Atlanta Falcons Looking Hard At Wide Receivers In The Draft

by Dave Choate on Mar 15, 2011 12:30 PM EDT in Falcons News

The Falcons have been linked to wide receivers in this year's NFL Draft since the beginning of time. On a wall somewhere in ancient Sumeria, there's a crude painting of a spiky haired man holding up a jersey with a smudged but faintly discernable "80," with a primitive calendar bearing the year 2011.

So it's little surprise that ESPN's Pat Yasinskas has the team linked to two more wide receivers, one for a private workout and one for a Pro Day. Neither figure to be first round picks, so we're perhaps getting the sense that the team is more likely to go the late round route. Perhaps.

The first name you know well. Yasinskas took a look at Vidal Hazelton last month, prompting our own article about the star-crossed receiver. An early round talent, Hazelton's history of injuries and other woes is going to keep him from being picked up before the sixth or seven round, but his size, speed and talent make him an intriguing project for the Falcons. Since the team is only sending a representative to his Cincinnati pro day, it's hard to say how serious they are, but at least the Falcons are kicking the metaphorical tires.

The second name is an intriguing one. Dwayne Harris is a senior out of East Carolina who stands about 5'11" and 205 pounds, and he was a very productive player at his school. At a 4.53 40 time, he's not exactly a burner, but his senior season was spent hauling in 101 passes for 1,223 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's an expected mid-to-late round pick, and the Falcons probably are looking at him because of his production and how well-rounded his skill set appears to be.

He'll get a private workout, too, so clearly the Georgia native is drawing real consideration.

What are your thoughts on these two?

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Just doing their deligence

Due to the number of draft eligible players the FO interviews every year, it seems they start with the late round guys first and work their way up the chain. Other than the early round guys they talked to at the Combine since it was convenient at the time, they might be saving the best for last.

I fully expect to see more of the early guys being brought in April.

by Horner's Homer on Mar 15, 2011 12:50 PM EDT reply actions

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Has anyone heard of any 1st round talent… at any position that the Falcons are working out?

by Kushion on Mar 15, 2011 12:51 PM EDT reply actions

Here's one:

Justin Houston

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Mar 15, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Harris's draft analysis sounds good

Reads like he’s a RB in a WR’s body. Could be worth a mid round pick.

by mwalex on Mar 15, 2011 12:58 PM EDT reply actions

I like Harris

In addition to Justin Houston other potential 1st Round picks; Ryan Kerrigan DE, Torrey Smith WR, Kyle Rudolph TE, MIke Pouncey G and Anthony Castonzo OT. There are many others but these players standout on several top draft boards and also fit the needs of the team.

I’m one of those people who believe the Falcon’s will address WR later in the draft so a player like Harris seems very practical for comrad and smitty. He’s a senior, comes from a small school and was very productive. He also seem’s to have a well rounded skill set and good size

by FalcNole on Mar 15, 2011 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

AJ Green

Trade whatever we have to to get up and pick AJ Green. It will pay off, guarenteed.

by EZBigDawg on Mar 16, 2011 12:52 AM EDT reply actions

Never happen because ATL will not leverage the farm for one player.

by mwalex on Mar 16, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Vidal Hazelton is a BEAST- he will be a great addition our team

There is always that one player that won’t get drafted high or be a free agent and has a a lot to prove. That player is Vidal Hazelton. This kid as ranked the # 1 Wide Receiver in the Nation. He was above Percy Harvin. We need a player like this. Things went sour for him in college. you heard it here first. This kid will show up the AJ Green and Julio Jones in the NFL. Someone will get a bargain for this pick. I have seen him. He’s the complete receiver. Blocks like hell, great route runner and very physical. ESPN said it. He is the Best Player not invited to the Combine. Check this reel on him. make sure to look at his practice stuff at the end of the reel. This kid got great ball skills. http://www.govidal.com

by market908 on Mar 19, 2011 3:52 PM EDT reply actions