Falcons

By Tayo

April 23, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

I just don’t want McKay to screw this up. This draft will define his legacy with the Falcons. If he works his magic like he did when he got Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks for the Bucs, the future is bright.

On the other hand, if we get a bunch of Jacquez Greens, we’re in trouble.

By Wyche Sucks

April 23, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Isn’t this whole blog entry based on interviews you conducted weeks ago? Why are you just now reporting it? I wish I had a job where I could work at a snail’s pace.

By mark

April 23, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

IMO the Falcons need size and athleticism on both the OL and DL. I don’t think they’ll draft a CB but instead sign a veteran free agent. If they don’t take Landry from LSU i’d expect them to sign a free agent there as well.

By AP

April 23, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

So are the Falcons not going to cut Jonathan Babineaux? I figured his run-in with the law on the dog killing would spell the end of Babineaux’s time in Atlanta

By nb

April 23, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

DE: Josh Mallard/Paul Carrington are definitely enough.

Dream first three: LaRon Landry, Sidney Rice, Michael Bush

By p

April 23, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

I have to laugh when i see the falcons’ LB described as anything else but inept doormats.

Falcons need TWO LBs, a CB, a DT and a DE … so that means we’ll draft a WR or TB.

By your daddy

April 23, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Hopefully Atlanta drafts Laron Landry, or Reggie Nelson with the number 8 pick. 2nd round, we need the best available lineman, whether offense or defense. 3rd round, Michael Bush, would be great, if still available. Of course, this would signify the end is near for Dunn.

By honest_abe

April 23, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

imo the falcons have a lot of holes and running back just isn’t a position of need. i would trade down from 8th pick pick up a later 1st round pick along with another 2nd roudn pick, because i just dont’ think there’s much of a dropoff from landry to nelson.

the number one need is obviously help on both lines. i think the falcons can select a really good guard in the 2nd. as for DE, why not go with charles johnson the local pick in the 2nd.

hopefully the falcons brass wont’ make the mistake of not addressing their offensive line woes in the earlier rounds like previous years.

By Big Prune

April 23, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t want a rb drafted. I will be p** if they do. We’ve only had the best ground game in the NFL for the last couple of years, and we’re going to screw up the only thing really working for us. Good start Petrino.

By Jimbobcooter

April 23, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t care who they draft as long as he is not a THUG. Please some decent hard working guys and stay away from guys who want to be rap stars in their free time. I would suggest some good strong white boys for the O-Line.

It is Ok to be somewhat careful when dealing with the low-lifes that are floating around out there.

This team’s culture is need of repair.

By Greg

April 23, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

My dream draft would be Landry Spencer Grubb

But I doubt that will happen. After Fornery complained about having to cut weight under Gibbs, maybe we don’t need to use a first round pick on the OL. There are just so many holes on defense…

By Mikefalcon

April 23, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Babineaux should be gone!!!

I see Laron Landry or Jamaal Anderson being our pick at #8 with Charles Johnson or Eric Weddle being our 1st 2nd round pick. It looks like DE and FS are the 2 positions Mckay is trying to find starters for in my opinion.

By surfrider

April 23, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

A lof of if’s. Starting with a passing game. To trade the starting wr’s for a higher draft choice to get Johnson could be an option if someone bites. Another option is to trade for a DE or S. Yes draft the needs but this team has gone in reverse the last few years and now it does’nt have it’s starting DE or NT or backup star QB. What the team needs are some playmakers who can turn a game around on both sides of the ball.

By CJ2

April 23, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Pretty good analysis.

Hopefully the front office won’t do anything goofy. Like trade up for Calvin Johnson.

By bwale09

April 23, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

I know its not sexxy, but I think OL in the first, safety and DE in the second, and maybe Bush in the third.

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 23, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Steve, Thanks for getting draft week off and running. I concurr with most of your assessment. However, completely disagree with you on Rossum. Go back and watch game film. Whenever he was in the game, teams went at him and he failed miserably (especially on 3rd downs). He must be jettisoned ASAP. Some mocks have us taking a kicker in the 4th or 5th round. Unless George Blanda or Jon Stenarud have come back to life, I say we pass and wait sign a free agent. The BIG question is, what do we do in the 1st round. We are in a very tough position in obtaining TRUE value for that slot due to this years draft class. Every owner and GM agrees with that (see CNNSI). With that in mind, I’d like to trade up for CJ. His presence would accelerate our quest for the RING. He would benefit both sides of the ball and we wouldn’t have to face him two or three times annually. If we don’t get him, I can only pray that Al Davis decides to stick it to Gruden and select him #1. Anyway, if he’s not an option, we’d at least have to swap with Washington to get Landry. If neither is available, do we bail and trade down or select someone who may not deserve the #8 slot. Our offense desperately needs a WR who automatically commands a double team, CJ provides that. The only other WR that would generate that type of fear from day one in Ted Ginn Jr. or Jacoby Jones for Lane College. However, Jones can be had in the 2nd round. I agree that Landry would be fantastic @ #8, but I doubt he’ll be there. At safety, Aaron Rouse 6’4” 220lbs & 4.39 40yd dash and rates an overall 8.0 compared to Landry’s 8.2 will be available @ #39. If we take a CB Tanard Jackson or Marcus McCauley are tall and fast and may be available in Rnd 2 also. We can get the Road Graders in the 3& 4th rounds. Just some random thoughts while greatly anticipating an exciting weekend…

By BirdMahn

April 23, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Please remind McKay we play half our games on carpet. Big, burley backs are okay, but give me speed anyday. Of course a combination of both is always good, but that’s a rarity.

By S Turn

April 23, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Jimbobcooter,

Your an idiot.

What does race have to do with it?

By Ted

April 23, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Give Norwood the ball 20 times a game and throw to him five and see what happens! Norwood is a STAR waiting to bust out this year. Petrino will be stupid not use Norwood. Does Gerald Riggs (burly back) being drafted over Marcus Allen (flash and speed) ring any bells for some of us older Falcon fans? Riggs was solid — but Allen was a GAME BREAKER; just like Norwood WILL BE.

By Scott

April 23, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

WHATVER YOU DO, TAKE ALL 15 MINUTES ON YOUR FIRST PICK SO I CAN SEE CHRIS BERMAN SWEAT

By RSC

April 23, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

I would be very happy with Landry or Okoye in the first, Sidney Rice and Charles Johnson in the 2nd and Michael Bush in the 3rd…

By jc

April 23, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Dan Reeves for Genral manager and VP

By Ron D

April 23, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

I like what the Falcons have done in the past couple of drafts. We need to devote more resources to player development. The “diamond” in the 1st round is going to be Patrick Willis. I believe that he is going to be an All-Pro within the first 2 years. Let’s get him!

By Doug

April 23, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Sorry Steve Wyche: I Googled Solid Tandem and even stretch it to Atlanta Falcons Solid Tandem and I didn’t see Beck or Brookings in the Search engine…Sorry, but that dog want hunt.

By Quint

April 23, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Calvin Johnson is the only player the Falcons should be thinking about with their first-round pick. Not only is he a great local-talent and one of the best of all-time but for Arthur M. Blank this would be a great business move for his franchise. It’s about time for the Falcons too draft local-talent and this would be the most talked about draft pick ever Vick to Johnson would be commonly heard around the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By BAN

April 23, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

As much as there are a few guys we could use in the Top-8, trading down to the mid/late 1st and getting an additional 2nd-3rd might be a good move (given the holes we have at a majority of positions).

By Al Davis

April 23, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should move heaven and earth to draft Calvin. Although it would be fun to watch him torch them twice a year for the next 15 years with the Bucs.

By bwill

April 23, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Well i see it like this the falcons have two possible options in the first round 1. trade up to draft calvin (which they should do) or 2. draft laron landry, even if this means moving up to maybe six or five to get him, not coming away with one of these two players is a complete disappointment. In the seconr round assuming that we draft landry i think we use one of the picks to get one of the wide recievers that slid to the second round maybe Rice or Jarret Or S. Smith, and use the other pick to pick up a OL or DL, either Grubbs or maybe the DE Johnson or moses out of UGA, And in the third round petrino will draft his guy Bush if he is still available. If the falcons can work their draft out anything similiar to this then they would have done a good job. P.S i said it b4 i will say it again McKay PLEASE DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER TO DRAFT CALVIN JOHNSON PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

By honest_abe

April 23, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

some of you guys that are calling for the falcons to draft wr’s and rb’s are insane.

the falcons have enough invested into the wr position and so the falcons should be focused on developing that talent.

as for running back you have two productive backs and for short yardage situations you just made your new full back the highest paid fullback in league history… he had better be able to plow ahead in short yardage situations.

the falcons don’t like to draft linemen especially offensive in the early rounds. last one i remember of note is lincoln kennedy. but you look at all the consistently good teams around the league and you see that winners are built from the trench. you need some big hogs on both lines to be successful in nfl. period.

By dna

April 23, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Anything less than two defensive linemen with the first two picks is a bad draft. DE and NT are dire needs. Landry is suspect in covering the deep ball and the last thing we need is another Roy Williams in the ATL. I’m sure Zimmer was reminded many games last year he was not the free saftey they thought he was going to be. The front office blew it a few years ago when the offensive tackles they drafted did not “groom” as expected. We have got to live with Gandy and Dunn at least one more year. It is amazing that in a year how many glarring needs we have. The scouting department has got to be under the microscope.

By Senor Smoke

April 23, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t care how much Babineaux could help the team. Mr. Dog Killer should be out! Having him on the team can only result in a PR nightmare.

By Dennis

April 23, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

This draft really needs to be about defense. It seems that specialty head coaches sometimes forget about the other side of the ball. The Falcons’ defense is in need of a serious overhaul. Starting with MLB. Even though Brookings has had a very productive career, he is no MLB and he is on the tail end of his career. The next spot that should be addressed is the Safety position. Again, Milloy is on the tail end of his career, and I am not sold on Crocker at all. The secondary and MLB were really exposed in the second half of the season.

By Cairo

April 23, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

I agree with Straight Allen Rossum SUCKED and I am glad you did not mentioned Jason Webster’s name Steve. Jimmy Williams is unproven because our inept coaching staffing wanting to Allen Playing Possum at CB and Jason My Big Toe Hurt Webster in there. What a joke… At least it is draft time and we get to watch McKay put up or shut up.

By Al Davis

April 23, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Calvin is a defensive pick….unless you think DAngelo can cover him :)

By aqg

April 23, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

i want landry with the 8th pick. we might need to even trade up to 6 to get him, possibly giving up our 3rd or early 4th. i like sydney rice in the 2nd and charles johnson if hes there (which he wont) and i’ve been reading a lot about the DE from hawaii who is getting rave reviews. michael busch in the 3rd would be nice and in the 5th i’d like to see them get tony taylor (uga MLB), he as solid as they come.

By nhr

April 23, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

I second that…Jimbobcooter is a RACIST IDIOT! We’re trying to win football games you racist red-neck!! Who cares about the color except you!

By bwill

April 23, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Oh and to add one more thing if we cant get either landry or CJ in the first then we difinitely need to bail out of there trade down in the first round and we still can pick up a good safety or DL like Nelson Or Merriwehther or Moss and using the extra picks we pick up to choose and OL

By kg

April 23, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

I agree with Greg, those first 3 picks would be solid. If Landry’s not there are 8, I would trade down, but everyone wants to trade down from Arizona to Minn, so it will be tought. If you can’t trade down and Landry’s not there, I say Carriker or Staley (OT). Then draft Weddle or Piscatilli in the second.

By LyonsJimmy

April 23, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Hey didn’t we have a big back with the initials TJ??? Call me crazy, but I think he would fit fine in this type of offensive system. Congrats to the falcon braintrust for keeping the little “old” back and getting rid of the young and healthy bruiser. There was a reason the Ga. Dome played Move _itch get out of the way when Duckett ran the ball. Before you clowns comment on stats, you should know that most running backs like TJ need more carries than 10 or 12 a game to be productive and they need an offensive system that works for them like Petrino’s will for Duckett if we could get him back.

By PSack

April 23, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

trade up for Calvin…..future hall of famer better than Randy Moss better attitude. Hail we can outscore the rest of the NFL and he can catch all of Vicks bad throws on third down. AND HE IS BIG ENOUGH TO BLOCK FOR OUR RUNNING GAME.

PICK A SOLID OL AND DL WITH THE TWO SECOND ROUND PICKS…after that pick the best available DB

By Keeping it real

April 23, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Mckay this could be like the draft the 49er had the year they drafted Ronnie Lott. This could be our year! we need defense, defense, and more defense. Don’t give away the house to get Calvin Johnson. We were 22 in defense last year in the N.F.L.. We need at least one good offense lineman and draft Bush out of Louisville. Get the middle line backer out of UF. If we score 21 point on offense a game and the defense only let team score 17 point this year we are in the house . We need pressure and speed from our front four and run stoppers. Get her done MCkay bar non! # 30 from LSU is the man!

By mark

April 23, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Above all, it seems to me that ATL needs to improve pass protection for Vick. That seems to argue for using some arly picks to increase the size and athleticism of the O-line. Unfortunately, doesn’t it take a few years to develop offensive linemen.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

April 23, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Not as many holes? Maybe this is why McKay has a bad draft record here in Atlanta, HE CAN’T SEE!! The way Carolina ran on us so much, they just started hiking it to the RB there’s no way he can’t say there are no hole on that D-line. The way Vick has been consistently mauled from the blindside, he can’t say there are nonee on the O-line. The way the secondary got lit up like a Christmas tree ALL YEAR, he can’t say that about them. The WR’s can’t catch a cold and if not for Vick our running game would be below average. We can’t consistently get ONE FREAKING YARD from them on 3rd and 1 and we have no holes? Get real. The good thing about this is that we DO have so many holes that any pick we make will help; safety, runningback, off tackle, def tackle, or God forbid, ANOTHER wide receiver. There’s no way McKay can goof this time……I hope.

GO FALCONS!!!

By Quint

April 23, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

You guys watch too much ESPN you’re only repeating what you hear from the same idiots who said the Carolina Panthers would win the Super-Bowl. If Jim Mora wasn’t a secondary coach our team would be in a better position we all know Petrino is a offensive minded coach who doesn’t want to draft defense in his first year that would be moving backwards. If you can’t get Calvin at least draft someone to protect Michael Vick let’s say Levi Brown we all know they will draft Michael Bush somewhere near the 3rd or 4th round………….

By CMS

April 23, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

I gotta agree with what someone said earlier: WE DO NOT NEED TO PICK SEXY!! CJ is a gamebreaker, but the reality is the front office can’t afford him. The only “sexy” position we need to draft for is Safety. I’m kinda torn between LaRon Landry (S), Okoye (DT), Anderson (DE), and Brown (OT). At the end of the day it boils down to the draft value of each player.

By Rick From PI

April 23, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Jimbobcooter!! Would you like to have a Patrick Kearney? Amazing how that got swept under the rug!

By No More Pretty Boy Picks

April 23, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE LINE. OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE LINE. OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE LINE. OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE LINE. OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE LINE. OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE LINE. OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE LINE. OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE LINE.

that is where championships are won. use every draft pick in the draft on those positions and the rest will take care of itself.

By NASDAQ

April 23, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Look fellas, I know CJ would be a dream for us but we have a small RB along with a sleek offensive line that got stomped on 4 and 1 several times last season. Our receivers will be okay because Finneran, Horn, and Crump are all good (a little old too). What we need to focus on is pass protection, a power back, a new LB (brooking is slow), and a FS. GO BIRDS GO!

By Rooster

April 23, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Let Tampa Bay get Calvin Johnson - then draft Paul Oliver next year in the 2nd round to shut Johnson down twice a year for 15 years.

By Josh C

April 23, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Those who discount the impact Calvin Johnson would have on this team aren’t getting it. This kid is Randy Moss without the attitude. Look at Daunte Culpepper. Moss MADE that guy…he did nothing without him. There are only a few franchise players: Tomlinson, Manning, Lewis, Urlacher, Steve Smith, Ogden…and it doesn’t matter what position they play. If you get the rare opportunity to draft that rare player you MUST take advantage. The Falcons thought they were getting this type of player with Vick, and they were…sort of. He does things qbs have never done but so far hasn’t been consistent passing the ball. How good might he be if, when all else fails, he can just heave up a jump ball to Calvin, a la Moss? Mark my words- CJ will be, barring injury, as good as anyone not named Jerry Rice. Tim Brown, Cris Carter, James Lofton, Lynn Swann, Marvin Harrison, he will be as good as any of these before he’s done.

By Dang Steve

April 23, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

I see your critic/stalker, who was fired from the Hahira Gazette, is back on your case.

That said, the glory days of AJC beatwriters being among the best in the nation is over. Tim Tucker, Jeffrey Denberg, Len Pasquarelli, Chris Mortenson, etc. are all replaced by much, much, much, much lesser lights today. They don’t hold a candle.

It started going downhill when Cox starting thinking it was a good idea to import the whole Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel sports staff. Hummer to replace Dave Kindred? Ha. What a bummer.

By Jacquez

April 23, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

I personally think that ya’ll should keep Micheal Vick(quarterback) and drop a few of the running backs because they don’t protect Vick when on the field. Neither does the leimans also. They run to the others, but don’t block off the other team when on the game. So that is my opinion. Also if possible for my opinion may I get a ticket to a game in early September for my b-day? if not, its cool. Thanks.

By TuggleCase

April 23, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Question, why is it that my favorite QB ever (Brett Farve) has had an erratic arm throughout his career and he is called a gunslinger. While Michael Vick who is not nearly as erratic as Farve (based on INT’s) is just labeled as a failure as a QB? I just don’t know what to think sometimes, I don’t want to say it’s racism but it’s just not right.

By JeffD

April 23, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

The Falcons need help in the secondary, OL and DL. My dream draft would be: 1- LaRon Landry, 2(a)- Justin Blaylock, 2(b) - Charles Johnson or Anthony Spencer, 3-Michael Bush.

One position of need we seem to be overlooking is KR/PR. Rossum is not as effective as he once was. We need help here, particularly at KR.

By Steve Hummer

April 23, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

OK, so I was a huge failure as featured columnist and am now rarely heard from, but do you have to rub it in?

By Meanie

April 23, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Jacquez that might be the dumbest post I’ve ever seen…PUHLEEZE tell me you aren’t a high school graduate…

By honest_abe

April 23, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

tugglecase you are an absolute moron. brett favre is considred a gun slinger because he is on e of the greatest qb’s of all time. why you say? forget the fact that he’s the iron man in todays football world. never missing a game. forget the numerous probowls and the one super bowl ring. just compare the passing stats of mike vick to brett favre, you imbecile… it has absolutely nothing to do with race!!!!!!!!!!!!1

you’re the one thats trying to make something into race. making you the ignorant racist in this instance. now please go disappear!

By Dave in Tampa

April 23, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

The difference between Vick and Farve has nothing to do with RACISM. Farve is a leader and Vick is not. End of story!

By pulpwood smith

April 23, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Tampa will draft Calvin and then sign Reggie Ball as a free agent to take over at quarterback. Then… no more worries about Tampa.

Seriously, you can’t pass up Calvin if you have a shot at him, but you can’t mortgage the next five years to do it either. That being said, I don’t think this a very strong draft. I’m glad I don’t have to make this call, but if I am Rich McKay I focus on the defense this time around.

Linebacker: Brooking is a fine player, but his talents are better suited to OLB. That’s why the Falcons signed Ed Hartwell. I like Beck, though. I’d like to see him play more in the middle this year.

By John

April 23, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

If Landry is available, I say take him. Otherwise, I would go with Patrick Willis. He will be the Demeco Ryans of this draft.

By Aaron

April 23, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

The only way Paul Oliver shut out Calvin was with a couple of buddys of his called a triple coverage. Never one on one.

By JawjaHillbilly

April 23, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

DeAngelo Hall is NOT fine. He’s WAY overrated!!

By MFS

April 23, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

In general, successful teams build from a foundation of strong lines - OL and DL. That being said if Landry is still available, he is just too valuable to pass on. Otherwise, ya gotta go OL or DL, whichever has higher rating. But I think you have to consider LT, and LDE or NT first. If Landry is not available, try to trade down. Forget about CJ, it’s too costly in cap and picks. FS, and LB are needs for later rounds. DRAFT DEFENSE.

By peachtree bart

April 23, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

I’ve got to agree with Darrin the Vent King. Lot’s of holes to fill, starting with protecting Vick and if we can do that then Norwood amd Dunn will be able to score on the goal line when it’s 3rd and 1, instead of having to pass to receivers who don’t catch that well. Please don’t trade up for Johnson. Secure both sides of the line.

By gdg73

April 23, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else notice Wyche skipped the SS position? Because we already have two (Milloy and Crocker) and if we draft Landry, that will make three. This dude is an in the box safety that we don’t need. Maybe last year, but not this year. Our current safeties lack cover skills not physicality. Trade down acquire more picks and choose the best coverage FS on the board. Also, do not pick Jamal Anderson. This guy is still learning how to play the DE position. We need someone who can play both the run and pass effectively opposite oft injured Dis-Ableham. What about Charles Johnson. Don’t be shocked if Atlanta trades down a few notches and selects Patrick Willis to play MLB. We need a OT and OG early to groom as future starters next year as well. As far as DT, the best one in the draft is Marcus Thomas from Florida. He reminds me of Darnell Dockett from FSU a few years ago. Both had some personal issues. Dockett was a 1st round talent that went in the 3rd. He is a darn good tackle now in Arizona, earning a big-time extension after his first season. I’d stay away from Michael Bush as well. He is not healthy and ready to contribute this year. His teammate Kolby Smith would be a better option in the 5th or so. He looked damn good replacing Bush in Petrino’s spread offense last year. If we can find a game-breaking return specialist who can double as a 6th receiver or backup, we need to pick him. In closing, Steve, you said that Rossum was OK went called upon. What games were you watching?????

By Matthew at the SLC

April 23, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

I think we should trade up and grab Peterson. We need a stud running back. Just make sure whoever we draft is not a trouble maker or wanna-be gansta.

Catch my drift?

By Tank

April 23, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

if we don’t work on our defense back field we will be hunting.

By sammy miller

April 23, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

What about that spindly cat Sam Miller out of Miss. state! Maybe draft him in the third round and watch him sketch the oppossing teams out!

By clthurman

April 23, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

I like at the 8th pick either Landry at S or Okoye(the beast). In the 2nd round let’s get Johnson for the defensive line and if the right wide receiver is there,ala Rice or Jarrett don’t hesitate…we can dump Roddy. I think the OL men in this draft leave nothing to be desired, so that’s a need not able to be addressed. If a solid corner is there or safety if Landry is not taken then that’s the 2 or 3rd pick for us. The steal of this draft is getting Bush from Louisville for no greater than a 3rd round pick. It would be great if he fell to the 4th round, but let’s get him. The other picks let’s gamble on some big OL and DL who can push out the mini’s we currently have. And a linebacker would be nice for the middle since Brooking is playing out of his best position and a back-up other than Beck is a must. Although I liked Beck from what I seen of him and with Mora gone perhaps we’ll see these guys who have impressed given a real chance to priove themselves. And for Godsakes keep Rossum out of the secondary…the man is the definition of BURNT TOAST.

By msteven

April 23, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Odd, No one mentioned race until this Jimbob(consider the source with a name like Jimbob..duhhh)came on. I was just going to see how far the blogs got without one racist overtone. I could have bet money and made a mint because I knew it would only be a matter of time before some prize like Jimbobcooter would come on barfing racial slurs. But then again, with a name like Jim bob scooter arent we asking a bit much? Go read a book Jim Bob, go play with the dog, cat squirrl just take your racist azz somewhere and hang yourself. I bet when you do, no one will miss you. It we be like Jimbobcooter? who? you mean the idoit that hung himself?

By TuggleCase

April 23, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

HA! Honest Abe fell for the bait….NOW KILL YOURSELF!! My favorite QB is Bartkowski (I’m a true falcon fan you dummy), and I don’t care about color, race, or whatever. Let’s get some Defense and win this thing. We all live, we all die, and hopefully we all bleed Falcon Red at the end baby!

By will c

April 23, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

I would like to see the Falcons draft a defensive lineman or end in the first round. Then go with an offensive tackle in the second, then a strong safety. I believe if we can get some pressure up front on the defensive line, the corners and safety will cover better. Please do not trade up to draft Calvin Johnson, WR’s can be gotten in the latter rounds. Marques Colston (New Orleans) is a prime example.

Rich Guys Trophy Wife http://www.richguystrophywife.com

By Al Davis

April 23, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

I think it would be a great idea for the Falcons to take Paul Oliver and put him man up on Calvin. I would pay to see that. By the way, whose fault is it that the Falcons can’t afford Calvin….maybe their astute owner??!!

By Daryl

April 23, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

I have never been a fan of Warrick Dunn. It amazes me when the media suggests the the falcon had this great running attack last year, which consisted of Vick, Dunn and and sometimes Norwood. Many people fail to realize Vick, a quarterback, gained most of the yardage. One of the primary reasons Atlanta couldn’t win, was they couldn’t sustain a consistent running attack. N.F.L. defenses considered Dunn a joke. Which is one reason Vick had such a hard time passing the ball down field. Why Atlanta traded T.J. Dunkett, I will never figure. The proto-typical runner, I know Petrino has envision. A big, strong and powerful back who will make N.F.L. defenses respect the falcon’s run attack. Thus, drawing the secondary in closer. Alas! draft Calvin Johnson and trade back for T.J. Dunkett.

By Rich McKay

April 23, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

I’m the one who leaked the pot story last week to the media!

Why? Well, Warren Sapp admitted he used pot in the weeks leading up to the draft, and he fell to our pick at #12 that year.

We’ll see you at #8 Calvin!

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 23, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

The only thing that would prove too costly is not making the single most important move to improve your team. Look around our division, it’s very tough. We must be able to win our divisional games to even begin being competitive. As our team stands right now, the addition of CJ alone would enable us to do that. A legitimate passing game would change everything. There are enough players in rounds 3 & 4 to get OL and DL help, if we put together a package to get Calvin. Don’t say it’s not possible because all the experts are discussing it, so it CAN be done. CJ can jumpstart the Falcons return to respectability. Anyone else would simply be adding a piece to the puzzle. Don’t get your hopes up on Bush. The DVD his agent sent out has ensured his inavailability in round 3. We might want to look a Chris Henry, Tyrone Moss, DeShawn Wynn, or wait till next year. It’s perfectly feasible to trade away your # 1’s for the next to years and recoup cap dollars and be a player in the free agent market to augment the teams needs with proven youngveterens (not like Hartwell) instead of the draft.

By honest_abe

April 23, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

tuggle case: somehow you just managed to make yourself look even more stupid than before. amazing.

By imf

April 23, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Aaron wrote “The only way Paul Oliver shut out Calvin was with a couple of buddys of his called a triple coverage. Never one on one.”

Sure Aaron. Take a look at this video at 3:40 & 4:00 and help me find the 2nd and 3rd defenders helping Oliver out. It’s obviously the smart way to play GT by having help over the top against Calvin, but to say Oliver never had him shut down one-on-one, well…just check the link. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJRL4cLVyYw]

By David

April 23, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

1st round: Landry or Okoye, either will do. 2nd round: Offensive Lineman, and what ever you did not get in the 1st round. 3rd round: Bush if available if not then another offensive lineman. Either way we will have either Okoye, or Landry in the first round. See ya

By Brandon

April 23, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Offensive line should not be the 1st pick. Even with our poor o-line we were still able to remain the number one rushing offense in the league. However, we were dead last in passing offense and 28th in pass defense. In order to get Calvin Johnson the Falcons will have to trade for the 2nd overall from Detroit. That would probably require our first maybe a second and probably our first in next year’s draft as well. We might be able to package one of our current receivers (like Roddy White) in that deal so we can save some of our picks. As much as I like CJ I must admit Laron Landry in the first round is probably the best idea. My main concern is having CJ go to a division rival. If he goes anywhere outside the division its cool. But not in the NFC South! But Landry in the first, Georgia DE Charles Johnson and possibly Texas G Blaylock or Rutgers RB Brian Leonard in the second round. Michael Bush would be very good in the 3rd if we can’t get Leonard. If we do get Leonard in the 2nd look at TN G Arron Sears or Boston College G Josh Beekman in the 3rd. There is alot of depth at WR in this years draft so we can probably pick up a decent WR in late rounds. Maybe we’ll find a Marques Colston like New Orleans did last year. DT can be addressed later in the draft. As much as I don’t like Grady Jackson, he can probably fill the hole for one more year.

By mike

April 23, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

take Okoye and either Griffen or Meriweather in the second round

By Daniel

April 23, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

I love Calvin, but PLEASE do not draft another WR in the 1st round.

We have done this with Roddy White, Jenkins, and trading our 1st round pick to get Peerless Price. Look what it’s gotten us…

This year’s draft, we need to beef up our D-Line and get another 1 or 2 guys that can cover in the secondary. If we can’t get Landry at #8, I think we trade down to middle of the 1st round and get either Jarvis Moss or Okoye.

Defense wins championships, and right now the Falcons don’t have one.

But like has been already mentioned - the Falcons will probably use our top 3 picks to get a running back, a wide receiver, and a linebacker or tight end. Yuck.

By Reality Time

April 23, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

What we need is a good starting QB..

By just call me mr.

April 23, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

If i am the falcons i would trade down in the first,get another second,draft Nelson in the first,Steve Smith with the first second round pick,offensive line with the second pick and Michael Bush with the third one.I would go de,dt,ol,pk with the rest.

By aqg

April 23, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

if all else fails and we cant get landry i would like us to trade down, maybe with buffalo is peterson is still available and draft adam carriker or reggie nelson.

By Draft a LB

April 23, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Demorrio Williams is a weak link. Anyone who watches the game closely knows that. I would be shocked if he is the opening day starter at OLB.

By Clay

April 23, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

I like the idea someone had on 680 The Fan - the 900 rule. If the Falcons first three picks don’t add up to 900 lbs or more, then the picks are not going to address the Falcons needs.

I prefer the following: 1. Landry (S) 2. An offensive linemen (Blalock?) 2b. An offensive guard (Grubbs?) 3. A defensive end.

So if Landry isn’t available at 8, pick Levi Brown (OT) and pick up some safety help later. Trading down if your guy isn’t available is FINE!!!

I do not want to see the Falcons draft a LB, CB, QB, or any type of kicker. THERE ARE HOLES IN THIS ROSTER TO FILL!

By Cornholio

April 23, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

OFFENSIVE LINE !

LEVI BROWN !

JOE THOMAS !

THESE GUYS WOULD MAKE A BOOB LIKE VICK LOOK GOOD !

By Falcon

April 23, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Trading up for CJ is absurd. This roster is pathetic and our defense is dreadful. That aside, we cannot afford CJ w/ what is left under the cap. Ideally, the Falcons will never have this many early picks to rejuvenate the franchise for years.

By Haley's Comet

April 23, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

I would rather see them draft Reggie Nelson at safety before Landry.

By HGN

April 23, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

I say Atlanta should remain at No. 8. Take Landry # 1, if he is available; take OT Brown if Landry is gone; or take Anderson if the other 2 are gone. There are far too many holes to fill on the Falcons ( DB, OL, DL, RB depth) to be trading up for any particular one talent and giving away high draft picks in the process. We need as many high picks as we can get, not less.

I like JEFFD’s draft. It makes sense and it fulfill’s the Falcons obvious needs. If we ONLY had one hole to fill, lets say WR , I would say do what’s necessary to get Calvin Johnson, a good looking local product. But because of past draft mistakes , like trying to get too cute and trading picks for Roddy White and Michael Vick, we don’t have that luxury. Let’s fill the holes first and foremost, and try to get cute a few years down the road.

By Keeping it real

April 23, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Draft a Lb/ you would lose and you will be shocked. D. Williams will start! Keith brooking is the weak link at middle line backer, out side he is fine! Safety, offense line ,defense line, middle line backer, Running back big one. This is a good draft for wide recivers too. Get what we need Mckay. This could be your year to make history on the best draft picks like the one the 49er had the year Ronnie Lott was drafted They had seven starer in that draft. Mckay let’s see what kind of GM you really are! Show TIME! Bring us a winning team that is so badly need in this town MCkay!

By Black People Hate Vick, 2 !!!

April 23, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

We seem pretty solid in the BACKUP QB position.

I hope we trade up to draft a quality STARTING QB.

I have no love at all for the incumbent.

By PAUL

April 23, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

JIMMY IS A GOOD OK CB AS D HALL. HE DID NOT GET NO PLAYING TIME WITH OTHER GUYS.

By Mel Kiper

April 23, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

When scouts, told me Calvin Johnson could outsmoke all the other wide receivers in this year’s draft, I CLEARLY MISunderstood what they meant.

Anybody got any Oreos ?

By BCS

April 23, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

by Black people hate vick 2!!! Hate on vick he is still the QB of the Atlanta Falcons. They can go to Texas to. we need Fans not hater. When we win this year please don’t come back stay in Texas where the golden boy is and watch them lose! 11-5-ATL.

By Big Bree

April 23, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Either the Jamal Anderson or the kid from Louiville at DE in the 1st round. Teddy Ginn Jr in the 2nd round would be a coup for the Falcons!! Then they can get that DB from the Univ of Texas if he’s still on the board later in the 2nd……..these would serve as a solid building block for the draft!!

By DW

April 23, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Dear TuggleCase :

I’ll do my best to try to address your question.

Favre is a respected LEADER on his team. Vick is not.

Favre has a SUPER BOWL ring. Vick does not.

Favre is a college graduate. Vick is not.

Favre admitted he had a drug dependency problem and asked for help. Vick thinks you are stupid and should leave him alone.

Favre can speak in complete sentences during interviews. Vick cannot.

Favre is married to the mother of all of his children. Vick thinks “monogamy” is a type of wood in his dining room.

Favre is not reported to possess venereal diseases and KNOWINGLY spread them to various other women. Vick does.

Favre was thankful to get the H@ll out of Atlanta to save his career. Vick likes to do hip-hop dances on the sidelines at the Georgia Dome for his adoring sheep and admirers after 4-interception performances.

Favre has mastered the “West Coast Offense.” Vick has yet to master airport security instructions.

I hope this helps clarify.

Sincerely,

Darrell Waltrip

By Osama your Mama

April 23, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

You know what it is that the city of Atlanta needs, It’s not a top draft pick, Its not a respectible QB, The city of Atlanta needs a 2 mile long rock to fall out of the sky and flatten that entire city, Atlanta has got to be the nastiest, filthiest and crime infested junkyard that I have ever been to. 90% of your residents are crack smoking, food stamp collecting sumbags. It’s almost as if though god had dropped his pants, bent over and took a huge dump and out came Atlanta.

By BCS

April 23, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

we have a clown on the blog page look over him! post 4:24 and 4:45 same guy he need help!

By mo

April 23, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

My first pick for the Falcons would be a solid, pass-rushing DE or a big OL.

I think the DBack situation was mostly bad coaching and I would not spend my first pick in the secondary.

As for the RBs, I still like Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood. Norwood is the heir apparent and you can go and you got a large FB. We may need depth, but we’re set.

Also, the WR situation is pretty much set. We need depth, but I like the acquisition of Joe Horn. He’s a beast, and a professional. He’ll instill a swagger among the WR corps; plus I would like to see him blow up a little bit with Vick.

As for Vick, I would like to see him get into an argument just once. Oh, for someone for pull his coattail one time would probably catapult him and this team to the Super Bowl. And Joe Horn is just the kind of guy that doesn’t care if he hurts feelings. And Vick needs that kind of love.

I think we will get some bigger linemen on the O-line if they would just stay at the buffet. They can add on the girth… the athleticism in there.

And my final thought is this:

I am putting the entire losing situation on the old coaching regime. I feel that the defensive scheme was gimmicky. Remember, we lost to Carolina when they played without a quarterback! That’s a coaching problem!

And our offensive scheme was terrible and predictable. Heck, Vick hardly passed the ball. He just took three steps and then he had to run away from a defender that was in the backfield. Vick wasn’t the QB… he was a RB! And that was basically the SCHEME!

And the defensive scheme was so bad that the wide-outs could run slants and outs 7- 12 yards out and they knew that they could get a catch. Why? Because it was at 15 yards when the safety would come up. Terrible!

By Great Falconi

April 23, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

I’d trade for Calvin Johnson if we didn’t have to give up three picks in this year’s draft. If the Falcons could trade this year’s first-rounder, the better of the two second-rounders and a first-rounder next year for Calvin Johnson, they should do it. If they don’t believe Calvin Johnson will be a top receiver in the NFL, they should draft Landry or Okoye.

By no teeth and no brain

April 23, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Fans needed , Fans needed, Fans needed. we will give 25 hater for one good fan. Atlanta is rank 1th in hater in the NFL and Sport writer! post 4:45 show we have to much inbreeding going on!

By dog

April 23, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

CJ would be a perfect pick. He had to live with an inaccurate and poor decision making QB in college so he should be well prepared to play with Vick.

By Dejay

April 23, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

The key to success in anything is to look at other successful folks and emulate what they’ve done to get there. In the Falcons’ case, they need to look no further than New England, Pittsburgh, Philly, Indy, et al. They all managed to stay consistently good for the most part because of one thing; OFFENSIVE LINEMEN. The starting QBs on these teams are as good as they are because they rarely, if ever, have to constantly deal with getting three folks off his hindparts like Vick does right now. That’s what I’d address first and foremost. If Levi Brown is there, go for him. Even the worst jabronies can run behind a good offensive line; however, the best of quarterbacks would have trouble passing with the folks Vick has blocking for him now.

By Osama your Mama

April 23, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Hey BCS……. Shut the hell up crack head !!!! first of all dont compare me to 4:24 because i’m not black and I dont smoke crack and I have a job as well. What are you the blog fairy ??? or just a fairy period. Thats another thing that you guys have a bunch of in Atlanta too. Stay out of each others asses and clean up your filthy city cochroaches.

By Gram

April 23, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

The Falcons, essentially, would be giving up three players for one admittedly great player in Calvin Johnson. I’d love to see him in a Falcons uniform, but the cost (the first and two seconds) is too great. The Falcons have too many holes to fill elswhere. If they can’t get Landry or Okoye, the team should trade down and try to pick up a second pick. That would give them three seconds. They could get a good safety later in the round, and the draft is pretty deep in the D line, so they could get a DT and DT in the second, along with an OT, which they need. McKay has had good success in the middle rounds, so if they can sqeeze a pick there for trading down in the first round, that would help. The Falcons as many picks as they can get.

By dash

April 23, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

The Falcons need to try to get Landry in the 1st round and a DL as well as an OL in the 2nd. Games are won in the trenches. Our OL and DL has been undersized for years. We have not spent a 1st or 2nd round pick on OL/DL in a very long time. You have to protect the QB and be able to rush the passer in the NFL. We also need to pick up another big back who can be a fullback as well as a goal line runner like Michael Bush. Another speed receiver in the late rounds(Day 2) would be good as well as a CB who could be a nickel back. They have too many draft picks to squander this opportunity.

By Mike In Woodstock

April 23, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Okay. Can someone please tell me why Roddy White has not been released?

By bwill

April 23, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

I cant believe that ppl are saying we shouldnt trade up for calvin, We desperately need a reciever and yes we do need a linemen on both sides of the ball, but they can be gotten later a Calvin Johnson cannot, oh Marques Colston type picks come few and far in between. And anderson is highly overrated so is Jones out of penn state picking either one of those guys would be a great mistake and waste of a pick. Either get Johnson or Landry or trade down, and speaking of trading down, everybody is trying to trade down so it is not just easy to try to trade down so why not trade up and pick a future hall of famer. And the consensus is that if the falcons pick an offensive linemen he wouldnt be expected to play this year we have multiple needs and we dont have time to pick a player to sit and develop we need impact players LIKE CALVIN OR LANDRY, we must make some attempt to be a good team and not sit idly by while the other teams around us get better. Tell me do we really want to be like the texans whe they didnt pick the hometown favorite V.Young, now the have to face him twice a year, If we let Tampa get CJ we will regret it twice a year too, as we see Calvin running past D.Hall into the endzone for a TD just like T.O did to him last year. Calvin may be the sexy pick but the right one!!

By King JEC IV

April 23, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Levi Brown or Joe Thomas!! The Falcons need to protect Mr. Blank’s investment- Mike Vick!! So far, McKay has failed to do that by bringing in sub-par to average O-Lineman. Brown or Thomas have Pro Bowl/All-Pro potential. Either one could have aten year career here in Atlanta. A defensive end would be a good pick as well.

By CutThroatCommittee

April 23, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Trade up for Calvin, this is a must. Trade the 8th pick, 2 second rounders or a second and a third rounder. Depending on what picks are left after the trade up for Calvin, if the second rounders are both left I say either tradee them both for a later first round pick and snag Nelson or use one on Grubbs and one on Blalock or one on either of those two and one of Rouse. The third rounder should be spent on either LB Siler, DE Robinson or S Pisicelli. No backfield or kick picks please!!!

By joebrave

April 23, 2007 6:47 PM | Link t