AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRams could hold key to Falcons’ draft
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New York — I’m preparing for a media session this afternoon featuring 6 of this weekend’s top draft prospects — Jake and Chris Long, Darren McFadden, Glenn Dorsey, Matt Ryan and Vernon Gholston.
While I’ll be making the rounds, I’ll really be focused on LSU’s Dorsey and Boston College’s Ryan, who presumably are the players the Falcons are eyeballing with the No. 3 overall pick. What Atlanta will do hinges squarely on what the Rams do at No. 2.
For those who didn’t know, the Rams draft is being orchestrated by Billy Devaney, who left the Falcons just a few months ago and has some insight on Atlanta’s thoughts on how it wants to replenish its roster.
St. Louis apparently is debating between DE Chris Long and DT Dorsey. Both are need positions and the Rams seemingly can’t go wrong with either. The Falcons would love to get to Dorsey to anchor their relatively young defensive line, while Chris Long doesn’t fit a need since Atlanta has millions tied up in RE John Abraham and last year’s first-round pick (No. 8 overall) Jamaal Anderson.
If the Rams select Dorsey, Atlanta probably would try to trade out of the pick, but that’s easier said than done. They have to have a trade partner and some teams might not want to move up to the high-priced spot.
Should the Falcons retain the No. 3 selection, my guess is that they’ll take Ryan and begin grooming him to be their next franchise quarterback.
There is talk that Kansas City (No. 5) and Baltimore (No. 8) might want to move into the No. 3 spot to get Ryan, which would allow the Falcons to trade back and select a player like USC DT Sedrick Ellis, Troy CB Leodis McKelvin or OTs Ryan Clady, Branden Albert or Jeff Otah.
Kansas City and Baltimore also have a lot of other needs, though, and might rate those bigger priorities. The Jets (No.6) could also be trade partners.
The benefit to moving back is that the Falcons could add more picks to the 11 selections they already have. The negative is they might not get the player(s) they feel best suits coach Mike Smith’s system.
General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said the parameters for trades should be in place before the draft starts Saturday at 3 because of the reduced time (10 minutes) between picks in the first round; (7 minutes) in the second.
I’m going to try to update the blog later this afternoon after this interview session so check back if you can.
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
Comments
By Paul
April 24, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Please GOD let them get this one right.
Looking at the first rounders over the years is unbelievably depressing so many horrible worthless busts…. so little time to detail just how awful they were.
By chc4
April 24, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Looks like the Rams will take Dorsey so let the trade talks begin. Would love to see us trade back to somewhere b/ 6-8 and take Ellis or an OT.
By For Real
April 24, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
I say trade the pick for a 1st and 2nd pick this year. Then package two 2nd round picks to move back into the 1st round. Then draft Sedrick Ellis and then draft one of these guys Ryan Clady, Branden Albert or Jeff Otah.
Two major holes filled for less money.
By destin
April 24, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
We have the chance to take the highest rated QB in this year’s and next year’s drafts. We need a franchise QB — let’s act now and take Ryan.
By Pogo Stick Comments
April 24, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis idiots!!
By Shane
April 24, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
DORSEY!
By So what you're saying ...
April 24, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Is that neither Chris Long nor Jamal Anderson could play DT? If Long is worth the third pick, take him and move him somewhere else, or someone else out of his way.
By Dan
April 24, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Man, I’m like Paul above. That list of the Falcons’ first rounders over the years really is depressing. Hopefully, this new regime can reverse the trend. I think we do that by drafting Dorsey or Ellis. If Dorsey goes no. 2 and we can’t trade back, I’d still pick Ellis. A good DT will make Anderson, our LBs and our corners better.
By Dr. Warren
April 24, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Trade back from 3, grab Ellis from USC, then use an extra 2nd round pick to trade up and get Brohm.
By QueDogTeaching
April 24, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Let’s see 6 touchdowns between all of the backs on the Falcons roster right now. I say take McFadden now. That would at least give the Falcons one play maker.
By Ramblin Wrecker
April 24, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
I’m just not sold on Matt Ryan. Only one other QB in all of NCAA had more interceptions than Ryan did last season. You can talk about intangibles and measurables all you want, but the bottom line is how does he play? He had 19 interceptions against a lower level of talent. What do you think will happen in the NFL with the OL the Falcons have? I feel that if a players value only comes the forefront because of word of mouth that NFL types think he fits the mold of an NFL QB, that buyer beware. No one knew Matt Ryan until his senior season and after he was talked about as fitting that mold. His numbers are unspectacular. I saw nothing to suggest he will warrant a top three pick, especially if you can take a guy who you know will be a difference maker like a Glenn Dorsey. So if St. Louis takes Dorsey, Atlanta should do the next best thing, trade back and get Sederick Ellis and another draft pick.
Would anybody argue that Ellis at #5 or #8 plus a 3rd or 4th round pick is not more valuable than Matt Ryan at #3? Especially with three QB’s available in the late 1st early 2nd round like Brohm, Henne or Flacco that are not that far behind Ryan talent wise. Check the stats and try to guess which QB is which.
QB RATING COMP % YARDS TD’S INT’S SACKS 152.4 65.1 4024 30 12 24 144.9 63.5 4263 23 5 *25 130.5 58.3 1938 17 9 16 *198.3 *68.4 2988 *43 1 11 127.0 59.3 *4507 31 *19 21
By Hasavior
April 24, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Getting Dorsey would be tremendous in terms of future development for the team.
they will all have fresh and young legs to develop and build around the line- with Coleman gone, Dorsey is a good fit at that position to be successful. they approx the same size in hight and posture.
If the Rams get Dorsey, they should trade down to a team that wants Ryan and fill in good players to build behind the starters.
Running back is not needed. due to the recent signing of a running back and the quick back from last year that is promissing.
Unless they can draft and trade a player for a marquis reciever for 85 or Boldin from cardnals. release jenkins and the other from they got recently from the saints to make cap room.
the second and third rounds will tell the story on how the organization will lean towards. i don’t beleive that the falcons are clueless on the oregon QB that had reigning position on the title and heisman last year before he got hurt - Dennis Dixon.
even after he got hurt, he still retained the numbers and MVP status due to his team not going the distance with the back up QB. He certainly will not get drafted.
By Ready 4 Sum Football
April 24, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Dorsey will be gone. Trade the pick! Somebody should want Chris Long or Matt Ryan.
By Mitun
April 24, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
get Matt Ryan or Chris Long
By TheJama
April 24, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
If we can trade back even 1-3 spots we will get our best VALUE pick on the second rated offensive lineman or defensive lineman. While both of those positions have a lot of depth in this draft, unlike safety or QB, I still feel one of those positions has to be our first pick. Even if we are stuck at no.3 I still don’t see Dimitroff taking Ryan, sorry. So Ellis, Clady, Otah, or Albert (G).
By Collin
April 24, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
How about this trade.. KC trades both their first round picks for our first round pick and a 2nd (maybe another pick also if the numbers don’t match up) giving us position to take maybe the best CB at 5.. or possibly Ryan Clady. And obviously taking Brian Brohm at 17. How perfect would that work out for us :)
By Hasavior
April 24, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Hey QueDogTeaching,
I may have to disagree with you on the Mcfadden player. he is a good back and he will make a difference on any team.
I believe the falcons got the chargers back is due to his success as a backup starter and experience in league.
signing him just hastened the margin of turnaround in terms of rebuilding. he knows the NFL intellegence game, the quickness and the strenght. he can create plays for himself with an average line in front of him.
Mcfadden would have to inverst more time and experience on the field to adjust to that. the falcons have a good back that is in being accustomed to the game that ran pretty well behind Dunn last year. he is now becoming to adjust to the game after a couple of nix injuries.
By Ramblin Wrecker
April 24, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Ryan does not stand out among this group in any statistical way other than for INT�s.
NAME RAT CP % YDS TD’S INT’S SACKS Brohm 152.4 65.1 4024 30 12 24 Flacco 144.9 63.5 4263 23 5 *25 Henne 130.5 58.3 1938 17 9 16 J. J. *198.3 *68.4 2988 *43 1 11 Ryan 127.0 59.3 *4507 31 *19 21
But I’d seriously take a look at this Josh Johnson kid from San Diego. His numbers are outrageous.
By Ryder
April 24, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Atlanta should take Ellis that high. If they can trade down to get the 5 spot then Ryan Clady the tackle will be available.
McFadden? Are you kidding me? Ever hear of this guy called Michael Turner? You know, the guy Atlanta signed to a huge contract and he just happens to play the same position as McFadden?
If Turner wasn’t signed I’d be all for Run DMC, but they felt he wasn’t worth the high draft pick.
By Gold standard
April 24, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
we do not need Matt Ryan all Fools Gold. We need line men and a lot of them. Matt is no franchise QB or player . Woodson would be better and cost a hold lot less. Get linemen NOW!!! Matt the BUST RYAN NO WAY!!!
By MariettaFalconFan
April 24, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
You build a football team from the inside-out, and the best fit for the Falcons is Dorsey at 3.
If Dorsey gets drafted by the Rams, then trade down to the Jets, Ravens, or Chiefs, and pick the second best DT in Ellis.
By chc4
April 24, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Dan Marino threw more INTs his senior year at Pitt than Ryan did last season.
By A-DAWG1
April 24, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
If the Rams take Dorsey, then I hope the Falcons trade back to 5 or 8 and take Ellis or Mckelvin or even Cromartie, remember how good his cousin is for San Diego, they are very similar, the DT, QB, CB, and OT class is deep enough to get good players in the 2nd round, just make sure the top 10 pick we do have that we get the player that we want, go Falcons!!
By chc4
April 24, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I don’t particularly want Ryan either but people that say he sucks are hilarious. They’re the same people that, if he turns into a great player, will be whining about us passing on him two years from now.
By Kevin
April 24, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Lineman on both sides of the ball, a corner, then a QB, and in that order too.
By Singletary
April 24, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
I’m with Dr. Wheeler. ELLIS then trade up to get Brohm.
By Warren Haynes For President
April 24, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
No one will trade up to the 3 spot to go after Ryan. If we don’t take him he will probably fall to 8 so there is no need for other teams to expend the capital that it would take to get in our slot. However, if Dorsey is gone we should try to work a deal with the Jets that would allow them to jump in front of Oakland to take McFaddin. We could still probably get Ryan from their slot pay him less than if we took him at 3 and add another first day pick this year or next year or several 2nd day picks.
By Curt
April 24, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
By Priority!!! 1. Ryan Clady 2. Glen DOrsey 3. Leodis McKelvin 4. Matt Ryan
Any other move makes the Falcons brass just as idiotic as the past!!!
By kappellmeister
April 24, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Gee, all these comments about possible quarterbacks, and not one mention of … good ol’ what’s his name … ah yes, Colt Brennan. I almost feel bad for the kid that the Dawgs beat him up so bad. I knew they’d knock him outa the Sugar Bowl, but out of the draft, too??? Now he’s predicted 6th or 7th round. Poor b@stard.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
April 24, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
The Falcons should pick up the phone, call Carl Peterson in K.C. and offer him a swap of the 1st round picks (3rd for 5th), and the 37th for K.C.’s 17th and 82nd and/or 105th pick.
If K.C. takes Ryan (or Long), Oakland might take Dorsey (if he’s on the board/pick traded to a team who wants him) or McFadden (if Dorsey’s off).
The Falcons could then take best available of Ryan/Dorsey/Ellis or trade our for a team that would want Long/McFadden/Ryan.
If Ryan happens to be on the board, Baltimore might pony up. Maybe you pick up a future first or a 2nd and 5th.
What the Falcons needs are picks more than Matt Ryan. If Dorsey is there and the Falcons take him, I couldn’t argue that pick.
But if - a long if - They could come away with two 1st round picks between 8 and 17, plus adding a future 1st round pick and/or three or four picks in the top 100 they’d be have a much better chance to come away with the positional depth they sorely need… and maybe a future star or three, or four.
By KJinCton
April 24, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Please don’t draft Ryan….build the lines first. Let’s dominate the line of scrimmage and then solidify the passing game. I think Brohm is the best bet out there and a better value late in the first. He’s a year or two ahead of others coming out of college in terms of reading defenses due to his brother helping him with it.
Here’s hoping Dorsey is there at 3!
By Bob Sacamano
April 24, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
JUST SAY NO… to Matt Ryan!
By Fred
April 24, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
About the headline for this blog: “Rams could hold key to Falcons draft”.
What do you mean COULD? They already DO.
Please let us know what journalism school your headline writer went to so anybody wanting a journalism degree can be sure to scratch that university off their list.
By SeminoleWarrior
April 24, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Big picture folks. We must take either Dorsey or Ellis with the pick. Both would INSTANTLY upgrade the defensive front and enhance the playmaking abilities of Anderson and Brooking. Second round picks Brohm, Baker, and Cason will provide us with four starters at key positions next year as well. Add DT Red Bryant in the third and we have the makings of a dominant D-line. Also, the O line will be better since we have a REAL offensive line coach in the mix. SLEEPER PICK: QB Josh Johnson in the 3rd. This kid will be special…just watch and see.
By W Wallace
April 24, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
If the Rams take Dorsey and the Falcons can’t trade down and then pick Ryan at #3, then I plan to do something other than watch the Falcons and shop at Home Depot this fall.
It doesn’t take 30+ years to figure out how to build a good football team.
By 3Pitch
April 24, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Ellis and Brohm would be a great start. Ellis was very impressive in the Senior Bowl, and Arthur Blank likes Brohm.
By Bojack
April 24, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Hate to say it but DORSEY will be gone, our luck. Just say no to Ryan unless you can turn around and trade him for pick or equal value. GM DIMITROFF has a tough job but I trust him more than any in the past. I pray Rams take Long or someone else so Falcons get there man!
By roman88
April 24, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
defense,defense,defense.o line, o line,o line..a qb can wait until the last 2nd round pick, flacco could suprise alot of people, with all the ryan talk, broem is considered better than ryan by most anyway. but in 25 yrs I’ve yet to see a dominate defense,lets begin this year, get it done thomas,
By Craig
April 24, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Fred, the Rams could trade out of the slot. Or, they might not pick Dorsey. In either case, the DO not hold the key to the Falcons draft.
By john bell
April 24, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
With all the character bozo’s the Falcons have had over the years, it would be a breath of fresh air to pick a high character/high motor stud like Chris Long. Besides last years Jamal Anderson is a bust and Abraham is a poster boy for Gwinnett Medical Center.
By QueDogTeaching
April 24, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
I don�t call what Michael Turner has had as success. I am looking at Michael Turner who is 26 has been in the league for 4 years, has only 6 Touchdowns and 1200 total yards. I know he has been behind LT, but why does that mean we can�t sure up our backfield with a back that will more than likely produce. I am not saying that McFadden is better or worse, I am just looking down the road at a big, back that has speed (4.3) and Size 6-1 205. Two things you cannot coach.
I don�t believe we should hang out hats on Matt Ryan at number 3. His touchdown to Interception ratio is way to high.
Dorsey is a solid pick, on paper. I think he is more media hype. I watched a lot of LSU football this year and did not see what I was being sold by the media.
We need playmakers now.
By D3
April 24, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Even though I fear the Rams taking Dorsey, every mock draft except McShay’s still has the Rams taking Chris Long. This really does make the most sense, because even though they picked Carriker as a DE, he’s too big to send back outside. They have their pick of Gholston or Long, and I’m praying they take one of them.
In the 2nd I like trading up for Brohm, OT Baker (maybe Cherilus falls out of the 1st) and packaging a deal to get up to get CB Antoine Cason, Mike Jenkins or Justin King.
Ellis, Brohm, Baker/Cherilus, Cason/Jenkins/King sounds pretty good to me.
By Dawgs2008
April 24, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
40th!!!!!!!!
By quint
April 24, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
If Chris Long is still there at number 3, I say take him. Abraham held up ok last year, but that was unusual. And Anderson…well, let’s just say he was present at the games even if he didn’t show up. So Chris long wouldn’t be so bad. What if he is as good or better than Kerney was for the Falcons? Would you still pass on him?
Get a quarterback later. There should be plenty hanging out in the second round.
By D3
April 24, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Have to disagree with you Que, any running back that we put behind the line we have now wouldn’t do jack anyway. Speaking of Dorsey, he was hurt all of the year after that cheap shot by the Auburn player. He is a pure beast when healthy. He would be a great start in rebuilding.
McFadden is the man when he’s on, but I’ve seen him shut down MANY times after watching over his career. Most notably this year when Tennessee’s sorry D dominated him.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have McFadden, but now that we have Turner, it wouldn’t make any sense. I think Turner will be the man behind a revamped line and a smash-mouth offense, IMHO.
In the later rounds, I would love it if, after they shored up all the other positions(OL,QB,CB), they added Pat Sims from Auburn if he drops. Imagine that: Jamaal Anderson, Dorsey/Ellis, Sims, Abraham…..Man!
By Fred
April 24, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Craig - what are you talking about? All the scenarios you mention (trading the #2 or not taking Dorsey) are things the Rams would have to do - so that still means they indeed DO hold the key to the Falcons pick - DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY INDEED DO. Pretty elementary actually that no matter what they do will have an impact on the Falcons pick regardless if they choose at #2 or trade it to the Saints!!
By Talk about hype
April 24, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Josh Johnson ain’t bleep. He won’t even be another Trent Dilfer.
By QueDogTeaching
April 24, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
What is so funny about all of these posts is that McFadden is the sure choice for the future, but we are all doing what Atlanta has done for years. Be safe and get a sub par player in the process. We need playmakers. It is very frustrating to sit in the Dome and not see touchdowns. It remindes me of the 80’s, Mid Ninety’s, and the Vick-less 2000’s.
By Ken Strickland
April 25, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this
The Rams draft history is worse than the Falcons over the last decade. They primarily run a 3-4 DEF with Carriker, last yrs top pick, at NT. They had him bulk up to about 315lbs to play NT and aren’t likely to have him lose 30 to 40lbs by training camp to play DE. Last yr their 2 DE’s had a total of 4 sacks between them. One has been released and the other is 34yrs old and coming off major surgery. Knowing this information, which DL position do any of you think they need most and will likely take?
They could draft DT Dorsey, but it wouldn’t fill their greatest need on the DL, DE. It’s likely Dorsey will be available to the Falcons, unless the Rams trade down and the other team takes him. I believe the Falcons will then take a CB/KR with their next pick. They’ll likely take a QB and OT with the 3rd or 4th picks, but not necessarily in that order. QB Flacco will likely be available.
All of you MRyan fanatics need to check out his accomplishments and stats and compare them to Henne, Brohm and Flacco. Compared to them he ranks a distant 4th in every tangible category. Why pay maximum dollar for Ryan at #3 just to carry a clipboard when you can get the equivalent, or ever better, for a fraction of the money. There’s not another DT in the draft that can measure up to the overall talent and impact of Dorsey and Ellis. So why be stupid and pass on either.
By Dawgs
April 25, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
I would prefer to drop back to 5 or 8 and select Ellis if at all possible. If we end up with Ryan I will still be at the games screaming with everyone else (all 20,000 of us I guess) go falcons.
I would prefer Henne or Brohm though. They would come a lot cheaper and honestly I think Brohm is closer to being ready to play right now. Stronger arm too. Only Flacco threw harder and that was by less than 1/2 mph.
By ATL_Down
April 25, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Hasavior,
Have you even played at least flag football? Guys, like kill me with your over-analysis.
Quote me, Take a picture, the signing of Michael Turner instead of drafting Darren McFadden will be viewed as castastophic mistake UNLESS draft Chris Long.
I would choose long because I saw the hit that Dorsey took and I seriously doubt if he’ll ever be the same player after that. If not if for his injury, Dorsey should be the number two pick, after DMac.
You ALWAYS select BEST talent… why… playmakers make the players around them better… REGARDLESS of the sport.
We all gloat about the Patriots D-line of 1st rounders. My response Richard Seymour can dominate games and the other lineman are just solid players. Plus, they run a 3-4 defense which relies on athletic LBs (Colvin and Vrabel) and the masking of coverages. Next, the Patriot defense isn’t perceived by anyone as dominating, they’re just a solid unit. Takeaway Tom Brady, the Patriots are not even an AFC playoff team.
We take DMac or Long, and the pundits will say that… You have Jerrious Norwood or you have J anderson and Abraham.
My response is Jerrious Norwood’s contract is up in two seasons and at best he’ll demonstrate that he’s good enough to be resigned to a long-term contract that we’re unable to provide because of M. Turner.
In regards to Long, my response would be “I believe the Giants had Strahan, and drafted Umenyoura, Kiwunuka, Tuck in consecutive years and won the Super Bowl. With the exception of Kiwunuka (who was injured), the Giant kept all their DEs on the field by playing them differrent positions and resting Strahan.
Choose Best talent!!! Translated: DMac or Chris Long. We can make Norwood our kick and punt returner or move Jamal Anderson to DT.
Matt Ryan is no better than Brohem, Woodson, or Flacco. I’d would select Woodson and Flacco ahead of Brohem or Ryan. We could get either of these guys in the 3rd round.
By A-Town_Down
April 25, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Michael Turner has made 2 big plays since he’s been in the league. He will be a BUST. He will have less production than TJ Duckett. Warrick Dunn will post better numbers this season GUARANTEED!!!
By BCNut
April 25, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
I’ve watched Ryan for 3 years. From day 1, his presence reminded me of Tom Brady. In no way, am I saying that he’ll be the next Brady but it wouldn’t shock me.
As for the INTs, BC’s receivers must have set an all-time record for touching balls that were eventually intercepted. Plus, the run game was the worst it’s been in the 30+ years I can remember following BC…so Ryan was forced to throw a lot & despite the lack of a running game and subpar OL, they were ranked as high as #2 at one point and played for an ACC champ..mainly due to Matt Ryan. All that said, I hope he goes to a team with a better O-line than ATL.
By B-man
April 26, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
A-Town Down, hahaha…you must be a very astute football fan…. On a team full of questions, that is the one position 9barring injury, which could happen to anyone)that is more than solid. Turner will be far from a bust, and made many more plays than just those 2 you’ve seen on highlights.
You just couldnt think of anything else to say and decided to throw out something to spark a fire huh?
By B-man
April 26, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Everybody remember, the magic that the Patriots had while Dimitroff was there was often found in the later rounds of the draft. A great player with that 3rd pick will be awesome, but the 2nd and 3rd rounds will determine how long it takes this team to rebuild.