AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons finally catch a break
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Indianapolis - Maybe the Mojo is about to change.
New Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff called “tails” in a coin flip tiebreaker with the Oakland Raiders at 7:30 this morning to land the No. 3 pick in the April 26-27 draft. Oakland will select No. 4, Kansas City, which shared 4-12 records with Atlanta and Oakland, will choose fifth.
Miami has the top selection. St. Louis is at No. 2.
The few Falcons’ folks on hand at the second floor ballroom at the Westin Hotel here were all smiles, realizing the No. 3 pick is far more appealing than 4 or 5. Atlanta could have a shot at Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey or Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long.
It could be a hard choice since Atlanta has so many positions to fill but the feeling that’s been given off by some team officials is that the Falcons would rather bolster their lines than add skill positions high in the draft. Long or Dorsey very well could be up. That said, it could be hard to bypass McFadden or Ryan, especially if they interview and workout well here at the combine.
In a side note, I spoke to someone close to Dorsey who said he might not work out here but instead will hold a private workout in a few weeks.
Of some of the top prospects, the only one I’ve seen in person is Long. He had not gone through workouts yet but he is about as physically imposing as any player you could see. A legit 6-7, 313 pounds.
In other developments, outside linebacker Michael Boley and his agents, and cornerback DeAngelo Hall and his agent, have been speaking to the Falcons about their status with the team.
Boley, a restricted free agent and the team’s leading tackler, is moving closer to an extension but that might not get done for a few weeks as the Falcons are still massaging ways to clear salary cap space to sign free agents and lock up some of their current players.
As for Hall, there have been more talks lately about his status but it was made clear to me that Atlanta is listening to trade offers.
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Comments
By Falcon Fanatic
February 22, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Hmm, with Alge Cumpler gone and now that we have the #3 pick … we sure could use Dan Reeves in the draft room.
By RichmondBridDawg
February 22, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
We need Big limemen and lots of them. Take Long or Dorsey OR trade down and get more picks. We are going to suck for a couple more years, so lets try and build the team right this time. Please build us a winning team!
By Pogo Stick Comments
February 22, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Your best bet is to draft McFadden 1st round, get a reliable starting QB in the free agency, pick OT, & Guards 2nd,3rd, if you trade Deangelo Fall for a pick do it and get another line man, keep DJ Shockley, get a very good underrated CB in the draft, CUT Brooking, get a replacement good middle line backer in FA. Get a 5th or 6th round QB to groom, get rid of Dunn & Joey Harrington -these are waisted money selections. Finish your tour off with solid Defense and Offense linemen left in FA and let them fight it out of the comers and goers, We have to get BIGGG at the line.
By TI
February 22, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
This is the start of bigger and greater things!
By TURTSNAP
February 22, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
HOT DOG!!!!! Atlanta is listening to trade talks for ME-Hall. 2nd best news I heard this morning about the Falcons! Hopefully Long or Dorsey will be available when we draft, I’d pass on Ryan and McFadden
By Harold
February 22, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
One word: McFadden!
By Travisimo
February 22, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
first?……..dorsey or long, falcons need linemen
By Greg
February 22, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Steve, the D-Hall possible-trade-offer was made clear to you by whom? Someone with the Falcons? I hope so! This is great news for all of us. I doubt reps from other teams have been reading all the Falcons blogs…they’re all gonna be somewhat in the dark about the negatives DeAngelo brings. (I just hope they don’t watch any of the tape of Chad Johnson having DeAngelo for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.)
By Frank
February 22, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
First!
A small but significant turnaround. My guess is the OL and DL would have been there in rounds 4 and 5. The excitement shown can be interpreted as relief, that ole lady luck finally smiled at the new tandem of D & S. Or maybe the excitement was giddiness at the prospect of getting a McFadden or Ryan. Skill positions or not, one cannot ignore the potential of those two to build a team around, and running backs do not take as long as quarterbacks to adjust to the NFL. My guess is they will take McFadden …
By Big Nate
February 22, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
McFadden, McFadden then Chad Henne in the second round But on the other hand, Vick Just might be back for the begining of the 09 season with a better offensive line and that speed to burn come on Atlantan get in gear I bet those ticket sales will sky rocket
By Scott
February 22, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Third is always better than 4th or 5th. Obviously we don’t know what Miami and the Rams will do ahead of the Falcons, but if he’s available you gotta grab Jake Long. I know its not the sexy pick that will energize the fan base, but this guy is an outstanding left tackle, and you can, barring serious injury, pencil him in for the next decade +.
The Falcons aren’t that desparate at running back to have to take McFadden (although he’s very good, and hard to pass on)and there may be some character issues there.
While Ryan appears to be the best QB in this draft, does anyone really see him as the next Elway or Marino, etc.? There will be a number of good NFL-caliber QB’s in this draft, and the Falcons can pick one up in the 2nd (2 picks this year) or 3rd round. Woodson, Ainge, Flacco, Henne, Brohm, and probably a couple guys we’ve never heard of - good pickins’ here.
Remember last year’s draft? Brady Quinn dropped to 22nd, not because teams didn’t think he would be a quality QB, but because none of the teams (except Miami) needed to invest in a young QB. That paradigm hasn’t changed that much, so a strong quarterback will be available later on.
Control the line of scrimmage…win football games.
By Peachtree John
February 22, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Hopefully, Long will be available and the Falcons will take him. The thinking here is that if the line is improved enough, the QB will be good enough for now. Once Vick is out, he will be great trade material. Such an athlete, I suspect many will want him. Go Falcons: the same song since 1966!!
By William Byrd
February 22, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
I hope the Falcons pick defensive tackle Glen Dorsey or running back Darren McFadden with the third pick. There really are no outstanding quarterbacks in the draft to waste a third pick on and wait years for them develop or not develop. The Falcons need to effectively utilize their high draft picks on running back, defensive lineman, or offfensive lineman. Remember, New England’s future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady was picked in the six round. There are no quarterbacks comparable to Peyton Manning, or Joe Montana in the first round. Let’s build a good offensive line and defensive line as our road map to an NFL Championship.
By B-man
February 22, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
I dont know much about his stats and didnt watch him play, but it sounds like Jake Long has to be the pick if he’s still there.
If we Take Long 1st, another OL later in the draft, and sign one from FA we will be on our way to revamping the OL.
Other picks can be used for DL, MLB, RB, QB, and DB.
By Bubba from Buckhead
February 22, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Jake Long
Get the big guy. He’s an athletic quality player. Michigan attempted to throw him a screen on a short yardage play last year. Now that’s impressive that they even attempted that to an OT. Get him!
By Russ
February 22, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Hey, something went our way. This could be a good break for us if we use the pick correctly, and I’m not sure Ryan is the correct choice. The offensive line or McFadden may be a nice pick.
By Dennis
February 22, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
We can only hope that the cancer named Hall is excised, soon.
By Matt R
February 22, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
We should dump D-Hall and get value while it is still there. He is not a lockdown corner like he wants people to think.
As for the draft, I think Cleveland of all teams had it right last year. Don’t waste the first pick with a QB, instead get a topnotch lineman. Then get the QB in the later rounds.
Also we should sign a good o-lineman in free-agency just like the Browns did.
I am not a Cleveland fan, but their team did improve to 10 wins in the AFC last year.
Just sayin’
By Roswell Ed
February 22, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
You write for the AJC and the only one you’ve seen in person is Long?
Hell Dorsey played here in Atl in Dec.
How have you missed McFadden? He also played here in Atl within the last 15 months.
Matt Ryan also played here in Sept and the only player the AJC college football writer has seen is some dude from Mich.
That sez volumes about the great AJC.
What about the other Long- Howie’s boy?
By atlgriot
February 22, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Trading the BEST player on the team for an unknown..
By quint
February 22, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Jake Long looks good on t.v. He is not a fat 313. He is fairly lean for someone with so much poundage. I would like to see him and Justin Blaylock on the left side. That would be a great duo for many years to come. Of course, Howie Long’s kid would be a good pick up, too. I think he would be better than Jamaal Anderson, anyway.
By Chad
February 22, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
My top 3:
1) Jake Long 2) Glenn Dorsey 3) Darren Mcfadden
I like Matt Ryan, but I worry about his mobility. If we can get some quality lineman maybe he moves to #3?
I would not rule out trading the pick since we have so many needs. Remember that the 49’ers in their glory years and most recently the Patriots found gems in the middle rounds; some of which became Hall of Famers. My gut feeling is they will trade the pick.
By BuckyP
February 22, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
The right trade for Hall would be great. Good players have been cut because of cap issues. Offers for Hall could get someone(s) useful for the investment - plus his attitiude is not good when there is adversity.
By DawgNLville
February 22, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
One name and one name only: Jake Long!!
DnL
By Bill
February 22, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
I would rather see the team use high draft choices to build the lines. Dorsey would be a great player and quality individual to have, but how do you pass on Jake Long?
I really hope they retain Boley, he’s done such a good job and is a good fit.
Hall is an outstanding player but disruptive. If we can translate his value into more depth, cash or draft choices, then that’s the thing to do.
I’m willing to keep my season tickets and wait for the turnaround, but I want to see a positive trendline from this point on. So far I like what I see.
By Bk Hawk
February 22, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Finally something is going right for the Falcons. Now trade Hall and get on with putting a great team on the field. Go Falcons.
By Brendan
February 22, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Finally, the Falcons catch a break!! Now, can they take advantage of it?
By Patrick
February 22, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
There was report in a New York newspaper that the Giants were prepared to offer #31 for Hall. Steve, what do you think about that? Here’s the link: http://blog.nj.com/ledgergiants/2008/02/giantsseektradefordeangelo.html
By Please don't draft Ryan at 3
February 22, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
The worst thing the Falcons could do with this pick is take Matt Ryan. He is a “leader,” but he does not have a strong enough arm for the NFL. Elite DBs are going to eat him alive when they know that he cannot throw it deep with any zip.
I also think they should stay away from Jake Long, because the draft is so deep at OT. They could easily get another quality OT in the second and third round.
If he’s available, I say take Glen Dorsey. He will be a rock on the DL for ten years and something to build around. On top of that, he’s a high character guy.
If Dorsey is gone, look for Chris Long. If he’s gone, take McFadden, or take Dallas’ two first round picks (they really want McFadden).
Whatever they do, they need to stay away from Matt Ryan at pick no.3.
By dj pain
February 22, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Im happy we finally got some good news.It would be nice if we could send d. Hall to new england For they 1st round pick.It should help them and us to secure another huge piece in our building Block!!!
By keith
February 22, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Good call on the coin flip. Now if Dimitroff can continue to make good calls in free agency and the draft, the falcons will be on their way to being a premier franchise in the NFL.
By Charles
February 22, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
McFadden…end of story!
By joe black
February 22, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Considering the players the Falcons cut last week i think they should trade that pick. to get more skilled veterans to fill those key positions.
By DE Falcon Fan
February 22, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Find a way to trade D. Hall for another 1st rounder and a late rounder. I have always liked him, but his unsportsmanlike conduct leads me to believe if the Falcs are trying to rebuild completely, they have to really strip things bare and rebuild. Best wishes to all those who are gone or leaving, but the team has to do what is best for the team. Keep up the good work TD, Thomas Dimitroff!
By maps
February 22, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
GOOD START
By CJ2
February 22, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Jake Long at number 3.
By Dirty Bird
February 22, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Anybody but Matt Ryan, we can find a quality quarterback in the later rounds or via free agency. I would love to see Jake Long in a Falcons uniform but as Steve said if Mcfadden has a good work out it’ll be hard to pass him up. I could be wrong but it seems that running backs picked high in the draft pan out more than highly picked quarterbacks. Picking Ryan or any rookie would be a disaster behind this offensive line of ours.
By Steve Jones
February 22, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Glad to see we got the 3rd overall choice. If I were GM I’d go with a linemen, I hope we sign Boley and D-Hall(despite his unpopularity)soon. I think its inevitable that Dunn and a few other vets will be cut. Should they keep Keith Brooking? It seems to make sense keeping a few veterans for leadership reasons and talent. Brooking is not washed up in my opinion. What to do about a placekicker? Thanks for the early morning post!
By Orlando
February 22, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
The answer is simple: TRADE THE PICK. Trade the pick to Dallas for Barber & the two first round picks.
This way, everybody’s happy: Dallas can get McFadden the RB they covet, the Falcons get a Barber-Norwood backfield tandem (just SICK) and they can use the two first round picks to build up their offensive/defensive lines.
The second round can be used to draft a QB (Henne or Woodson) and the rest of the draft can be used on building up the defense.
Should Atlanta decide to trade Hall, they could make some serious noise when getting another CB in the first round.
By WarParty
February 22, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
If the persistent reports that have Jerry Jones wanting McFadden as badly as he does, let the ‘Boys have the pick to take their guy.
Oh, and pick up the TWO first round picks and another third round pick from Dallas as fair compensation for doing the deal.
Right now the Falcons need bodies, lots of quality bodies on both the Oline and Dline. To me, a trade with Dallas would be the intelligent strategy.
By DawgNLville
February 22, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Some of you actually think Vick will once again wear a Falcons jersey. You’re fools for thinking that and bigger fools if you actually would like that to happen. 1) he’s a dog killer and Atlanta is a very pet friendly city, bringing him back = PR nightmare for Falcons brass 2) even in august 2009 he would be rusty, not ready for NFL QB position
Let someone else take that gamble. Let Atlanta put that worthless athlete behind them.
WAKE UP!! VICK’S GONE!!
DnL
By will
February 22, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
if we dont take darren mcfadden this is another wasted draft. jake long is going 1 to miami.
By Orlando
February 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Even if Atlanta can’t get Barber in the trade with Dallas, you can still get the following 4 picks: QB, RB, OL and DL.
Jake Long is going to be great OL, but he’s going to St. Louis. They need someone to replace Pace.
dj pain that’s a great idea to trade DHall to NE for their 7th pick. Throw that in with the trade to Dallas and the Falcons will have 3 first round picks. You rid yourself of any potential problems right off the bat, and by the end of the second round you could have two defensive starters, and OL, an RB and a QB.
Wow, just wow. I think Dimitroff will go for it.
By One Voice
February 22, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Anybody remember a guy named Robert Smith who played at Ohio State and went on to have a good (but just good) career with the Vikings? He was very similar to McFadden- great college career, fast, about 6’3”, but had really, really skinny legs. What happened with him? His career ended after multiple knee problems.
Tall running backs don’t make great NFL players. Emmitt Smith- 5’9”. Barry Sanders- 5”6”. Walter Payon- 5’10”. Anyone who knows football knows a low center of gravity is better for most positions (barring O-line and receiver). But skinny legs on a running back are a recipe for disaster. Pass on McFadden; he’ll have knee problems within 5 years, just as he should be coming into his own.
By JohnGTFan
February 22, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
I think Hall will be traded to the Giants..and from what I’ve heard, the Giants are offering more than just their no.31 pick…also a 4th rounder. I would do that, but not just for the no.31 pick. Also, I don’t know if ATL keeps the no.3 pick. I see Dallas trying to get this pick. Miami will probably take Ryan, Dorsey or Long. St Louis will pray for Jake Long…if they don’t get him, I think they’ll take the Long from UVA to play on other side of Carriker (spelling). That leaves ATL. Dorsey or McFadden would look great here. But what if Dallas, who Jerry Jones (Arkansas man) made clear he wants McFadden, offers one of their first rounders along with Barber to ATL? I would do that in a second. Barber is a MONSTER! Just speculating. If no trade…it’s nice knowing ATL will get one of the following: McFadden or Jake Long. I don’t see them taking Matt Ryan with this pick. I think ATL will go for a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round.
By Ctstyle
February 22, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Finally we catch a break. I say we draft McFadden at 3 if he’s still there, and spend our $23 million in cap space on a big free agent guard, and tackle. Possibly, Fanica, and Flozell Adams. We can build the defense through the later rounds. If we get McFadden, I’ll have no problems renewing my season tickets. We will have an exciting player to watch again.
By Chris
February 22, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
I think ATL has to take Ryan if he is there. We have “serviceable” QBs, which is all that will be in the FA market too. Get Ryan, groom him to start about mid-season, and be thrilled. If he’s not there, grab one of the lineman. I believe McFadden may be over-rated and doomed behind the current O-line. A.P.’s rookie season has been exagerated by a great O-line in MN - don’t get sucked in. There are other “serviceable” RBs in this year’s FA pool … i.e. Foster, Moore, etc.?
By DJ
February 22, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
There are no free agent QBs (when released, MV7 will be the top QB FA). Take your chances and wait for Flacco later in the draft; get a good linemen with the top pick
By Ace
February 22, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Build inside/out. Take Jake Long or Glenn Dorsey in that order (one of them will be there). You gotta consider trading the pick if you can acquire additional picks — there’s a lot of holes to fill.
You can find a QB later (I’d like to see Flacco fall to 2nd round). Recent history suggests, Adrian Peterson notwithstanding, that you can find RBs anywhere in the draft. A good line will make a lot of RBs look good.
By Joe Bland
February 22, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
I think Dimitroff and Smith will be smart enough to stay away from skill players with the No. 3 pick. I’d like the pick to be Jake Long, but at No. 3 the Falcons can do no worse than (in alphabetical order) Dorsey or Chris Long. We can get a QB and RB with big upside potential in rounds 2 and later.
By Neckville Rednecks
February 22, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Draft Defensive or offensive linemen 1th two rounds . Please get us a headhunter middle linebacker draft or free agent.
By Dont Do It
February 22, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Games are won in the NFL on the LINE…skill position players are plentiful and often injured (see Denver RB’s, NE WR’s/RB’s)…show me a pro bowl CB and I’ll show u a pro bowl D-End…show me a pro bowl RB and I’ll show u a pro bow O-lineman…..DONT DRAFT A QB,RB,WR,TE,CB WITH THIS PICK
By Taylor Smith
February 22, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
When my family owned the team, we took Steve Bartkowski No. 1 overall in 1975. He became a great quarterback, but only after spent No. 1 draft picks on tackles Warren Bryant and Mike Kenn. Before that Bart was eaten alive and injured. Take the beef first, before adding the flash.
By Orlando
February 22, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
JohnGTfan I agree with you. I think that McFadden will be available with the third pick. I think Ryan will go to Miami with the first pick. Let’s hope that happens, because then Atlanta can fleece Dallas into getting Barber if they really want McFadden.
That solves a LOT of problems right there, because then you don’t have to worry about getting another running back.
I think Dimitroff doesn’t want to put all his eggs in one basket and they want to build up a TEAM. We all saw what “excitement” got us and keeping the third pick is not the way to go for a team that has too many needs.
I think it will take a blow away offer to trade Hall. Atlanta does need one talented vet who can teach the younger players.
By Mark
February 22, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
first of all, tall running backs don’t make great NFL players???? stephen jackson, fred taylor, even adrian peterson, all 6’1”. chris brown is 6’3” and he’s not that bad. tall running backs are a rarity but they can make great players.
now to the topic, the falcons need many holes to fill but their best bet would be picking Jake Long. The Patriots showed us that even the most clutch quarterback can’t do much when he’s laying on his back all game. Jake Long would be solid for years to come. and maybe picking Flacco from Pittsburgh in the 2nd or 3rd round for quarterback would be a good idea, but we need to build our line.
and please, dimitroff, PLEASE do not trade away our best defensive player in DeAngelo Hall. when the season starts and he gets his first pick 6 people will forget all about the MeAngelo bull.
By Ken Strickland
February 22, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
ONE VOICE-I wish other Falcon fans would follow your example and start using a little common sense and reason. Very good points. I’ve said repeatedly that McFadden in nothing more than a bigger version of what we already have in JNorwood. They’re both rather tall, fast, thin legged RB’s. Having Norwood should allow us to draft a bigger, stronger more powerful RB in the later rds and use them as a change of pace.
The Miami Dolphins are in need of a franchise QB more than the Falcons. Bill Parcels is known for sucessfully indentifying and drafting franchise QB’s. Yet, he’s more than willing to pass on MRyan, which should tell you all you need to know about Ryan as a franchise QB. If Parcels had accepted the Falcons offer we wouldn’t be talking about drafting Ryan. There’s no reason to change that approach now.
The 2 teams drafting ahead of Atlanta(Miami and St Louis)are both pass 1st oriented OFF’s. The Falcons will employ a power OFF that will emphasize the run. In this type OFF, a QB with superior passing skills isn’t a priority. I like the idea of looking for another TBrady, Big Ben or Anderson in the later rds and using our picks and free agency to put a superior OL in front of him.
This is for those of you that obviously don’t have a clue as far as what’s more important in building an OFF. A strong OL can make an average RB or QB above average. An average OL can make an outstanding RB or QB average. MVick is the only QB in NFL history that was the exception to that rule. He made an average OL above average. Without him they were below average.
By Neckville Rednecks
February 22, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
You will hate the day you trade hall. Watch what the so call fan do them. People you don’t just go out and get a good Db’s . They are some of the most skill players on any team. And good one are very hard to find . If you have played the game you know what I am talking about this is a real rare skill you will be sorry!
By hugo
February 22, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Everybody cannot choose teams to play for. If Hall doesnt want to be a Falcon let the SOB go. Trade him to Siberia if you can. Anytime you let a 35 year old run pass you consistantly, and you dont catch up, T.O., then you aint worth the crap you talk. Get a life. Thomas, do your thing to bring the franchise some respectability.
By Mark
February 22, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
wow did i put flacco from pitts?? i meant delaware.
By jrod
February 22, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Get Mcfadden, wait for vick. I dont think Matt Ryan even wants to play here. If you draft Ryan it is another 4-12 year. We have no weapons at any skill positions. We have no OL, DL. Plus when vick gets out you know a good portion of the fan base is going to be demanding he comes back to the team. If I was Ryan i would want no part of that, cause it will definitely get ugly. Ryan could be really good on a team with talent, but we have none.
By cory
February 22, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Everybody who has a problem with D. Hall name 5 corners in the league better than him and if you trade him you better get a top 10 pick cause if you don’t you drafted him at 8 and he became a pro bowler so his value went up and you trade him for an unproven rookie.
By Josh C
February 22, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Neckville
You don’t just go out and get a good db’s huh? They are the most skill players and good one are hard to find?
I’ll bet you’ve considered anyone who calls you a moron to be racist. Literacy is a great thing… you should try it!
By Joe Gibbs
February 22, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
If Matt Ryan were Dan Marino, I’d say yeah, pull the trigger. But he’s more likely to be Matt Hasselback, good, but not good enough to take with the No. 3 pick. There is NO qb this year worth taking that high and there are LOTS who have a chance to be just as good who will be available later, ie Ainge, Henne, Flacco, etc.
By NecKville Rednecks
February 22, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
ATLANTA DON’T LET THE TALKING HEAD TALK YOU INTO DRAFTING A QB IN THE FRIST ROUND. IF THE TUNA DON;T DRAFT HIM DON’T YOU BE THAT FOOL AND DO SO!
By parks
February 22, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Trading Hall to the Giants for the 31st pick would be a huge mistake. We would just end up drafting another corner that is not as good with that pick
By Falconetti
February 22, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Three picks in the top 50 should all be used for the best O and D linemen available. Ryan would be a huge mistake. Oh, and no one will give us a 1st round pick for Me Hall, he’s worth a mid 2nd rounder at best.
By Public Enemy
February 22, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
The general public, i.e. casual fans are like children, saying, “Ooooh, look at the pretty quarterback,” and vote as such on AJC polls. Don’t believe it, go look. What they don’t realize is that without the big guys the pretty qb or rb can’t do squat. Fortunately Dimitroff and Smith will be doing the picking, not the general public, i.e. casual know-nothing fans.
By Nottooluckie
February 22, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I understand both Marcus Cotton and Audry Bruce may be available
By cory
February 22, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Everybody who has a problem with D. Hall name 5 corners in the league better than him and if you trade him you better get a top 10 pick cause if you don’t you drafted him at 8 and he became a pro bowler so his value went up and you trade him for an unproven rookie. So you would a second year corner and a rookie on the corners in your secondary. If you trade D. Hall you need more than the 31st pick of the draft.
By BigDawgDaddy
February 22, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Stay away from QB’s and RB’s. D & S already said build from the middle out. Joe Thomas proved what a quality LT can do for a QB. So the best choice is Jake Long to shore up the OL. If he is not available, then best available lineman O or D should be taken. People need to realize that the line is the only true skill position in football. A quality OL makes QBs and RBs better. A quality DL makes you LBs and DBs better. Start with the line!
By T -Ball
February 22, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Get some players who are good and can play well.
By shanny8
February 22, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
pick jake long…no ifs, ands, or buts…we can get a running back in the 2nd round and a qb on the 3rd…grab a lineman or 2 in FA, and then get a MLB either via agency or in the draft…get rid of brooking, and if it needs to be done trade d hall for a draft pick…i’m not even gonna be all unrealistic and say we can turn things around this season…
By Paul Hamilton
February 22, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Why would anyone pick McFadden if our line can’t block for him??? I like McFadden a lot, but we have much more pressing needs on this team than running back. Adrian Peterson had a solid line blocking for him last year, which is half of the reason for his outstanding season.
By flee hound
February 22, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Use your high picks on skill players. get lineman in fa or in 4 or 5 round. falcons need to still cut more players to rebild this team. get rid of dunn he’s just a waste along with brooking. if you still want to use a high 1 or 2 pick for a lineman get dorsey he’s a great defencesive lineman. he’ll make an impact his first year.you may want to rethink D hall and put a gag on his mouth and let him play or if you trade him make sure you get something for him don’t give him away.
By ck
February 22, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
The Falcons should have traded Crumpler for at least a second rounder and to think they would give away Hall for the 31st picjk is ludricus. The giants are looking at free agent Cb’s that will cost them two first rounders so that should be the price as well for Hall. He may be noisey but he is very good and should demand a steep A type price.
By Ctstyle
February 22, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
I think we can keep D-Hall, but there should be a clause in his contract that if he talks to the other team during the game, he gets fined $10,000 for every word. The one time D-Hall handled T.O. was in 2005 when we played Philly in the Dome. Yes, T.O. had >100 yards, but didn’t sniff the endzone. The reason why he did so well, is that Mora demanded that D-Hall not talk to T.O. I think if D-Hall keeps his mouth shut, he is a top 3 DB.
By David Duke
February 22, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Trade Duhangelo Hall, take what you can get and move forward. Take Long with the third pick and begin to build the offensive line into a formidable unit. Forget Ryan, you don’t need him. Redman has proven himself very capable and he’s still young. The priority, in this draft, should be to bolster the offensive and defensive lines. Not every need can be addressed in this draft, there are just too many of them. Hopefully, there’s a detailed three year plan in place and, if there is, the Falcons should adhere to it. Acquiring free agents should be done sparingly and with great judiciousness. The foundation of the team, if it is to be successful, should come from the draft. Not just this draft but the next several!
By gabriel
February 22, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Pray to God that either Jake Long or Dorsey are there at #3…McFadden is good, but not great. He is a product of Nutt’s offense and and good RB can do well in his offense. I think Norwood should become the starter (they’re gonna cut Dunn soon). Then draft Henne in the 2nd round. To everyone that is retarted and thinks that Vick will ever play for the Falcons again…wtf. He will be cut and hopefully soon (they need to work out how the salary cap will take a hit once they cut him), and then you can get out of your thick heads that he will be back…
By Wayne B. Russell
February 22, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
A QB is only be as good as the line in front of his is let’s build a good offenseive line first then get a QB
By Jay
February 22, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
We need to draft McFadden for one reason above all other reasons…the Falcons are BORING. No one on the offensive side of the ball is exciting except for Norwood, and they obviously dont think he can start. Jake Long will be gone, Dorsey is overrated (think we cant get someone at his weight and height? please). McFadden is the only one who will make people actually want to watch a falcons game. And dont give me that “winning brings fans” bs. That doesnt work in this city…just ask the Braves.
By Need all positions
February 22, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Name a position that the Falcons don’t need to improve. The O and D line are even more pathetic after the players they just released. We have the worst starting QB in the NFL. Our running backs are serviceable at best. We have a terrible defensive secondary headlined by not only the most overrated db in the league, but the most overrated player in the league. I’ve never seen a db receive so much hype and get beat up and down the field every game. He’s a total joke. Our Linebackers are decent but I think at this stage you’re pretty much starting over and I’d take the best player on the board since you really need every position. And I think RUNDMC is a good start. He’s a beast. Heisman runner up back to back years. Put up 300 on South Carolina. These guys don’t come around that ofter. You can find a Matt Ryan every year in the draft!
By D
February 22, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Dorsey or Long! not a Qb or a RB first, we have to build the foundation for the house to sit on first!
By azcat225
February 22, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Linemen are the foundation upon which you build winning teams, both on offense and defense. For the Falcons, JLong and Dorsey have to be their choices at third; the dilemma is deciding which to take. I would go with Dorsey; he would anchor the D line for years, he’s a quality person, and you know he’s tougher than nails—-he survived the chop block Auburn layed on him and finished the season out playing better than almost all of the D linemen in college football on that tender knee.
By Raymond Vizethann
February 22, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Gaining the number 3 pick gives us significant leverage to trade for additional 1st and 2nd round picks.We need quantity as much as quality.Trade the 3pick for 2 1st round picks;and D.Hall for another 1st round pick.Cut Dunn,Horn,Forney and J.Williams.Trade Brooking.Use all the picks and saved cap space to start over.
By The Realist
February 22, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
To all of you cheering a D-Hall trade…if you can tell me who we have a legit shot at drafting, signing, or trading for that would upgrade the secondary then I’m all ears. CB is not the weak spot! We need O-linemen, D-linemen & safeties FIRST!
By Clyde
February 22, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Jake Long.
By Jon
February 22, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Does the league keep stats on coin flips won? I think we may have found our niche.
By buddy
February 22, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
What’s the story with Dennis Dixon, the Oregon QB? Has he recovered from his injury? Doesn’t he have potential? Maybe a later round draft?
By Bob Sacamano
February 22, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
You draft Long at Number 3. No doubt. And that’s Jake Long, not Howie’s son. Jake Long is next Orlando Pace. Meaning he’s a 12 year anchor at left tackle. This team needs Jake Long.
Then, you trade MeAngelo Hall to the Giants for their 31st pick in the draft (that’s the rumors). Or trade him to someone else below you (I say trade him to Cleveland for Anderson straight up). But if you can get any othe rfirst round draft pick, then you package that pick with the Falcons 3rd selection in the second round (basically like 2 first round picks), since we have Houston’s middle round 2nd rounder, and then you trade back into the top 10 of the first round and pick Matt Ryan.
That is how this draft needs to go down. We need the offensive tackle, it’s a no brainer. We also need a QB. We could hold onto our 3rd pick in the second round and grad Henne, but Ryan seems heads and tails above Henne from all aspects of the game.
By Bob Sacamano
February 22, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Also, drafting McFadden is the stupidest thing the team could do. He’s got behavioral issues. Why do you want to reintroduce that crap into the locker room, especially when the team will be getting rid of the biggest head case on the team within the next month? He also has a bad running style for the NFL, too heads up. He doesn’t avoid contact well, and he’s a fumbler. Drafting running backs in the first round never works out very well considering some of the best backs ever are found between the 3rd and 5th rounds.
I think that this team is done drafting o-linemen in the 4th and 5th rounds, so to the guy who made that idiotic assertion I have this to say: have you learned nothing from the o-line woes this team has had from following that idiotic Little Jimmy-Alex Gibbs blueprint? Taking o-linemen in the first round is much less risky proposition than taking a running back of all things. Besides, Felix Jones may be available in the second round if we really need a good running back.
McFadden is overrated and he’s a character risk. Not worth it.
By Bravesfan79
February 22, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Treade Me Angelo Hall for Calvin Johnson! Even if we had to give up a draft pick alos it would be worth it! DO NOT get a QB with the 3rd pick!
By mahjk17
February 22, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
**SO NOW I KNOW WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET MATT RYAN IN THE DRAFT BECAUSE WE COULD OF EASILY GOT HIM AT 5. SO IM GUESSING THEY ARE GOING TO GET DORSEY OR ELLIS BUT NOT LONG THERES NO POINT IN GETTING HIM WE ALREADY HAVE DEFENCIVE ENDS EVEN THOUGH ANDERSON IS A BUST.
By chris
February 22, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Call Jerry Jones, he wants McFadden badly enough to give up the #22 and #28, find somebody who wants to deal with Hall and go for a first round and second round, or even a first and third. If we end up with 3 first round picks, 2(or 3) second rounds picks plus the rest of what we have then we are off to a good start. It would be a young team but if we had 6 picks in the first 2 rounds we can shore up the o line and d line and find a qb down the road. No need for Ryan because right now you would just set him up to be knocked out of the league with nobody to block for him.
By UguysRonCrack
February 22, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Best scenario if Jake Long is gone is to trade down, maybe the Jets would be willing to swap picks to get Mcfadden. We can save millions by trading down. We could then take LT Ryan Clady. Only risk is that the Chiefs decide to take Clady, if that happens then Sedrick Ellis is still available.
Dolphins - Chris Long Rams - Jake Long Atlanta - trade with Jets, Mcfadden Oakland - Dorsey Chiefs - Matt Ryan Jets - Atlanta Ryan Clady and additional pick
By Danny
February 22, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Please, do not pick Ryan. He threw 19 INT’s in the ACC. How bad is that?
By saint
February 22, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
So we won the Super Toss!! Use #3 for Jake Long or Dorsey. I am not impressed with Matt Ryan’s soft passes. I like Henne’s compact and strong delivery: got to throw darts. Also not imp with Ainge. McF might not be the one; can we trade Hall for A.Bradshaw? He runs and cuts like a deer. I still want to see a Kicker who can put it 6 yds in the end zone: I’m tired of starting on their 30 after the runback. With the draft skills of our new coaches, I’m sure they will do well.
By TRADE THE PICK
February 22, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Please, trade down and trade MeAngelo for more picks. We need as many quality players as we can get, and we now have the opportunity to parlay the #3 and MeAngelo for lots of picks.
By Ken Strickland
February 22, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Unless LSU’s DT Dorsey is unavailable, I’d trade down and take an OT. OT is the strongest and deepest position in the draft. There’s not likely to be a dramatic difference in an OT taken with the 3rd pick and one taken with the 6th or 7th pick. That’s especially true with an OFF that’s going to rely more on the run than the pass. An extra 2nd rd pick could land us the future franchise QB we need. The Kentucky QB has more physical skills than Ryan, but he’s not as polished yet. It would make more sense to use a 2nd rd pick to draft and develop him than a top 3 pick on Ryan just to carry a clipboard.
If we draft an OLT with our 1st pick, then we can get an ORG through FA. That would complete our starting OL(LT-rookie, RT-TClabo, LG-JBlalock and RG-FA). Then we sign a FA DT like Hainsworth from the Titans. Resigning GJackson to start wouldn’t make much sense. With he and TLewis starting at DT, we’d have no inside pass rush and our DE’s would get double teamed. If Dorsey is available, we draft him and sign a FA OLT and ORG . Either way we end up with a solid OL and DL.
Signing DHall is critical. He’s recognized by coaches and his peers, especially WR’s, RB’s and DEF coordinators, as one of the NFL’s best at his position. Otherwise, how do you explain them voting him to multiple Probowl? And, he’s done it while playing on one of the worse pass rushing DEF’s in the NFL. Even to the average fool, that carries more weight than the personal opinions of certain biased fans.
By JohnGTFan
February 22, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Lineman are too expensive to “just get” in free agency. This is THE DRAFT to get the lineman. This is the best O-line draft in recent memory…and D-line is solid also. this is where you BUILD. Free agency won’t cut it when you only have around 23mil…trying to resign Boley(a must), and too many holes to fill. With 3 picks in top 50, 2 HAVE TO BE SPENT ON LINEMAN. HAVE TO!!! “Skill players” are not as great when their QB is always picking himself off the ground!
By BullDawg Rick
February 22, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Run DMC will be the ‘chic’ pick..
But the stud OT Long would be a great building block in which to start with..
Dorsey is damaged goods
Ellis (USC) will be a better pro..
Matt Ryan is a joke!!! I’d much rather have KY’s Woodson..
By Najeh Davenpoop
February 22, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Linemen.
By adam
February 23, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
DRAFT MCFADDEN! we drafted a DE last yr so Long would be a mistake, and if we need DT so badly we should have gone with okoye last year instead of the unproductive jamaal anderson. Guys like mcfadden dont come out every year where as you can always find productive d lineman every draft and free agency.
If we trade hall, we could potential nab a good QB at the end of the first round or later rounds since brohm and woodson are both slipping.
By JMYK from S. Springs
February 23, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
To Talk Sports go to http://sportfanattics.blogspot.com talk about Nba Drama
By GoFalcons404
February 23, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
I would love to see McFadden in a Falcons uniform. The combination of Norwood/McFadden would be great to watch. Also, Dunn can be a mentor to McFadden and he can be a third down/change of pace/trick play type of back.
If not McFadden, then it would be nice to see Jake Long. He seems like the type that will stay in the league for about 10 years and can probably play with the best of them.
DeAngelo Hall is a top 5 cornerback but recently he said that he is open to a trade, and at least 60% of the fanbase have grown to dislike him. So, as a franchise, it’s best to part ways and try to get the best deal possible, preferably a 1st and 3rd round pick.
I wouldn’t select Matt Ryan because he threw 19 interceptions and he is not considered a franchise QB. I would rather for the Falcons choose Chad Henne - very good arm, makes good decisions, has leadership skills - in the second/third round. My second choice at QB would be Andre Woodson.. I would probably wait until at least the fourth round to select him.
Overall, most of the picks should be offensive and defensive lineman. Also, I would choose a kicker, and safety.
In free agency, the focus should be to get some pieces on the defensive side of the ball to add depth.