Falcons

By gobirds42

April 29, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

physical indeed. now we just gotta coach up the young guys. including mr hall! but i know layer is an extra coach on the field. so that will help a lil bit more.

By drmondo

April 29, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Steve, if the Falcons can’t get a good DT in the draft will they look to free agents or try to make due with what they have?

By yellowblood

April 29, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness we have finally gotten past National Brady Quinn day. Who cares where the 22nd pick goes ? Notre Dame owns the national media and its good to see that NFL scouts ignor it. The real stories of this draft are the Calvin Johnson story and the Jamal Anderson story both of which are remarkable.

By craig t

April 29, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Why di we just draft another tight end in the fouth round?? Is Dan Reeves back again

By This Gets Old

April 29, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

I still don’t get it. I’m not against Anderson but you could’ve gotten the best corner at #8. Blalock still would have been there and you could have picked from depth between WR and DE.

Passing on DT’s and OL to take another WR is senseless to me. Are we strong enough at any position to be drafting for “depth” in rounds 3 and 4? An undersized LB? We don’t have enough of those? Or with N.O. picking another WR maybe another DB?

Who’s gonna block Adams, Peppers and Grant? You gotta win the division and we’re in a tough one. Tampa took two safeties and added an end. Another WR with a case of the dropsies?

We’re Alice in Wonderland sometimes. Last big corner that we drafted and tried to make into a S was Scott. How’d that work out for us?

By ATLplayer

April 29, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

So far I think this is the best Falcons draft ever. No they don’t have a headliner but I see 3 solid starters with probowl potential. Anderson, Blalock, and Houston are all blue chip players. If you can’t tell I’m very excited!

By Finchdawg

April 29, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Well Steve, so we have Martrez Milner. How many TEs does that make now? Who’s on the way out? Beverly?

By Gunner

April 29, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

I, for one, don’t think it is a good idea to keep Jimmy Williams moving around from position to position. I say pick one and leave him there.

By wild bill

April 29, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

It all works except for drafting the TE in round 4. What happened to drafting for need? Its still a success as long as Detroit has the good sense not to trade Calving JOhnson to the Bucks and instead keept the only real super star of this draft.

By Rutuger

April 29, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

I like what we’ve done, but I do hope we have enough size in the secondary. I really like the move of Jimmy Williams to FS, where he can use his solid tackiling skills (something we haven’t had back there in quite some time) more.

Good to get Anderson at DE, esp. with John “man of glass” Abraham as the only good DE option. Also ahored up the OL. I think McKay & Co. have done well so far.

Now if we can somehow get Vick to grow up and use his brain, things will be looking quite nice in 2007…

By falconfan

April 29, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Martrez makes the cut unless he can learn how to catch a ball

By falconfan

April 29, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Martrez makes the cut unless he can learn how to catch a ball

By Falcon4Life

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

Blalock will solidify our OL. Playing at their natural weights in a conventional blocking scheme that emphasises pass-blocking as well as run-blocking, our O-Line will do well. We shouldn’t have much drop-off in rushing rankings, other than Vick’s yardage being alot lower because he’ll stay in the pocket since there will be one this year.

By Brian Hunt

April 29, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Steve,

Is that an accurate measurement of Chris Huston’s height? The NFL site and The Sporting News list him at 5-11. USA Today lists him 5-10. What’s the truth?

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it this is scout terriory.I don’t know if a lb from south Fla is the best guy on the board or if there’s a kid in Idaho who would have been the smart choice.Martez Milner is one I’m very familar with however.At one time I thought he was a star waiting to happen but he dropped way too many balls and seemed a little detached from his body much of the time.The only guy we’ve taken that I had on my list is Blalock and then only if Sears was gone (he was).That’s not to say Anderson or Robinson won’t turn out to be smart choices,it’s all very subjective at this point, time will tell.Back to Anderson I couldn’t be more happy for him and his family,it’s one hell of a good story.

By long time falcon

April 29, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

We just traded our 5th rounder to jacksonville for 2 sixth rounders. We still have three selections left with our compensatory pick left in the seventh. I can’t figure out why we traded our seventh rounder to new orleans. Does anyone know what we received for this pick?

By kg

April 29, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Great first two rounds, not impressed with the picks since. Falcons also traded their 5th for 3 6th rounders. Looks like we’ll be drafting for depth, might even draft a place kicker. With the extra picks might even look at Troy Smith in the 6th.

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Moss for a fourth,this is a no brainer on the field,it could be one of the all time steals.The question is how will it effect the team chemistry ?this too time will tell.

By In the round 1980

April 29, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Well, here we are waiting for the sixth round where John and the “Birds” have amassed four picks and saved Arthur at least 5 Million in Falcon Bucks. Damn good job! Now the stage is set and it becomes obvious where the Falcons are headed under the auspices of coach Patrino. All that remains is for the faithful to allow the next year for development and endure a 9 and 7 or possibly a 10 and 6 season. Honestly, these guys are going to be good and if the moves are as I see them, there will not be a controversy at quarterback or any other position. The goal is etched and the timetable is set. Nothing, including money, will get in the way. My hat is off to Arthur Blank for seeing the errors and correcting them. True, Nay-Sayers will palpitate and vilify to the bitter end, but given the approach that has been taken, their words will come back to haunt them. Crow is a very tough “Bird” to eat. Mark it!

By from da bears

April 29, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

IAN SCOTT

IAN SCOTT

IAN SCOTT

WHO DO WE NEED?

IAN SCOTT

By dna

April 29, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

What about Darious Walker in round 6? Did we really need a tight end in round 5?

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Vick is being interviewed,this is all I’ll say about him today.I can’t stand the site of him.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Rich McKay’s had good success drafting linebackers in the past, but honestly I don’t see what he saw in Stephen Nicholas. Nicholas seems to have good quickness in the open field, but he doesn’t seem like a good tackler, and he doesn’t seem like he’s significantly good at anything else. In fairness, a lot of players who would have filled an immediate need, like Utah DT Paul Soliai and Louisville RB Michael Bush, were already gone. But that goes back to the highly questionable selection of Laurent Robinson in the 3rd round. Nicholas gets a C- from me for now.

Martrez Milner seems like a talented but raw player who could be good with some coaching. What I don’t get is why the Falcons drafted a player at maybe their deepest position. Behind Alge Crumpler, they have two other young guys (Dwayne Blakely and Daniel Fells) who are supposedly improving rapidly, as well as Eric Beverly. Even if they cut Beverly, do they really plan on having 4 tight ends on the roster, or were earlier comments from Petrino praising Fells and Blakely wrong? Because of the current tight end situation, I’d give the pick a C+, but Milner’s a good risk at the end of the fourth round.

It’s nice to trade a 5th rounder and get 3 players in return, even if they are in the 6th round. Hopefully they can find a nose tackle (although honestly I don’t see a lot of them left), and hopefully Colorado K Mason Crosby is still available then as well, although I wouldn’t count on Crosby. Some more depth on the offensive line or in the secondary, or a goal line running back wouldn’t hurt either.

By shannon

April 29, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Wat about cb david irons?

By Jay

April 29, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

AWFUL pick of Milner. Wasnt drops our biggest problem last year? Now we have another player who cant catch a cold. What a joke.

By Phurn

April 29, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

I would like to really believe MV7. He has run out of options. Get it together this year or your f*** done, son.

By BullDawg

April 29, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Spending a high 3rd round pick on a guy at the very best is going to be your 5th WR and passing over a very rare RB who is a perfect fit in this offense was ridiculously stupid. They also passed over some OTs w/starting potential and a “backup” DE for the oft injured Abraham, Charles Johnson, who’s job it is now to sack Vick. At least they didn’t take Tyler, he could be a downgrade in terms of character and troublemaking for sure and the Falcons don’t need another unhappy DT.

I also don’t see the point in trading their 5th pick for 3 guys who might never make the team. They still need an ILB, a K, a S, and a DT, but who will be left that could actually contribute.

By Falcon Fever

April 29, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Dear FA Skippy, you don’t like Vick because he is young, black, rich, and does not give a f-ck what you think or the rest of white america. Oh well….

I just wish he would get rid of the hanger ons and grow up

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Najeh Milner isn’t raw he’s a space case.I don’t know if he will get it together but he got worse not better the last two years.

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Falconfool White america pays this dog killing thug his money.

By Josh C

April 29, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

“White” America holds an awful lot of season tickets for Vick not to care about them…

By poop

April 29, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Trez Milner was practiced by Petrino and McKay pre-draft on more than 1 occasion to compete for a spot as his H-back hybryd. Im not very familiar with Petrino’s offense in Louisville but apprently thats a key position. Dont doubt Trez making the team!

The only move im questionable with is the WR over Tank Tyler. Tank is a sturdy backup at worst. My only guess is that Hue sees something special in this Ill St kid and can turn him into a chad johnson type reciever. where was chad drafted?

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

poop Tyler has both on and off field issues(sound familar?).Charles Johnson would have been a good choice at three.The big wideout from Washington could be a steal at three ( who took him?)Im not familar with Robinson but the Washington kid is one I saw play more than once and he may be a first round talent.

By D-Cider

April 29, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Vick was interviewed by ESPN and it sounded like the same words Vick has said before. “Jaws” was all over him in the panel discussion and Chris Mortenson defended Vick to some extent. Although I agree with a lot of what Jaws had to say, I do think Petrino will hold Vick more accountable than Mora did. No more kisses on top of the helmet, no more taking amonia hits on the sideline, etc. Kiper was right about one thing, if Vick is gone after this season, the falcons are going to look like idiots for trading Schaub.

By This Gets Old

April 29, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

I just can’t feature this..we picked Robinson but he wasn’t more of a need than a DT or OL. Whose job is he going to take, Jennings? Which means that you wasted that pick last year.

Nicholas? Somebody help me with that one?

I can see needing a TE. The injuries have slowed Crump. In fact this might be the last Atlanta season for Crump, Dunn and Brooking. But is Milner a guy you really want?

We’ve all seen him play. Either you can catch the ball or you can’t and he can’t. You know you need help at DT and S but do you really want to wait until round 6 to address that need? Believe me next draft we’ll be picking at those spots when we could have at least begun to fix it now.

.

By JohnGTfan

April 29, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

The Nicholas pick, in my opinion, was almost a steal. He is going to be special. The guy had over 100 tackles, gets into the backfield for tackles for loss and pressures the QB on blitzes…a very good tackler. Watch the video and read scouts info on this guy. He will probably start on special teams and back up boley, but he can play ALL 3 LB positions! That’s always a plus in case of injuries. The guy has a high motor, attitude, and comes from a relatively small school which automatically puts a chip on his shoulder. I love the pick. I truly do. I think ATL will do well with the 4 picks in the 6th round. Probably all OL and DL, with maybe a RB or S. I think Rich McKay has done WONDERFULLY. I also don’t mind the WR pick. Will he contribute this year, other than special teams…probably not. But my goodness the kid has hands and is a real burner. He will benefit from Horn being on the team.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

From the Falcons’ point of view, realistically Vick has two years to show his stuff and take this team back to the playoffs. I think Petrino and McKay are willing to give him this year to adjust to the new system, but if he hasn’t progressed as a passer by the end of the 2008 season they will probably look in a new direction. Of course all this is assuming he doesn’t get arrested and generally steers clear of off-the-field issues from this point on.

I doubt that interview did much to change a lot of opinions — people like me who think he’s the best choice to lead the Falcons are still going to feel that way, and people who think he should go probably weren’t swayed by that interview. I think if Vick wants to help himself, he should stop talking to the media entirely. There’s really nothing he can say at this point to sway the haters — he can only hurt his image by talking to the media at this point, not help it. The best thing he can do at this point is a) spend as much time as possible at the Falcons’ practice facility (which apparently he is doing) and b) isolate himself from the media and from his questionable family members and friends. For his own sake, the less we hear about him until the start of the season, the better.

By JohnGTfan

April 29, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

najeh I couldn’t agree more. Whether he is a bad person or a great person with bad luck…none of us TRULY know. Honestly, how many of us really “believe” the media. But you are right, Vick needs to stay at the practice facility, and at home. Get his relatives in order, and cut ties with outsiders. I don’t mean he should hide away, but be a little more cautious. Whether he likes it or not, once he signed that contract, he became the face of the organization, and I know it was explained to him the responsibilities that come with it.

By Ted

April 29, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Another Tight End ?? From Georgia at that, wow what a waste.. no good trade value or play value….. Here we go again.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

The Falcons apparently have 4 picks in the 6th round. Some good players are still available, like Florida LB Brandon Siler and Colorado K Mason Crosby.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Also a couple of other Gators — RB DeShawn Wynn and QB Chris Leak — would be good value picks right now, as well as CBs Kenny Scott from Georgia Tech and David Irons from Auburn.

By D-Cider

April 29, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Najeh, Vick should probably quit giving interviews for the most part. I also believe he has the best chance to lead the Falcons. A lot of what Jaws said was out of frustration over Vick not maximizing his abilities. I am beginning to cringe when I go the falcons news for fear some other negative news regarding MV is going to be reported.

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

I can’t help myself I’m compeled to comment more.What the hell is wrong with you people ? Vick could be a violent felon,do any of you care ? or is your whole world about football ? If this guy was involved or had knowledge in any way of a dog fighting ring on his property he should go to prison.If you don’t care at all what kind of trash you support as long as they win shame on you.

By Ted

April 29, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

If they draft Kenny Scott or Reggie Ball, I will sell my season tickets cheap, I mean Cheap !

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Falcons select Trey Lewis, DT from Washburn College, with their first 6th-round pick. Yahoo doesn’t even have a prospect profile or video for him, so I have no idea if he’s good or not. He’s 6’2”, 318 pounds, so I guess he can eat up some space. Best case scenario, he can be like Grady Jackson, another small-school space-eating DT chosen in the 6th round. Worst case, he doesn’t make the team.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Ted, I’ll buy them…

By Ted

April 29, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Yahoo,, they still around ? here http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/lewis_trey

By BlackJacket

April 29, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Bad pick. Mason Crosby, Kenny Scott, and Brandon Siler should be the pecking order for our 6 rounds picks. Can’t get better value than that.

We need to draft and develop a kicer (hence Mason). We need to cut Webster (hence Scott). We need additional bodies at LB (hence Siler)

By JohnGTfan

April 29, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

I think Detroit will draft Reggie Ball, then CJ will demand a trade

By JohnGTfan

April 29, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

With Green Bay having 3 straight picks…I wouldn’t be surprised to see Siler and/or Crosby getting drafted. If not, ATL really needs to jump on one of them. Both if possible..especially at this point of the draft.

By JohnGTfan

April 29, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Might even see Petrino take Wynn from Florida. Bit of a character issue, but at 5-11, 232 with a 4.4 - 4.5 speed…he may take him in this late

By Ted

April 29, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Thats funny right there..

By Dave

April 29, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Here’s a link: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/lewis_trey

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Good one JohnG

By Josh C

April 29, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Shame on me then because I could care less what they do. If they break the law then sure, they should be punished like anyone else. But let me ask you this…if you found out your local hardware store had a clerk that was involved in dog fighting what would you do? Stop shopping there? Oh, athletes are milllionaires so it’s different for them right? Gimme a break dude and quit being self-righteous…I feel certain that you’re “trash” in one way or another. I pay my money to see the best ATHLETES in the world play their game. Sadly, by the way, I feel compelled to mention that I’m a 31 year old Gwinnett County suburban white boy. Just letting you know so you don’t embarrass yourself further…

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Skippy, for all we know, anyone on this blog could be a violent felon. Michael Vick may be a violent animal-abusing criminal, or (more likely) he could be the victim of opportunistic relatives taking advantage of his generosity. Until we know for sure, who the hell are you or I to pass judgement on him?

JohnGTfan, I laughed out loud when I read that.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Crosby goes to Green Bay. Falcons are on the clock again.

By Josh C

April 29, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Well there’s our nickel back. Sorry bout your luck Webster. Maybe somebody will let you ride the pine…

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Falcons got local guy CB David Irons from Auburn.

By Eddie

April 29, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

David Irons CB Auburn

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Najeh that’s about as contrived a bunch of bs I’ve seen since the last bs posted about Vick.The Humane Society has had reports on this guy for years so for you to contend that he is yet again more likely a victim of cercumstances is at best weak thinking.

By Ted

April 29, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

I must admit you guys have got me chewing my nails…. Kenny Scott is so much like Ray ” Give up the big play ” Ray Buchanan, I mean scott was burned so much. I need my meds Ill bbl lol

By bryan

April 29, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

isn’t irons the guy from dacula

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

I’m contending that we have no idea whether the allegations are true or not, and that it’s premature to cast judgement on someone based on hearsay. Obviously if all the information comes out and we find that Vick was able to make time in his schedule to mutilate dogs in Virginia, he deserves at the very least a hefty fine and a long suspension, if not a prison sentence. But none of us has any idea at this point whether he is guilty or not. With the information we currently have, the scenario I described is just as likely.

Back to the draft, Falcons are once again on the clock. Seahawks just took WR Courtney Taylor out of Auburn. I agree with y’all about Irons, I don’t think he’s significantly worse than Webster if at all, and he should challenge for the nickel back or dime back position immediately.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Falcons pick center Doug Datish out of Ohio State. They are on the clock again in 5 picks. Yahoo has Datish rated the 2nd best center overall, which is promising.

By Eddie

April 29, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Versatile OL Doug Datish, C, Ohio State. He’s big - over 300 lbs, has experience at OG, OT, & C, but listed primarily as a center. I think Falcons are looking for him to fill the role of a big OL. There are some concerns about his quickness. Anybody have any thoughts on this pick?

By long time falcon

April 29, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

This is the scouting report on the big DT we took in the sixth round.

Positives: Has a thick frame with adequate muscle definition, long arms, thick thighs, calves and ankles and room on his frame to carry at least another 15 pounds of bulk without it affecting his overall quickness … Can physically dominate the action in the trenches, but needs to show better consistency in doing so … Solid competitor who plays with pain and is a leader-by-example type … Has adequate quickness chasing the ball down the line, but can generate a sudden short-area explosion and burst to shock and push back the offensive linemen into the pocket … Shows good lower body strength at the point of attack, but fails to split double teams due to marginal hand usage … In one-on-one situations, he can stack and shed, using his lower body strength to get a good snap off the ball … Has the lateral agility, range and quickness to chase down plays working along the line … A reliable tackler who will get results when he stays low in his pads and uses his arms efficiently to wrap and secure … Shows good desire and functional quickness closing on the quarterback, taking good angles while generating a burst to slip past blocks … Stays low coming out of his stance, but needs to show better hand punch to jolt and disengage from blockers … Maintains position vs. the inside rush, displaying the hip snap and body control to keep his balance while striking … Shows good leverage and pad level on the pass rush and is very effective at pushing the pocket … Has an explosive short burst to flush out the quarterback out of the box.

Negatives: Seems to lose concentration at times … Does not easily diagnose the plays and hesitates before moving when asked to slide across the line to string plays wide … Gets good separation in isolated coverage, but has problems getting bumped out and washed down vs. multiple blocking situations … Knows how to penetrate the backfield, but does more chasing rather that wrapping up the quarterback … Has an imposing frame, but does not always play up to his measurable … Late to react to plays away from him and is better served waiting for the action to come to him … When he gets too tall in his stance or when his hands get outside his frame, blockers have good success knocking him off the line and throwing him to the ground … Does not use his power strikes on the bull rush.

Compares To: Jordan Carstens, Carolina Panthers … Both certainly look the part with their thick frames, but the Washburn product’s light did not come on upstairs until his senior year … It was not like he had bad performances in previous seasons, but at this low level of competition, he failed to dominate … He has the strength and initial burst to shock and jolt an offensive lineman, but is not instinctive and is late to locate the ball … More often than not, the play is blown dead before he recognizes the action … He is a functional blue-collar type with the athletic ability to make a roster, but will need patient coaching to see if he can develop … If all else fails on defense, with Lewis’ lower body thickness he could get a look on the offensive line, much like Carstens when he signed out of college with Carolina (now back on defense).

INJURY REPORT 2005: Suffered a broken bone in his left hand vs. Pittsburg State, but did not miss any playing time.

AGILITY TESTS Campus: 5.14 in the 40-yard dash … Bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times … 582-pound squat … 417-pound hang clean … 30˝-inch vertical jump … 9-foot broad jump … 34˝-inch arm length … 9˝-inch hands … Right-handed.

HIGH SCHOOL Attended Washburn Rural High School, where he played football for head coach Arron Barnett … All-State Class 6A honorable mention, second-team all-city and first-team All-Centennial League choice for the Junior Blues … Also named the team’s defensive most valuable player in 2002.

PERSONAL General Studies major, with a minor in pre-Engineering … Son of Verna Chapman and Wynn Lewis … Born May 23, 1985 … Resides in Topeka, Kan.

By Eddie

April 29, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Yes, Bryan. He’s Kenny Irons’ brother.

By Josh C

April 29, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

I love it. Late in the draft grab some kids who may not have looked great at the workouts but were productive starters for big time programs. OSU went 13-0 and ran the ball very well this year…gimme their center who started all their games in the sixth round.

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Najeh A fine and susension ? what he’ll deserve is a prison cell and life time ban from the league.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Datish seems like he can play. He’s not huge like Justin Blalock (he’s built more along the lines of Todd Weiner) but unlike Weiner his run blocking seems better than his pass blocking. Not that quick though. I guess in the 6th round the Falcons could do worse.

Falcons are on the clock again.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Daren Stone, S, Maine. 6’3, 185 pounds, according to Yahoo the 12th best strong safety in the draft.

By Ted

April 29, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Reguarding Vick… A conviction in Virginia carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Now if he did not do it, he could allways pay someone off like michael the singer did and move to another location. lol

Now back to the draft.. Still not Kenny Scott or Reggie Ball, Im still a season ticket holder lol.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Check that, Stone is 6’3, 218 according to ESPN. I don’t know why Yahoo underreports everyone’s weight. He’s a hard hitter, but apparently his speed is a red flag, not a good sign for a safety. His scouting report reads a lot like Georgia SS Greg Blue’s scouting report from last year, which could be good or bad. Hopefully he’s more like Adam Archuleta or John Lynch and less like Chris Crocker.

Barring a trade, Falcons don’t pick again until late in the 7th round, with a compensatory selection.

By long time falcon

April 29, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t know where some of you guys get your info from. Stone has excellent speed with a campus workout time of 4.47 in the forty. Last night someone alluded to the receiver we picked as being slow and he had ran one of the fastest times at the combine 4.41. The falcons are probably looking at this kid to eventually replace lawyer milloy.

By bryan

April 29, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Damn did you see the highlight of stone jumping over cars

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Wow, ESPN just showed a clip of Daren Stone jumping over a car. Not that that means anything, but it’s pretty cool I guess.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Long time falcon, I was reading this scouting report:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=11176

Daren Stone S | (6’3”, 218, 4.58) | MAINE

Scouts Grade: 47

Flags: (S: SPEED) Player lacks ideal speed at position Selected by: Atlanta Falcons Round: 6 Pick (Overall): 29(203) View by: Round | Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag | All Ranked Players | NFL Draft History You are signed into Insider and have access to the exclusive draft content below.

Strengths: Reads routes fairly well and shows good awareness in zone coverage. Has good instincts and rarely gets caught out of position. Opens hips well and flashes the ability to change directions quickly. Reads quarterback’s eyes, shows adequate ball skills and can make plays in coverage. Is a strong leaper and competes for jump balls. Times blitzes well and flashes the ability to get to the quarterback. Reads keys quickly and fills hard when reads run. Is big enough to line up in the box, is aggressive and flashes the ability to make plays in the backfield. Plays with a mean streak and is a sound open field tackler that can deliver big hits. Has experience lining up at corner and is somewhat versatile.

Weaknesses: Isn’t fast enough to run with most receivers or tight ends and lacks the range to consistently cover the deep half of the field. Doesn’t show great burst coming out of cuts and should have problems matching up with explosive slot receivers. Played at a small school and there is some concern about ability to make the jump to the NFL. Though character isn’t a substantial concern Maine suspended him for one game in 2004 for missing classes.

Overall: Stone played in all 11 games as a true freshman during the 2003 season, mostly on special teams, and was involved in five total tackles. In 2004, he played in all 11 contests with 10 starts at strong safety and posted 77 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and three pass breakups. Stone moved to cornerback in 2005, played in 10 games (eight starts), missed one contest with a high ankle sprain that hampered him throughout the season, and finished the year with 41 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five interceptions, and three pass breakups to earn a third team All-Atlantic 10 selection. In 2006, he started 10 games at strong safety and recorded 50 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interceptions, five pass break ups, and one forced fumble garnering second team All-Atlantic 10 accolades (coaches).

Stone lacks prototypical speed for a safety and he would have to get bigger to move to linebacker fulltime. However, he is a smart player who is athletic for his size and works to the whistle, so he could develop into an effective reserve who also contributes on special teams. Stone projects as a late-round pick or rookie free agent.

By Alex

April 29, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

The Falcons made some bad decisions.

Passing on Michael Bush who is going to be a beast of a RB when healthy.

Not trading with the skins to the 6th pick of the first round to get Landry, they could have given up one of their second round picks and switched up to get him instead of a Anderson.

Passing up on Amobi, who is going to be a productive run stopper and the Falcons have so much problems stopping the run!

Passing up on Charles Johnson as well, if you wanted a DE, he could have been it, and you would have had your DT in Amobi if that’s the way they wanted to go.

Getting players from weak schools who put up nice numbers against poor competition.

You want studs? Then you go go the big conferences, where the speed/size of players is most similar to NFL level. Not Maine, or some AA school from the midwest!

Overall, an average draft at best from an organization which has had more misses than hits in the draft for the last several years.

And Martrez Milner from UGA! Are you kidding me! If you wanted a tigh end from UGA, you are a year too late. Leonard Pope is long gone!

They didn’t get a RB worth a damn…who do you have on the roster? Dunn and Norwood and what after that? Big mistake passing up on Michael Bush.

Typical of the Falcons to draft this way…and the hell with the “experts” giving them “B”. I guess we’ll see in 3 years if it really is a “B”. I doubt half of these guys will still be in the NFL then!

By Joel

April 29, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

I’m in Tampa and watched Nicholas play practically every game. Whether or not he’ll have what it takes for the NFL remains to be seen, but in college he was an incredibly hard worker who played well against both the run and pass. He was huge in their win last year against West Virginia, playing against likely NFL talents Steve Slaton and Pat White.

He was on the Butkus short list to start the year and probably would have at least been a semifinalist had he played for a school people cared about (don’t worry - we’ll all be caring about USF soon).

Frankly I wish the Bucs had taken him. You can never have too much linebacker depth.

By buster

April 29, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

might have caught lightening in a bottle if we had drafted Jarrett and Rice with those second round picks. we had 4 picks in the third and fourth round for lineman and corners.

By JAYSON

April 29, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

PICK UP JACKIE BATTLE, RB OUT OF HOUSTON UNIV..HE’S BIG, QUICK AND EXACTLY WHAT PETRINO WANTS IN HIS POWER GAME. ALSO, SELECT THE SAFTEY OUT OF STANDFORD, DAVID LOFTON, HE’S 6’4 200+ AND FAST! EVERYTHING ELSE CAN BE TAUGHT EITHER BY ZIMMER OR LAWYER.

By long time falcon

April 29, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Positives: Long-limbed athlete with a well-defined, muscular upper body, tight waist and minimal body fat (four percent) … Bit high cut, but has good thickness in his thighs and calves and room on his frame to carry at least another 10-15 pounds for a possible move to linebacker, without having the additional bulk affect his overall quickness … Very physical open-field tackler with the range to make plays along the perimeter … Flashes good explosion behind his hits and is an efficient wrap-up tackler … Shows the sudden burst to close on plays in front of him and is very physical with tight ends and backs in press coverage, using his hands to effectively re-route … Tough athlete who plays with pain … Has loose hips, but because he is high-cut, he struggles some in transitioning out of his backpedal … Shows very good ball skills, reacting instantly on screens and does a good job of understanding route progressions and combinations, handling the switch-off flawlessly … Has the hip flexibility to get back in the play when he over-pursues and does a fine job of timing his leaps in jump ball battles … Has an explosive burst shooting the gaps and, though he wasn’t used often on the blitz until his senior year, he shows the ability to shed blocks and penetrate quickly to pressure the pocket … Has good rip, swim and spin moves to surprise a lethargic offensive lineman and generate good backside pursuit … Takes proper angles to the ball and greatly improved his tackling ability in 2006, keeping his head up, arms extended and pads low to wrap and secure … Has natural hands for the interception and gets great elevation to attack the ball at its highest point … Very smooth dropping off in the zone … Has an explosive closing burst and hip snap turning on the ball … Understands run defense schemes and can mirror receivers down field … Quick to recover and adjust when the ball is in flight … Times the pass perfectly and consistently gets in front of the receiver to try and get a piece of the ball … Comes up hard to fill the lanes in run support … Extends his hands properly going up for the interception … Can strike, jolt and wrap-up the opponent with force … Smooth switching off in the zone and frequently makes the big hits in one-on-one situations … Plays with a cornerback’s quickness and a linebacker’s aggression … Very rare to see him caught out of position, as he won’t be fooled by play-action or pump fakes … Has enough strength to split double teams when playing inside the box.

Negatives: Can get overaggressive at times, which takes him out of the play … Has problems dealing with the underneath pass, allowing too much cushion on the receiver … Gets too high in his stance (high-cut) and, despite good hip rotation, he gets off balance in his backpedal and looks sloppy coming out of his breaks, taking soft angle cuts … Has made good improvement timing his leaps in 2006, but in the past, he would tend to jump too early, resulting in big catches for the opponent (see 2005 Hofstra game) … Can play cornerback in a pinch, but because of backpedal issues, he loses mirror with the opponent running deep routes … Efficient wrap-up tackler, but will revert to ankle biting or taking a side, allowing the ball carrier to side-step the hit … Must keep his pads down in transition, as he tends to round his breaks when he doesn’t … Struggled a bit in the classroom and needs several reps to digest the plays … Will play with pain, but his play is greatly affected when he is hurt … Sometimes gives too much cushion to slot receivers, giving up the play underneath … Twice suspended by the staff for academic issues … Hits with good power, but his weight room totals are marginal (295-pound bench).

Compares To: Stuard Schweigert, Oakland — Stone is a big, physical tackler with experience at all secondary positions … Like Scheigert, he hits like a linebacker and has outstanding range … He’s a bit high-cut and this causes problems transitioning out of his breaks … He is best playing in the zone rather than in man coverage, as he might have good timed speed, but will lose mirror covering receivers deep … He has a good feel for the ball, but might struggle grasping a complicated playbook … He showed improvement in 2006, but while he generates pop on contact, he is still an ankle biter with inconsistent tackle technique.

INJURY REPORT 2005: Suffered a right ankle sprain, leaving the James Madison game (Oct. 8) … Re-injured his right ankle in the fourth quarter vs. Delaware (Oct. 29), missing the following game vs. Northeastern and played in a reserve role in the final two games when he returned to action.

AGILITY TESTS Campus: 4.47 in the 40-yard dash … 295-pound bench press … Bench pressed 225 pounds 15 times … 460-pound squat … 341-power clean … 260-pound incline press … 41-inch vertical jump … 11-foot-5 broad jump … 34-inch arm length … 9ľ-inch hands … Right-handed.

NAJEH, these scouting reports we get from different sources seem to contradict each other. I wonder how much time and effort are put into these reports for the smaller unknown type players like stone. From the looks of this kid I would say that he will be looked at as a potential replacement for lawyer milloy if he can stick around on special teams.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Long time falcon, I certainly hope the scouting report you found is closer to being right.

By bryan

April 29, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

anyone think the falcons should take darius walker with there last pick?

By papason100

April 29, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Darius Walker should have stayed in school.Glad we got local guy David Irons

By Intelligent

April 29, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Did the Falcons have more picks than any other team in the draft at 11????

By don't ignore 3 potential starters

April 29, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

the first three picks were great and filled needs - and the cb pick allows j williams to move to safety. like most i’m confused at the WR in the 3rd round expecially with our lack of success picking wr’s but i refuse to ignore the positives like some fans and rip the entire draft becuz of the pick. as for the LB in the 4th - with McKays success at picking middle round LB’s i am not going to judge. all i know is we picked up three potential starters and that looks good so far.

By long time falcon

April 29, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

No big tailback for petrino was probably the biggest surprise for me. Unless that receiver turns out to be a solid starter I can’t see how he would have been a better value than a charles johnson or michael bush. If bush returns to full health he’s a no questions ask first round talent. Charles johnson could have been solid depth and a future replacement for the injury waiting to happen john abraham. The rest of the draft looked pretty solid with the exception of that third round pick.

By Cairo

April 29, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

It was a good draft. We addressed all needs except at running back. We got depth and we got players that can be developed. That is what the draft is about. It did not hurt to get three starters in day 1. McKay and company stayed true to what the NEEDS were and did not let the hype of people who do not have a clue make them detour into mortgaging the draft on said player that is now a Lion.

By SCDirtyBird

April 29, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

McCay royally screwed it up after the first three picks. RB Michael Bush shoulod have been taken in the 3rd over the WR from Illinois St. and the Flacons could have met a need by drafting DT Marcus Thomas at the top of the 4th. Both of these guys were first round talents and COULD have been Falcons. Those two pickups would have made this draft a grand slam.

By jim bob

April 29, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

For FA Skippy, If the Humane Society had such damaging information and illegal activity ongoing on his property, why are they just coming forth saying as much. The Humane Society didn’t know didly. What should be their liabilty for not doing anything for the dogs when they had this damaging information from reliable sources? You think the Humane Society wanted to protect him from bad publicity? Just another example of the drive by media and gullible readers.

The rice is mightier than the corn.

By This Gets Old

April 29, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Irons should he stick will probably take Rossum’s spot. Houston is the one that will send the turk to visit Webster.

I’m fine with Nicolas if he’s a special teams beast. No matter we’ll still have to draft LB’s next year. Demorio will probably leave and I think this season without a big DT to shield Brooking could take a lot out of him.

By long time falcon

April 29, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Marcus Thomas tested positive for drugs like three or four times at florida and was eventually booted from the team. What makes you think he will straighten out now with a pocket full of money? With the new tougher conduct rules in place teams have to be more careful than ever and this guy was eliminated from most teams draft boards.

By bryan

April 29, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

At least we know why they picked nicholas with demorrio williams out with torn pectoral muscle

By F A Skippy

April 29, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Jim Bob How do you know they havn’t tried to get attention drawn to this, fact is they say they did. It’s like any police work it takes actionable info.As far as being gullible if that ain’t the pot calling the kettle black I don’t know what is.They say they never had the sight of the fights,now it looks like they do.Now back to the draft Stone looks like the kind of small school player who could be a real steal.I don’t know if he’ll pan out but it’s a smart pick this low in the draft.

By Dominic Hughes

April 29, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

Falcons picking up some steals in later rounds. Some physical defensive backs, a good center prospect to develop and a big, bruising and versatile RB in Jason Snelling with their last pick. I like it. This could be the best Falcons draft I’ve seen. In fact, I’m sure it is.

By Scooter

April 29, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Can’t beleive we passed on Charles J. in the 3rd rd. Had a chance to have a great draft but turned out to be just okay. I beleive after the 3rd rd. the falcons threw a dart at the rest available draftees and took who ever it landed on. I grade this draft a C.

By toocoldscorpio

April 29, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

I must admit I am a huge Vick fan. But he has to show some progress this year in the passing game. If not we at least must show some progress as far as winning games. They always say he has this series of off the field incidents. But to me I only see one that is his fault and that is missing that flight to washington. As for the dog thing you know something I own some property myself and some things have taken place at one of the properties but I did not do it and I am not going to take responsibility for it. Even the thing in Washington if you look at one way hey at least he did get recognized for doing something positive in the community. He just missed getting the photo op. Look at the dog thing in another way. Did you see the nice place he bought for his relatives. At least the man cares about his family. Coach Petrino says that he has done everything asked of him this off season. I see 10 or 12 wins this year and you know he wins at least a game in the playoffs everytime. I am inclined to give him this season to correct things. Sometimes a young man growing up under his circumstances needs an awakening hour. This young man’s time has come. The Mora regime set him back a lot. They treated like he was some kind of god. I once saw Mora kiss him another time I saw Vick in the Chicago game 2 years ago come off the field upset and Mora ran behind him trying to help him put on his over coat. They did us as fans a disservice and the Falcons organization as well. Coaches have to be coaches and players have to be players.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 29, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

The first three picks of this draft were great. Anderson was a good pick, even though he probably was their Plan B or even Plan C. Even though he probably won’t immediately be a great player, down the road he should be good. The second-round picks were excellent — both were first-round values taken in the early 2nd round and both should start immediately.

In the 3rd and 4th rounds the picks became more questionable. As nice as Laurent Robinson’s measurables may be, he still seems pretty redundant when the Falcons already have a raw small-school speedster at WR (Roddy White). Considering the other needs this team had, that pick is still highly suspect. Stephen Nicholas was a need pick thanks to Demorrio Williams’ injury, and although he doesn’t seem like a great tackler or particularly big, his positives are similar to Demorrio. The Falcons had bigger needs at the spot where they chose Martrez Milner, but if they can teach him how to catch the ball he could become a good H-back or backup tight end. He’s certainly got the athleticism necessary.

The later picks seem to be pretty good, even though they missed out on drafting kicker Mason Crosby. Between Trey Lewis, David Irons, Doug Datish, Daren Stone and Jason Snelling, I would think Irons is closest to contributing right away, as a reserve corner and on special teams. The others may see some practice squad time before they get in-game action in the regular season. Snelling could eventually become a dependable goal-line back. Trey Lewis is a small-school space-eating DT picked in the 6th round similar to Grady Jackson and hopefully he can develop into that space-eater role for the Falcons at some point. Datish and Stone are also players who excel at certain aspects of the game who could contribute as role players at some point. It would be unwise to expect any of these five players to make major contributions this season, but if the Falcons can get some quality snaps from one or two of them this year they should consider that icing on the cake.

Overall I’d give the draft a B. Getting three starters with the first three picks was great, and getting five developmental projects later on who should help fill needs sometime in the near future was smart as well. A couple of questionable picks in the 3rd and 4th rounds, in particular passing on a couple of NFL-ready DTs for a project WR in the 3rd round, keeps this draft from getting an A.

By GW

April 29, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

FA Skippy, what makes Vick a thug

By Mr Me

April 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

We got an A+ from everyone accept our own fans. We are starting to act like Philly fans. We did a darn good job these two days. With Anderson on the left side with Coleman we are going to be a beast. Demarrio is hurt there for the new kid Nicholas will start. He was a steal in the draft. I do not understand why they took a Tight End or Receiver but it is obvious they know something that us REGULAR fans don’t know!!! We will win the SOuth this year mark my word. Vick will show up and our defense under coach Zimmer will be in the top 10. Jimmy is better at Safety than corner. He was too tall and slow to keep up with the smaller speedy receivers. Houston will start day one once he masters the Zone coverage.

By UGA @$$ Holes REDNECKS

April 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

GW stop B!TCHING!

By Mr Me

April 29, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Yeah I am tired of the THUG word too I say people say what you really want to say in place of THUG word! Once and for all get over it when you are rich, you can get away with alot even murder sometimes.

By Scooter

April 29, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Who is signing in under my name? Anyway, I thought we had a good draft. Many people including myself are wondering about the third round wr pick but we have to keep in mind this atlanta staff knows much more about these players than we do and that is the very reason Blank Hired McKay. I am excited to see how these guys pan out, I believe they will do very well. Go Falcons!

By Steve T

April 29, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

“Getting players from weak schools who put up nice numbers against poor competition.

You want studs? Then you go go the big conferences, where the speed/size of players is most similar to NFL level. Not Maine, or some AA school from the midwest!”

I guess you never heard of Jerry Rice. This type of thinking has been holding the falcons back for year. It is high time that we start looking at the smaller schools.

The falcons would have do well to recruit their own state. They missed on Greg Llyold and Shannon Sharpe. Greg went to Fort Valley State and Shannon to Savannah State.
Nick Harper, and Ty Poole also went to Fort Valley State.

By Fruit@falconsroost

April 29, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

MAN THE FLACONS DONE MESED UP WIN THEY DID NT TRAYD 4 RANDY MOSS INSTEED LETING THE PATIROTS SIGH HIM INSTEED SO WHAT HE SMOKE WEED SO DOES VICK THEY COULD SHARE DRUG DEELERS THIS TEAM WIL NEVER GO 2 SUPERBOWEL NOW THANKS A LOT RICH MACKAY

By season ticket holder

April 29, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

steve you are petty and without character

By Mike

April 29, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

I think the Falcons did well for the most part. I am shocked that they waited so late to grab a D-Tackle. I am also shocked that they did not grab a big running back or a kicker. I thought they would have gone after Wynn and Crosy in the 6th. Hopefully this D Tackle that they picked up is a sleeper. I believe the first 3 guys Anderson, Blalock, and Houston will make instant impacts.

By Ken Strickland

April 29, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

STEVE T, don’t forget John Stallworth, Alabama A&M, Walter Payton Jackson State, and Terry Bradshaw Louisiana Tech, all HOF’s, Ed “Too Tall” jones and our own Claude Humphrey Tenn State, Grady Jackson Knoxville College, and Bob Hayes FAMU just to name a few. There are enough small college players in the HOF to form an entire team.

All of us had our preferences concerning the Falcons draft, but it no longer matters. None of us fans have an OFF or DEF scheme to impliment, but Petrino, Zimmerman and Jackson do. Their selections were designed to help them better impliment their OFF and DEF schemes. Therefore, the only selections that matter at this point are the ones made by them. If any of you disappointed fans were GM’s, would you want a bunch of fans determining your selections in any draft? The answer to that question is HELL NO.

By singletary

April 29, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Falcons did well .. even if I question the WR.

Brace yourself for the media trainer/ former US lobbist: As a suggested point of sanatizing this and every blog, can we please not use the term “thug.” Okay, everyone knows what it means and that hundreds of people would apply it to Michael Vick, but that devolves the group EVERY TIME when we should be talking about on-field performace.

Just as a point of personal privilige (Sorry,Robet’s Rules of Order heirarchy,) I raise that. Could everyone consent to never using that word again? (assuming that Vick never knew about the dog fighting knowledge)

I ackknowledge Vkck has rash acts unbecoming of a seasoned professional, but continued use of this one slam is making a lot of people respond in a less than positive way.

Be real, folks, MV7 knows this is the last year on the beau coup gravy train. I have no doubht Arthur Blank will trade him next off=season.

By Big XL

April 30, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

The Falcons addressed needs; What a novel idea! Check out the Draft Tracker on nfl.com. I believe the Falcons may have steals at wr,cb, and ss.

By Monkee@falconsroost

April 30, 2007 6:41 AM | Link to this

Look at me! A fat man in a stupid Falcons helmet!!

By Larry

April 30, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

Remember when Moss wanted to come to Atlanta and all you fools - Cafaro, especially - said the Patriots would never take hime because he wasn’t a “character guy.” Well, what do you have to say now? The Patriots took Moss, Stallworth and Merriweather - three guys who are “bad character guys.”

It looks like the Patriots understand that winning makes the headaches well worth it. The Falcons need to take that approach.

By I think not

April 30, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Time for Atlanta to start drafting from smaller schools? Great idea. Just what we need is a bunch more Roddy “can’t catch” Whites.

By CQ

April 30, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

i hope the falcons can get Darrius Walker as a free agent. I think he will be a great speacial teams player and then thay can release Rossum

By mo

April 30, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

I personally thought we should have drafted a DT as early as the 3rd round. We needed a big plug up the middle and I think we waited too long. Perhaps they saw something that we didn’t, but our D-line was pushed around last year.

But I did like the fact that we drafted for depth.

Also, I kinda figured that we would not get a big bruiser back, regardless of what Petrino said about liking them. We may need some depth, but Dunn isn’t going anywhere for at least another two years, and we already have one of the most explosive playmakers in the game to back him up. Plus, we addressed the fullback need.

On the D-back side, I think we are straight. We finally have a corner who can play on an island. Plus, we can move the tweener Williams anywhere we want to.

And we addressed the line. Picking up a big guard is great, and I think we will be all set because the others on the O-line is picking up weight.

And finally, Mike Vick sounded contrite about his off-the-field stuff with himself and his family. He’s 27 though? He’s a grown man now. It’s time for him to get real “corporate” on the streets.

My favorite line about Vick came from Ron Jaworski. He was asked if Vick could have a personal life- after “Jaws” suggested that Vick needs to just lock himself up at the gym and basically watch film and workout; and not take any time off whatsoever.

The other commentator asked “No personal life for Vick?”

And Jaws replied without an ounce of hesitation “No. He’s an NFL Quarterback!”

I like that! And I think that Mike Vick is quickly getting that message. Because somewhere in your 20s, you just kind of wake up. I did at 28, with the birth of my first son. Maybe Vick’s wakeup was when he saw those pictures of that house he owns.

By jeanE

April 30, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Awesome draft!! It’s so funny to have another Jamal but really, it seems like destiny, where else should a Jamaal Anderson play but here?! At least, he can’t wear #32!! Love the Blalock pick and the Chris Houston pick, too! I think Jimmy Williams will be a great fit at safety! Too bad about Demorrio’s injury, that really hurts. If it had to happen, now’s the time so he can recover. I didn’t think we needed another tight end but I love that we got some local guys…Go Birds. And Mr. Vick: I hope you REALLY mean it, that you want to change & WILL change your ways. Atlanta fans want to root for you, they really do, but you make it hard, lately.

By VickBeliever

April 30, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Thank Goodness the Brady Quinn National Holiday is over!!!!!!!!!

By FalconDawg

April 30, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

First the Falcons move Shockley to the third spot without giving him a chance to prove that he deserves to be the No. 2 QB, then they draft arguably the worst receiver from Georgia, Martrez Millner, who repeatedly dropped critical passes throughout his career at Georgia. C’mon guys, how hard is it to scout a game in Athens and pick up some decent Bulldogs instead of letting them all go to the likes of Carolina, New Orleans, and Seatte?

By Clay

April 30, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Very very disappointed AGAIN! How can the Falcons expect to win in the NFL without the bodies on the line to do so. The game is won on the line of scrimmage - PERIOD. They needed a DE, DT, OT, OG and another OT. I suggest, respectfully, that an outsider from the organization be in the draft room to see the picture from a further distance and not get caught up in ideas that don’t make sense. Here’s where I would have deviated from the draft:

1st round: Anderson is fine, but could have gotten him further down.

2nd round: Blalock - love the pick. Houston - I would have preferred Tony Ugoh, OT Arkansas. Houston was projected all over the board and is a workout warrior, but there were more DBs further down that had as much speed and more bulk.

3rd round: All I can say here is ARG! What in the world do we need to spend a 3rd round pick on a WR that most value boards had in the 4th. Here’s who else was available here: Matt Spaeth - 6’7” 267 lb TE, Charles Johnson - 6’2” 272 DE, and Aaron Rouse 6’3” 225 Safety with a 4.31 40 time at the combine. Are you kidding me? How do you pass on any of these for a small WR?

4th round: Nicholas - I am fine with this pick after hearing of Demarrio’s injury. Martrez Miller - no way. A bust at Georgia and he is worth a 4th round pick? I would have selected Uche Nwaneri - 6’3” 325 lbs Guard who went about 15 picks later.

6th round: Not much left of value, but I like David Irons, Doug Datish, and Daren Stone picks. However, there was a cornerback named Courtney Brown 6’1” 205 lbs who ran a 4.32 in the combine on the board here. In pure numbers, this guy could be a clone of Laron Landry whom the Falcons coveted. Why not a 6th round pick for Brown?

Round 7: Bottom of the barrel. I don’t really care here, but isn’t it interesting that two Florida players were still on the board here - Dallas Baker and DeShawn Wynn.

In all, I am disappointed that the offensive and defensive lines were not addressed with more enthusiasm.

By Bubby Brister

April 30, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

To the Matt Schaub contingent: He sucked and he’s gone. Joey Harrington sucks too, but is 1,000 times better than your boy.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 30, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Steve Wyche, any news on undrafted free agent signings?

By terrell barron

April 30, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should have taken Patrick Willis with their first pick, because for the last time, Keith Brooking cannot play middle linebacker! They could have got a good defensive end in the 3rd. I love what they did in the 2nd. The late rounds were o.k. I give Rich Mccay a B GRADE.

By anthony

April 30, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

I OVER ALL THINK WE MADE A GOOD DRAFT.WE NEEDED A BIG STRONG DEFFESIVE END AND WE CERTAINLY NEED BIG OFFENSIVE LINEMEN.I DONT UNDERSTAND DRAFTING ANOTHER T.E. AT ALL THOUGH.I GUESS NOW ITS WAIT AND SEE IF “NEW COACH”CAN ACTUALLY COACH IN THE NFL RANKS.

By "D" in Houston

April 30, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Overall a good draft! Not flashy just solid. The TE and WR picks are suspect. I thought Fells and Jennings were moving up in the world! I woud have used both of those picks on the “O” Line! Both of them. If there is one place we need “depth” its there! Vick is the franchise? Will protect him like one. Note to self…..Vick needs to get his “Friends and Family” support plan down to a “Top 5”. Go Falcons!

By Ted

April 30, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Still the TE pick was a mistake.. have 4 already did not need another of his play ablilty.

By Monkee@falconsroost

April 30, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

I throw my feces at people.

By Gumby

May 1, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

The Falcons should have moved up to second on the draft board to take Calvin Johnson. Had the Falcons parted ways with Mike Vick to move up to #2, they would have been better off with Shockley or Harrington at the helm as their starting quarterback without the negative press or the negative baggage embroiled with Vick. Vick doesnt seem to handle superstardom very well. Vick is in the spotlight because #1 he has the highest salary in the league, #2 he sells more jerseys than anyone else and #3 he is the fastest and most electrifying player in the league. With all those pluses and with all that going for him it is extremely surprising to observe how stupid he is. He would ALLOW a relative to live in one of his mansions while starving dogs and allowing 60 nasty dogs to have dogfights on the property while cohabitating the grounds with animals and drugs. Vick will need to get this cleaned up soon or he can expect to get kicked off the Falcons and thrown out of the league.

By Ken Strickland

May 1, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

GUMBY, the 2007 draft is over, and Calvin Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Lions. So, get over it. Try to bring something realistic, intelligent, and relevent to the table. The crap you are spuing is a total waste of everyones time and effort. THE ATLANTA FALCONS ARE NOT GOING TO TRADE, OR BENCH, MVICK JUST TO APPEASE FOOLS LIKE YOU. I know people like you are very slow to adjust, and/or accept reality, but eventually you must. Why not start now.

By Jdub

May 3, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

i personally dont think we did to well in the draft we got some nice replacements, and others I ? But seeing what the Raiders wanted for Randy i wouldn’t have given the draft player+Webster. But there are still some people to remove in the WR positions….And hopefully b4 the 6wk we can come up on somehting else…

By rick

May 4, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

a good article on vick:

http://www.sundaypaper.com/CurrentArticles/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/50/050607-SPORTS-Rebel-without-a-cause.aspx