NFL Senior Bowl Weigh-In Discussion

by Dave Choate on Jan 23, 2012 4:24 PM EST in Events

Yes, it's that magical time of year where scouts practically salivate over how heavy NFL prospects are and how long their arms are. No, there's nothing weird about that at all.

Use this thread to discuss intriguing prospects, particularly those who might actually make it to the Atlanta Falcons. I'll drift in and out.

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Creepy details on the game here:

http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/1/19/2718846/2012-senior-bowl-rosters-schedule

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by Jason Kirk on Jan 23, 2012 4:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Almost ghoulish, really

by Dave Choate on Jan 23, 2012 4:33 PM EST up reply actions

As I see it

Since – as of today – the Falcons only have picks in the 2nd, 3rd, and 5+ rounds, they have to make the most of what they have.

In the second round, we need to target either a Center or a Left Tackle. There are quite a few quality linemen prospects out there, and we could get a day one starter at either position.

Our third round should start thinking future: either a Gonzo or MT replacement. Given the deluge of running backs entering this draft, we might be able to get some quality in the fifth round. My preference would be to search for a TE in the third.

Of course – all of this assumes that TD doesn’t start putting key guys on the trade block and orchestrates his way back into the first round. In fact, I’d be surprised if the front-office DOESN’T do something to get back into the first round this year.

by The DW on Jan 23, 2012 4:35 PM EST reply actions

They could really fill some needs if they get back in

But the question is, how? It’d be tough to trade players and get a first round return without trading away key pieces.

by Dave Choate on Jan 23, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions

I don't want to come across sounding the wrong way

but Arian Foster is arguably the best running back in football right now. He was also an undrafted free agent.

It's Great! To be! A Tennessee Vol!

by falconnuke on Jan 23, 2012 4:43 PM EST up reply actions

You can do that with running backs, no doubt

But you won’t hit every time, and your superior offensive/defensive linemen aren’t typically undrafted.

by Dave Choate on Jan 23, 2012 4:58 PM EST up reply actions

We can hit late though

Players like Brandon Bolden, Bobby Rainey, Bernard Pierce are some RB’s we can target late.

by pierre02 on Jan 23, 2012 7:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

You're right

But the “no sacred cows” comment rings in my ears when I think about it. The only two players that I can see fetching significant trade value – where we also have some depth or ability to replace – are Roddy White and Michael Turner. I think Roddy would fetch a 1st round pick, while Turner might snag a 2nd or 3rd round pick (plus a late rounder).

It’s not ideal, but if we’re going to plan for the future, it’s better to trade a player too soon than too late.

by The DW on Jan 23, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think we...

get better than a 2nd for RW and a 4th for MT. No one is going to give 2nd round talent potential for a 30 year old running back.

"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

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by Blood_Talon on Jan 23, 2012 9:33 PM EST up reply actions

and very, very, very few players

get 1st round value. at best, a 2nd and a late round or two.

It's Great! To be! A Tennessee Vol!

by falconnuke on Jan 23, 2012 9:34 PM EST up reply actions

da only players

On our roster thats worth a 1st round is julio jonez and matty ice

by jgreedy on Jan 24, 2012 6:22 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Well - it all depends on who we talk to

Even though RW is 30, he’s a four time pro-bowler and has shown he can be highly successful in the NFL. Receivers can go into their mid to late 30s and maintain high production, so I could see a first rounder for Roddy.

You’re probably right about MY. There might be one or two teams that would even consider him (I’m thinking Jets as one) – so it would depend on how desperate the trading team is.

by The DW on Jan 24, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions

Chris Polk

Why does everyone think that some 2nd or 3rd round rookie is going to come in and start on the Oline? Lofton is the only below 1st round rookie that has started day one one for this regime. I want someone who will make an immediate impact despite being in rotation and the only categories that I think qualify are RB and maybe DT.

by hjerry on Jan 23, 2012 4:44 PM EST reply actions

Depending on the depth of the draft

It’s possible to get an OLineman in the 2nd round that will be a starter. Granted, it’s not NORMAL, but it’s not impossible.

That said, the best day-one OL prospects are in the top 15 of the 1st round.

by The DW on Jan 23, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions

Cyrus Gray

is who I want at RB. But I agree with you on the impact of a rookie OL. Most OL have to be taught their first year or so to be able to upgrade to pro level. It is very rare that you see a rookie OL make an impact, let alone start. DT and RB are definitely two positions the Falcons can benefit from grabbing someone in this draft. I just don’t know a lot of DT’s at the college level.

by that_falcon_fan on Jan 23, 2012 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

The positions of value differ from draft year to year

I don’t think anyone necessarily believes that a 2nd round guard would be a starter,but could very well enhance a rotation with Johnson and Blalock.A common belief is that OG will likely be the position of best value when the Falcons 2nd round pick comes around,in this particular draft.I believe that interior Oline is by far,the position of most need on offense.Particularly if the future is now,as has been stated by management.

by dawg1060 on Jan 23, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

Backup QB

If we have a pick to spare, I would like to see us pick up a backup QB. There are some intriguing candidates out there in Kellen Moore, Russell Wilson, and others. They could be had for a 5th-6th round pick.

by saipol on Jan 23, 2012 5:32 PM EST reply actions

I like Kellen Moore

But depending on how the Falcons build the offensive line, he may not fit the offensive scheme. He’s about the same height as Drew Brees, and they tailor their offense – and the lanes that they open – to accomodate his short stature.

With Ryan being 6’4", we should probably look for a QB with similar height – if they’re going to be a true backup.

by The DW on Jan 23, 2012 5:46 PM EST up reply actions

B. J. Coleman?

by hjerry on Jan 23, 2012 6:13 PM EST up reply actions

Coleman, Nassib, or Davis

Would be my late picks as back ups to MR. Redman should be cut and if you have faith in JPW as a back up. You are a moron.

by pierre02 on Jan 23, 2012 6:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Wilson

must be showing something in practice to last this long. They elevated him to keep the Vikings from getting him.

by hjerry on Jan 23, 2012 7:02 PM EST up reply actions

He knows the Mularkey system

So, in theory, he could step in immediately and not be lost on the field. Whether he would have been productive or not is another story.

by The DW on Jan 24, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions

Over the weekend, I had to hear about Gronk's huge radius

That was enough for me.

GATA!

by Jman781 on Jan 23, 2012 5:43 PM EST reply actions

Maybe a cornerback.

I hear that guy from Georgia is pretty good and versatile. Brandon Boykin, winner of the 2011 Paul Hornung Award for the nation’s most versatile player, scored points in all three aspects of football. He committed a safety on defense, caught a touchdown pass on offense, and returned a punt 92 yards for a touchdown on special teams. He’s also had the most kickoff returns for TDs in SEC history.

"Tim Tebow isn't a quarterback, he's a tight end lining up in the wildcat." -Daniel Tosh

by ChopMaster on Jan 23, 2012 6:51 PM EST reply actions

In the Outback Bowl, that is.

"Tim Tebow isn't a quarterback, he's a tight end lining up in the wildcat." -Daniel Tosh

by ChopMaster on Jan 24, 2012 6:10 AM EST up reply actions

Weems cost 1million last year.

That would be 2ndary help, plus a replacement for Weems. Probaly a better receiver than Weems too. But who would know, we never saw him on the field after preseason.

by SmokeyBell on Jan 24, 2012 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

Depends

As a aspiring scout I always try to put value: draft position. I feel since we have so few picks we should pull a NE and trade down. If we do keep the picks we should draft best player available. I don’t see any unit on this team that can’t use some kind of upgrade.

In saying that center is weak in this draft and I assume they address it early. TD has passed on potential replacement TE’s in past drafts so I doubt that position holds some urgency. FA is pretty deep this year so that could have a huge impact on how we draft.

by pierre02 on Jan 23, 2012 6:55 PM EST via mobile reply actions

NatePotter, the Guard from Wisconsin, Ben Jones

Colby Fleener TE Stabford, Orson Charles. Those are my top priorities

by FLA_Falcon on Jan 23, 2012 7:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Players to keep an eye on

Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri (Potential Gonzo successor)
TJ Graham, WR, NC State (Potential Douglas/Weems replacement)
Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State (Potential Redman replacement)

Also, he is not a senior bowl participant, but in response to the discussion that it is nearly impossible to find a starter in later rounds, look at Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State. He was the starter ahead of current potential first rounder Zebrie Sanders, until an injury knocked him out for the season. This is the first time he has missed in his career with injury. He is an absolute steal if he drops to the third round or so, as currently projected.

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

by sportsfan4life2012 on Jan 23, 2012 7:46 PM EST reply actions

Yeah if we could get Datko in the 3rd or 4th he would be a steal.

by pierre02 on Jan 23, 2012 8:59 PM EST up reply actions

Zebrie Sanders was our starting RT before Datko's injury

Datko would be a nice pickup but Sanders is a better and more versatile lineman if he falls to the 2nd

by FLA_Falcon on Jan 23, 2012 9:17 PM EST up reply actions

Your opinion on Sanders vs Datko would be most appreciated

Since Datko was the starting LT, I would assume he is more of a natural there than Sanders? Sanders might be more versatile, but I kind of want a guy who is proven that he is very capable of holding down the LT. If Sanders is better though, why was he starting at RT instead of LT?

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

by sportsfan4life2012 on Jan 23, 2012 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah I got sidetracked and forgot to say

Sanders was equal to or better than Datko on the left side. Our offensive line played better (eyeball test) with Sanders at LT and a 17 yr old true freshman at RT later in the year. Terence were some other injuries/shuffles along the OL so maybe that was it. Both Datko and Sanders would be good picks but Sanders plays LT/RT and isn’t coming off a back injury

by FLA_Falcon on Jan 24, 2012 12:26 AM EST via mobile up reply actions