The 2009 NFL Draft Is Over, Long Live The 2009 Draft Class!
by Dave the Falconer on Apr 27, 2009 8:00 AM EDT
in Editorial
11 comments
Suddenly, the Atlanta Falcons have a defense.
After a 2009 NFL Draft that saw the team go defense early, often and with intent to kill, this isn't quite as bold a proclamation as it might initially seem. The Falcons wound up with a likely starting defensive tackle, a potential starting safety and outside linebacker/defensive end, and depth at several other positions. Peria Jerry and Lawrence Sidbury alone instantly upgrade a woeful pass rush, something that really hurt the Falcons last season. It's no stretch to imagine that the team will come up with a few big plays and quality stops there just were not possible in 2008.
For this Falcoholic, the draft went about as well as it possibly could have. William Middleton remains an odd pick considering the abundance of young talent at corner, but the rest of the draft hit needs aggressively and stuck closely to defense. The sole offensive pick was a mauling right tackle who I truly believe will be a starter at the NFL level, and we got him in the fifth round. The value was, at times, astounding. Once again, Comrade Dimitroff and his merry band of draftniks proved that flash is overrated.
So with the draft over, where does this leave us? Not every pick will make the team, but I'd be extremely surprised if more than one guy was cut by the end of training camp. With so many needs and so many talented rookies, you can bet there's going to be competition at least five defensive positions. The hardest part is waiting for everyone to sign and take the field, but I'm feeling so much optimism right now that I can wait.
Consider this an all-purpose discussion thread for the draft, incoming undrafted free agents and all other Falcons-related detritus. Enjoy!
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I'm loving the fact that
we needed defense, and we drafted a hell of a lot of defense. Its nice to have a competent front office now.
Its true. I'm a Falcoholic! I just can't live without Falcohol!
by phoenix falcoholic on Apr 27, 2009 8:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really love
Everything TD did through the Sidbury pick. Starting with Middleton, I’d say the rest was “meh” (except the OT – I liked that pick).
After looking back at how the Draft played out, I’m really really glad we were able to get a quality DT with #24. All throughout the 2nd and 3rd rounds, I thought there were HUGE reaches for DT’s (at least by the listing I was using).
There were a couple of “my guy” favorites that I hated seeing go to other teams, but overall I’m satisfied (I was hoping for a bigger CB like Kevin Barnes or Keenan Lewis in the 3rd, but I wasn’t surprised or disappointed by Christopher Owens – he’s been on the radar for weeks, and I trust TD’s judgement).
I think my favorite pick in this whole draft is Sidbury, though. We need an heir apparent for Abraham, and I think he’s the guy.
Man, I cannot wait till the season starts!! Wake me when it’s July…
by orang3b on Apr 27, 2009 8:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
More UDFA's
1. MLB Brock Christopher, Missouri
2. P Robbie Dehaze, Norther Arizona
3. WR Darren Mogey, San Diego State
4. OT Ryan Stanchek, West Virginia
by orang3b on Apr 27, 2009 9:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hear ATL also signed Derek Nicholson out of FSU...
"We're not maxed out, ... The best is still ahead of us."
Bobby Bowden
by NaGaNole on Apr 27, 2009 11:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm a big fan of...
…our 7th round pick, Vance Walker. I think that he’ll contribute early and often in the DT rotation. He was a very good player for GT the years he was there. Performed much more consistantly than M. Johnson. I think he was a great valye for his position
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 27, 2009 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So how many of the new guys
do you think will stick? Obviously the FAs will have to sweat it out to make the team and Jerry, Moore and probably Owens are all automatics but the ones in bettween 4-7 could get the ax too Hopefully we got good value in the 5th and 6th since traded Douglas to move up.
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something"
-Dick Butkus
by zooker on Apr 27, 2009 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
make that traded Robinson
don’t mean to scare anyone
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something"
-Dick Butkus
by zooker on Apr 27, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry, Moore, Owens, Sid Vicious...
I’d also say Walker has a good chance to make the team even if it is in just a rotation. He is to talented not to, IMO. Out of those listed above I believe we have to Day One startes in Jerry and Moore, while Owens and S.V. coming in to contribute in Sub-Packages.
"If you can’t get excited for Ryan throwing to Gonzalez, you’re either a robot or clinically dead. Or you’re a zombie robot, which is just plain awesome."
Dave the Falconer
by Pregame with Pabst on Apr 27, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Other signings…..
Falcons
LB Brock Christopher (Missouri)
WR Aaron Kelly (Clemson)
OL Ryan Stanchek (West Virginia)
QB John Parker Wilson (Alabama)
WR Darren Mougey (SDSU)
DE Maurice Lucas (Colorado)
LB Derek Nicholson (FSU)
LB Brit Miller (Illinois)
OT Patrick Brown (Central Florida)
LB Mortty Ivy (West Virginia)
P Robbie Dehaze (NAU)
by JCush on Apr 27, 2009 4:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I Like Kelly
Big guy, good vertical threat, good athleticism. He cradles the ball a bit too much, but if Terry Robiskie can get him to catch the ball with his hands he could make a fine 4th receiver someday if and when Finn finally hangs it up.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 27, 2009 6:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Althought From Watching Him Play at Clemson
He can be a little “soft” sometimes.
by LetsGoFalcons on Apr 27, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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