Mock Draft 1.0 with Off season

by pierre02 on Jan 16, 2012 2:06 PM EST

This was been a crazy off season so far. Both coordinators are gone and Mr. Blank is pissed. He is tired of being the laughing stock of the "2nd tier teams" and would like to be in the elite class. Well he will have to open up his wallet and good some good talent for the new coordinators to work with.

That starts with the pass rush. Even if we do resign Abe we still are in the same boat as last year. I think Abe will go. I assume some team will splurge and overpay him to sign. Which if i was him I would do the same. So we need to fill a need and drafting a DE (while possible) wouldn't guarantee we get a starting caliber DE when we picked.

Cliff Avril/DE: He is a young and dynamic DE. He had 36 tackles, 11 sacks, and 6 FF's this past season. With the aging Vanden Bosch I don't know if the Lions will be willing to departure with Avril but it's worth a shot.

Carl Nicks/OG: MEGA SIGN!!! If we can steal him away from the Saints that would be huge. It will cost us but for us to be where we want to we have to keep MR upright. This solidifies the guard position for us.

Zachary Bowman/DB: If rumors are true then Grimes is on his way out. We do have some depth at the CB position but we could always use another player. He is a big DB and he has played on a top defense for many years.

Now to the draft

This draft can go in many different directions. The only bad thing is we are short on picks. That is why we make this trade.

MT to the Jets for a 4th rd pick. I think the Jets would be interested in the 3rd leading rusher this season. Especially if Rex is good on his words on keeping Sanchez as QB. Even if they do bring in a rookie QB they will need a run game to take some pressure off of them.

2nd: Ben Jones/OC/UGA: Rejoice Dawg fans we draft a bulldog. McClure will be 35 this coming season and it's time for us to find his replacement. Hawley has tried his best but to me he is a better fit at OG. Ben Jones is a big, bruiser type of center. He finishes the play and has the fire like our "dirtbags" do. Plus if you can block consistently in the SEC you should be able to in the NFL.

3rd: Cyrus Gray/RB/Texas A&M: We find Turner's replacement. Some mocks have him going in the 4th but I think his stock will rise during the combine. This kid is quick, really quick. He has great hands and vision. Plus he is a sound pass blocker. If we have this rotation of Snelling, Gray, and Quizz they are all interchangeable since they all can receive out the backfield.

4th(from Jets): Orson Charles/TE/UGA: Would you lookey here. We add another Dawg to the team. Orson is a big, fast receiving threat with some soft hands. He can run past LB's and safeties and he can work the zone. He definitely needs to improve on his run blocking. All that said he and Gonzo should be delightful for MR in the red zone.

5th. Jonathan Massaquoi/DE/Troy: Yes we do draft yet ANOTHER DE in the late rounds. I think this guy is different though. He is a little bit of a tweener and probably suited better for a 3-4(which we might be running in certain packages). He is a long armed freak with great burst off the line. He struggled against good teams this past season but he can develop into a quality pass rusher for us. With the past success of Troy rushers( Osi and Ware) I think we can take a shot on him.

6th: Ryan Nassib/QB/Syracuse: We need a backup for MR. Nassib is a sleeper and this kid is clutch. The orange beat Wake Forest in a come from behind victory in which he went 20-28 for 178 yards and 3 TDs. Also going 8 for 8 in the 4th and OT. He is athletic and has improved his accuracy every year. He should develop quite nicely behind Ryan.

7th. Tashaun Gipson/CB/Wyoming: We still need depth at the CB position. This is me having faith in Decoud. I think with this pick we go for best available player. Since I don't know who will rise and who will fall. I'm going to go with the sleeper. Gipson had 95 tackles(2.5 for loss), five passes broken up, and 3 ints in 2011. He has good size and nice ball skills.

This is my first of many mocks. Just trying to get as many different scenarios I think the FO could go this April.

This FanPost was written by one of The Falcoholic's talented readers. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The Falcoholic.

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Comments

Woop!

you made an awesome point with the Turner trade. I think that completely makes sense and knowing Rex Ryan we could possibly even get a third rounder. LaMichael James is most likely going to be available when our 3rd round pick rolls around, so i would take him. AND if we resign Snelling, that would be one hell of a dynamic backfield.

by that_falcon_fan on Jan 16, 2012 2:56 PM EST reply actions

I agree with your idea of trading Turner

though I think he can be worth more than just a 4th rounder (i’m thinking an additional 6th or 7th). But for the sake of the argument, I’ll stick with your Turner to the Jets for a 4th scenario.
In my dream scenario, we go after some o-linemen pretty hard in free agency. I’ve got us forking over the most cash on Demetrius Bell out of Buffalo, and signing Jake Scott out of Tennessee to compete with a healthy Mike Johnson for RG. Therefore, I don’t know if we go after many OL in the draft. I’ve also got us signing the Law Firm to handle short yardage situation, and us resigning Snelling. so my RB’s are set with a 50-35-15 split between Qizz, Snelling, and Green-Ellis. I’d take Avril in a heartbeat, but I don’t know if he’ll be available. And I do actually see us showing enough love (the monetary kind of course) to bring Abe back on something like a 2 year contract, where certain stats may activate a 3rd. But, since this is a mock draft post, enough of FA’s and onto the draft…

2nd- Stephen Gilmore (SC) or Jayron Hosley (Va Tech)- With reports of Grimes leaving town, I we need to sure up the defensive backfield. With a mix of Robinson, Franks, Walls, Owens, and one of these guys, we should have some decent depth/talent at the position. I also think we should move Dunta to FS in the future, which further creates a CB need.
3rd- Orson Charles (UGA)- I like your pick of Charles, but I worry he may not be around by the time we pick in the 4th. I’d rather draft a bit too early then miss out on him. He’d be a great pass catching TE in the league right now, and a year behind Tony G and Palmer to beef up and work on his blocking could make him great.
4th- Nigel Bradham (FSU)- I love our starting LB’s with Lofton (confident he’ll be resigned), Nicholas, and Spoon. But we still lack quality depth in my opinion. Hopefully Akeem Dent can grow to be a serviceable MLB, and the same goes for my pick of Bradham at OLB.
5th- Russell Wilson (Wisconsin)- I’m with you that we need to draft a QB to back-up Matt Ryan, but I’m going to go a little bit earlier and take Wilson. The kid has all the physical tools you could want. And with a few years of polish, could be great if we ever needed him to step in.
6th- a center from somewhere. As a former center myself at the collegiate level (it was d3, but still sounds cool to say), it pains me to admit I’m not as informed as I should be on the position. I think Hawley showed enough as the year progressed to be given a shot as the starting center come training camp. But in case he doesnt show imporvement, we need another project who could step in in 2013. Maybe Garth Gerhart or Moe Petrus?
7th- Best of the rest. Any RB, WR, S, LB, or CB. I pick this position because here’s where you draft your special teams aces. Get that guy who may be a little undersized, or a step too slow, or played at a smaller school; but a guy with a motor that doesnt stop and a work ethic out of this world. Let him be that kamikaze on kickoffs and punts.

by Sewanee Braves on Jan 16, 2012 3:30 PM EST reply actions

They could go this way

But Im not sold on Wilson. If we where going to get a short QB with a limited arm Id take Kellen Moore. Least he has the mental aspect of the game mastered. We would be lucky to get Nassib. He is the best QB you have never heard of.

by pierre02 on Jan 16, 2012 11:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I made a post the other day regarding my thoughts on our draft

So I wanted to focus on your free agents and Michael Turner trade. My problem with everyone wanting to go out and spend all this money on a few big name guys is it limits our depth because there is a salary cap. I guarantee Arthur Blank and TD will have Atlanta right at the salary cap when the season begins, but I hope we don’t have major weaknesses because a few high-priced guys took up all the cap room. As for Turner, I am against trading him. I think he is an incredibly important asset to our team, one that many people overlook. If we trade him, this team will regress. A fourth round pick (heck, not even a second round pick) will not contribute to this team like Michael Turner can. Quizz will never be a feature back and can’t handle that workload.

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on Jan 16, 2012 7:10 PM EST reply actions

Actually, this is the best year to do it

With Turner about to hit 30 and showing signs of slowing already, we need to get what we can for him at this point.

Also, I read recently that there are at least 16 different running backs entering the draft this year – many of them quality players. So, there’s a very good chance we can get a good long-term back (hopefully that’s a better pass catcher) in the second or third round.

I love what MT has done for the team, but his time as a feature back is quickly coming to an end.

As for Quizz – he may not be a true feature back, but I could easily see him getting 15 to 20 touches per game between runs, screens and passes. Combine that with another back that does the same and you’ve got a full replacement plan for Turner.

by The DW on Jan 16, 2012 8:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Agree

If this offense truly wants to be dynamic then we have to unload the truck. Our backgield with Gray, Quizz, and Snelling would be lethal.

by pierre02 on Jan 16, 2012 11:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

Backfield*

by pierre02 on Jan 16, 2012 11:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Turner Trade , Draft Cyrus Gray

I was looking like trade Michael Turner? You must be out of your mind. Until …….. I seen what Cyrus Gray can do. Im on board man. I like what I was seeing from Cyrus Gray. That guy is quick….. fast. He can run a football .

Cyrus Gray Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxEWOSG-jf4

by D.O.T.M.P on Jan 16, 2012 7:51 PM EST reply actions

Not only can he run. He can catch the the ball out of the back field and pick up a blitzer.

by D.O.T.M.P on Jan 16, 2012 7:55 PM EST up reply actions

omg

He made that video seem like it was sped up. I would say he is better than LaMichael James from seeing this video. This guy plays against way tougher defenses and makes them look like Sun Belt teams. I would definitely push for him to be a part of the Falcons, even if he isn’t full time ball carrier, you could no doubt incorporate him into a fast-paced offense. Woo he would be a hell of a steal!

by that_falcon_fan on Jan 16, 2012 8:06 PM EST up reply actions

You guys should check out Ryan Nassib

He compares to Aaron Rodgers as much as Andrew Luck IMO.

by pierre02 on Jan 16, 2012 10:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

meh...

I checked his HL reel. I’m not seeing it honestly, but you know if you go look at Tom Brady’s college HL reel you won’t find much either. So I am open to him as long as he has a major upside, cause what I have seen just isn’t quite enough.

by that_falcon_fan on Jan 16, 2012 11:18 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah he is doing well for what he has to work with

An I never try to watch HL reels because they only show the good side.

by pierre02 on Jan 16, 2012 11:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Orson Charles

Personally, I don’t think Orson will last until the 4th round. He’s a top-5 TE in the draft class (possibly Top 2 or 3) and will most likely go in the second or third rounds. My personal preference is that we draft a LT in the 2nd round and if Orson lasts until our pick in the 3rd, then we get him.

by saipol on Jan 16, 2012 8:50 PM EST reply actions

Colby Fleener ?

by D.O.T.M.P on Jan 16, 2012 9:10 PM EST up reply actions

Or even Evan Rodriguez

Who is basically Aaron hernadez 2.0. He is a former basketball player and he is coached by the same guy that coached Aaron Hernadez.

by pierre02 on Jan 16, 2012 11:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Orson Charles is regularly going 2nd to 3rd round and is generally considered the 3rd best TE in the draft

by durst on Jan 17, 2012 8:47 AM EST reply actions

Mostly agree

2nd round (if a certain trade is made) – Possession WR/Center
2nd round – Center/Possession WR (Center if trade is not made)
3rd round – TE
3rd round (compensation pick for Dahl) – DT/DE that can fill both roles in a 43/34 defense (jerry should be gone to free up cap space)
4th round (trade a player away) – Power RB
5th round – Backup QB
6th round – OLB (either 43 or 34 whichever way the defense goes to, or a guy who can play both)
7th round – FS/CB depth

As I’ve said before, I’m not huge on college football so I won’t drop names. But I think it’s important that we get some guys who can start on O either this year or can start in 2013. I also think it’s important to get some depth and versatility on defense. Guys who can play in both schemes, as I don’t see a full transformation right away. I think we resign Heydon since Grimes will most likely walk, so that is not an immediate need.

by Whyte Bler 000 on Jan 17, 2012 10:29 PM EST reply actions

I think it's important for us to grab some athletic freaks

Like i mentioned Massaquoi since he has long arms and great burst. Now that I know Nolan is the DC they could use a guy like Massaquoi just like the Giants use Kiwanuka.

by pierre02 on Jan 18, 2012 3:18 PM EST up reply actions

I looked at Grays draft analysis

and it looks very good. That would be a nice pick if ATL pulls the trigger. Isaiah Pead would be good also. I like Ben Jones in the second round but if he’s gone Mike Brewster from Ohio State looks to be a good option. Ladarius Green in the 3rd or 4th might be a steal at TE.

by mwalex on Jan 18, 2012 1:25 PM EST reply actions

Yeah thats why I love the draft

You can find many prospects with good talent. Green could last till the 5th. Fleener could also be in play in the 3rd.

by pierre02 on Jan 18, 2012 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

A second round pick on a center?

The positional value just isn’t there… =)

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on Jan 20, 2012 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

Really?

How well did ATL’s OL play when McClure was out? Centers are typically a safe bet in the draft because they have a low draft potential.

No comment about the TE in the 3rd?

by mwalex on Jan 20, 2012 6:02 PM EST up reply actions

This is actaully...

very nice work and at least your realistic in what we could get for Turner…unlike all the “Turner and our second for a 1st”…not gonna happen!!

I love your picks as well, and for the most part none of them look like injury concerns as well, and I love the Georgia picks obviously…lol

"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders

"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster

by Blood_Talon on Jan 20, 2012 11:51 AM EST reply actions

I like Hawley at Center going forward.

He’s still just 23 years old and made nice progress over the last off season.I think the best values in rounds 2 and 3 are guards.In round 3,I think the best we can hope for is an OG or DT.But its probably a project that we would hope could contribute in a couple of years.

I think Centers,including Jones,that could contribute in their rookie season,will be gone by the Falcons first pick.Unless we sign a FA Guard,I think we’lll draft Guards in both the second and third rounds.Mainly because thats where the value will be in this particular draft,in those rounds.

We are now a full year into a plan to become younger and more athletic on the Oline.Mike Johnson to IR in pre season and the lockout and Baker missing 6 games then returning to play poorly all made it a tough transition.I’m hoping the coaches see,on film,more positives for the future than we are able to see watching the games.Otherwise,we have to get the inside pass rush out of Mattys’ face.

by dawg1060 on Jan 21, 2012 11:10 AM EST reply actions

A comment on WRs

Going forward.I’ll take Roddy and Julio over any WRs left in the playoffs.Nicks is the only one thats even close but,I’ll keep what we have.I see WR at the very bottom of the list of compelling needs.

I see TE as the next to the bottom of the list of compelling needs.We should avoid the tendency to envy those few teams that have the deeper threat TEs.There are only 4 of them in the league that are not a severe liability in run blocking and pass protection.There is maybe 1 in this draft and he’s gone long before we pick.

If we dont do the necessary work on our Oline for the coming season,it’s not going to matter much who the running back is against playoff caliber defenses.We,ve spent 4 years and numerous draft picks on the skill positions on both sides of the ball.Now is the time for the unsexy but crucial work on the lines of scrimmage.

by dawg1060 on Jan 21, 2012 11:37 AM EST reply actions