It Would Take Too Damn Much For The Falcons To Get A.J. Green

by Dave Choate on Mar 24, 2011 1:00 PM EDT in Falcons News

Like any good columnist, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Jeff Schultz has the power to polarize and produce discussion with his writing. His piece about A.J. Green did exactly that among the Falcons faithful.

I'm not here today to bash Schultz, a smart guy who makes the best argument possible for getting Green. He is a weapon, and it's undeniable that he'd be an upgrade for the Falcons offense, probably from the moment he stepped on the field.

In a vacuum, where A.J. Green were just available to the first team that tackled him to the ground, I'd be all for the Falcons going after him. As we all know, we're not living in a vacuum.

The problem is what it would take to get Green. Schultz's colleague, D. Orlando Ledbetter, figures it would take a first-and-second round pick in 2011 and a second rounder in 2012 to move up ahead of Cincinnati and Cleveland, the two teams most likely to snap their jaws on Green. That's a serious bounty.

Is Green worth it? That's an argument I don't pretend to be an able arbiter about. I'm of the opinion that football teams should be built deep and talented, and you by necessity sacrifice depth when you trade multiple picks to go after one player. He could transform the face of the franchise, but then again, injuries or scheme fit could lead to him struggling to be an impact player. The odds are against the latter, I would say, but it's not impossible.

We can't let the mistakes of the past inform our future. As reader Mosugo noted in James Rael's post yesterday, the Falcons would have had to give up a similar package to get at Calvin Johnson, and the players they ended up drafting with those picks were Justin Blalock (good), Jamaal Anderson (a bust because of his draft position) and Chris Houston (just a plain old bust). As Mosugo wrote, you can make a strong argument that the Falcons should've pulled the trigger on trading up to get CJ, who is now one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

But this is a new front office, a smarter front office, and one that is building a damn good football team. I like Dimitroff's ability to do more for this team with those three picks than A.J. Green alone can do. Ultimately, that's what decides the argument for me.

Where do you stand, gentle readers?

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Comments

Not for a WR...

In my opinion, WRs are one of the least important positions on the field. As such, I don’t want to give away three top picks (or more) for one WR. The only reason the idea has been floated is because he’s a Dawg.

I know others will disagree, but that’s my opinion.

Also, living in a vacuum would be awful (it took all my power to avoid the obvious pun.): the noise would be unbearable and my dog would be continually going nuts.

I am bi-winning. I win not only here but also there.

by Jman781 on Mar 24, 2011 1:27 PM EDT reply actions

Assuming Dimitroff has learned to see into the future

(perhaps by sacrificing a pirate to a panther in a Cajun voodoo ceremony) then I’m all for giving up so many future building blocks to get one unproven player now.

But if not, let’s avoid acting like the Redskins and Raiders who overpay in personnel moves constantly but never seem to make any progress.

by Leon07 on Mar 24, 2011 1:56 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

Would you agree the two late 2nd round picks are even more unproven and less talented than Green is?

by Atlborn3 on Mar 24, 2011 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Can't know

Let me ask you this: Are potential starters at two positions, which I think is a reasonable expectation for second round picks, worth A.J. Green?

by Dave Choate on Mar 24, 2011 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Even after all the scouting and research

It’s a crapshoot…I’d rather buy more “tickets” and increase my chances of winning the jackpot.

by TheAreopagite on Mar 24, 2011 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Absolutely a top 5 NFL prospect

versus the 59th pick this year and who knows next year. And you could still trade your first round pick next year for maybe two seconds to get one of those starters back if you need to.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 24, 2011 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Think you're diminishing the potential of non-first round draft picks ...

8/12 of our offensive starters weren’t first rounders.

by James Rael on Mar 24, 2011 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I'm not diminishing their potential

I’m just that high on what AJ Green could become. I think it would be like passing on a chance at a Calvin Johnson type player again. Our team is not as dynamic as some others are so thats why I would like us to be more aggressive and add a potential star over two solid starters.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 24, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

some of my post got cut off

I’m just that high on AJ Green’s potential I think he can be a Calvin Johnson type of player. Our team is not as dyanmic as some others thats why I would like to be more aggressive and a add a potential star over to solid starters.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 24, 2011 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions

You may very well be correct ...

But check out this article …

Over the last decade, 3/14 (21 percent) of Top 10 WRs have been successful (basically met or exceeded expectations). 1st round WRs over the same period have had a 35 percent (14/40) success rate.

1st rounder of any kind are generally crap shoots, and that meme applies even more so with WRs. He could be another Calvin Johnson, you’re absolutely right in that regard. I’m just skeptical re: giving up that much. It’d be different if we already had a pick that put him within reach.

by James Rael on Mar 24, 2011 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I think that's the key

If we were only a few spots away, I’d be happy to see Dimitroff go after him. But moving from the mid-20s to the very top of the draft is going to be insanely expensive no matter who you end up with.

by Leon07 on Mar 24, 2011 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

draft picks that aren't top ten usually are crap shots anyway

Actually scouting and seeing how a player adapts to situations on the field make them less of a crap shot to a coach or scout

Atlanta will win a championship....someday

by maxxj3 on Mar 25, 2011 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions

And are you so sure

that giving up those many top picks and getting Green will push ATL to the next level? No you’re not. ATL has many more concerns than WR and many more concerns that can cost them games.

The wildcard is there is no guarantee that MM would even us Green properly. It’s a pretty good bet that he won’t.

It would be insane and irresponsible to give up those picks for Green.

by mwalex on Mar 24, 2011 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Giving up two late 2nd round picks for AJ is irresponsible?

when they just gave up a 2nd round pick for a 33 year old TG on the downside of his career.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 24, 2011 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes

When ATL is this close to having a championship caliber team.

by mwalex on Mar 25, 2011 2:51 AM EDT up reply actions

You don't win championships

With average to above average talent and continue to hope they overachieve. At some point you have to have playmakers if you are truly serious about winning which we lack. The truth is like it or not we are simply not as talented as most of the top teams in the NFL. You can choose to deny it but those analyst like Dilfer,Young and even Skip Bayless are not lying when they say the talent of this team is not that good. We currently have 1(white) and maybe stretch for 2 others (Abe and Turner) out of 22 starters who you could say they are without a doubt top 5 players at their postions. And if we continue to think that building a team full of soild players without any special ones is the way to go. You will continue talking about how close we are while watching other teams hold up the trophy year after year.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 25, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Hmm ...

I’d argue you don’t need a team full of top five players to win it all, look at the Patriots during the 2000s.

by James Rael on Mar 25, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I knew that would be the first thing mention we are not and will never be them.

they had maybe the best QB and coach the NFL had seen in the last 20 years. All things we simply do not have we however do have a top 15 QB and a very good coach with average coordinators. So if we can’t out coach teams nor have better players how do you think we win championships?

by Atlborn3 on Mar 25, 2011 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions

By not (potentially) throwing away three first day draft picks ...

But that’s probably where we’ll have to agree to disagree. Bottom line: your GM approach is different than mine. And I may very well be wrong. We shall see!

by James Rael on Mar 25, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh come on mwalex

Im sure his life long dream is to catch 5 yard curls or wildcat runs up the middle.

by aces666high on Mar 25, 2011 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions

yes

Atlanta will win a championship....someday

by maxxj3 on Mar 25, 2011 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Nope. The ROI on those late 2nd rounders is WAY higher on the success scale.

I'm on the Twitter: twitter.com/edgrohl

by Duff_Man on Mar 25, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions

How do you figure?

For all this praise that TD has been giving for being such a great scout and personnel man in three years he has drafted one pro bowler. So why do you think we are going to miss out on some kind of stud with the 59th pick. I know we all think we are some kind of draft gods but wake up AJ Green is better than anybody you can get at 59 in the next three drafts.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 25, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions

The Pro Bowl is a popularity contest

And he’s on his fourth year of the job with a lot of young players who are still developing. I see your point, but I disagree with it.

by Dave Choate on Mar 25, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Let me ask you this would you trade two 2nd round picks for Fitz or Calvin.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 25, 2011 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Calvin yes, Fitz no

by Dave Choate on Mar 25, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

huh?

why not fitz?

Atlanta will win a championship....someday

by maxxj3 on Mar 25, 2011 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I think as Dimitroff

If he fell to about no.10 because and there was a team desperate to trade down like the Browns did in 2009 when they basically gave away the number 5 pick then we do it. Because even if you are sure the guy is a hall of famer, you run the risk of 1 freak injury ruining your entire draft class(or maybe even 2 classes). It’s a nice dream to have though.

by Mosugo on Mar 24, 2011 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

That's a bit expensive

especially for a #2. TD won’t do that. I think we maybe locked in on Houston. We need a DE more than a WR and he’ll be the there at 27 without giving up any picks. We’ll get a WR in the 2nd round, an O lineman in the 3rd round, and a linebacker in the 4th. When free agency is open, we’ll sign 2 out 3 of our FA O-linemen, Grimes, and a FA nickle back.

Anything else will be gravy.

by Fear Me on Mar 24, 2011 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

I would be very happy with that it if turned out that way.

by Mosugo on Mar 24, 2011 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know a ton about Green being on the West coast and all

So I’m just wondering, is he a deep threat or a guy who will catch a little 7 yarder and make a lot of people miss? Just curious because Matt is not a deep ball QB. He’s not gonna be heaving Djax and Wallace like bombs down the field once or twice a game. If he’s a quick guy who makes people miss he’d fit into our game plan of short to mid stuff but even in that case I still don’t like it. D still needs work and mortgaging the first half of this years draft and a piece or two of the next for a guy who may be great or might not be. Hell we may misuse him ala Norwood. The trade just doesn’t fit into the way the comrade has been doing things. Did receive a text from espn a little bit ago saying that if Green is around when the Browns are up we are likely to call them, so who knows.

by aces666high on Mar 24, 2011 2:59 PM EDT reply actions

Lordy Lordy!

Look I’m really not a big UGA fan but this guy is hands down the most talented guy in the draft. He’s like what Suh was to his draft. He catches passes like Randy Moss except with a lot more sacrifice. If there are two guys and AJ in an area AJ gets the ball. He gets deep and even if he’s not open he gets the ball. Is he worth what we would have to give up? Yes. Should we do it? Idk. Depends on FA and what kind of acquisition(s) we could obtain there.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Mar 24, 2011 7:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Green's good, but...

Patrick Peterson is almost universally considered the most talented player in this year’s draft. Peterson could be the next Revis, Bailey or Asomugha. I’d love to see Green wearing a Falcons jersey next season, but don’t see it happening.

by Monduj1 on Mar 24, 2011 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Yeah it won't happen but

To put things in perspective AJ could be the next Jerry Rice.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Mar 24, 2011 10:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Or...

the next Charles Rogers.

by Monduj1 on Mar 24, 2011 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm just not sure if Matty will be the next Montana or Young.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Mar 24, 2011 11:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Jerry Rice was the 16th pick.

Moving up to 16 wouldn’t be terrible, but top 5 would be a dumb move. Plus, the 49ers already won a championship the year before.

I'm on the Twitter: twitter.com/edgrohl

by Duff_Man on Mar 25, 2011 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I would do it in heartbeat

the first round picks cancel each other out so basically its two late 2nd round picks for AJ Green and with all do respect to Randall Cobb ,Titus Young, Justin Houston and whatever else fringe fist round to 2nd round pick we could get I would live happily without them. With AJ we would instanly become more explosive and one top 5 offenses in NFL that how special he could be. That would also allow us to focus the rest of the draft and free agency on defense. In 2012 draft we could trade back in the first round and pick up the second round pick we lost to continue to build depth. At some point we are gonna have to start taking risk to get potential superstars than to play it safe with average to above average players.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 24, 2011 4:48 PM EDT reply actions

Don't take this the wrong way ...

And I’ll eat crow if I’m wrong: but what’s your favorite college football team?

by James Rael on Mar 24, 2011 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

nevermind

[insert me eating crow]

see you’re a Noles fan …

by James Rael on Mar 24, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Yeah i'm a Noles fan

I don’t really care for UGA that much but I have seen AJ play quite a bit and I think he could be a special player in the NFL.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 24, 2011 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions

How you can you say that ATL would

be instantly more explosive? You have no guarantee of that being the case. Especially with ATL’s passing scheme.

by mwalex on Mar 24, 2011 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Have you seen this guy play?

he would provide us with another big time weapon that can stretch the field and win the one on one jump balls. We would have two true no 1 WRs along with TG thats a lot to throw at teams. I agree MM has a terrible passing scheme but if they are serious about being more explosive he is a guy that would help us acheive that.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 24, 2011 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions

First off, two 2nds and a 1st at the end of each of those rounds wont get it done… anyone would give up end of the round picks like that for a top 5 player. That being said, I wouldn’t give up the kind of draft picks that it would really take to pull that kind of a move off. Instead, I would give up a 1st and 2nd plus some Veteran player (of which we were already looking to plug youth in for anyway) and that’s about the extent of what I would be willing to do.

Green would be our dream pick… Reasonably, what would YOU give up?

by Caviarhound on Mar 24, 2011 5:32 PM EDT reply actions

I was just basing it on the post that said it would take our 1st and 2nd this year and a 2nd in 2012.

And i’m like you it would take more probably but if thats all it takes I would do that deal in a heartbeat. Anything else would start to become too much but you have to give to get and the return for us I think is a potentially great one.

by Atlborn3 on Mar 24, 2011 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Can't trade players until a new CBA gets done

If we moved up we would have to pay the full price in draft picks

by Leon07 on Mar 24, 2011 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

There’s always one…

by Caviarhound on Mar 24, 2011 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Falcons Don't need A.J. Green

Sure we need another threat at WR and A.J. would be nice but thats a dream. It’s obvious we need a top notch D.E. and now with Coleman gone we also need a Safety for depth.

I personally think the Falcons should trade up for cam. Jordan or someone of that caliber, try to aquire Plaxico Burress through FA. Work him into the offense slowly so that he’s good and ready for the playoffs if HD, Weems and Meir doesn’t stepp it up. Plaxico is a proven winner for 2 teams and another hugh target for Ryan to go with Jenkins. In the red zone he would have 3 hugh targets, Jenk, TG an Burress. This team is too close, I know the falcons don’t like taking chances but to get everything you need at the time you need it you have to take a chance sometimes.If they can stay healthy again I think that would give the Birds a very good chance at something big.

by BigFalcon84 on Mar 24, 2011 9:42 PM EDT reply actions

With ATL's trend of not drafting

kids that had off the field issues in college, do you really think they’d pick up Burress?

by mwalex on Mar 24, 2011 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions

You had me until Burress

I agree that the discussion about Green is moot and personally don’t see WR as a primary need this year. Without a doubt a solid pass rusher is among the top priority, along with OL. Depth at S and LB also need to be addressed.

As for Plaxico being a good fit, I don’t see it either on the field, in the locker room or off the field. I certainly wouldn’t call him a “proven winner”. Yes, he was a member of two winning teams. But that doesn’t make him the winner.

by Monduj1 on Mar 24, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Re: With ATL's trend of not drafting

Thats why I said they have to take a chance on someone. Now that he’s coming back I think they can get him cheap, and maybe a 2yr. deal. If it doesnt work there’s no real big commitment. But I think he fits the Falcons offense and Ryan’s abilities as well.

by BigFalcon84 on Mar 24, 2011 10:06 PM EDT reply actions

Can we trade those 3 picks for CJ now?

I’d be overjoyed with that….

by ndnpride8806 on Mar 24, 2011 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

Re: You had me until Burress

They are going to have to take a chance on someone. They can’t get every piece from the draft when it’s needed. The draft is probably the best route but players take time to develop and they need certain pieces now. By the time they get all their needs through the draft some of the key players that make this team go will be through their prime. 27-28 is prime for most athletes. It’s a short window.

by BigFalcon84 on Mar 24, 2011 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

I would worry about Burress's conditioning

Dude’s been in prison. Might take him a long time to get back up to speed.

by Dave Choate on Mar 24, 2011 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the Falcons should trade their entire draft for the 1st overall pick and take Green.

/Is completely unbiased

Doubt is part of all religion. All the religious thinkers were doubters.
Isaac Bashevis Singer

by Jon Banks on Mar 24, 2011 11:20 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Ah, good to see you haunting our shores

by Dave Choate on Mar 24, 2011 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Dave sent me to spy on your plans.

In hindsight, I shouldn’t have posted under my account.

Doubt is part of all religion. All the religious thinkers were doubters.
Isaac Bashevis Singer

by Jon Banks on Mar 24, 2011 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Next time, try Bon Janks

No one will suspect a thing!

by Dave Choate on Mar 25, 2011 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions

I really did lol.

Maybe it’s the Jameson.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Mar 25, 2011 9:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

You know after all we aren't so different

Except the team you follow lick expletives and the team we follow are just better at this point but other than that we are like twins.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Mar 25, 2011 9:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I believe

it would be worth it to go after green. We can fill other holes in free agency.

by Pharoah_Rah on Mar 25, 2011 3:41 AM EDT reply actions

I agree with you, not that i think it would actually happen, buttt

i’d say our second and first to get to the 6th or 7th spot in the 1st round and pluck him.
(but that won’t happen..haha)

"We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort."
- Jesse Owens

by Statue22 on Mar 25, 2011 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions

I could leave A.J. Green and go for multiple good fast receivers in the late rounds though..

I want to go ahead and put it out there that KRIS DURHAM is going to be a STEAL in the draft!
I already grew to like him from the good hands he has shown, the good routes he runs, the ability to fine the holes in zone coverage, and the toughness he has (not afraid at all to go over the middle)
but now I find out that he runs a 4.4 in the 40 yard dash…at 6’5…WOW!! and he shows tht speed in games too, his yards per reception was like 20.6
http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/durham_kris00.html

"We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort."
- Jesse Owens

by Statue22 on Mar 25, 2011 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Love AJ

His speed, hands, finesse…but it would cost soo much 2 get him, unless things fell in our laps, ion see this happening at ALL…

The Only Thing To Fear Is, Fear Its Self.......

by Dirtybyrdatl4life on Mar 25, 2011 10:44 AM EDT reply actions

Its not like we won't get any of the other players we need later

like last years draft when we passed over a bunch of WRs til the 5th and 6th rounds

Atlanta will win a championship....someday

by maxxj3 on Mar 25, 2011 9:18 PM EDT reply actions

hell no

Aj greens a beast but he’s going to a sorry ass team. Give me baldwin from pitt or titus young and I’m good. Give me a nice DE in free agency (charles johnson) and get Bailey in the second were ok. Were good not great offensively our line is better then most and Ovie is 1 of the best.
1DE or Receiver
2DE or Receiver
3 O-line
4 TE
5 safety/cb
6speed back
7linebacker

by DEMBIRDZCUZ! on Mar 26, 2011 5:18 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I can't see

Either of those teams pulling the trigger. Browns need something of an offense outside of Josh Cribbs (negated by new kickoff rules) and Peyton Hillis (everyone knows they don’t have receivers). Bengals are about to lose the entire offense. Plan and simple for them. Panthers would want more and we’re not trading up for the first pick. Bills could be dangled into it but that’s about it. I don’t see it happening.

Nor do I think it should happen. Think of our needs we still need a DE unless we sign. We have no idea what it would take to sign a top end. I say we keep the pick or stock up picks. plan and simple.

by SquallCloud on Mar 26, 2011 5:02 AM EDT reply actions