AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 21
Monday, April 21, 2008
Dimitroff: Draft will be need based
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch - The Falcons’ philosophy approaching this weekend’s NFL draft will be “calculated, needs-based,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said Monday at a news conference that included head coach Mike Smith. Though it might sound somewhat blasé, I found it refreshing not to hear the old, “best player available,” cliché.
Dimitroff, who holds the No. 3 overall pick and four of the top 48 selections, declined to prioritize those calculated needs but he did say that every position could use “re-calibration.” The only position that doesn’t need some form of help is place-kicker, where Jason Elam was signed as a free agent, Dimitroff said. You can add both running back spots and defensive end to that mix, although late-round picks could be used there to acquire players for depth at those positions.
Dimitroff and Smith didn’t divulge specific plans and were quite adept at evasive measures to some creatively posed questions by print and broadcast media. However, LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, Michigan OT Jake Long and Boston College QB Matt Ryan do appear to be the top guys on their draft board.
I’ve been projecting Dorsey in mock drafts. If he’s gone and Long is available, I think Atlanta will take Long. If both are gone, then it likely will be Ryan unless a team like Kansas City (#5) or Baltimore (#8) wants to move to the No. 3 spot to get to Ryan. My guess is Atlanta would welcome a trade back to those spots if Dorsey and Long are gone.
The next level of enticing prospects could include USC DT Sedrick Ellis, Troy CB Leodis McKelvin, Boise State OT Ryan Clady and Virginia OG/OT Branden Albert. Albert is rising up draft boards because even though he played guard for the most part, he projects as a tackle - and a very good one.
Keep in mind I’m guessing here. Dimitroff and Smith haven’t given me any detailed inside info about the No. 3 pick and neither has anyone else. I’ve just put a bunch of things together from conversations that I’ve had with people from a few teams and player agents. I could be way off, but I think I’m, at the least fairly warm.
Drafting a quarterback and beefing up the offensive line will occur at some point in the draft. So will adding to the secondary, where it might not be out of the question for a cornerback to be taken with one of the three second-round picks - if not Atlanta’s second pick overall (No. 34). The Falcons need to find a starting cornerback since DeAngelo Hall has been shipped to Oakland. Dimitroff also revealed that scouting defensive backs - particularly safeties - has been a specialty, so expect at least one safety to be selected.
Dimitroff said that he has received some trade propositions but he was not specific about the No. 3 overall pick —- an expensive selection that teams tend not to trade up to unless there is a specific player they MUST have. The three second-round and two third-round picks Atlanta holds could prove more valuable when it comes to trades and Dimitroff did not deny receiving calls about those selections.
I’m going to blog a lot this week and over the weekend. I’ll be in New York Thursday to interview some of the prospects that’ll be at the draft Saturday at Radio City Music Hall. I’ll also be filing on-line bursts and blogs from the draft Saturday and Sunday. Sunday, I’ll be blogging and writing from ESPN in Bristol, Ct. I’ll be part of the network’s Day 2 draft coverage with a panel of other NFL media types, so I should have some good behind-the-scenes stuff for you guys too.
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
