackles including 8.5 tackles-for-loss and three sacks. Walker broke up one pass and forced a fumble. He earned first team All-ACC honors in 2007 and 2008.
We got our local homer pick...
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
At least they waited this long ...
Jefferson and Moorehead and crying themselves into free agency somewhere.
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.
Solid Draft
Now we have depth at D positions, plus some starters. Not the sexiest draft I’ve ever seen, but I think we got the job done!
Ugh, we rid ourselves of a Techie...
… only to absorb another one. :)
Brooking was a great player for us
Age catches up to everyone…otherwise Lofton would be watching Tuggle playing MLB for us. lol
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
Actually Love this Pick
There was talk about Walker being as high as 4th round pick until injuries hampered him. This might be a steal for the Birds.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 26, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Falcons signed 6’5" WR Aaron Kelly out of Clemson as Free Agent. Also discussion to sign John Parker Wilson. Again not sure why we need a 4th QB—-developmental squad?
That's pretty much going to be the limit with Wilson
Check out my brief scouting reports at 1 a.m.
by Dave Choate on Apr 27, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
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