Falcons

By gdg73

April 3, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

I would trade down a few spots only if Long and Dorsey go 1 and 2. Somebody is surely eyeing McFadden and would jump at the #3 pick. They could drop (no further than #6) and pick Sedrick Ellis. Stay away from Matt Ryan. He is a bust waiting to happen, him and Kentwan Balmer. Also, offer your third round pick for Lito Sheppard and go either OT/DT, MLB, and QB with the three 2nd round picks. Pick an OG with the 3rd round compensatory pick. Take a undersize pass rush specialist (DE) in the 4th.

By Carl

April 3, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

So the Patriots fly in McFadden for a private work-out last week when everyone knows he will be gone before their pick at #7. Is there any chance Dimitroff will trade down with his old team, giving up the 3rd pick for the 7th pick and other picks or players? Just a thought…..

By Peter

April 3, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

I think that they’ll keep the pick. If nothing else this type of draft with a lot of “good” players but no clear cut # 1 will keep losing teams honest during the regular season.

I’ve said before and repeat that the Falcons are not that far away and the right picks could quickly boost them.

Funny, but a lot of people last season correctly questioned the quality of play in the league but a lot of those same people say that Atlanta needs “at least three years” to return to contention.

Bull. Just take a look at the current “World Champions”. Yes, Eli played great for them down the stretch but who (besides NY media) would call him one of the league’s best signal callers? The “catch” made the game and if Rodney Harrison comes down with that ball then Eli is not only toast but he’s something else on toast.

If this coaching staff can develop some of the younger guys and T.D. has a good draft then it’s happy time for Falcon fans again.

By cory

April 3, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

The Falcons will trade 2 of their second round picks and a #3 of next years draft for Donovan Mcnabb.

By Leo

April 3, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

I would trade down with the chiefs or the jets for thier first & second round picks. You still could have a shot at Ryan,Dorsey, Long or at the very least Ellis who is a good player.

My dream draft:

1- Jake Long(OT) or Glenn Dorsey(DT)

2- Brian Brohm(QB)

2- Gosder Cherilus(OT)

2- Jarod Mayo(LB)

3- Red Bryant(DT)

3- Mike McGlynn(OG)

4- Phillip Wheeler(LB)

5- Thomas Decoud(S)

6- Jacob Tamme(TE)

7- Barry Richardson(OT)

7- Jonathan Zenon(CB)

Jake Long would instantly lock up either tackle position for ten years. Dorsey could become a Tommy Harris type player in the middle. Brian Brohm is considered the top QB in some scouts eyes. Mayo played well in the SEC and could play and LB position on the field. Red Bryant is 320+ pounds and would give Coach Smith his two huge D tackles once again when teamed with Dorsey. Lets face it, Kenan Forney is overrated and his shoulder may still be bothering him. McGlynn could replace him. Phillip Wheeler can play the middle or weakside LB spots and provide very good depth. Decoud of Cal university runs a 4.4 and can also return kicks on special teams. Jacob Tamme could be the pass catcher that Hartsock and Milner are not. Who would have thought you would be able to get Zenon or Richardson at the begginning of the college season.It is now possible with questions of work ethic for Barry and size for Zenon. The seventh round is a good place to take a risk.

By FALCON FAN IN FLORIDA

April 3, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Cory, I certainly hope you are wrong.

Peter, I agree. New staff, new attitude, and new players will make a 180 degree difference. We could have a year like New Orleans 2 years ago. TD will draft players with heart and desire to win more than the Me first attitude player that have plagued this franchise the last few years! Plus, a couple of the guys drafted last year will come around and make a difference. Jamal, Daren Stone, Kenny Irons, Laurent…
Falcons will be better than people think next year. Look at the competition in our division. Carolina is headind the wrong way. Tampa is old and they do not spend money. New orleans looks good. That being said, Atlanta could easily finish in #3 possibly #2 in our division.

By Joe

April 3, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Mr. Wyche, for pointing out yet another reason to not take Matt Ryan. I do not know why that bonehead McShay keeps saying the Falcons will take Ryan at #3. That just makes ZERO sense. Flacco, Henne, Ainge and Brohm will likely all be as good or better than Ryan in the NFL, and we can get one of them for much cheaper.

I hope that Jake Long is there, but I think that Dorsey or Ellis will be quality players and worth the 3rd pick.

I am still hoping that Jerry Jones will trade up to 3 and we could get a boatload of his picks, but the economics there just make too little sense.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 3, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Nobody wants to trade up anymore unless there’s an elite quarterback, and clearly the consensus is that Matt Ryan is not one. The Falcons have to be proactive in trying to trade down, not wait by the phone for offers that may never come. I don’t mind picking Jake Long at the #3 slot, but accumulating more picks in addition to the 11 they have already will only speed up the rebuilding process.

By Brandon

April 3, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

I actually don’t want the Falcons to get a QB over another high caliber player at a position of need is there - b/c I actually think Booty, Ainge, or Woodsen could be decent pickups later….I like Brohm, but don’t want any part of Flacco (too risky) or Henne over a good OT/DT/CB….

Glenn Dorsey, if the brass is convinced he is healthy, would be the best pick/option for the Falcons. They could get an OT later that is good, and Dorsey, when healthy, can dominate. Long is a glorified RT and #3 is too high for a player like that. I wouldn’t even mind Gholston.

By marko

April 3, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Trades for the most part only occur on draft day, even then they’re rarely the trades any body predicted. I would’nt be suprized to see Dimitroff move back a little, but I would be shocked if moved outside the top Eight picks. If he feels Ellis or Clady are on a parr with Dorsey or Long he might be willing to move if he can pick up an extra pick or two. One things certain we won’t know a thing till it happens.

By marko

April 3, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

As a rule trades will only occur on draft day as teams want assurance the players they covet will still be hanging around. I would’nt be shocked if Dimitroff traded down a bit, but I’d be surprized if he traded outside the first eight picks.If he thinks Clady or Ellis is on a parr with Dorsey or Long he might pull the trigger for an pick or two. At any rate we’ll only know when it happens. Peter if Barry Richardson is still on the board at seven we’ll both be happy.

By Flee Hound

April 3, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

I would like to see the Falcons play Georgia in pre season game like the braves do in baseball.That would be fun.Wonder Who would win?

By Dale

April 3, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Considering Arthur Blanks’ comments last week regarding the possibility of bringing back MV7, Matt Ryan will not be the choice!!

By Ken Strickland

April 3, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

PETER-it’s a darn shame there are so few right thinking Falcon fans out there like you and FALCON FAN FROM FLA. The fact there’s talk about the possibility of packaging one of our 2nd rd pick to move up and take a QB shows our #3 pick won’t be wasted on Ryan.

It’s obvious DT is a priority. We’ve signed 3 FA’s, bringing the total number of DT’s on the roster to 8, not including CDavis who plays DE/DT. If the team can arrange an acceptable trade, they might pass on DT Dorsey or OT JLong to trade down and take DT Ellis. I’ve also read where the Falcons might be willing to use another 2nd rd pick to trade up for OT Gosder Cherilus if they feel he might not fall into the 2nd rd.

That would give us our franchise OT, DT and QB. And we’d still have a 2nd rd pick remaining to acquire a starting CB, plus the extra pick acquired by trading down. With a new GM, coaching staff, attitude, philosophy and upgraded talent, this team could win the NFC South.

With RB’s Turner, Norwood and Mughelli, we’ll have a power rushing OFF with speed. I think this will be the yr the Falcons finally turn everything around.

By chris

April 3, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

yeah i agree with gdg73. matt ryan is certainly a hot name right now, but Jake Long is basically a 10-11 year lock on the O-Line - thats valuable. plus, if the Falcons are really looking at drafting a QB - which there are plenty of good ones to draft - Chad Henne, Brian Brohm and Joe Flacco are all three excellent QB’s. if we dont have an OL to protect the QB, it wouldnt matter who we got they wouldnt last. the Falcons really have a golden opportuniy with the # of picks they have in the draft. i dont see how they would need 3 years to get back to contention - maybe 3 years for a title - but we could certainly make the playoffs next year if things go right with the draft. tampa is old and doesnt spend like that guy said and who does Carolina have that scares anyone besides one good player on each side of the ball (Smith and Peppers)? things could really be looking up for the Falcons going into next year if we play our cards right in the draft….

By deadbird

April 3, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Even with a solid draft do not let expectations get too high for next year. Expecting all the draftees to have an immediate impact is ludicrous.

I trust Dimitroff and the bunch to a good job unlike previous regimes, but I will give them the requisite 2 years of rebuilding and expect big things in year 3.

By Don!

April 3, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

I still think Andre Woodson is a good value with a mid-second round pick. It really depends on what offense you’re looking at building around.

However, we have to build the lines — both offensive and defensive — first.

The Falcons have yet to have back-to-back winning seasons, and that lack of consistency is more a product of patchwork lines than lack of talent at the marquee positions.

We had Deion for 5 years, Bartkowski, William Andrews, Tommie Novis, Jammal, Rison — and lots more All-Pros playing behind the lines … but without more Humphries and Van Note’s leading the way on our lines — we’ll continue to waffle around in mediocrity at best.

Later,

Don!

By phil

April 3, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see the Falcons stick with Chris Redmond at QB. He showed me a lot at the end of last year under less-than-stellar conditions, and what impressed me was his poise once he got a little time under his belt. That said, use the #3 pick on an offensive lineman, maybe even the next pick on the top defensive lineman available, and then fill in as needed. By the way, I really like what I see so far in Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff- and what I would give to have T.J. Duckett back with these guys talking about being physical on the line of scrimmage! I’d like to hear what you Falcon Fans think!!

By countryboy

April 3, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Steve - several logical circumstances lead me to believe the Falcons and Cowboys might work a draft day trade. Atl # 3 for Dallas two late # 1. 1) Although Jerry Jones recently said he was not going to trade into the top 5 picks to get Arkansas RB McFadden the fact is you never believe what an owner, GM, coach ect. say about drafting players. In this case it pays to lie and deceive. 2) Falcons probably want linemen more than QB M. Ryan and drafting a lineman at #3 will cost $$$. 3) Dimit. seems to want to aquire lots of picks to fill lots of holes. Dear lord I hope this man can evaluate a draft. 4) I think ol’ Jerry will get an anxiety attack when the Falcons go ” on the clock” and offer the trade. He knows that the next picks are Raiders and they will take McFadden. If not Jets probably will soonafter. 5) McFadden is from Ark. like Jones and Dallas needs RB and McFadden is a true talent. Just a thought Cuz.

By JohnGTFan

April 3, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Yes, Cory is wrong. LOL Atlanta will not trade for McNabb. Many people like to put “trade scenarios” out there b/c they like certain people. The only one’s that matter are Smith’s and Dimitroff’s…who have said all along…they WILL build through the DRAFT!!! That does not include trading 2 or 3 picks for an aging QB. LOL LOL

Leo I like your draft…A LOT. But do you think Jerod Mayo would still be on the board?

By Bill in Dallas

April 3, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

I’ve been of the mindset dangle McFadden to move back and get more picks, but the more I think about it, the more I think we should stay. That all changes if Jake Long and Glenn Dorsey go 1-2. I’d rather have Long, but we won’t go wrong either way.

I understand the business side, which is why you would trade two of the second round picks and move up, but I’d rather keep all three 2nd rounders. Henne or Flacco will be fine pros. With a little luck, Kenny Phillips, Aqid Talib or Antoine Cason falls out of the first. I also wouldn’t mind getting Sam Baker with one of our second round picks.

A couple late picks on Zbikowski (3rd), Coutu(4th), and Philip Wheeler(6th) would be awesome as well.

By Shane

April 4, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

Is everyone forgetting - this is the falcons your talking about. Only once since ‘66 have we come so close, remember Robinson. Yea, I’m an optimist. But I’m also a realist. These are the falcons. Take note!

By Singletary

April 4, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

Leo’s list is great (‘cept Dorsey at 3.) Like the concentration on the LINES.

I wish I could bottle & sell the hallucinatory dust Matt Ryan’s agent’s been sprinkling, because I’d be very rich.

when we take a QB in a later round (or a trade up for later 1st) Brohm seems to be the “real deal” who has the brains, resilience to last in the NFL… wihtout so many picks.

By MariettaFalconFan

April 4, 2008 4:40 AM | Link to this

I would trade down to get Ellis only if Jake Long and Dorsey get picked 1 and 2.

By leftcoastfan

April 4, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this

pick jake long at number 3, draft chad henne, draft a cb, lb, fs, og, te, de, dt, is that all.

By Greg

April 4, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this

Trading down out of Round 1 for an extra pick or two is probably wise except for the presence of Jake Long. So I agree with gdg73 in part: if J. Long is still there at #3, you just have to take him. There is no other player in the draft who is fills a position so desperately needed by the Falcons and does so with such immediate impact. And will do so for 10 years. Not even getting two “pretty good” guys is worth losing Long.

By JEFF CARTER

April 4, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this

Heres the thing, there WILL be alot of offers on draft day. Oakland is prime to taking Mcfadden at #4 so……. If the Jets (who sit at #6) want to get him as well as the Patriots (who sit at #7), then it is very viable to trade down and take Matt Ryan at 6 or 7 rather than at 3 (if thats who they want). BUT, if the Falcons want Dorsey or Jake/Chris Long, you cant trade out of 3 because none of them will be there at picks 6 or 7.

By Brian

April 4, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

I also agree with Peter and Falcon Fan, the Falcons are not that far away. I hope that Long(OT) is still available for us at #3, if not then I’d pick Dorsey or Ellis. I’m really excited about all the picks the Falcons have and can’t wait to see what they do at the draft. I also look forward to seeing how our picks from last year come around - Anderson, Blalock, Foster, Grimes, Irons, Houston, Lewis, Nicholas, Robinson, Stone. New coaching staff, New GM, New Attitude, and all those picks! See you at training camp!

By tngizmo

April 4, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

The Falcons should consider any offer that will make the team better including trading down. If the Falcons stay at the #3 spot they must try to draft a player that will start immediately and make a big difference in the team from day one. That leaves Matt Ryan or any other quarterback out until the second round. If they stay at #3 I hope they can choose either Jake Long, Glenn Dorsey or Sedric Ellis. If available Chris Long or Vernon Gholston could really help the team if the often injured John Abraham goes down. I don’t believe Darren Mcfadden will get past the Raiders at #4 so any team interested in the top running back will have to deal with Atlanta. I know the Jets at #6 and the Patriots at #7 would love to have him. Atlanta could fill a needed postion at #6 or #7 with a player such as DT Ellis,OT Ryan Clady or the best CB in the draft. If Thomas Dimitroff earns his paycheck this should be a great draft for the Atlanta Falcons.