Atlanta Falcons Pick LB Sean Weatherspoon In First Round
by Dave Choate on Apr 22, 2010 9:44 PM EDT
in NFL Draft
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PrintI wrote recently that Sean Weatherspoon was beginning to feel like the inevitable pick for the Atlanta falcons. Turns out I was right.
There were very few players who better fit the Falcons. He's a vocal leader—some say too vocal—who has a ton of physical talent and plays at a position of need for the Falcons, that of the linebacker formerly known as Mike Peterson. There are questions about his maturity level and his skills in pass coverage, but the Falcons have an extremely strong organization and should be able to address both if they're legitimate concerns.
More importantly, the Falcons signaled that they're going to continue to fill perceived positions of need above all else. That's a good trend as the Falcons look to tomorrow, when they have a pair of third round picks to use and plenty of depth on defense and offense likely to be available. Frankly, I'm pretty thrilled with this pick.
Obviously, we'll look at Weatherspoon a lot more closely in the coming days, but please take this time to talk about 'Spoon. I imagine you'll all find plenty to talk about.
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Welsome to ATL, Spoon....
Best part for me is he will be taking the spot of a Gator, and we didn’t draft the other Gator… =)
"If lessons were learned in defeat, our team is getting a great education." -Murray Warmath
My opinion?
Nicholas, Lofton and Weatherspoon.
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Spoon/Lofton/Nicholas
Not too shabby. Could be one of the best in LB corps in the league in 2-3 years.
"There's a little sound off the bat," Cox said.
This is a very good pick.
My man was Brandon Graham, but I’m happy with more speed and brutality at linebacker. Now if C4 Moore lives up to last year’s billing, we will have some real fear over the middle.
Let’s start camp!
How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
:-O costs a little more than $3.50, I believe
Longest Atlanta Falcons winning-seasons streak: 2008 - current
The Falcoholic · Blog · Twitter
by Jason Kirk on Apr 22, 2010 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is for 'Spoon talk
The other is for Green Bay proper.
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Draft proper*
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Welcome SPOON!!!
I am happy and confident on what he will do
Bulaga to Green Bay
Longest Atlanta Falcons winning-seasons streak: 2008 - current
The Falcoholic · Blog · Twitter
Spoon!
I was soo excited when we picked Sean Weatherspoon, I ran around my house sayin “Spoon!” & im looking forward to the rest of the draft….
Oh yuh…Go Falcons!
Watchin' Bobby Cox Turn Falcon Red Since 1991...
(A True ATLien)
by Dirtybyrdatl4life on Apr 22, 2010 9:54 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Love the pick
Respect THE SPOON:
"There's a little sound off the bat," Cox said.
by FrankyWren on Apr 22, 2010 9:54 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Hey, that spoon has holes in it
Watching Bobby Cox pick boogers since 1995
by a hooter's baby on Apr 22, 2010 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
that's ok, he's not a receiver
catching the ball may be important, but he has other important duties.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Congrats, guys.
There may not have been a football player come through Mizzou in quite some time that was as beloved as Spoooooooooon. Us Tiger faithful fully look forward to seeing Spoon and Willy Mo on the field together in ATL.
All the best.
Thanks for the wishes!
I’m looking forward to it, too.
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Thanks man
Longest Atlanta Falcons winning-seasons streak: 2008 - current
The Falcoholic · Blog · Twitter
Judge for yourself:
Seriously, though? The concerns was 100 percent fabricated by GMs/draft types. Typical draft talk. He’s loud, no doubt, but I can’t EVER remember it being a detriment. It’s not like he’s going to come into camp and mouth off to veterans or coaches.
by RPT on Apr 22, 2010 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Looks like a pretty good mouth to me, Franky
Longest Atlanta Falcons winning-seasons streak: 2008 - current
The Falcoholic · Blog · Twitter
Yup ...
I’m happy with it. Although he might consider some veneers at some point.
"There's a little sound off the bat," Cox said.
I've only heard positive things about him, and those were from alums who knew him.
They said he was a very respectful young man who just turned the awesome on on the football field. I like a guy like that.
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, to either side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
I second S
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, to either side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
We have narrowed it down to-
2, 33, 84, 50.
But no, I just know it wont be 12
by FlyYouFalcons on Apr 22, 2010 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
∞
Watching Bobby Cox pick boogers since 1995
by a hooter's baby on Apr 22, 2010 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
SPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON
You’ll all be happy to know that as class let out, the Steelers picked Maurkice Pouncey.
I looked at the people picked already and thought “All that’s left is Spoon!!”
So I ran (Yes, ran.) to my car, turned the radio on, and as I turned the radio on, I heard,
“Let’s go down to the podium.”
“With the 19th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft…”
Me: “SEANWEATHERSPOONSEANWEATHERSPOONSEANWEATHERSPOON”
“…the Atlanta Falcons select……”
Me: “SEANWEATHERSPOONSEANWEATHERSPOONSEANWEATHERSPOON”
“Sean Weatherspoon”
Me: (outside my car, defiantly) “YEEEESS!!!!! SPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!”
I’m pretty sure I gathered a few looks. But it’s ok, we have SPOON
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, to either side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
by Zippo729 on Apr 22, 2010 10:06 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I'm sure...
It’s not the first time that any of us Falcons’ fans have ever gotten weird looks. I know I’ve gotten several through the years, mostly the really bad years.
May the weird looks continue as we kick butt and take names.
Comment's from folks over at the Mizzou blog re: his alleged character/excessive loudness (or whatever you want to call it) issues:
Nicest kid on the team. He talks (a lot) on the field and in practice. But it is never cheap, or mean spirited. He will be a POSITIVE force on the Falcon’s defense for as long as he’s there.
You should trade him to the Bears for a 7th rounder.
sure he’s vocal….but he does it while running his tail off. Doesn’t take a play off. Listens when he needs too. I don’t want to say he’s Iron Mike, but he’s solid.
He talked because he was having fun. He never got penalized, never annoyed his teammates (visibly, anyway), and never talked trash when down big. He’s as high-character a guy as you could ask for.
Bottom Line: WIN
"There's a little sound off the bat," Cox said.
interesting...
I never got too deep into this draft hype simply because I don’t watch college football and have very limited knowledge of who is who. knowing the mechanics of the game, I’d like to see the Falcons pick an O-lineman. other than need, we all know a lineman is a safer pick than a linebacker.
but these quotes you’ve posted make me believe it was the right choice. what sets successful players (not necessarily 1st rounders) apart from mediocre players is their willpower, not raw athletisism or even “talent”. if he can do the big talk and back it up on the field, we have the second Ray Lewis on the field.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Everyone celebrate we got 2nd Round talent in the late middle of 1st Round with Top 10 talent still available.
YEEEHAAAAAA to the Comrade….
I respect your right to opine thusly
But I really do have to disagree. Weatherspoon was arguably the most talented linebacker left, and linebacker was the team’s greatest need in the Comrade’s eyes. So here we are.
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by Dave Choate on Apr 22, 2010 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
We added a major upgrade to a position of need
Who cares if top 10 talent is available. Ryan Leaf went first and look at what he did.
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, to either side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
and what the hell is "top ten talent" anyway?
Is that some brand or tattoo you get on your tushi? I want one.
"There's a little sound off the bat," Cox said.
I respect what he's saying
Bryan Bulaga was supposed to be a Top 10 pick, and he slid because there were concerns that he couldn’t stay at tackle. He would’ve been excellent for us at guard, I’m sure. But then again, I think Weatherspoon will be excellent at linebacker, and I think that’s the greatest need at this moment in time.
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by Dave Choate on Apr 22, 2010 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha
I’ll use the Force next time.
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by Dave Choate on Apr 22, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
or...
the schwartz!
Sometimes it isnt about the “best player available”. Sometimes (like this time) it is “the best player available that fits our need, desires, skill, and position”
If it was always about the “best player available” than a team could theoretically draft 3 qb’s in a row (or whatever position you want to enter).
That said, congrats to Mr Spoon.
Bulaga was not a top 10 pick, I’ve said it the whole time…. Bulaga probably should of been our pick though. However, I love the Spoon. Wish we could of had both!
Spooge was the right pick at the right time. Any other draft, Bulaga is the pick. But with our needs, our pick had to be the primary need, just end of the story.
by Caviarhound on Apr 22, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
We can all agree to disagree. Spoon will prove a solid linebacker and I do like the fact he’ll get William Moore on the field.
OK Comrade, time to do some wheeling and dealing——use Norwood, Haynes, Anderson one 3rd, 5th pick as trade bait and get us a 2nd round pick.
I would love to see us move into the second
There’s going to be quality there. Let’s see if they do it…
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by Dave Choate on Apr 22, 2010 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I desperately want Campbell. It can’t cost us Tennant. We need two OL picks.. OT and Center or OG and Center… that’s what we have t o walk away from this draft with. I firmly believe it!
by Caviarhound on Apr 23, 2010 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
agreed
Hell throw sorry ass Micheal Jenkins in there too!
Watchin' Bobby Cox Turn Falcon Red Since 1991...
(A True ATLien)
by Dirtybyrdatl4life on Apr 22, 2010 10:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’d trade Jenkins and something… We do need a 2nd rounder
by Caviarhound on Apr 23, 2010 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
agreed
Hell throw sorry ass Micheal Jenkins in there too!
Watchin' Bobby Cox Turn Falcon Red Since 1991...
(A True ATLien)
by Dirtybyrdatl4life on Apr 22, 2010 10:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
agreed
Hell throw sorry ass Micheal Jenkins in there too!
Watchin' Bobby Cox Turn Falcon Red Since 1991...
(A True ATLien)
by Dirtybyrdatl4life on Apr 22, 2010 10:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Good job Cardinals, solid pick in Williams.
This draft has value into the 5th round.
Love to snag a CB in 2nd than get OL Walton, Tennant or Johnson in the 3rd.
agree on williams; wish we'd have gone there
he can push the pocket.
wow Pats went all retarded when Comrade left.
Somebody rec me
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Apr 22, 2010 10:25 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Sure...why not.
"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta
Great fit.
Bottom line: Falcons wanted Spoon and Spoon wanted the Falcons. That is a GREAT start.
"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta
The spoon will feed our defense more life..
by DesertFalcon on Apr 22, 2010 10:32 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Oh, spoon jokes
May you never get old.
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by Dave Choate on Apr 22, 2010 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Spoon was the right pick at the right time.
by Caviarhound on Apr 23, 2010 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Best Available that Fits
Said earlier in the week I wasn’t a Spoon guy, at least not at 19, but with the way the round fell out (Eagles taking Graham that early?!), best pick to make there except for trading down and maybe getting a 2nd rounder back. But take two to tango and all that…
Hope he’s what this board has anticipated. Upside? His name doubles as a battle cry ala the Tick. SPOON!!!!
VIVA LA SPOON!!!!
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by Dave Choate on Apr 22, 2010 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
About 90% called this pick, and they were right
I would’ve liked Graham better, but the g**d*** Eagles took him
Tomorrow we take:
A wide receiver/running back, and an offensive lineman
Trade up for Dexter McCluster anyone?
"That's my teammate, man... That's my quarterback"
by TurnerTheBurner on Apr 22, 2010 11:01 PM EDT reply actions
Loving this!
Welcome to Hotlanta Mr Weatherspoon!!!
"And their 1st pick in the 2010 NFL draft...The Atlanta Falcons select Sean Weatherspoon, LB Missouri."
by Edgecrusher211 on Apr 22, 2010 11:09 PM EDT reply actions
Amen!
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by Dave Choate on Apr 22, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Receiver/Center
Would like to get Tate out of Notre Dame if he lasts until the 3rd round and get a quality Center with the following pick. We’re in need for the receiver especially if Douglas isn’t top notch. We’ve gotta have someone to replace Jenkins or Heaven forbid if Roddy gets injured.
I think you'd want to look at bigger receivers to replace Jenkins
Say Eric Decker or Riley Cooper.
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by Dave Choate on Apr 22, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
With the way the draft is shaping up
I would not be suprised to get Dexter McCluster, Golden Tate, Jacoby Ford, or even Dwyer in the 3rd round
by !AtlFalcons-fan! on Apr 22, 2010 11:22 PM EDT reply actions
Tate's going to the Pats or Bucs in the second
Jacoby Ford and McCluster are possibilities.
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by Dave Choate on Apr 22, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Welcome Spoon!
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
I want to go on a line and say… make the deal, get 2nd round and get Clausen. Bring him along and trade him for a 1st rounder down the road… he’s good.
Brett Favre 2.0, where you at
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, to either side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
Except we got half a bag of stale Cheeto's for Brett Favre.
How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
Weatherspoon is Brooking 2; hope I'm wrong
Only can find small amount of film on him but mostly finishing tackles 5-8 yds down field. this is our #1?
Then allow me to address your fallacy of small sample size:
Missouri played its DBs at least 6-8 yards off of receivers in a conference that loves going to the air on digs and drags. Spoon was often dropping in zone coverage in the middle of the field and frequently having to make tackles when others would allow pass completions in front of the CBs. Barring understandable exceptions, he was far more stout in run support. If he managed to “mostly [finish] tackles 5-8 yards down field” as you suggest, he at least made up for it in some small way by finishing 2nd in the Big 12 in tackles for loss in 2008 and 9th in the conference in tackles for loss in 2009, trailing behind two men who went in the Top 3 tonight.
by RPT on Apr 23, 2010 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Don't worry, man
I’ve been calling for Spoon since I learned about him like…..an eternity ago.
I’m psyched he’s a Falcon, and I sincerely hope he tears it up on sundays.
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, to either side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
Just think
Ryan Leaf was somebody’s #1.
Joey Harrington was somebody’s #1.
Think about that and you’ll feel all better.
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, to either side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
Would Brooking 2 be so bad?
Late in his career he started to stink, but before that he was a very good linebacker for a long time for the Falcons. I don’t see that as a worst case scenario.
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I love our front office
It’s nice not to stray away from the plan or jump up in a panic. I was surprised Sergio Kindle and Big Dan Williams were still there. Great job on the pick! Hopefully Brian Fellows will be our starting LB for years to come.
by Chandler12 on Apr 23, 2010 10:51 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
That rat is dirty!
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by Dave Choate on Apr 23, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
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