Falcon's draft needs

[DrReality]

TD did a great job in the last draft but there are still several areas of need. Looks like top five areas for me would be: (in no particular order)

Linebacker.... depends what they do with Brooking?

OL: gatta protect that franchise QB

Tight end: article today highlighted the need. There are a couple of interesting ones.

DL: Need a big stud to take Jackson's place

DB: Seems like you can never get enough of them.

In putting them in some kind of order you have to consider where you can find good players later in the draft and TD has done a great job of that at the OL. Think we need to speed on the defensive side.

[mattlanta]

I've really been high on Dimitroff ever since he joined the organization. After an almost flawless offseason last year, I think it'd be fair to say that I'll give Dimitroff complete benefit of the doubt on many of his decisions this year.

With that said, I think Keith Brooking should be cut. And there's much speculation around the league that he will be cut. Either that, or he'll have to take a major pay cut. Whether we keep Brooking or not, we will still have a major hole at the outside linebacker position. It looks more and more like Boley will not be re-signed, and Keith Brooking and Coy Wire are certainly not going to be the answer to our problems. Nicholas should be able to give us solid plays on either side of the field, but we desperately need someone that can play within Mike Smith's defensive system. The lack of depth on this position is worrying as well.

I want us to address the tight end position within the first day of the draft. I still consider "first day" the first 3 rounds, even though it's really only the first 2 rounds. Brandon Pettigrew will be enticing, but I'm not sure that Dimitroff is ready to draft someone with so many questions regarding their personality. Many of you already know about Pettigrew's 'encounter' with the law, so there's no need of pointing them out. This year's draft class of tight ends is a bit deep, so I'm excited to see what Dimitroff does here.

Defensive line really needs some help in all of its positions. Especially nose tackle and left defensive end. There are some speculation that we will be moving Jamaal inside which isn't that bad of an idea.

I don't believe defensive backs are that big of a need. Von Hutchins will be returning this year and he'll really be able to provide some quality depth. I believe that once we bring in a better pass rush, our defensive backs will look a lot better. Just look at the Giants' defensive line. They've allowed their defensive backs to make mistakes and also made them look like stars in the process. Without the help of his D-Line, Webster would not have signed a relatively expensive contract extension this season.

[AHF]

My list:

DT - Grab a talented one whenever you can because they are hard to get.

Passrushing DE

LB (easier to fill than other needs)

DB

OL (build the trenches)

TE (unless you see big value this is not somewhere to reach)

[DrReality]

From the AJC.

The key issue along the line will be building depth in case of injury. Other than Baker, who started five games and played in eight others, the Falcons were injury-free last season. Baker suffered a concussion early and had lower back surgery. The rest of the starters answered the bell in all 16 regular-season games.

McClure, a 10-year veteran, pulled the unit together. He has started 112 consecutive games dating to 2001. The Falcons may elect to draft and start training his heir apparent.

“We’d like to have him for a number of years longer,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “The reality is that we also have to be cognizant of the future. So it’s important that we do our due diligence when we are researching the offensive linemen and the interior line.”

The unit suffered a major blow with the retirement of left tackle Todd Weiner last week after 11 years in the league. When Baker went down, Weiner started 11 games.

“We were fortunate to have Todd around for one year during our tenure, myself and this staff,” Dimitroff said. “With that said, we are sorry that he decided to retire.

“What we got out of him this year was incredibly top notch, top of the line. He was a very important part of us getting to the playoffs.”

With Weiner retired, the Falcons will have to add some depth at tackle. This isn’t considered a strong free agent class for tackles.

After drafting Baker in the first round in 2008 and Blalock in the second round in 2007, the Falcons likely will address tackle on the second day of the draft or by signing some undrafted rookie free agents.

“We have to go back to the drawing board and continue to be creative in either free agency or the draft,” Dimitroff said. “Or both.”

[frosgrim]

My list:

DT - Grab a talented one whenever you can because they are hard to get.

Passrushing DE

LB (easier to fill than other needs)

DB

OL (build the trenches)

TE (unless you see big value this is not somewhere to reach)

Pretty much agree, but I would put OLB at the top of the list. A hard-hitting OLB can cause problems for offenses and make the rest of the defense better.

So I would go:

OLB

DT

DE

SS- we have to address this with youth as Milloy just can't cover

Tie OL/TE

At this point TD is going to earn his stripes in IDing those FAs that can come in a provide excellent value to plug all the holes. Can't expect a draft class to be ready to fill 2 OLB, 1 DT, 1 DE, SS and starting TE.

[coachx]

TD did a great job in the last draft but there are still several areas of need. Looks like top five areas for me would be: (in no particular order)

Linebacker.... depends what they do with Brooking?

OL: gatta protect that franchise QB

Tight end: article today highlighted the need. There are a couple of interesting ones.

DL: Need a big stud to take Jackson's place

DB: Seems like you can never get enough of them.

In putting them in some kind of order you have to consider where you can find good players later in the draft and TD has done a great job of that at the OL. Think we need to speed on the defensive side.

These are the guys I like in the 1st round at positions we need. I would hope at least 2 of these guys are left at #24. Some teams might reach for QBs or LTs which would really help out in who falls to us:

- Baji - DT - Boston College - likely to be gone by #24

- Perry - DT - Ole Miss - Pure need now pick. So was Baker and he has turned out well.

- Smith - CB - Wake Forest - We need a shut down corner and this guy is a game breaker.

- Cushing - OLB -USC - this draft has a lot of cream at the top for ILBs but not at much at OLB. A position we could likely fill in the 2nd - 4th round. ( I think Boley was a 5th round pick )

- English - DE - Very J. Abraham / D. Freeney like. Pass rushing specialist. Abe and English are probably too small to play together as a duo but this guy is special at getting to the QB. Definately more of a luxury scheme pic, big picture pic, then a "Need Now" pick. Could play OLB as a one dimensional pass rusher in special situations.

2nd Round - I think here we can get a good TE, SS, or OLB

Coffman - TE - Missouri - big time pass catcher with great hands to be "hot route" for M Ryan and let recievers focus on big plays.

M. Johnson - DE - GT - Has likely fallen out of the 1st round. Good 2nd round steal. Has alot of J. Anderson qualities and faults. Too big for rush end but could be a good "big" end.

I agree that a scouting specialist like TD can find some interior OL talent in rounds 3 - 5.

Late Round Steal:

Asher Allen - CB - UGA - not trying to be homer but this guy can cover and played behind a D-line in college that rarely got pressure on the QB.

[coachx]

Pretty much agree, but I would put OLB at the top of the list. A hard-hitting OLB can cause problems for offenses and make the rest of the defense better.

So I would go:

OLB

DT

DE

SS- we have to address this with youth as Milloy just can't cover

Tie OL/TE

At this point TD is going to earn his stripes in IDing those FAs that can come in a provide excellent value to plug all the holes. Can't expect a draft class to be ready to fill 2 OLB, 1 DT, 1 DE, SS and starting TE.

I wonder if DeCloud (drafted 2nd or 3rd round from Cal last year) can take over at SS ? I think at one time TD specialized in scouting the DB postions exclusively so it will be interesting to see what he does there.

I agree on needing to plug a couple of holes in FA before the draft.

Maybe L. Smith, TE from the Eagles. He can catch some passes.

Big names like Peppers or Haynesworth are probably just wishful thinking.

Edited February 13, 2009 by coachx

[TheTrueSiete]

I wonder if DeCloud (drafted 2nd or 3rd round from Cal last year) can take over at SS ? I think at one time TD specialized in scouting the DB postions exclusively so it will be interesting to see what he does there.

I agree on needing to plug a couple of holes in FA before the draft.

Maybe L. Smith, TE from the Eagles. He can catch some passes.

Big names like Peppers or Haynesworth are probably just wishful thinking.

I wouldn't say that... We are far enough under the salary cap to make at least 1 big acquisition this year... Personally, I like both Haynesworth and Peppers... But, if I had to choose, I would choose Peppers... To have Peppers on one side and Abraham on the other, speechless... I know some would say he doesn't fit our defense, but I believe anyone can change schemes... Remember what we would have had with Kerney and Abe? Think about Peppers and Abe.... Sick!

7

[mattlanta]

I hate Michael Johnson... I predicted that his stock would fall dramatically in the beginning of the year and was hounded by the members over in FalconsLIFE (official forum of the Falcons). I predicted then that he'd fall out of the first round, and look where his stock is now... He's going to be a pure bust, and it's not worth it to invest in a project defensive end like Johnson when we can get impact players that are NFL-ready but still have a high ceiling.

In the second round, I'm very interested in us getting Louis Delmas (S). Many scouts are comparing him to Bob Sanders without the injury problems. My mock draft a while ago had us drafting Raji (now it's unrealistic... also let me toot my own horn here and say that I was also predicting Raji would jump up the draft boards up to potentially Top 15 in the beginning of the year) in the first, Delmas in the second, and Freeman in the third. I forget who I had us drafting in the later rounds, I think Eric Wood (Ctr) in the fourth and Bear Pascoe (TE) sometime in the fifth.

[DrReality]

Our FA acquisition last year was so strategic that it was wild. Another one or two could be huge again. I like the list of guys that will likely be available for the first round and the TE out of MO. could be a game breaker, but not sure about his blocking.

I'm not sure we'll get anyting for Vick any time soon and if we do it won't be much.

[EazyRoc]

I hate Michael Johnson... I predicted that his stock would fall dramatically in the beginning of the year and was hounded by the members over in FalconsLIFE (official forum of the Falcons). I predicted then that he'd fall out of the first round, and look where his stock is now... He's going to be a pure bust, and it's not worth it to invest in a project defensive end like Johnson when we can get impact players that are NFL-ready but still have a high ceiling.

In the second round, I'm very interested in us getting Louis Delmas (S). Many scouts are comparing him to Bob Sanders without the injury problems. My mock draft a while ago had us drafting Raji (now it's unrealistic... also let me toot my own horn here and say that I was also predicting Raji would jump up the draft boards up to potentially Top 15 in the beginning of the year) in the first, Delmas in the second, and Freeman in the third. I forget who I had us drafting in the later rounds, I think Eric Wood (Ctr) in the fourth and Bear Pascoe (TE) sometime in the fifth.

Michael Johnson is not a project player. He is a talented defensive playmaker with a lot of upside. He is a good pass rusher and solid against the run as well. He even has blocked a kick or two. He'd 6'7" 260 now, but let him get some more size and see how he turns out. I would be excited to know we have a chance to pick him up, because I just don't see him falling outside the top 15. He'll be a force on the opposite side of Abraham.

However, our #1 need right now is OLB. Brooking is just not good anymore and Boley is on his way out the door, so it seems. Our #2 need is SS. DeCoud did nothing impressive last year on ST or the few snaps he got the chance to play. We all know Milloy isn't getting younger or better. From there you could just go with the best available from the T, G, DT, or DE positions.

Edited February 14, 2009 by EazyRoc

[mattlanta]

Michael Johnson is not a project player. He is a talented defensive playmaker with a lot of upside. He is a good pass rusher and solid against the run as well. He even has blocked a kick or two. He'd 6'7" 260 now, but let him get some more size and see how he turns out. I would be excited to know we have a chance to pick him up, because I just don't see him falling outside the top 15. He'll be a force on the opposite side of Abraham.

However, our #1 need right now is OLB. Brooking is just not good anymore and Boley is on his way out the door, so it seems. Our #2 need is SS. DeCoud did nothing impressive last year on ST or the few snaps he got the chance to play. We all know Milloy isn't getting younger or better. From there you could just go with the best available from the T, G, DT, or DE positions.

Michael Johnson is a project player. He relies way too much on his ahtleticism to get by the tackles in college - you think he'll be able to do that in the pros? I don't think so. He's a solid pass rusher, but the production is not there. Why do some people hate on Jamaal Anderson, yet many of those people still want us to draft Michael Johnson? It may be because Michael Johnson has played for Georgia Tech because I don't see how he is worth a first or even a second round flier. I don't see Michael Johnson being able to hold his own against the run in the pros. At this point, I believe Michael Johnson is a 3-4 OLB more than anything else.

My top 5 needs would go something like this...

1. Nose Tackle

2. Outside Linebacker

3. Strong Safety

4. Tight End

5. Center / Offensive Tackle

Then we need more depth at the defensive end position and also along the offensive line. Even if Weiner never retired, we would still be low on depth at the tackle position. When Sam Baker went down, we had to sign Wayne Gandy - that's how terrible our depth was.

[EazyRoc]

Michael Johnson is a project player. He relies way too much on his ahtleticism to get by the tackles in college - you think he'll be able to do that in the pros? I don't think so. He's a solid pass rusher, but the production is not there. Why do some people hate on Jamaal Anderson, yet many of those people still want us to draft Michael Johnson? It may be because Michael Johnson has played for Georgia Tech because I don't see how he is worth a first or even a second round flier. I don't see Michael Johnson being able to hold his own against the run in the pros. At this point, I believe Michael Johnson is a 3-4 OLB more than anything else.

My top 5 needs would go something like this...

1. Nose Tackle

2. Outside Linebacker

3. Strong Safety

4. Tight End

5. Center / Offensive Tackle

Then we need more depth at the defensive end position and also along the offensive line. Even if Weiner never retired, we would still be low on depth at the tackle position. When Sam Baker went down, we had to sign Wayne Gandy - that's how terrible our depth was.

The production ? It sounds like you're regurgitating the words of some of these Mock Draft "experts". Have you even watched GT play last year ? I mean how much more production could you want when he's got 46 tackles (17.5 tfl), 9 sacks, 3 FF, 1 FR, 1 INT, 7 defended passes, 1 TD, and 1 blocked field goal ? A lot of players, especially DE, rely on their athleticism to be effective. To also put things in perspective, Jamaal Anderson was more raw coming out of college than Michael Johnson is. He does need to improve his strength, but even then it's still about the average for the DEs coming out of college. I'll admit I'm a GT fan, but MJ is a much better prospect than Anderson was. Not only is he a freak athlete, but he could play in the 4-3 or 3-4. As well as being a kick blocking threat with his combination of height and insane leaping ability. Also, people hate Jamaal Anderson because he can't finish plays (as far as pass rushing is concerned), but I still think he's very good against the run. I don't know where you're getting your info from re: Michael Johnson, but you need to change your source.

Edited February 14, 2009 by EazyRoc

[Diesel]

I heard that the Falcons were going to get Natrone Means and Jamie Sharper

[mattlanta]

The production ? It sounds like you're regurgitating the words of some of these Mock Draft "experts". Have you even watched GT play last year ? I mean how much more production could you want when he's got 46 tackles (17.5 tfl), 9 sacks, 3 FF, 1 FR, 1 INT, 7 defended passes, 1 TD, and 1 blocked field goal ? A lot of players, especially DE, rely on their athleticism to be effective. To also put things in perspective, Jamaal Anderson was more raw coming out of college than Michael Johnson is. He does need to improve his strength, but even then it's still about the average for the DEs coming out of college. I'll admit I'm a GT fan, but MJ is a much better prospect than Anderson was. Not only is he a freak athlete, but he could play in the 4-3 or 3-4. As well as being a kick blocking threat with his combination of height and insane leaping ability. Also, people hate Jamaal Anderson because he can't finish plays (as far as pass rushing is concerned), but I still think he's very good against the run. I don't know where you're getting your info from re: Michael Johnson, but you need to change your source.

I was comparing the two players: Jamaal Anderson and Michael Johnson... Jamaal Anderson was arguably more raw than Johnson, but there's no arguing that Jamaal was much more productive and dominant in college than Michael Johnson was. (In Jamaal Anderson's final year in college, he had 13.5 Sacks and 19.5 TFL's.) And there's no way that Michael Johnson was a better draft prospect. Think of it this way, Jamaal Anderson's stock was around Top 5 and this was in the draft that included big names such as Jamarcus Russell, Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, etc. Michael Johnson's stock is free falling (although I will admit it will get a little bit higher once he shows off the workout warrior in him in the Combine) and he's now projected to be drafted Mid-Late 1st Round and this is in a draft that many draft fans are calling one of the worst drafts in quite a while...

Well anyways, I was simply saying... if those people who hate Jamaal so much that they want to get MJ, why would they want someone that will most likely turn into a dud in the NFL?

Most of the Michael Johnson defenders are Georgia Tech fans which I'm not surprised of... but when you hear them noting "kick blocking abilities" as one of the positives for their boy MJ (he only had one blocked FG too, so every time someone blocks a field goal, you can go around and tell everyone, "Hey, everyone! This player will be a solid contributor in the pros because he blocked a field goal!"), then it should tell you that they really have nothing else to brag about.

As far as the "hating" of Jamaal Anderson, I never said anything against his run stopping. He's definitely a good run stuffer - something that Michael Johnson is not. However, he does not have the explosiveness to get to the quarterback - this is what MJ has over Jamaal, but he doesn't have the "it" factor when it comes to actually getting the sack.

Also, thank you for giving me the opportunity to confirm that Jamaal Anderson is, and when he was coming out of college - was, better than Michael Johnson.

P.S. - I don't really get my info from anyone. I watch game film of many of these prospects because I'm what some may consider a "Draft Nut" meaning I'm very into the NFL Draft. Among other things that I've predicted in the beginning of the year, and hopefully there are some AFMB members in here to confirm what I've already said in the past, include me predicting B.J. Raji would climb up the draft boards and be a Top 10-15 prospect (was flamed for this), Michael Johnson's stock will drop and he will fall out of the first (was flamed for this as well), James Laurinaitis' stock would fall out of the Top 10-15 range, and many of these new names coming up in different mock drafts were the same names that I was talking about way before anyone else (Mayers, English, etc.). And I always get the "you're such a liar" replies after this, so I'll just say that no, I'm not saying I get inside connections from anyone with my game film, I record them through an old-fashioned VCR whenever I get the chance. :)

Edited February 15, 2009 by Libid21

[EazyRoc]

I was comparing the two players: Jamaal Anderson and Michael Johnson... Jamaal Anderson was arguably more raw than Johnson, but there's no arguing that Jamaal was much more productive and dominant in college than Michael Johnson was. (In Jamaal Anderson's final year in college, he had 13.5 Sacks and 19.5 TFL's.) And there's no way that Michael Johnson was a better draft prospect. Think of it this way, Jamaal Anderson's stock was around Top 5 and this was in the draft that included big names such as Jamarcus Russell, Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, etc. Michael Johnson's stock is free falling (although I will admit it will get a little bit higher once he shows off the workout warrior in him in the Combine) and he's now projected to be drafted Mid-Late 1st Round and this is in a draft that many draft fans are calling one of the worst drafts in quite a while...

Well anyways, I was simply saying... if those people who hate Jamaal so much that they want to get MJ, why would they want someone that will most likely turn into a dud in the NFL?

Most of the Michael Johnson defenders areGeorgia Tech fans which I'm not surprised of... but when you hear them noting "kick blocking abilities" as one of the positives for their boy MJ (he only had one blocked FG too, so every time someone blocks a field goal, you can go around and tell everyone, "Hey, everyone! This player will be a solid contributor in the pros because he blocked a field goal!"), then it should tell you that they really have nothing else to brag about.

As far as the "hating" of Jamaal Anderson, I never said anything against his run stopping. He's definitely a good run stuffer - something that Michael Johnson is not. However, he does not have the explosiveness to get to the quarterback - this is what MJ has over Jamaal, but he doesn't have the "it" factor when it comes to actually getting the sack.

Also, thank you for giving me the opportunity to confirm that Jamaal Anderson is, and when he was coming out of college - was, better than Michael Johnson.

P.S. - I don't really get my info from anyone. I watch game film of many of these prospects because I'm what some may consider a "Draft Nut" meaning I'm very into the NFL Draft. Among other things that I've predicted in the beginning of the year, and hopefully there are some AFMB members in here to confirm what I've already said in the past, include me predicting B.J. Raji would climb up the draft boards and be a Top 10-15 prospect (was flamed for this), Michael Johnson's stock will drop and he will fall out of the first (was flamed for this as well), James Laurinaitis' stock would fall out of the Top 10-15 range, and many of these new names coming up in different mock drafts were the same names that I was talking about way before anyone else (Mayers, English, etc.). And I always get the "you're such a liar" replies after this, so I'll just say that no, I'm not saying I get inside connections from anyone with my game film, I record them through an old-fashioned VCR whenever I get the chance. :)

What about his 3 FF, 1 INT, 7 defended passes, and 1 TD ? He's got talent and instinct, so I don't see him becoming a bust. If he makes it out of the first round, he'll be the steal of the draft. His stock will rise especially after the combine or pro-day. I've heard that he runs a 4.6 and god knows just how high he can jump. I really think he'll be one of the first 3 DEs drafted.

[mattlanta]

What about his 3 FF, 1 INT, 7 defended passes, and 1 TD ? He's got talent and instinct, so I don't see him becoming a bust. If he makes it out of the first round, he'll be the steal of the draft. His stock will rise especially after the combine or pro-day. I've heard that he runs a 4.6 and god knows just how high he can jump. I really think he'll be one of the first 3 DEs drafted.

Two words: "Workout Warrior"

[EazyRoc]

You can see his speed and his hops in game.

[DrReality]

He is very talented I just don't know how his skills will translate to the NFL and what position he will play. He is a hybrid that could almost play linebacker.

[Hawk88]

He is very talented I just don't know how his skills will translate to the NFL and what position he will play. He is a hybrid that could almost play linebacker.

Michael Johnson looks tall and gauky. Andre Bruce clone. I don't see him making a big impact in the NFL. Too easy to take his legs out from under him. Might be good at blocking Fg's though. Looks like a bust to me.

Hawk88