Falcons Mock Draft Thread

[coachx]

This draft is based on the hopeful assumption we sign Osi Umeyoria (he was in Atlanta doing a physical on yesterday) and we lose Brent Grimes to the Browns free agency. There is also a chance we can sign Freeney or Abraham on the cheap to fill the pass rushing for another year.

#30 - Xavier Rhodes (CB) - Total package as far as height, weight, speed. He is physical in press coverage. Mike Mayock loves him and thats good enough for me. Instead of taking the 7th or 8th best pass rusher in the draft take the #1 or #2 CB in the draft who has a much higher percentage probability of being a Pro Bowler..

#60 - Sylvester Williams or John Jenkins (NT) - I believe Mike Nolan wants a true NT for a more conventional 3-4 defense. You can plug either one of these guys in and expect them to start game #1. Instead of taking the #15 pass rusher take the #2 or #3 NT in the draft.

#92 - Chase Thomas (OLB) - proto type 3-4 pass rushing OLB with the frame to add weight. I see him as a 3rd down pass rush specialist in year #1. Other value I see here as 3-4 OLB pass rushers: Corey Lemonier

Brandon Jenkins

#127 - Cornelius Washington (OLB / DE) - As a junior was an effective pass rusher as as 3-4 OLB at 260 lbs. Who totaled 29 QB pressures and 5 sacks. Many of Jarvis Jones sacks from 2011 were b/c Washington was the 1st guy in the backfield and ran the QB into Jarvis Jones. If he flops as pass rusher he gained weight his senior year (285 lbs) to fill a depth need as a 3-4 DE in UGA's defense. He has lost weight and is back to 265 lbs now. Watch the 2011 SEC Championship Game at the Dome. He was the fasted Dawg off the line of scrimmage on turf when he was 260 lbs.

#133 * - Jordan Reed (TE) - 1 dimensional receiving TE but is good at what he does. Good speed and good hands. A little bit of fumbling problem that can be corrected. Excellent athlete. Insurance for Gonzalez. Use for 2 TE sets.

#163 - Best Value - I would be hoping one of these #3 fall here: Monte Ball (RB), Leveon Bell (RB), Kwame Geathers (NT), and OL depth. I think all 3 of these guys will have long NFL careers are a great value here.

#198 - Value, OL depth, with an eye at slot WR - Ace Sanders (WR / KR) would be great here ! He is a YAC king !

#236 - Value, OL depth, with an eye at slot WR

#243 * - Value, of OL depth, with eye at slot WR

#244 * - " "

#249 * - " "

* - means non tradeable compensatory pick

I think Atlanta's OL will be improved this year with Kontz having expierence and moving to his natural position of C and with Reynolds being healthy as our RG. The fact we resigned Reynolds tells me the franchise believes in him. He showed serious improvement last year before getting injured. We really missed his run blocking in the middle after he got hurt. I see any OL we pick in this draft being for depth. I would not be suprised if Holmes (last years 3rd pick) impresses in camp and becomes our future RT for 2014. Cutting the aging Clabo in 2014 would save around $7 mill in cap space. Blaylock is very underrated at LG as is Baker at LT.

I would wait until the 7th round and take multiple swings at OL, with our four 7th round picks.

My draft philosophy is:

- Fix the defense in the early part of the draft at positions you can get top 3 value at (CB / NT). Find those pass rushing gems left over in round 3 and 4 and trust Mike Nolan to develop them.

- Get a young TE in the middle of the draft and an effective slot WR late in the draft.

- Add another DL for depth

- If a good RB drops to the 5th or 6th round then pounce on them (just as we did with Jaquezz Rodgers)

- Take multiple swings a OL prospects in 7th round for depth.

Edited March 21, 2013 by coachx

[Admin]

Rhodes will be gone long before that coach. He's #1 on Miami's wish list and if we don't take him at 12 then we'll likely trade back a little and take him. He's the main reason why we let our #1 CB go in FA and haven't done anything to address that issue yet.

I would think that if there isn't a 1st round CB still on the board that you guys should be looking at the TE Ertz as he probably won't make it past San Fran with the next pick, assuming he's still there. Tony's contract is really only a 1 year deal and you're gonna need someone to groom behind him. What better mentor than having the best TE of all time to teach him for a year?

I like Monte Ball a lot but I have a feeling he'll end up going somewhere around round 4. There's going to be a big run on backs around that point in the draft as there's a ton of guys who should be able to make a contribution right away.

[coachx]

Rhodes will be gone long before that coach. He's #1 on Miami's wish list and if we don't take him at 12 then we'll likely trade back a little and take him. He's the main reason why we let our #1 CB go in FA and haven't done anything to address that issue yet.

I would think that if there isn't a 1st round CB still on the board that you guys should be looking at the TE Ertz as he probably won't make it past San Fran with the next pick, assuming he's still there. Tony's contract is really only a 1 year deal and you're gonna need someone to groom behind him. What better mentor than having the best TE of all time to teach him for a year?

I like Monte Ball a lot but I have a feeling he'll end up going somewhere around round 4. There's going to be a big run on backs around that point in the draft as there's a ton of guys who should be able to make a contribution right away.

You probably right on Rhodes. I saw multiple mocks this week with him slipping to #30 and the Falcons taking him. He did excellent at his Pro-Day yesterday so he probably will not be there. I would have no problem taking Turfant or Banks as our CB at pick #30. I really like Banks of Miss St even though his top end speed is not ideal. His long reach and natural ball skills allow him to make alot of plays on the ball. The fact Banks was a Team Captain for Miss St gives him an extra check in Dimitroff scouting notebook. Dimitroff has a thing for picking team captains who show leadership.

........one thing I've learned about the NFL draft is its very difficult to predict passed the 1st round. This is especially true since more draft pick trades are done now then ever before. I've seen many a person called a fool on Falcons message boards for predicting player X will be available in Round 4, 5, or 6.

I wish we had the luxury of drafting a TE of the future in Round 1...........We need 3 starters on defense at NT, OLB/DE pass rusher, and CB. Dimitroff has always drafted for need and right now the need for an immediate starter is greater then a TE of the future. I do think TD drafts a recieving TE but I think it will be with one of our two 4th round picks or maybe our 3rd round pick. You could be right though......if all the pass rushers and CBs, who Dimitroff has 1st round grades on, are gone at pick #30 then Ertz is a safe pick.

You have to wonder what effect the new rule about RBs not being able to lead with the crown of their helmet will have on RBs draft stock......especailly power runners like Ball and Bell.

I think I like the NFL draft more then the Super Bowl.......as long as the Falcons are not playing in it that is.

Edited March 21, 2013 by coachx

[Admin]

I've heard that the Dolphins have been looking at Rhodes for over a year now and he's their guy if he is still there. I've also seen a couple of mocks that have Trufant going in the teens as well. I'd like to know why the Falcons aren't bringing Grimes back though. He's a guy that the Dolphins have interest in and I've read that they did make an offer to him but that they are lower than what he wants.

Just my 2 pennies here but maybe the Falcons could re-sign Abraham once he realizes that there's no market for him, re-sign Grimes and then you'd be free to draft Ertz in the 1st and get a quality NT in the 2nd or 3rd round.

I don't think that rule change is going to make that big of a difference as they're saying it only applies to the crown of the helmet and that they can still use the face mask and the hairline of the helmet to make contact. But I like that they are trying to get RB's to use their shoulders more instead of the helmet and I tend to think that if Jim Brown says you don't need to use your helmet then you don't need to use your helmet.

Agreed, the NFL draft (and FA leading up to it) are better for me than the Super Bowl... but then again I haven't seen my team in the big game since 84 so it's not like I've had a chance to get excited about the game.

[coachx]

I've heard that the Dolphins have been looking at Rhodes for over a year now and he's their guy if he is still there. I've also seen a couple of mocks that have Trufant going in the teens as well. I'd like to know why the Falcons aren't bringing Grimes back though. He's a guy that the Dolphins have interest in and I've read that they did make an offer to him but that they are lower than what he wants.

Just my 2 pennies here but maybe the Falcons could re-sign Abraham once he realizes that there's no market for him, re-sign Grimes and then you'd be free to draft Ertz in the 1st and get a quality NT in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Abraham is still wearing Falcons gear when doing interviews. It is definately possible he comes back on the cheap.

On Grimes he is very good when healthy........but he is short and not that fast. His size does not allow him to be a good tackler. He is very quick and breaks on the ball very, very well. However, his game is built on his 40'' vertical leaping ability and quick twitch ability to break on the ball. QBs make the mistake of thinking they can throw over the top of Grimes b/c of his lack of height. Then he jumps 40'' in the air to knock the ball the away. However, he is coming off a torn achilles tendon and is now 30 years old.......so if he does not regain his prior quick twitch form and leaping ability then he will not be the same player he was when healthy at 27 and 28 years old.

[Admin]

Abraham is still wearing Falcons gear when doing interviews. It is definately possible he comes back on the cheap. On Grimes he is very good when healthy........but he is short and not that fast. His size does not allow him to be a good tackler. He is very quick and breaks on the ball very, very well. However, his game is built on his 40'' vertical leaping ability and quick twitch ability to break on the ball. QBs make the mistake of thinking they can throw over the top of Grimes b/c of his lack of height. Then he jumps 40'' in the air to knock the ball the away. However, he is coming off a torn achilles tendon and is now 30 years old.......so if he does not regain his prior quick twitch form and leaping ability then he will not be the same player he was when healthy at 27 and 28 years old.

Thanks for the info on Grimes. Seems a lot of teams are worried about that but I'm hoping Miami takes a shot on him. That's a hell of a vertical he's got!

[coachx]

Thanks for the info on Grimes. Seems a lot of teams are worried about that but I'm hoping Miami takes a shot on him. That's a hell of a vertical he's got!

Me too.........then maybe there is an extra CB available in the draft : )

Granted I have no problem draft DL or pass rushers.

Atlanta needs playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.

[Admin]

Me too.........then maybe there is an extra CB available in the draft : )Granted I have no problem draft DL or pass rushers. Atlanta needs playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.

Miami needs 2 starting CBs so Grimes wouldn't change that! The Falcons have more than enough play making with Decoud alone. That guy is a freaking star.

[jy23]

I think we have a better chance at trufant...and I would love grimes to come back but I doubt he does. We just aren't going to offer him enough money. Grimes was easily a top 10 cb when healthy and I like that he always played like he was still trying to prove himself. He busted his butt for us and I hate that he probably won't be back. But I agree with you on Williams with our second round pick and I know I may be in the minority but I would love to take a chance on either Marcus lattimore or honey badger with our 4th round pick if either are still there. Lattimore can have extra time to heal sitting behind Jackson and quizz and if the guy bounces back to being the guy he was in college it would be a hell of a steal and if it doesn't work out its not that big of a lost bc it's only a fourth rounder. And with honey badger he could be great on special teams, being that return guy that we so desperately need and if he grows into at least a nickel corner again it would be a hell of a steal....doubt we pick him up tho bc of the falcon filter that dimi has but that's just my two cents.

[jy23]

Oh yea and I would hate for us to take a TE in the first round...literally it would make me sick to my stomach.

[AHF]

Oh yea and I would hate for us to take a TE in the first round...literally it would make me sick to my stomach.

I am 99% certain we won't with Tony back. This team is in win-now mode. You may not sacrifice the future to get a bigger edge today but you aren't going to pass on similarly talented players at a position of need for a position of future development.

[Admin]

Some are predicting now that Milliner, Rhodes and Trufant will all be gone before the 20th pick and that it's possible that Hayden or Wreh-Wilson could go shortly after that. The thinking is that is why a lot of teams are leaving so many of these vet CBs alone is because there are some pretty good ones in the draft and that there will be an early run on them.

[jy23]

I'll be happy with the best defensive player available with our first round pick (except safety...we're pretty set there). To get a corner would be nice but doesn't have to be one.

[Admin]

I'll be happy with the best defensive player available with our first round pick (except safety...we're pretty set there). To get a corner would be nice but doesn't have to be one.

How funny would it be if the Falcons took John Jenkins from Georgia with their 1st round pick?

[EazyRoc]

How funny would it be if the Falcons took John Jenkins from Georgia with their 1st round pick?

As about as funny as prostate cancer.

[coachx]

Some are predicting now that Milliner, Rhodes and Trufant will all be gone before the 20th pick and that it's possible that Hayden or Wreh-Wilson could go shortly after that. The thinking is that is why a lot of teams are leaving so many of these vet CBs alone is because there are some pretty good ones in the draft and that there will be an early run on them.

I like Banks from Miss St. He has a long 6'2'' frame and is a ball hawk. 16 career intercetpions in a league that runs more then most in the NCAA. Taylor, Slay, and Amerson are also intrigueing.

Taylor is the opposite of Banks. Talor is a small quick twitch guy like Grimes.........where Banks is tall and long to matchup vs. bigger WRs.

Amerson had 13 ints in 2011 alone. Atlanta drafted William Moore off tape from the 2 years prior to his draft.......so Dimitroff has allowed tape from 2 years ago to trumph more recent tape before with good results. Amerson got burned v.s Tennessee's elite WRs in game #1 of last year. He still has tons of potential

Edited March 26, 2013 by coachx

[coachx]

How funny would it be if the Falcons took John Jenkins from Georgia with their 1st round pick?

I could see Atlanta picking a NT at #60. Jenkins would be good value there. He was forced to play too many snaps and out of position at DE after Arbry Jones was hurt in the Tennessee game. This makes his 2011 tape much better then his 2012 tape. He has also lost 25 pounds and is down to 339 lbs now. He would be a steal at #60.

I'm not a oppose to Jenkins at #30 if he can keep his weight around 340 lbs. His main problem his senior year was that he was forced to play too many snaps due to injuries to the D-Line.

If there is a runs on CBs all the CBs in the 1st round......causing other positions to get pushed down in the draft........ like J. Hankins, then I could see Atlanta taking him as their NT at #30.

Also look out for Kwame Geathers with 1 of our 4th round picks to play some NT when Mike Nolan wants a more conventional 3-4 look.

Edited March 26, 2013 by coachx

[Admin]

I like Banks from Miss St. He has a long 6'2'' frame and is a ball hawk. 16 career intercetpions in a league that runs more then most in the NCAA. Taylor, Slay, and Amerson are also intrigueing.

Taylor is the opposite of Banks. Talor is a small quick twitch guy like Grimes.........where Banks is tall and long to matchup vs. bigger WRs.

Amerson had 13 ints in 2011 alone. Atlanta drafted William Moore off tape from the 2 years prior to his draft.......so Dimitroff has allowed tape from 2 years ago to trumph more recent tape before with good results. Amerson got burned v.s Tennessee's elite WRs in game #1 of last year. He still has tons of potential

There is a lot of really great CB value in this draf in rounds 2-4 and yeah that Banks kid is very impressive. I'm kind of thankful that Miami is changing up the way that our CBs play and looking for zone types instead of man-to-man CBs like most teams run so hopefully we'll be able to get great value on a pair of CBs that wouldn't fit most types of schemes. The guys we'd want definitely wouldn't work for the Falcons in that Mike Nolan style of defense so even if we pass on a CB in the 1st round at least the Falcons won't be taking someone that we'll likely be looking at.

[Admin]

I could see Atlanta picking a NT at #60. Jenkins would be good value there. He was forced to play too many snaps and out of position at DE after Arbry Jones was hurt in the Tennessee game. This makes his 2011 tape much better then his 2012 tape. He has also lost 25 pounds and is down to 339 lbs now. He would be a steal at #60.

I'm not a oppose to Jenkins at #30 if he can keep his weight around 340 lbs. His main problem his senior year was that he was forced to play too many snaps due to injuries to the D-Line.

If there is a runs on CBs all the CBs in the 1st round......causing other positions to get pushed down in the draft........ like J. Hankins, then I could see Atlanta taking him as their NT at #30.

Also look out for Kwame Geathers with 1 of our 4th round picks to play some NT when Mike Nolan wants a more conventional 3-4 look.

He's been moving up a lot of draft boards and some are predicting that he could be a late 1st round pick. I don't know a lot about Jenkins but from my memory of Nolan running Miami's defense he likes NT/DT types who can anchor the line and take on the double team but whom can also apply pressure up the middle. So if he had to play multiple positions, including DE, that might actually be a plus on his resume as far as Nolan is concerned. But man if he's had to "get down" to 339 then he could end up being a tremendous bust if he doesn't have the necessary work ethic to be at the right weight.

I would just find it hilarious and ironic that an Atlanta team took a John Jenkins towards the bottom of the 1st round in 2 different sports in almost the same year.

[Admin]

As about as funny as prostate cancer.

Not a fan of him or are you wanting the Falcons to do a different route with their top pick?