Falcons

By Davey

April 27, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

All I can say is wow. We are going to get burned in the trenches.

By Mike Hampton

April 27, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I’ve gotten over the Ryan pick over Dorsey, but moving up to draft Mike Hamption…err…Sam Baker ridculous. He was hampered by injuries the last two seasons, however. He needed surgery on his left knee following his junior season, and was slowed by a cracked rib and a strained hamstring in 2007. Thomas Dimitri-dumb!

By Darth Mike

April 27, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

You build a team with offensive line first. They needed to also try to pick up a right tackle in the later rounds. Hopefully, they still will give it some consideration.

By Jesse

April 27, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Who needs a defensive line when you have 7 Linebackers on the field at once. I guess they are banking on Trey Lewis being healthy and the Moorhead guy and Babneaux (sp?) playing well. And don’t forget about Doug Datish from last years draft. Maybe he’ll help out as well.

By Smoothie

April 27, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I cannot for the life of me understand why they keep drafting LB and DE when they could have had the top-rated C on the board for 2 rounds!! Steve Justice of Wake Forest is going to be a solid NFL player for a long time. Chances are, he will end up within the division and haunt the Falcons for years…dumba$$es. I guess we’re trying to field the best kickoff return team in the NFL!!

By Disillusioned

April 27, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

WTF???

What happened to strengthening the lines???

Oh well…sound like the “Good news” is that we’ll have the first pick overall, next year. :-(

By The Grinch

April 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

They’re obviously looking at this being a 2 to 3 draft process…glad we have better line coaches but this is hardly “building through the middle.” Our linebackers are fine this year, so the third pick must be Brooking’s replacement. Robert James is too small to play linebacker in the NFL so my guess is that he’ll be Milloy’s replacement. Not sure where the hell Kroy Bierman’s gonna play, since they’re obviously not gonna cut Michael Boley (maybe the new regime doesn’t like Stephen Nicholas). The free agent safeties we signed must be stop-gaps until the new guys develop. I assume next year’s draft will be all lineman, without exception (except for maybe one pass-catching TE). Then we should be playing some ball. Maybe he’s just being foresighted; though I wonder why they lied to us about philosophy.

By Dan the Draft Man

April 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Maybe the Falcons are going to play a 2-5 defense. If a team can build itself from the line of scrimmage out, the Falcons are going to be in trouble.

By Thomas Dimitri-Dumb

April 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

I drafted Sam Baker because I really didn’t know what the hell-I-Was doing. Why else would I draft Sam Baker who was hampered by injuries the last two seasons? Why else would I draft this player who needed surgery on his left knee following his junior season? Only a DumbAzz would draft a injury prone OT that was slowed by a cracked rib and a strained hamstring in 2007. Yes, My name is Thomas Dimitrioff, and I approved this message.

What a joke I am.

By 74 Dawg

April 27, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

wondered if you guys were around today. Either Dimitroff is way way smarter than me(very possible) or this draft is another Falcon’s Fiasco.Can I copyright that,or does Mark Bradley already own that? I particularly don’t understand taking the kid from Montana when Marcus Howard was available,same size,more speed,more productive as a pass rusher,played in a little better conference,etc. Oh well. Hopefully dimitroff was not hired as a glorified college scout and Blank is doing his Jerry jerk Jones imitation behind Dimitroff as cover.

By Dave

April 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

I think, hopefully, that they know what they are doing!

By Birdfan

April 27, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Why the hell did we take a WR? Weren’t we supposed to be shoring up the O/L and D/L with this draft?

By La Jolla Dawg

April 27, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Falcons just took Thomas Brown. Now, that’s a good pick.

By T

April 27, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Or…. they could be targeting those positions to address in free agency after the release date (july 1?). Let’s hope.

By Theedge

April 27, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Same as it ever was. Something about the facilities up at Flowery Branch must breed stupidity!

By corey

April 27, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

WE BLEW IT

By DRU

April 27, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

WE HAVE NO IDEAL WHAT THER ARE DOING I WILL NOT RENEW MY SEASON TICKET

By AJC sux

April 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Thomas Brown with the first Falcons first pick in the 6th? Talk about another dumb Shokley move. Could we not have picked up DT or backup Guard? I thought we were set at RB. If this was not the case we could have gotten a better RB.

By 74 Dawg

April 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

First they pass on Marcus Howard, then take Thomas Brown? I love Thomas,but running back is not a big need, unless they are already planning ahead on getting them all killed behind this offensive line-if so, they better take a couple more Quaterbacks also-they’re gonna need them

By falcon21

April 27, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

falcons need another ol,then they need to go with dl the rest of the draft.

By Rick

April 27, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

This draft has been disappointing for me. Hope the Falcons know what they are doing. Wanted Dorset over Ryan, hated the loss of a 2nd round pick for Sam Baker, thought there were better choices in the third round and the fifth and sixth round selections have me puzzled.

By Bill

April 27, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I understand Ryan and Baker, but a WR? Maybe some trades for DL or OL? I am a little at a loss to understand the rest. I hope that they know more about the game than I do. Time will tell.

By CarolinaJacket

April 27, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Well, lets see. Maybe they are not as dumb as some of our later bloggers will call them. We will just have to see what team they put on the field next year — do they win.

By JMar

April 27, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

I was shocked by the Biermann pick when Roy Schuening and Carl Nicks were still on the board - either could have come in and immediately been the primary backup at guard and eventually taken over for Forney, who isn’t the player he once was.

By Sam Maister

April 27, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

suprosed no dt or te has been taken.

By Pete

April 27, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

I too am surprised at the number of quality linemen, both O and D, we bypassed in the 2nd thru 4th rounds. I hope TD knows what he is doing. Three days ago I really thought he did.

By Roswell Ed

April 27, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I was cooking dinner when they announced the QB pick and I turned away from my wife and screamed

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Where are the linemen?

This makes no sense to me.

By the way it was sausage and chicken gumbo and it was real good.

By drmondo

April 27, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I’m willing to give the new regime the benefit of the doubt, but I am nervous about the lack of line picks. I keep reminding myself that Dimitroff made his name evaluating college talent. One question though. When did LB become a position of such need? I hope they are bringing back Gravy train and/or Coleman.

By Son of a Gun

April 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Kroy Bierman and Thomas Brown have surprised me the most. Mike Hart is rated much higher than Thomas Brown, so it seems as if the Falcons just picked him to please the UGA fan base. Why would we pick up Bierman when there where MANY people rated higher than him? It’s also really scary that we haven’t picked up another offensive lineman or a DT. I still have faith in the organization’s decisions and they better have a good reason for all of their selections. GO FALCONS!

By Carismar

April 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Several Falcon picks are under 6 ft. Size matters.

By Gary

April 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand it? With so many good DTs and OTs left in the 3rd and 5th rounds why the need to pick two more LBs and a WR that we don’t need?? And now to finish off the WTFs they draft Thomas Brown in the 6th round. What is wrong with this front office. Smells like Rich McKay is making these picks.

By Chipper

April 27, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

I would give the falcons a big fat F on this draft. These may be good players, but this is not how you build a smash mouth football team. The one offensive lineman we do draft is not even a good run blocker. We loose picks to move up to get him to boot.

Looks like same ole sorry falcons to me…..

By mickey

April 27, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

By p** off dirty bird fan

April 27, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

The Falcons GM and Ownership dont know jack crap about football..

Why didnt yall draft Glenn Dorsey???

Matt Ryan isnt no Tom Brady did he win a championship? He was in a weak college conference.. Should have gotten Booty from USC!!!

I really am not feeling this year crops… IMO yall blew it

Dont expect me to renew my season tickets.

Should have trade the rights to Vick to the jets imo!

By 74 Dawg

April 27, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Now I get it. Arthur is trying to cobble together another Arena League team.

By long time falcon

April 27, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Three linebackers, a wide receiver, and a running back? Only one offensive lineman and zero defensive tackles. What happened to ” building the lines of scrimmage”? This looks like a rich mckay draft. This franchise just refuses to build an offensive line regardless of whoever is at the helm. Why three freakin linebackers? I like the lofton pick because we needed that inside run stuffer. But this new regime thought outside linebacker was a higher priority than offensive line or defensive tackle? I’m completely bewildered by these picks. I thought boley and nichols were two promising outside linebackers. Are we switching to a 3-4 defense? Can someone out there make heads or tails of these draft picks?

By falcon21

April 27, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

well they just got a running back,i guess my comment was wrong!!!

By ATLvis

April 27, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

This draft is all about Character. Read the bios and you’ll see. About time we tried this approach instead of the “Bengals/Falcons-style” drafts that ignored character and resulted in atheltic teams playing sandlot ball.. whining more than winning.. and artificially covering up serious holes in a team’s ability to win consistently.

By falconfan

April 27, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Can somebody please call the falcons front office and remind them we need defensive tackles. AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

By Coach

April 27, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

As a coach myself I am extremely disturbed that the new Falcons regime has ignored their obvious weaknesses in the trenches. Anyone who understands the game of football knows that is where the game is won. As of right now Dimitroff has not addressed it. It also concerns me that during every press conference they talked about winning with defense and a smash mouth running game. So they draft a system quarterback, a short-armed zone blocking tackle, a slow inside linebacker, a slow zone corner, a slot receiver, a small linebacker, a hybrid safety, a small school de, and a 3rd string runningback. NO D-Tackles, one offensive lineman, Smash mouth football? Please!

By Girl Racer

April 27, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

STOP Arthur Blank making picks!…wish he would STOP meddling with this team! aka Matt ‘buster’ Ryan

By Lynne

April 27, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Maybe the NFL is going to flag football and we just haven’t been told yet….that’s got to be the reason.

By Rutuger

April 27, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

I just don’t see how our league-worst D is going to improve next year without any good FA signings and no legitimate draft impact (i.e. Dorsey).

I’m not trying to bring the negativity, and obviously I hope Ryan does great, but it just doesn’t seem to make sense to draft him over Dorsey when there were so many comparable QBs we knew would be available later on.

By Andy

April 27, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

So your biggest needs are Offensive Line and Defensive Line. So what do you do? You draft three Linebackers, two Safeties, a Quarterback, a Running Back, and a Wide Receiver??? This sounds like the last McKay draft rather than the first Dimitroff draft!! At least I hope so. What happened to building a team from the inside out?!?! I thought the first day was fairly sound, but the second day makes zero sense!

By ReggieATL

April 27, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Why would you draft Kroy Bierman over Marcus Howard? Howard’s the same size and runs a 4.4

By Jacketnation

April 27, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Dallas Made a great Choice! Too bad the Falcons were too stupid to get Phillip Wheeler or Gary Guyton.

By Jack G

April 27, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

What they think they need and what I think they need are two different needs

By THOMAS G CORLEY

April 27, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

another draft,drafting players we ill not see for three years or more.dorsey was he man. they should have waited another year for a left tackle.

By VABirdDawg

April 27, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Where’s the Beef?? Going into the draft everyone said the birds would stockpile linemen, and we have taken one lineman and a DE. I love T.Brown, but we don’t need a 3rd RB. We need linemen. This draft will be lucky to be graded a D-. I am very dissapointed with our new GM. McCay could have done this bad.

By 1st comment baby!!!!

April 27, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

they will be put to the test

By falcons

April 27, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Winning teams have good lines on both sides of the ball. I am so glad that we addressed those needs in the draft.

By Matt

April 27, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Worst draft in Falcons history. Dimitroff and Smith, pack your bags and get out of Atlanta already!

By dave

April 27, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Interesting. I was sure that that Falcons would take more linemen. Why all the defensive backfield players? Three linebackers? Bring back Grady.

By Reggie

April 27, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Is this building from inside out?

By country boy

April 27, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I agree - where’s the beef ??? I think we paid dearly for OT Baker but he is very experienced in a good conference. He also practiced against studs daily at USC. He may be the best of the OT in this draft for the first 6-8 games next year although no one is predicting ten pro bowl appearances. This Falcons draft has no fluidity to it. Either Dimitroff is the very best talent evaluator in NFL or he is overwhelmed by the job. We did NOT address needs. Also- When did Kenny Stabler get a haircut and become our coach ???

By Dee

April 27, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty sure if the o-line and d-line coaches had wanted other players, then TD would have got them. We just don’t know for sure, even the person who wrote this column. I’ll wait and see, especially since we’ve signed a bunch of FA DTs already.

By ReggieP

April 27, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

* SUPERBOWL CONTENDERS*…but not in this lifetime…i would’ve been satisfied with Glenn Dorsey pick….shows that Atlanta is not ready 2 b playoff contenders!!! In order to win games it starts up front and on the d-lines

By Geoff Cobb

April 27, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

You have to wonder why the falcons did not address their glaring holes on the offensive line and at the defensive tackle spot. The New G.M. spoke about drafting for need and then in the third rounds with crucial holes unfilled he picks two role players in Douglas and DeCloud. I was enthusiastic when the new coach spoke about beefing up the middle of the team, but that really has not happened in this draft.

By TX DAWG

April 27, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

I was wondering the same thing as far as not drafting an DT!! Harrison from Arkansas or Moore from Maryland were available but the Falcons passed them over. Guess that build from the inside out strategy means that the skill players are the inside and the grunt players are the outside.

Oh yeah…….FIRST!

By Sean

April 27, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Ryan will be running for his life, just like Vick. The Falcons will never learn, that the war is won in the trenches.

By Adam

April 27, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

What’s with all the LBs? Maybe they’re switching to a 3-4??? Why didn’t they take one more? I think Aundray Bruce is still on the board.

I don’t understand this. We’ve got a bunch of practice squad guys and vets like Forney and McClure running on bald tires on both lines. This makes no sense.

Are they trying to get Ryan killed?

This was a huge gamble of a draft. Dimitroff and Smith better hope that Ryan’s a franchise QB. We could’ve had Dorsey, a quality OT AND Brian Brohm.

Oh well, here’s to more blackouts and wasted draft picks. Looking forward to the next “New” Falcons in 2010!

By ZACK

April 27, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

I’M GLAD YOU COMMENTED ON THIS! ALL I’VE HEARD IS HOW THE FALCONS WILL “BUILD” FROM INSIDE OUT—WHAT HAPPENED THEY NEED EVERYTHING BUT HOW CAN THE LBS AND CBS MAKE PLAYS WITH NO LINE IN FRONT OF THEM—THE SAME GOES FOR THE OFFENSE?

By WILL

April 27, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

YES,THE FALCONS ONLY GOOD PICK WELL 2 IS THE PLAY MAKER FROM OKLAHOMA AND BROWN FROM UGA HE IS a steal in 6th we have 2 picks left maybe a gem in the 7th either way i will be a rich man betting agaist the falcons this year they may be the first pick in the draft next year how will they screw it up next year well at least we didnt take a tight end this team will get beat bad this year.it will take 3or 4 drafts for dimitrioff to get this team in shape ,but look on the bright side atlanta you will get mike vick next year to play wide receiver he will be the fastest on the field and ryan can throw it a long ways accurately anyway just like the braves the falcons will suck as usual

By Joe

April 27, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Grady Jackson must be in the fold or Falcons would have used a high draft choice to pick a large defensive tackle.

They have large numbers of offensive linemen to pick from, now if they can just play. They did not address the TE situation either. Must feel the ones they have will do the job.

Overall, a good daft if they can sign free agent offensive and defensive linemen like Jackson.

By Workinlkeadawg

April 27, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t know is Baker that good? Maybe the Falcons are going to try and shore up the defense this yr and go totally offensive line next yr.

By WILL

April 27, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

iam a vietnam vet and this team is absolutely stupid since 66 they have no idea on how to draft they kept saying were gonna get beef,what beef,how about a bunch of bull this team is not going to have but maybe 4o5 to make this roster what a waste with 11 picks,taking baker and giving 2 seconds was the worst move of the draft and you could have gotten HOWARD FROM UGA IN THE 5TH OR 6TH THE HE COULD HAVE PLAYED DT STUPID,STUPID STUPID

By ryan

April 27, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

the first day of the draft was pretty good…. the second day… horrendous so far. there were plenty of cornerbacks out there better than jackson… we do not need a wideout. james was not the best olb on the board.. geno hayes would’ve been better. and in the midst of all this we missed out on nicks ot from nebraska and harrison dt from arkansas… they would have helped us tremendously… td and ms had better have a plan to sign some good o and d linemen.

By Harlan

April 27, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

New regime, same head-scratchingly dumb drafting. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Can we line up 8 linebackers and three DB’s in a defensive formation?

The misery continues…

By who me

April 27, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

This would have been a good set of draft picks had they not had so many needs along both the OL and DL. Maybe they forgot in all the excitement…

C+ at best.

By jp

April 27, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

THis is absolutely a bad draft and TD is not a good GM and its apparent. What is he doing passing on Dorsey when he could have had Brohm or Henne in the second round and what is he doing giving up a 2nd round pick for Sam Baker? are you kidding me? and you expect us to buy season tickets after this?

By DC

April 27, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

I totally agree, all we need is another couple of O-linemen to have a solid line for any QB, but I think our D-line is set, plenty of depth and D-end, picked up a few DT’s in free agency, drafted Trey Lewis last year, and Grady is still available as an FA just in case. Overall, I am disappointed as we passed up on some pretty solid linemen that fell like John Sullivan (Center from Notre Dame) and Carl Nicks (Tackle from Nebraska who is now with our rival Saints)

By Brandon

April 27, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Very, very disappointed in day 2 b/c they have not addressed the line and they did not get a player that is a very serious pass rushing threat. Ever since they lost the Super Bowl (a team that was strong on both lines), they have been overall weak on both the OL and DL. Teams have dominated the Falcons at the point of attack. That has been the at the crux of this teams failures. I thought we’d finally hired a regime that would realize you actually have to draft some big uglys in the upper part of the draft to compete in the trenches. 1 is not enough. Their D-line currently is one of the worst run-stopping D-lines in the NFL - and they provide little protection to the LBs……Passing up guys like Zuttah was very disappointing to watch as well….As for the pass rusher, you’ve got to have more than 1 in the NFL. Not only is Abraham often injured, he is at his best when he is not the only threat on the entire team to sack the QB. Any decent NFL team can isolate him and neutralize that threat. The Falcons released Coleman and DeMorrio Williams - the only 2 other legit pass rushing threats in passing downs….Why in the world take a slow and small OLB when Marcus Howard, Wesley Woodyard, or Darrell Robertson still on the board. If the only thing Howard can due to line up in passing downs and blitz the passers, he’s got more value than some of the Falcon’s picks. The Colts did that one right - and the Falcons have failed yet again to adequetely and thoroughly protect their QB/help their RB (their now 2 biggest investments) and to find guys to stuff the run on the D-line - very disappointing…….This is not a pretty boy league and the Falcons have not learned that they will continue to lose drafting the pretty boys……

By Matt

April 27, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Worst draft in Falcons history.

By WILL

April 27, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

THIS TEAM IS STUPID MOVE THIS TEAM OUT OF ATLANTA SEND THEM TO LAS VEGAS

By trainwreck

April 27, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

man i really want to have faith in the new people running the show… but it’s kind of scary that we are ignoring these OL/DL needs. I’m crossing my fingers and praying

By Tommy Maddox

April 27, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Looks like our boy Matt Ryan will be seeing alot of Atlanta from his back.

Not good…

By fsjr

April 27, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

I have to believe they have a plan for our lines. I admit I am Keith Brooking when it comes to “buying in” or “giving the benefit of the doubt” (drinking the kool-aid) to new regimes. I will follow Dimitroff’s and Smith’s lead as long as the direction leads to winning.

By loel

April 27, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

yes, birds have ignored lines, but have you seem the long list of lineman listed in the not drafted status. From this can come a lot free agent invites to camp.

By GaDawgs7

April 27, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Thomas Brown picked up by the Falcons…I’m not sure he’ll get a lot of carries, but he’s a terrific special teams player and could be used on kickoff and punt returns as well.

By Rambler

April 27, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Amazing, I guess if they ignore the O/D lines the problem will go away. Why waste a pick on a RB when there are glaring needs at multiple spots open and no depth on both sides of the interior line? The guess must be that Thomas D is counting on picking up scraps from the salary cap vets let go on June 1 and pre-season cuts.

By loel.mckinnon

April 27, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

yes, the birds have ignored the lines, but have you looked at the long list of linemen listed in the not drafted. These can be invites to camp as free agents.

By trainwreck

April 27, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

man i really want to have faith in the new people running the show… but it’s kind of scary that we are ignoring these OL/DL needs. I’m crossing my fingers and praying

By FalcFan80

April 27, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

The first day was great. The second day is a big question mark. So are the Falcons telling us that they are happy with the personnel that we have on the O and D lines?

By D-Cider

April 27, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

This team is FOREVER drafting Wide Receivers and Secondary positions. What a joke! I love watching a team put pressure on a QB with four rushers (or maybe a 5th, like the Redskins) and a good O-line (cowboys, patriots)..needless to say those teams that put pressure on the QB or block for the QB aren’t the falcons..No wonder Forbes magazine picked atlanta as the most miserable sports city in the U.S.

By loel.mckinnon

April 27, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

some of you people are nuts. If you yourself made the 11 picks, you would fuss over it.

By Phil

April 27, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

They are probably working a 3 yr draft build plan and thus focused on taking what they think are the best impact players on the board and not focused on just filling a couple of positions. The have two more draft years and free agency to fill gaps.

Let’s let this play out.

By Greg

April 27, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Very disappointed in this first draft by TD. First mistake was in passing up Dorsey (a sure thing immediate impact player—-a dominator) in favor of a 50-50 chance on Ryan’s developing into a good starter. This is gambling big-time, and you’ll never convince me this was Mike Smith’s pick. Maybe it wasn’t actually TD’s pick, either, as there have been reports that Blank LOVED Ryan. Second mistake (that’s 2-out- of-2 in the first round) was in moving up, giving two 2nd round picks for a middling tackle: consensus 2nd-round pick, Sam Baker. This is so sad for all of us. Maybe Ryan will pan out, but so far it’s a cloudy day for Falcon fans. They need dominating linemen on both sides if they’re going to be competitive. I don’t know at this point where those guys are coming from.

By arff

April 27, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

This is a Gwinnett County draft. I say Arthur Blank is picking players that are palatable to the Gwinnett County folks because this is the 1st step in his plan to get a stadium built with public funds up 85. He can’t get Glen Richardson, Casey Cagle and the rest of the crew to play ball with players like Vick, Hall and Crumpler. He needs players with a reputation of being “leaders” with “intangibles” that are “hard workers”. He doesn’t need his marquee players having braids and “natural athletic ability”. It doesn’t matter whether the guys can play or we win big as long as we go 7-9 or 8-8 that will be enough. Mark my words within the next 3-5 years he’ll be pushing for a new stadium up in Gwinnett county with public funding.

By panic dawg

April 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Worst Draft in NFL History; considering what is needed VS what was picked. And the number of picks

By james winston

April 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

by the falcons drafting matt ryan so that means the era of micheal vick is over correct. matt is a great quarterback but he doesn’t have the threat as micheal vick to make a team go one on one with the receiver corps with their backs and safeties. glenn dorsey would have been the best pick at number three for the birds. any quarterback could be successful if the have a line to keep the defense off his body. i am a true micheal vick fan and when he get released a team will jump on him right away because they know he’s a player that people would come and he. mr blanks, vick didn’t earn that nickmane “must see tv” for nothing. i hope that matt could get the people back to the doom like vick did in 2001.

By tiger7_88

April 27, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

That’s the first time I’ve ever heard anyone describe the University of Montana as a “major college”.

By WILL

April 27, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

ISAID THIS CITY WAS JINXED TOM CANT PUT TOGETHER A DRAFT HERE LIKE NEW ENGLand THIS TEAM IDONT KNOW WHICH FRANCHISE IN ATLANTA IS WORSE NO WONDER I BET AGAINST THIS TEAM ALL THE TIME ITHOUGHT THIS YEAR WITH TOM HERE WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH ALL THESE LBS LOOKS LIKE BROOKINGS DAYS ARE NUNBERED

By NikkiFree

April 27, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

I’m still a little upset about the Ryan pick. However, to continue the theme and almost completely ignore the line of scrimmage is foolish. We have Put both OL and DL together and all we have between BOTH lines is John Abraham and he’s a walking MASH unit. It’s gonna be a long season. Thank goodness for the Dawgs!!!!!

By Rutuger

April 27, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

I sure hope Matt Ryan can lead us to 35+ pts/game, because our Defense is going to be atrocious for the next three years.

Our 2008 D-line:

DE - Glass Man Abraham (if he ever plays) DT - Nobody #1 DT - Nobody #2 DE - Nobody #3 (aka Jamal Anderson)

This is BLEAK

By brew

April 27, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Based on these picks, we should be preparing for a top three pick next year. Maybe we already have our eyes on some kid still in High School. I don’t see difference makers coming to us in this draft. This draft really puts the pressure on the coaching staff to coach up the linemen already on the team. If they can’t they should make sure that their resume is always updated.

By Slim

April 27, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

I like the picks. I think Thomas’s reasoning was dead on. I do agree that I am a little confused about not taking more lineman. Maybe they are counting on some salary cap casualties to be cut soon after the draft.

By the way, if we didn’t move up to get Baker we wouldn’t have gotten a good one. Huge dropoff after him and there was a huge run of OT’s in the first round.

By tiger7_88

April 27, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Can someone tell me why Thomas Brown? Good kid, good player, yes… but where was the need? Aren’t there greater needs on this team than a 3rd-string running back? Or did we go to the Super Bowl last year and I just didn’t notice?

Was it just a sop to the local thUGa fandom? Because that’s the only semi-logical reason I can come up with.

By Micheal

April 27, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Come on guys…give the Falcons a break…we are not going to overturn the team in one season. They are building for the future and have a plan I am sure. I am a true Falcons fan and will support them no matter what. Go Falcons!!

By wayne

April 27, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

It is really too bad that the Falcons management didn’t check with the local newspaper writers before attempting the draft on their own. We now have professional football people taking care of football decisions, so I will defer to them to determine the needs of the team. Go buy a ticket to the games then you might get a feel for being a fan, (I,m sure you suck up on free tickets). Maybe The falcons management will check with you guys next year before attempting a draft on their own.You guys act like the team has no talent at all, you may be supprised at what a real coaching staff can accomplish with existing talent. So how about a positive comment about something, I just know you have it in you.

By WILL

April 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

I GUARANTEE THIS TEAM WILL BE O-16 OR 1-15 THIS IS PATHETIC ONLY 2 GOOD PLAYERS PICKED IN THIS DRAFT RYAN WILL GET KILLED THIS YEAR YOU ALL HAD BETTER HOPE THE US GOVERNMENT LETS VICK OUT OF JAIL OR YOU ALL MAY NOT WIN A GAME EVER AGAIN

By WILL

April 27, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

WHOS MAKING THE PICKS TODAY IT HAS TO BE EQUIPMENT MANAGER NO GM WOULD BE THIS DAMN DUMB

By Dimipuppet boy

April 27, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Baker is best suited in a zone blocking scheme according to NFL draft experts. What happened to smash mouth football? Now we all know what dimitroff did on draft day in the Patriots war room was make coffee for Pioli and Belichick.

By Wesley

April 27, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

As long as the key players do not get too seriously hurt this year then the team will be o.k., because I expect them to get a good draft next year.

I hope the Falcons will understand that we might spend our time doing something else this Fall, other than watch Falcon players get hurt.

I am excited about the 2009 Draft. This draft will give Atlanta the opportunity to draft O-line and D-line for the first time in Falcon history.

The big question…do we take Tim Tebo at #1?

By Supes

April 27, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

WILL You’ve got the right idea. Get rid of this sorry bunch and move them out to Vegas, start over with a new owner, GM who knows how to draft!

This has been a terrible draft based on needs alone.

No Lineman, reaching for Safety and Linebackers who are questionable, drafting a WR and RB when they are not needed!

Greg Steltz, Phillip Wheeler, Marcus Howard, Quinten Groves, those are the types we need on defense plus the DT we should have gotten with the 3rd pick!

There is a reason the Atlanta Falcons have never had back to back winning seasons…and teams like the Pats and Colts are always winning…they know how to draft!

Falcons don’t know how to draft and lied to the fanbase when they said they were going to build the lines!

Oh, no wait…we’ve got 2 picks in the 7th round…maybe we address DT and OL with those pics…problems sovled:look:

FRAKING FALCONS, you blew it!

Unless their strategy is to suck for 2-3 more years, load up on more picks this draft makes no sense!!!

I dare Thomas Dimitroff to spin this draft as a good one when they didn’t address their most glaring needs!

Losing season ticket holder rapidly with EVERY pick TD!

By ctc

April 27, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Wow, All I can say is welcome to the Open Falcon House all linemen because I have a feeling all undrafted offensive and defensive linemen are gonna get invitations to the open house..lol.

By WILL

April 27, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

WHO IS RUNNING THE SHOW HERE MICKEY MOUSE

By FalconFan

April 27, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

I hate to say this (not really thought), but there are a TON of MORON Falcons fans here! This is/was a very good draft! Get your heads out of your as*es! Ryan will be a good, if not great NFL QB, and our offensive line choice was a very good one too. After that, you are just picking people whom you HOPE will pan out. I love the Falcons and like the direction they are heading. You homos are waaaay to negative.

By OL all day

April 27, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Why would we draft a center? We have the undersized Mclure, Stepanovich, Datish, and Wilkerson who all play center. Of course we still only have one rookie tackle, but hey we got 4 centers!

By OL all day

April 27, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Brown is a good pickup as a 3rd back, but do we need OLBs? We’ve got Boley and Nicholas, plus Brooking can play outside if Lofton develops. Two draft choices at OLB? Guess we’re going to need depth on D since we aren’t going to have the ball for very long with no line.

By corey

April 27, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN MARIO MANNINGHAM INSTEAD OF HARRY DOUGLAS WHO IS THIS GUY?

By trainwreck

April 27, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

so is the WR from Louisville gona return kicks?

By Supes

April 27, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Where are the LINEMAN in this Falcons draft!

One pick to go and they have exactly…ONE LIMEMAN to show for it!

Unexcusable Draft, Thomas Dimitroff and Coach Mike Smith should be embarrased by their first draft!

They also picked inferior LB’s, WR and Safety!

Haven’t they learned…SEC players win championships!

By Paul from Milton

April 27, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

I guess that by drafting these linebackers it means that the Falcons don’t think they can resign Boley and that this is Brookings last season. There were so many good DTs available in this draft and since the Falcons passed on them all I guess that was a smokescreen.

By doesnt matter the falcons suck.

April 27, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

This is ridiculous, the team is going to be slow and confused on defense. We suck, terrible draft.

By Casey

April 27, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Why do the Falcons always refuse to draft a DT in the 1st round? They haven’t drafted a DT in the 1st round since Tony Casillas in 1986! That’s 22 YEARS!!!!. Is it any wonder they continue to get pounded on defense year after year after year? They could have gotten a QB in any round after the 1st who will turn out to be as good or better than Matt Ryan. I have to wonder who is actually making these decisions, because in all the years Dimitroff was with New England they did not draft this way. This smells like Arthur Blank meddling.

By Boiler

April 27, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Smith and Dimitroff do what Blank tell’s them. This draft was strictly PR to overcome the Vick embarrasment, fostered by coddling (wheelchair and ignoring water bottle) for so long. I see why Patrino left. Stop metteling Mr Blank.

By N GA BOB

April 27, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Wake me when it’s over!

By Gumbo

April 27, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

AWFUL, DISGUSTING, STUPID, IGNORANT.

How many stinking safeties do you need. And the little WR and the RB pick? Neither will ever play a down in this league.

So much for the “needs-based draft”, huh Thomas. MORON!!!

By D-Cider

April 27, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

I love all the comments from bloggers who chime in with some sort of nonsense about how the guys picking the players are professionals and we shouldn’t second guess them. The MORONS who were making draft picks for the last 40 or so years were supposed to be pros and the Failcons have never had back to back winning seasons!

By Supes

April 27, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

The people suggesting they are going to be inviting free agent players for the Defensive and Offensive lines…just what kind of talent do you think you will be able to find there? Unrestricted free agents do not have a track record fo making teams, much less contribute!

THE FALCONS BLEW THIS DRAFT!

ONE lineman and questionable at best picks the rest of the way.

By joebrave

April 27, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Well I cast my vote for Dumbest G.M.——-Thomas Dummytroff!!!! How did you get fleeced that badly by Washington??????? these @ssklowns have a worse owner than the Birds!!! This is not a good first Impression!!!

No D-Tackles??, My Draft had a Q.B. in it but Not Matt Ryan, I had 1.Sedrick Ellis 2.#34 Joe Flacco 3.37 Sam Baker 4.#48 Antoine Cason 5#63 A.Collins 6.#98 D.Connor 7#124 Pat Sims 8#6th rd Chester Adams. Geez Dummytroff YOU SUCK!!!!!!

By Paddy

April 27, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Is this not fun. The fans think we stink when it comes to the draft. The Falcons front office think they did a real good job in the draft. Now that we have all vented, lets wait for the games and see who is correct. If we all had this much passion in our own personal lives, there would never be a divorce or our children on drugs or in jail. Pro football is great, lets have some fun this fall and win some damn games with the players we picked. I am a falcon fan since ‘77 and will back them. Would have liked a lineman or two more but oh well.

By corey

April 27, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

IF WE WERE GOING TO DRAFT A RUNNING BACK WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN MCFADDEN

By Rogue42

April 27, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

You people kill me. It’s certainly obvious to me that you know so much more than TD or MS. That is why you are blogging on draft Sunday and they are in the war room.

Ever thought they might be stocking up on some of these positions to do some bundling? Ever think they might just know a little more than you do as to what else might be available based on phone conversations they have had?

You really believe this team was going to make a playoff run by drafting Dorsey? You want instant gratification and that is not how you build football franchises.

Yea, and Brohm and Henne were soooo good that they fell to 56 and 57th. But, you are much smarter than all those NFL guys that passed on them, in some cases 3 times.

Three years from now when these guys have built a consistent winner, you’ll forget about all this vitriole. Cause that’s what they get paid for.

By Najeh Davenpoop (Newest Jaguars Fan)

April 27, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Join the movement folks. It’s about time we as a fan base abandoned this pathetic excuse for a franchise and moved on. The Jaguars are not too far away, have a solid core of players, draft good players that also fill needs, don’t reach for glamor positions to sell season tickets, I could go on and on. Dumbitroff is just the latest in a long line of Falcons’ front-office idiots, and I’m convinced now that the debatable Mike Smith hire is also gonna end badly. I know it feels awkward to be a bandwagon fan but if any team’s fan base had a good excuse to switch teams it’s us. Someone earlier said “Worst draft in Falcons’ history” — I would agree except nearly every other draft was about as bad. Go Jaguars.

By pmh

April 27, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Never before in the course of human history has a team gotten so little when starting out with so much. We have turned 4 picks in the top 48 and 6 picks in the top 98 into what by the end of the year will probably be 3 starters at most, and one of those who will not last at the position they drafted him for (Baker will eventually be moved to right tackle after he shows he can’t handle elite pass rushers in the NFL, (or drive them off the ball either)). And this from a team that has so little talent on its roster to start with. I think a quality draft could have put 5-7 new starters on the field.

Either TD is a genius, or he whiffed on his first at bat.

By pmh

April 27, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Never before in the course of human history has a team gotten so little when starting out with so much. We have turned 4 picks in the top 48 and 6 picks in the top 98 into what by the end of the year will probably be 3 starters at most, and one of those who will not last at the position they drafted him for (Baker will eventually be moved to right tackle after he shows he can’t handle elite pass rushers in the NFL, (or drive them off the ball either)). And this from a team that has so little talent on its roster to start with. I think a quality draft could have put 5-7 new starters on the field.

Either TD is a genius, or he whiffed on his first at bat.

By The voice or reason

April 27, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Most of the arguments regarding what the team needs are in the eye of the author. The truth is that besides running back and kicker,the Falcons need just about everything. That being said, the (2) hardest positions to fill are QB and left tackle. You never see a top tier QB of left tackle traded unless they are just about finished and you never see them as free agents either. You can argue that the Falsons should have taken Dorsey first and a lesser QB second, but they would not have gotten a left tackle unless you way overspent with the 3rd pick for one of the “other” guys who went in the mid first round. The Falsons HAD to move up to 21st to get an LT who can play. In my mind, the only was Ryan makes no sense at the 3rd pick is if Jake Long is available and neither Miami nor St. Louis is that stupid. GOOD JOB FALCONS.

By Sellie

April 27, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

I just think some of you guys are very very biased. I have no qualms with Matty Ice. If that is the direction the team wants to go. But all this high character stuff is idiotic. People come to sports events to see “talent” and “skill”. I will be the first person to say I am tired of pre-madonnas and players who make bad decisions but you cannot substitute talent for high character, integrity, and leadership these are all catch phrases in corporate America to justify a hire (bull####). I was upset about the first day but got over it with hopes for a better 2nd day. 2nd day is awful. I just want a good product ABlank. I am going to root for the Steelers my childhood team. I have had 9 years of this crap and that is about enough. Falcons are like a girlfriend who you want to put your trust in but you know she is and always will be a tart. Ha! Ha! Au Revoir losers. Giving up my season tickets to clowns! What a joke!

By Pogo Stick Comments

April 27, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Okay Now I will tell you how weak this draft is…..this is BULL$h*t!!

I will now tell you that either Tampa Bay or N.O. will win the NFC south and Falcons will be the laughing stock of the NFL for there historical draft picks today and yesterday. When Glenn Dorsey and a players like Brian Brohm become Probowl players and Ryan gets a broken leg we will seriously be a true laughing stock of the league - All because we wanted to draft with …GREAT CHARACTER!!! (DUMB@sses)!!

By Tim

April 27, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

This draft has Arthur Blank dumbass strategy written all over it. Arthur Blank wants to be like Jerry Jones so bad that he micro management style has really hurt the Falcons organization. Blank is worst than Rankin Smith. At least Rankin Smith would have drafted quality offensive and defensive linemens.

By Tim

April 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

This draft has Arthur Blank dumbass strategy written all over it. Arthur Blank wants to be like Jerry Jones so bad that his micro management style has really hurt the Falcons organization. Blank is worst than Rankin Smith. At least Rankin Smith would have drafted quality offensive and defensive linemen.

By Supes

April 27, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

and with the last pick…Keith Zinger a TE from LSU? Can he be converted to DT or OT?

Congratulations Falcons…one lineman the entire draft!

Just unreal!

And you wonder why you have never won back to back winning seasons, it’s drafting like that!

By Worst Fans

April 27, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

We absolutely have the worst fans in the league. You people have no clue and no loyalty to your team.

We brought in several Free Agent DT’s, obviously it was decided to get through this year with the free agents and make that a priority for next years draft. We all know this is a multiple year rebuild thanks to Petrino and Vick (who I was a huge fan of by the way, but he did screw up)

And for those of you who pay attention, when Smith said he believe in building through the “middle” first, he explained that he meant drawing a line down the middle of the field, offense and defense….In other words, draw a line through the running back to the FS. So….We signed Turner (RB), Ryan, We have a good Center (McClure), (still need DT, maybe Grady Jackson?), Lofton (MLB), and Decoud (FS). So really he did exactly what he said he was gonna do.

By Pogo Stick Comments

April 27, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

And yes we just finalized the dumb@a* draft by selecting a TE from LSU, so we did nothting for the line in FA or the draft!! Stupid organization, kind of remind you of gas prices or something.

By Saul

April 27, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Im glad its not’s just me who feels like they’re in the twilit zone. What the hell happened today????

By joebrave

April 27, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Weellllll That’s all Folks,The Joke is on the Falcoons,I am Now a Panthers Fan……..Feel the Growl!

By Glenn Dorsey

April 27, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Thank You Mr. Dimitroff for not selecting me. All I want to do is win.

By Whopper Dawg

April 27, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Undersized and slow or unknown or a reach or the wrong position. The safety looks like a decent pick, that is it. Blank was looking for a landmark draft and what he got was a land mine. As mystified as I have ever been on a Falcon draft and that is saying something. I told my buddy today, that I have been keeping up with these guys since 66, and I am done. Done. Obvious that the GM is way over his head (and college talent evaluation is his long suit) and Blank still is calling the shots. Either is GM is a genius (and I suspect he thinks he is) or an idiot, no middle ground. Good luck and keep the BS to yourself next time, build up the lines my A**.

By REB

April 27, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank is still running the asylum is all I’ve got to say. Most of the picks do not make sense to me. Linebacker was considered a position of strength and they draft 3 linebackers. Are you kidding me? The only thing I can figure out is they must be planning on dumping Keith Brooking and his salary. Matt Ryan is unquestionably the most talented quarterback in the draft but let’s remember that most talented does not always translate to winning on the field. I’d much rather have a guy of lesser talent who’s a much better leader. In my opinion Chad Henne will be a better leader on the field. Watch and see if he doesn’t lead Miami to the promised land under Bill Parcells. They could have taken Dorsey who some are saying is the best defensive talent to come out of college in the last 5 years, then still traded up to get the OT Baker and then picked up Henne with their second round pick since he didn’t go to late in the second round. Dorsey/Baker/Henne sounds a whole lot better to me than Ryan/Baker/a linebacker from Oklahoma. The defensive line is going to suck and let’s remember Jamal Anderson still hasn’t figured out how to rush the passer. If Abraham gets hurt which IS NOT a big IF then the Falcons will be really hurting up front and one OT does not improve the line that much who everbody is saying by the way has short arms, and the one thing you don’t want from a left OT is one that has short arms. The DE in the NFL will get around him very easily. If he’s going to be effective in the NFL at OT he will need to play on the right side. And taking Thomas Brown over Mike Hart. I don’t get that pick either and I’m a bulldog fan and love Thomas Brown but I don’t believe he can staying healthy enough in the NFL to be much of a contributor. I had high hopes for this draft going in and I feel like I’ve been let down BIG TIME! I hope Dimotroff and Smith prove me wrong and all these guys turn into solid NFL players. I believe Mr Blank had his hand in drafting Matt Ryan. All I kept hearing from people is they needed a new face of the franchise to sell tickets. The best marketing strategy is winning. If you win they will come! No matter who’s names are on the back of the jerseys! I just hope Matt Ryan doesn’t follow in Joey Harrington’s footsteps. Another very talented number 3 draft choice! I’ve been a Falcons fan all my life and will be no matter what but so far I’m not happy with the way most of the draft has gone. GO FALCONS! My hope is the Blank/Dimitroff/Smith eventually make my comments above look stupid. I’d rather be wrong and have a great Falcons team and Matt Ryan to go down in history as the greatest QB ever to wear a Falcons uniform but since we haven’t had many great QB’s that shouldn’t be too hard to do!

By B-Man

April 27, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Good draft, not great. Sam Baker looks good…did anyone notice in several of the combine highlights showing the weaknesses of some of the DE’s who was blocking them? yep Sam Baker. They even mentioned it on NFL Network once and I quote “he gets shut down by Sam Baker on this play”. Reminds me of Logan Mankins or Matt Light.

I really liked Dorsey but I think Ryan will be an upgrade. I just hope we have the guts to let him sit this year and let Redmon play this year.

By Chubbyboy

April 27, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Wow, I disappointing draft to the least for the Falcons…How can we not draft any DT’s on the second day??? At least another offensive lineman???? With our inexperience at cornerback we are going to get burned…I predict we will be dead last in passing defense this year unless Mr. Anderson can get it going and get some sacks this year..Abraham will get his..Better hope for some DT help when cuts happen early this summer.

By Ken Strickland

April 27, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

FOOD FOR THOUGHT. Wouldn’t it be something if mgt ignored DT due to a possible switch to a 3/4 DEF. After all, didn’t we sign a number of anchor type DT’s who aren’t really known as playmakers.

Here’s another way to look at it. We are drafting a lot of LB’s and DB’s because our DC intends to do a lot of blitzing to pressure the QB, much like Philly does. Do any of you old school Falcon fans remember the GRITS BLITZ with BCurry(team leader in tackles), FKykenkall(team leader), AHarris(team leader in INT’s) and JWilliams(team leader in sacks)?

When all is said and done, I’m still an Atlanta Falcons fan. I hope our picks work out, because the way Dimitroff handled this draft, we can’t afford a single mistake. I’m looking forward to training camp this summer. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF OUR NEW FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!

By Dane

April 27, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Hello & welcome Matt Ryan!!!! Meet Grady Memorial!! No OL other than Sam I am Baker(Damn!!). No DL to stop the run (WTF)!!! Sexy draft picks!!! Hope we can win 4 games this year!!!

By Old Blue

April 27, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

This Russian-sounding fellow that is the new GM czar did not lie to you. He has provided the perfect SMASH MOUTH football to you, the fans. Hope your lips feel better tomorrow.

By Dennis

April 27, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Okay everyone, chill out on this draft. This draft is not going to get us to the Superbowl this year. Face it. It’s going to take a few years, just like it took the Cowboys with Aikman, just like it took the Patriots, just like it took everyone else. These armchair GM’s are in their armchairs for a reason - get a CLUE! If we got 8-8 this year that will be a tremendous season, more likely 6-10 or 5-11. Have patience.

By Brandon

April 27, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

….just fyi these LBs aren’t going to replace Brooking - unless we are going to field a JV team. Loftin will be good. The Falcons have needed a MLB for years now. The Arizona State guy should not even make the team - much less ever play a down for the Falcons. The Montana DE (OLB) is a Special Teams players only….and they did already sign Boley to a mulit-year deal….I guess they figure since no one at the line of scrimmage can stop the run, they need some LBs and safeties who can tackle after 5 yard gains….. It’s a good thing they got Zinger b/c every team in the NFL was after him as a FA (oozing w/sarcasm)….

By Nanoman

April 27, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Not drafting to the D-line needs reflects either they’re in negotiations with free agent lineman or that Smitty plans to implement a 2-5-4 defense. Hmmm has he been watching soccer lately?

By MariettaFalconFan

April 27, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Whatever happened to “let’s build the team from the inside out”! I guess that was a lie.

Also, another thing, isn’t Mike Smith’s defensive philosophy to stop the run. In order to stop the run, you must have a good defensive line. Well, I checked the roster and we have several linebackers but where are the defensive lineman? This is beyond pathetic!

Furthermore, where are the offensive lineman? Aren’t the Falcons suppose to draft 2 to 3 offensive lineman.

Message to Matt Ryan - You will get you a** kicked just like David Carr, and within a few years you will be sitting on the bench with a clipboard.

By Stunnedfan

April 27, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

What kind of cocktails were they serving in the draft “war room”?the third pick first round,3 second rounders,3 third rounders.this was a slam dunk,the first three rounds alone would have set the birds up.it’s almost like on purpose they went into the draft with the intent of screwing it up,anyone of us could have made better picks than this,those of you who are saying they know what they are doing are in denial.call it what it is.A PROFOUNDLY BAD DRAFT. I’m begining to wonder if some teams are supposed to be bad/good for x amount of time in a wink wink back room deal? if TD pulled the trigger on these picks he needs to go away.I would say keep the faith but you know…….

By Bill in Dallas

April 27, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

I have tried to be open minded about the draft, but this has me scratching my head. Matt Ryan may be a good pick, but this team would be just as bad with Harrington/Redman for another year. Dorsey immediately improves the defense. I do think that Baker went too high, but with the run on lineman, that’s not too bad of a pick. I like Lofton, but think that was not the biggest need.

Now on to day two. In the words of Sheila Broflovski, Wha wha WHAT???!!! We picked a reciever, three linebackers, and a running back???? We need to improve our lines, not our special teams.

I’m going to go out on a limb here. Mr Blank, I’m willing to be a part of your draft team next year. I’ll work for free but only on the condition that you actually listen to my advice.

We passed on Zuttah in favor of Jackson, Douglas in favor of Zbikowski, Decoud in favor of Collins or Nicks, and so many other players.

By New Jaguars Fan

April 27, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

As sad as it is to see the Falcons continue to blunder…it has been straight up comedy reading the comments on these blogs. I honestly don’t know who these fans are that the media has insisted would be inspired and excited by Matt Ryan. There has been a very clear majority everywhere, from ESPN to the Falcons own message board. Since January we’ve been told this team was going to build the lines, focus on the lines, strengthen the lines….did they mean the flatline that most certainly will be in the starting Falcons QB future?

Oh, AJC…please stop the interns from manipulating the polls, you guys have been doing that for the last 3 years and we’re on to you.

By Step back and think

April 27, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Guys no matter who we picked, the falcons were/are going to suck major next year…that much is a given. We will be in the top 10 again next year and we’ll pick up the stud DT or OT. What I’ve learned: 1.)TD obviously didn’t like the look of the LB corps..Demario is gone, Boley is going to sign for big money somewhere else, and Brooking is over the hill. That’s 3 LB’s we’ll have to replace before 2009 starts. We are starting early. 2.)Instead of taking a franchise DT, we took a franchise QB…Which to me means we think we’ll suck for at least 1 more year, possibly 2. QB takes the longest to mature into, and we went with the longterm investment. We’ll go after the big-time DT next year. 3.)We took a WR…Why all the angst? Besides Roddy we have no true playmaker here. Ryan has to have someone to throw to. 4.) I’m a GT fan, but I like the Thomas Brown pick. Good RB that can return kicks, and one tough SOB.

Look for Ryan to sit until we get a OL solidified. If they don’t play well all year, he won’t play. Next year’s draft will be the line-heavy draft. This isn’t a patch-up job… The falcons are deficient at every position. If TD can get us to .500 by 2k9 it will be a miracle

By salinsa

April 27, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Dimitroff was be summoning his inner Dan Reeves because this is a very Reeves-like draft

By Zeb McKluskey

April 27, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

WILL, while I respect your vet status, please go back to the VA hospital and get some meds. It’s very difficult to follow some of your posts.

Supes, what the hell man?? I’ve already told you to put in your resume as Assistant GM to the Falcons. I guess they didn’t call huh???

Man, I can’t believe I’m surrounded by so many football guru’s on here. And if you guys are sooooo good, why are you on your computer and not in the draft room with the Falcons??? Oh, I see, because you’re armchair recruiters. Ya see, I get it. My input on here means squat. Your input on here means squat. You geniuses can b!tch and moan til you’re blue in the dam face and I promise….that Dimitroff or Coach Smith will never call you to see if they’ve done a good job in the draft.

What you CAN do is try and stand behind this franchise and LET’S SEE WHAT HAPPENS!!!!!!

It’s all a crap-shoot in the end. Just be a Falcon fan and stop all the judging. I swear, being on here is like playin cards with my brothers kids!!

By vnjagvet

April 27, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Most commenters fail to realize that in the grand scheme of things, few linemen are drafted.

In seven rounds, on offense, only 6 centers were drafted, 21 tackles(we took the sixth), and 11 guards were drafted. That comes to a bit more than one per team.

On defense, 17 defensive tackles and 24 defensive ends were drafted, also a little more than 1 per team.

The idea that anyone stocks up on line talent in the draft is bs.

Many of the great linemen are picked up as free agents and coached up to starters.

New England has done this for years. Name me one big time college lineman drafted high by and now playing for New England.

By Raymond Dickey

April 27, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

This new GM is not impressive to me. He said that the Falcons will draft for need. The Falcons needed players in the Offense and Defensive lines and the did not get them. Why take the third pick and get additional picks.Matt Ryan was not a need. Redmon did a great job last season after being away from football. Atlanta needed linemen. They could have tried to trade the number three pick to Kansas for their nuber one and a third round pick. If Kansas wanted Matt let them take him. Oakland was not going to draft him. Ley Oakland make their pick. Now you have the nuber five pick between New England and the New York Jets. New England wanted Vernon Golshton. Drop down to seven and let New Englang lepfrog The Jets and at worst case Atlanta would have picked up Sedrick Ellis, whom I like very much. He could picked up additional draft choices to fill as he said, needs. Pi$$ poor draft.

By Supes

April 27, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Falcons fans, we were all deceived by the “we will build inside out” comment.

Apparently they have no intention of getting D-Lineman and O-lineman through the draft…rather get people like undersized RB, WR and a safety nobody’s ever heard of…when you had Steltz here from LSU who is a headhunter and a football player!

Plus the redskins got the best of the Falcons with that 1st round switch!

By Thomas

April 27, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

With the three 3rd round picks I was hoping for Atlanta to draft DT Pat Sims or DT Tre Moore with the #68 pick, OT Anthony Collins with the #84 pick, and CB Justin King with the #98 pick. While I am sure that they are following their scouts advice by drafting these guys, it just seems like we had higher needs on the offensive and defensive lines. I waited for 5 rounds to see us take on OL or DL, but it never happened. With so many draft choices on the LB position, is it possible that we are quietly moving to a 3-4 defense?

By Retired Falcon

April 27, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

I think they must be planning on signing around 25 undrafted linemae and having a Marine Corps. type basic training and those that survive will stay on the team. I hope the new quarterback has a lot of padding in the seat of his pants as he will be on it a lot.

By usul

April 27, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

The new yankee falcons staff picked non SEC players except for the undersized (5’8”) Brown from UGA. I believe we drafted a few just for trade options later. Our OL and DL needs can’t have just been forgotten. I’m sure there’s a plan later in terms of FAs or trades. It was certainly puzzling to see all the LB picks. It’s obvious we want the best LB core we can get for a 3-4 defense. I’m psyched to have Ryan on the team. Baker will be a great asset. The talk about short arms is crazy. Makes him sound like he has T-Rex arms or something. The guy is a monster on the line. Wait and see. It would have been nice to have gotten more SEC players. Looking forward to the first pre-season game. I like the eye for character given in this draft. We’ve never had such attention to this before. I’m so tired of the thugs, whinners, and gangstas. Good luck birds.

By HB

April 27, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Things started out looking great. I was pleased with Ryan, Baker, and Lofton, although, I was hoping if they went with a linebacker it would be later on in the draft. I was hoping they would address CB AND DT then maybe try to pick up an inside linebacker but I could live with the Lofton pick. Chevis Jackson was a decent pick then it’s as if the Falcons just forgot their needs. with some linemen left who at one time was projected as first or second rounders and some decent defensive tackles you would think that would have been the direction they would have gone, but the next 7 picks didn’t even come close to addressing the major needs. Did they let McKay run the second day of the draft?

By EDOUB

April 27, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Hey, like alot of people I am confused because I feel that we made good decisions with TD and MS. The only thing that does make sense is maybe we are preparing to run MS Jacksonville Def…the 3-4. Picked alot of LB…..Hmmmm???

By jt

April 27, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Take it easy everybody. There are tons of free agents out there to fill the o-line and the d-line.

By Big Bull essie Jack

April 27, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Kroy Biermann given the chance will be a real sleeper. He’s a wild man, and He,ll knock the crap out of somebody. Reminds me of Keith Brooking when he was at tech!

By 74 Dawg

April 27, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

the falcons just traded their second round pic next year for the redskins third string tight end . But he has great character.

By long time falcon

April 27, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Ken, I mentioned earlier in the blog about a possible switch to a 3-4 defense. That is the only explanation that I can come up with in regards to drafting all of these OLB’s. But if this is the case they should have drafted a guy like frank okham from Texas who would have been a perfect fit at the nose tackle in a 3-4. I hope big grady is on mike smith’s speed dial because we don’t have the big nose it takes to play that defense. Did the ravens super bowl team play a 3-4 defense when smith was the defensive line coach? Maybe he and dimitroff decided that this was the defense they wanted to play. I hope someone in the local falcon media adresses this issue with these guys. I’m confused about the direction of this draft.

By MD Cain

April 27, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Yes the Falcons did blow it but not the draft. They could have had their pick of a quality GM right here on this board instead of hiring a know -nothing like Dimitroff. It’s obvious the GM has no clue. They should have let the geniuses on this board run the draft. Most of you people threatning to give up your season tickets couldn’t spell cat if you were spotted the c and a nor could you compose a coherent sentence. I doubt if you make enough money to even afford season tickets.

By Sell The Falcons

April 27, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Basically after watching this draft it is quite obvious that the Falcons are not attempting to build a strong franchise for this city, the Falcons management must of been drunk when they made their pics, and enjoy watching their QBs run around the backfield like sprinters rather than getting them an O line so the QB can have poise and throw deep.

Needless to say, Blank you have no clue what to due and with your GM hiring…do the city a favor, sell the team to a individual who knows something about Football and how about you go and buy a soccer team where irrelavent moves don’t matter…

Hey everyone at least tickets will be cheap lol

By 74 Dawg

April 27, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Thomas Brown,D.J. Shockley, this draft smells like Arthur Blank all over again.

By 74 Dawg

April 27, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Bubba Bean,where are you when we need you ? and what about the guy the falcons traded for to toughen the team up who later revealed he was into colon cleansing on a regular basis? he would fit in well w/ the current regime.

By St. Bernard

April 27, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

I’m really excited to read the explication of this from Dimi.

By Falcon Fan

April 27, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Well I know this is a 2 to 3 year plan. You can’t change from the Vick hybrid West Coast to the Petrino spread to the now new power football overnight.

This team has been gutted and one draft wont fix it. I am going to wait till opening day to see what the first version of the team looks like. There are still cuts to be made by June 1 so they could pick up a lineman then or after other team cuts.

If they didnt think the guys on the board were good enough or have another way to get talent then so be it. The bottom line is wins and loses.

I know you guys are frustrated but lets wait and see the entire plan is.

By the way the drafting of so many secondary people is the develop depth and having bodies on special teams.

Brookins and Jimmy.Williams will not be falcons much longer. Brook has a big cap number and will probably play his last season here.

By GT GRAD

April 27, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

FALCONS BRASS: SIGN GARY GUYTON - LB FROM GT NOW…….HE IS BETTER RIGHT NOW AND ALSO HAS MORE UPSIDE POTENTIAL THAN ANY OF THE LB WE DRAFTED THE LAST TWO DAYS!!!

LOFTON ONLY STARTED 4 GAMES AS A SOPHMORE AND ONE YEAR AS A JUNIOR; THE OTHER LB “PROSPECTS” WE DRAFTED MIGHT BE SPECIAL TEAM PLAYERS, BUT WILL PROBABLY NOT EVEN BE WITH THE TEAM 3 YEARS FROM NOW.

HORRIBLE DRAFT EFFORT. THE FALCONS BRASS MISSED SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES TO DRASTICALLY IMPROVE THE TEAM.

By WILL

April 27, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

MATTRYAN UNLESS YOU HAND THE BALL OFF EVERYDOWN YOU WILL BE IN A MORGUE THIS YEAR YOU WANT TO COME TO LOSERSVILLE VEGAS SHOULD SET THE LINE ON WHEN YOU WILL GET YOUR LEGS BROKEN WHAT GAME?ISAY IN THE PRESEASON OR THEY WILL LET JOEY TAKE THE BEATING AGAIN THIS YEAR AND WHY IN THE HELL DID THE FALCONS SIGN A KICKER THE OTHERDAY WHEN WE ALREADY HAVE ELAM DO THE FALOCONS HAVE ANY IDEA ON WHAT IS GOING ON DRAFTS LIKE THIS MAKES ME BELIEVE BLANK IS BETTING AGAINST HIS OWN TEAM THIS IS HOW HE IS PROBABLY MAKING HIS PAYROLL BECAUSE HOW IN THE HELL CAN BLANK PAY VICK AND RYAN WITHOUT SOME HOCUS POCUS GOING ON SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE BUT I LOVE IT BECAUSE I WILL FLY TO VEGAS EVERYWEEKEND THIS YEAR AND BET AGAINST THE FALCONS EVERY TIME AND WIN.THIS DRAFT BY THE FALCONS GETTING A #3 PICK AND CHOOSING A QB AND ONLY DRAFT IOFFENSIVE LINEMAN AND WE ALL SAW HOW VICK HAD TO SCRAMBLE AND HE STILL GOT HIS LEG BROKE THERE IS SOMETHING FISHY IN THIS ORGANIZATION NOBODY COULD BE THIS STUPID

By Ackshun

April 27, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Here we go again!

You can’t build a solid team by letting your marketing department handle the draft. Nothing here has changed. The Falcons have largely wasted a draft where they had a clear advantage in the number of selections they had in early rounds. A perfect chance to effect a positive change WASTED.

They are going to get drilled next season and the only consolation is that the games won’t be broadcast so at least I won’t have to look at them.

Blank should have swallowed his pride and brought Reeves back.

The new regime is as clueless as the old one was.

It’s going to be a long painful season.

By TonyJ

April 27, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Why did we hire Dimitroff again? Rich Mckay could have done this bad of a draft.

By Mike L.

April 27, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

I agree with some of you - this will be a two year process. Now, there will not be a franchise querterback coming out next year and the fact that it usually takes a year, even for th best qbs, to get adjusted to the NFL - they had no choice but to take Ryan.

I also agree - he will probably experience what Manning did in Indy in his first year, but I think Baker was the only lineman they had a chance to get and they liked. I prefer them to draft good players - and that seems to be the common among the Falcons draftees - solid football players with high football IQ. Even if you need a lineman - what good is a lineman that can’t play? You don’t draft just because … One year into the new system and adding defensive/offensive line help in the freeagency or next year’s draft, we will be on our way to the top of the league. If you guys thought that all the problems will be solved by picking two or three players you need to wake up and get with reality.

By cam

April 27, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

The 1st pick sucks; He’s not even a top 10 pick. Money stupidly spent

Will not be renewing my season tickets. Send me my $100.00 deposit back!!!

By Alfred

April 27, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious, Thomas Dimitroff really did not understand the needs of the Falcons. Matt Ryan is a great selection for the birds, but how healthy will he be in a couple of years without a frontline. Mr. Blank, the next time you choose a GM, make sure he knows and understands the needs of the Falcons first. The Falcons needs are linemen on both side of the ball. What a waste with the second pick, he will be a risk. Dimitroff, did you read the injury report?

By OpinionsAreLike

April 27, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Its all in your head. No one knows if it is a good or bad draft until a year from now. How can you? You can’t but you have to have an opinion now or what would you have to say. The season is not started, trades and free agents are still to be done. Wait and see who is one the field when the season starts. All their needs were not going to be fixed in one year. This draft may be horrible but you can’t possibly know today. That is a fact jack!

By FIRE DUMBOtroff!

April 27, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

What a surprise! Day 2 was also a complete FAILURE!

DUMBOtroff fails to beef up either line and pulls a desperate PR move, by drafting UGA’s Brown. (I know, TB was very good in college, blah, blah, blah). It doesn’t matter!

Formula for Failure = Can’t Run, Can’t Stop Run, and Don’t have time to pass b/c OL can’t provide enough Pass Protection for a FLEA!!

Why can’t Atl run or pass protect? Draft is over and OL is STILL LOUSY!

That’s why every livig soul, who plays one down behind that ATL OL, deserves $50 million in hazard pay.

They should build a hospital extension with top notch critical care unit at the Dome! At least what’s left of the SMASHED UP QBs and RBs won’t have far too crawl!

LET’S NOT WASTE ANY MORE TIME, FIRE DUMBOtroff!!!!!

By gfed2008

April 27, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Sam Baker was a 3 time 1st team All-American at USC…and 2nd team his Senior season because of injury. He was a 4 year starter on the best team in the nation for those years. He would’ve been taken behind Joe Thomas should he have left after his Jr. season. He will be great. Matt Ryan was a huge risk, but he might pull through. You have to give him at least 3 years before you rush to judgment.

By Greg

April 27, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Can I have dibs on Matt Ryan’s kidneys? I have an organ broker in Hong Kong who will give me $10G for a bruised kidney that has been shot out of a human body after a viscious tackle.

By mrdonut

April 27, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Terrance Moore once again showed his “you know what,” to the dwindling AJC readership. I liked the first days picks alot. The second days picks, not so much.

By saint

April 27, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Just maybe Smith and Dimitroff know more about drafting than we do. Anyway, here’s a vote for Grady Jackson.

By WILL

April 27, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

AJC NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THE FALCONS WHEN I WAS IN VEGAS THE NFL WAS INVESTIGATING TEAMS THE GAME THEY WERE WATCHING WAS ATLANTA VS ARIZONA AFEW YEARS AGO THE GAME THE FAKLCONS LOST IN OVERTIME AFTER THE FALCON RAN INTO METCALF ON THE PUNT ,METCALF FUMBLED FALCONS LOST IN OVERTIME,IWON THAT GAME I HAD ARIZONA, BUT IM SAYING THIS DRAFT SOMETHING IS SCREWEY IN LOSERSVILLE NOBODY CAN DRAFT THIS DAMN STUPID

By cb

April 27, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

I will give our GM and HC the benefit of the doubt. I have to because on the surface this draft didn’t appear to address our perceived glaring needs on both lines. Nice to see that we have addressed the need to replace Brooking though. Dimitroff is a talent evaluator and Smith a defensive coordinator who believes in strong play in the trenches. This is their philosophy so they know what is needed to make this team a winner. Why else would they “purposely” not address these needs unless they felt either they would address them after July 1st or they already have the personnel and they just need to be “coached up”. There is no other logical explaination. Like I said I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt. GO FALCONS!!!!!!

By WILL

April 27, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

THIS TEAM AJC YOU CALL A FRANCHISE IS PATHETIC I GUARANTEE THEY WONT WIN 4GAMES IN 2008

By Eric

April 27, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

I’m now looking for a new team.

By WILL

April 27, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

falcons ignoring ols and dls AJC IGNORING MY COMMENTS YOU DONT WANT TO PRINT WHAR I WRITE I AM GOING TO TAKE IT TO SOME MEDIA MYSELF BECAUSE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG IN LOSERSVILLE THE BEST THING IS FOR THE OWNERS TO DO A LOCKOUT AND END THIS SEASON FAST SO YOUR FALCONS WONT GET EMBARRASED ANYMORE PERIOD THIS TEAMcould put JESUS in charge of the draft and it would get screwed up this franchise is just jinxed or they are making money somewhere else because as i keep wruting nobody can be this stupid NOBODY KEEP IT UP AJC MY COMMENTS ARE TRUE I AM A VIETNAM VET AND I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE

By WILL

April 27, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

THE FALCONS SUX PRINT THAT AJC YOURE AS DUMB AS THE FALCONS ALL YOU GO TOGETHER YOU ARE ALL LOSERS

By Steve T

April 27, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Just like the Falcons to build your hopes up and then crash them. Every great team has started with great linemen and we blew it. Any coach on any level will tell you if you had a chance to get a great DT, you take him. The Steelers great team was started with Mean Joe Greene and then Terry B. Dallas had great DTs in place before Roger the dodger. Russell Maryland and Leon Lett was the key the super bowl runs. NE had geat DTs before Brady showed up.

NY Gaints just proved that great DL will beat a great QB any day of the week.

I really lost it when the Falcons took Baker. This guys was projected to go in the 3rd and we moved up in the first to take him. I was like WTF! We missed out on a great CB in Leddis McKelvin.

By robo

April 27, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Give Thomas D. and the brain trust a chance; they obviously have a game plan (or so we hope) on what they are doing-we can bash them all day long this time next year-they are paid to run the show. the birds have made the right moves in the front office to get things right now let them do their thing-will and you other sorry winers just shut up!

By robert

April 27, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

I love it. ATL drafts David Carr, no Matt Ryan to replace Michal Vick as the face of the franchise. You gotta be kidding me. Why didn’t ATL draft Glenn Dorsey? I know, so Glenn could sack Matt. All I can say is wow, and I know that I will be able to sit on the 50 yard line for 5 dollars for years to come. Thanks ATL front Office.

By FreeAmerican

April 27, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Ryans’ pick was just to say “Vick is over in Atlant”.

Falcons should get the nukber one next year.

By teebone

April 27, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

It was said doing the draft that the majority of the season ticket holders were of the minority race. Well guys, your IQ is really showing. Give the guys a chance, hold your words until thke season is over.

By michaelgee

April 27, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Evidently TD and Smitty agree that the coaching schemes were wrong and that the players we have can be coached up and do a sufficient job. Notwithstanding, Free Agency may bring in some beef as well.

I think we drafted hitters, and specialty people. FA will bring the rest.

By Pogo Stick Comments

April 27, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Stupid team I think I will start following the Minnesota Vikings now.

By jewell west

April 27, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

let’s give them a chance. no one has seen the first play from the trenches. I’m sure all of blog gm’s could make better pichs than TM. maybe AB will pay you millions next year.

By WesleyB

April 27, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

This is a new regime and they deserve the benefit of the doubt, but frankly I am wary.

I was stoked to hear them talk about smashmouth football and to build the lines up first.

Sam Baker was such a hot commodity they had to trade up to get him? Does not sound like it to me.

I guess they feel they can get one more year from our existing lines, and then build them up too, right?

I feel queasy.

By kj

April 27, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

For all of you “falcons fans” who are ready to abandon ship, GOOD RIDDENCE! Everyone who is loyal to this team will hitch up our trailers to the coaches and gm and ride into the sunset. We’ll see u guys in 2 or 3 years when we’re fighting for the NFC Championship!

By longtime falconfan

April 27, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

I’m over the ryan / dorsey drama.
I have even convinced myself to be ok withough draft any DT’s with some of our offseason acquisitions. Now, certainly none are worth getting excited about, but at least they are warm bodies.
But seriously, do we even have enough offensive tackles to field a team if Baker or justin blalock (who I thought was working out at guard now?) goes down?

last time I looked at our roster there was 4 centers, 3 guards (which includes blaylock), & 1…count ‘em 1 tackle (our newly acquired baker). not to mention that fact that nearly all were undrafted players, when in 6 /7th round, or were picked up off other teams waivers.

i have no idea whether we had a good or bad draft…but I’m really scratchy my head on how we are EVER going to be a self announced power running team.

I certainly didn’t expect all of our woes to be solved in this draft….but really, do we need 11 dbacks on the roster??? …allowing us to just squeeze in ONE offensive lineman?

By RTR

April 27, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

I tried to tell you, make sure you can block and tackle, before you start thinking about throwing it.

By kj

April 27, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

And another thing, Did you guys forget that we just had a mini camp prior to the draft. Maybe, just Maybe management saw enough in our current acquisitions and guys on roster to warrant our shoring up the secondary and middle D. There have been numerous articles published about how coach smith is cross training the lineman so maybe there is a method to the madness. There are a couple of mini camps coming up as well as the june training camp. How about we at least wait until then before you guys grab the torches and rope.

By tiger7_88

April 27, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

For those of you whining that “Sam Baker really doesn’t have short arms!”, you’re right… he doesn’t. But that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t PLAY with short arms.

In football lingo, an OT with “short arms” means that he has a tendency to pass block with his arms bent instead of extended. What this does is allow the defensive player that the OT is blocking to get into the OT’s body and use his momentum to shed the block and disrupt the play. Strong defensive linemen can do this to OT with “short arms”. The NFL is full of very, very strong defensive linemen (except, of course, in Atlanta).

Best of luck, Matty Ryan. You might want to order extra padding inside your helmet.

By brian

April 27, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

steve justice was the #1 or #2 center who lasted to the 6th round. I think he would have been worth a chance with a 5th or our 6th round pick

By Rocket

April 27, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Folks, the mess that is the Atlanta Falcons was not created in one year, it will take more than one year to fix it.

But I am very PLEASED with this start, you drafted a very intelligent, bright, strong armed, good leader to play the most difficult position on the field.

Then you follow it up with a stud tackle, any guy playing LT for USC will be ready for the NFL day one.

Well, you earned the right to keep my season ticket account open, Great job!

Jim

By Chuck

April 27, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

11 picks, ONE lineman, one way overmatched GM that doesn’t have a clue and can’t even follow his own blueprint.

By anti-blogger

April 27, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

All you idiots should know it will take 2 to 3 years for the Falcons to be respectable. You arm chair coaches make me sick reading your crap. GIVE THEM A CHANCE BEFORE YOU FLAME THEM! FREAKING IDIOTS!!!!

By Rod

April 27, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Blank is an idiot, Dimitroff is a rookie GM that proved he dont know anything about how to draft. Mike Smith can not be blamed for this mess because he would have taken Ryan and built the line of scrimmage in the draft. Dimitroff is an idiot who will be fired as soon as Ryan busts.

By Georgia Boy

April 27, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

The lesson to be drawn from this weekend�s draft is that the Falcon�s roster is in much worse shape than even the most cynical fan could have imagined. . Messrs. Dimitroff and Smith have apparently come to conclusion that the current roster is more reflective of an expansion team than an established franchise �hence their emphasis on focusing the drafting at specific positions. The stark truth is that the Flacons are probably three draft classes away from being able to talk about when respectability might be attainable and probably 5-6 years away from the possibility of becoming a good football team. Why so long? Because all of these drafted players will have to convert their potential into value, and the needs are so great. Ask the Hawks how painful that road can be.

By ignition

April 27, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

This could possible be the WORST draft in the last decade for the Falcon.. How do you blow it so big.. This was painful and is gonna be even more painful for the next 4 to 5 yrs.. Jeez the best defensive player in the draft right there the building block for your franchise and you blow it… This is even worse than the same ole Falcons, this hurts, there is no hope… Hell at least I can say GO HAWKS

By wait'll 2009?

April 27, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

sad, sad draft. can’t believe our needs were ignored. so tough to be a fan of this team and now it’s gotten even tougher.

By Hamad Meander

April 27, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t think I can be more disappointed with this draft. I know that I am just a fan, an observer you may say, but when the whole contingent of fans and the front office says “We’re going to build up this team from the front lines back” so sort of expect them to do so.

One offensive linemen and no defensive linemen. Are. You. Kidding. Me?

This team had tons of needs that weren’t addressed and some strengths that were overly strengthen. How in the world is that going to help this team progress.

I cannot believe someone who worked for the New England Patriots had his hand on this draft. This looks like the work of someone who doesn’t understand what big men bring to the table, and doesn’t understand where the needs were on this team.

I am flabbergasted. Watching the draft on TV made me so stinkin’ mad I wanted to puke.

SHAME ON YOU MR. BLANK, Mr. Dimitroff, Mr. Smith and anyone else involved in this franchise.

Mr. Matt Ryan - I wish you the best, but for your sake, please buy the best helmet and pads you can get.

By ignition

April 27, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

This draft make Billy Knight look like a genius…

By Keepinitreal

April 27, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

You have to watch and listen to the Falcons war room during the draft on YouTube!

Absolutely H Y S T E R I C A L

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AQIuoBcEk0

By Falcon Dave

April 27, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Although The dreaded Gen. Sherman burned my city in a day,up until Smith and Dimitroff, one could still ingest the vapors of ruin in Fort Flowery Branch. Relax. Read a book. Smile at your wife. Our new Generals are proving that above all else, that they will attempt to draft young men with character.Men that are smart, positive, eager to be coached,and enjoy the exitement of violent contact in the arena of football.Team players comprising a unit that obey the schematic to the best of their ability is the only proven way to navigate the road of variables to success. Youngins’ that ain’t thinking like Smitty will either change in a hurry, or change uniforms even faster.See what takes place after July free agency.We will play hard and supprise early.Within two years , division contenders.Integrity, it erases distractions and captures the point

By ItsMeMann

April 27, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan + Four Years = Joey Harrington

By why so many dogs?

April 27, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Here go the Falcons trying to appeal to the UGA fans in athens rather than build a solid team. This happens every year, draft and free agents. Thomas Brown this year, Martrez Milner (9 career receptions), DJ Shockley (never taken a NFL snap), signing Terrence Edwards (1 career reception), signing Fred Gibson (kicked off team before ever playing), and Tony Taylor (11 career tackles). Can’t wait until they go after more clipboard holders like David Greene or Musa Smith. At least they will sucker in UGA fans into buying tickets I guess.

By MH

April 27, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Overall a pretty good draft. I would have liked to have seen another OL, but a couple of the guys that I hoped they would grab actually didn’t get drafted, so they can be signed as undrafted FA’s. Look for at least 2 OL to be picked up. Some other thoughts:

1) Special teams was terrible last year. Late round LBs, TEs, DBs, and S are usually the most productive special teams players. I think some of the decisions were to choose depth/special teams help rather than reach for someone that they just didnt rate that high, even though there was a need.

2) The wave of DTs signed in the offseason will probably be better than any DT they could have drafted in rds 4-7. Outside of Dorsey and Ellis, this was a pretty weak DT class.

3) WR might not be the biggest need, but it is a need. This team does not have a slot receiver. Adam Jennings was supposed to be that guy and never made it there. Harry Douglas will be solid. I think he’ll be used like Hines Ward in Pit’s offense.

4) Character is bigger on some teams than others and I don’t know of another team that might put more stock in it now. The Falcons don’t just need talented players, they also need players that can change the mentality and the image of the team. They need leaders and winners as much as they need fast runners and big bodies. I say this because I don’t think some of the guys that we all wanted them to draft as the draft went on were even on their board. OT Carl Nicks and Barry Richardson are examples. I thought they would go alot earlier than they did and I was disappointed when the Falcons passed on them over and over. But at the end of the day, I think they looked at some guys and said, you have the talent, but you might do more damage on my team than good.

By GeorgiaYankeesFan

April 27, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Well I was willing to give Falcs benefit of the doubt yesterday, today I’m not so sure especially learning how much of a role Arthur “I can run Home Depot I can run an NFL team” Blank played in picking Matt Ryan. Look, Mr. Blank, I know you’ve sunk a lot of money into this team over the last few yrs and you think you are contributing with your hands on management style but all you are doing is making the new GM and new coach get all weirded out by your involvement. Mr. Blank stick to overseeing improvements to the Georgia Dome, developing a new state of the art player parking lot at Flowery Branch, working on getting the Falcs a new stadium but please stay out of GM Tommy’s new kitchen. Let him along with the coach pick the players. There is no need for you to meet with Matt Ryan so you can feel better about how you’re spending your money. No other owner met with Matt Ryan except you Mr. Blank, what does that tell you? Do you think Long met with anyone else other than Parcells before he signed with the Phins. Your meddling not only gives the GM and coach headaches but also limits the ability for us to work a deal on draft day. Every other team in the league knew how smitten the owner of the Falcons was with Ryan, what’s the point in picking up the phone and calling the GM to work any sort of deal. Mr. Blank we beg you, take a step back and let your football people, make football decisions. Let’s end the wine and dine act you put on at every turn and follow the lead of every successful team in the NFL. Sit back and let your hard earned money work for you.

By fred

April 27, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

you have to be joking me. I waited allyear for that BS. Any one need season ticets. Hold up and the first pick for the Atlanta Falcon is Matt Ryan I know you are kidding right???????????

By michael

April 27, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Man they blew it. we wasted 2 second round picks on a guy that was late second round material and picked him in the first. We couldve got him had they kept the picks.

We should have taken dorsey bc after him and sedrick ellis there isnt a d tackle close. While Brohm and Henne arent far behind Matt Ryan. Guess ic an sit the next 2 years out until a new staff gets in. Im sure somewhere rich mcKay is laughin his AZZ off lol

By Dan

April 27, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Most of the fans in this blog are clueless. Do you really think the Falcons are done? The draft used to be 17 rounds. The Falcons will continue to build via free agency and undrafted college players. Stay tuned and be patient bandwagon jumpers. This will take time. Don’t expect a Super Bowl ring next year!

By GAMike

April 27, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Falcons also picked up UGA DE Brandon Miller as an undrafted free agent.

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

By dodgeit

April 27, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Can I say disapointed!!! I hope my fears do not become reality. I will wait and see what they play like this year but this looks like typical falcons. Arthur (still shooting) Blanks. and Rich Mckay. I would say Dorsey is extremely happy he did not get drafted by this team the falcons are cursed. Now wonder the tuna dissed on them the way he did. Who would want to work for the Jerry Jones wanna be. Arthur Please sale the Falcons so maybe the next owner will try to let football minds run the show. I’m glad Home Depot car got in a wreck today the only thing that would have made it better would have been if Arthur and Rich were plastered on the hood. Your killing me it’s harder than ever to be a falcons fan. I’m sure Mora is laughing his a* off at the moment. One of the best young coaches in the league and you take sides with Vick and fire Mora and look where it got you. Blank you deserve everything that is coming to you the ones that don’t deserve this are the fans. I’m sure this makes all of the old guys that wore falcons jerseys proud. Arthur Please Please Please sale the Falcons so our fans don’t have to put up with you and McKay anymore

By Chris

April 27, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Give these guys some time to work. Don’t forget we used to have 12 rounds in the draft. There will be offensive lineman as well as defensive lineman from free agency as well as veteran D-lineman that we can bring in. If you thought we could complete a team with 11 picks you are drinking in a bar with Terrance Moore.

By Miles D

April 27, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Okay…for all the haters. I have sat and read all the comments about race and the QB issues in Atl. I have been a falcon fan all my life and all I can say is that I don’t care who or what color our QB is as long as we can win games and eventually a SUPERBOWL because thats what were in it for. But as much as some want Matt Ryan to become the saviour of the franchise guess what? He definitly won’t without a OL no matter WHO they put back there! He is not blessed with the atheletic ability of MV, Vick managed to give us alot of thrills despite! He (Matt)threw enormous amounts or ints against basic defenses,and finally, you have got to take this into consideration. He looked no better than Joey Harrington, Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf, Geno Torretta, Ware, and every other highly touted QB that were bust. I don’t like to say it but he has it written all over ‘em! So, thanks for all the negative sentiments now we go even further down the tubes with this guy and Dimitroff’s rookie a* making rookie a* mistakes! THANKS!

By Falcon Dave

April 27, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Integrity, overcomes distraction, and magnifies with clarity the intended purpose.Fifty three men working as one is forever much more illusive than one man’s speed or another man’s strength gleaming and apparent, temporal and definable, yet incapable(solo)of capturing the purpose of unity, and the rewarding goal of winning.

By dallas falcon

April 27, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

THIS ENTIRE DRAFF HAS THE SMELL OF NEW ENGLAND FARM CLUB WRITTEN ALL OVER IT BECAUSE WHEN WE CUT ALL OF THOSE LINEBACKERS DEFENCIF BACKS RECIEVERS RUNING BACKS ETC.GUESS WHO STEPS IN AND TAKES WHAT THEY WANT AND NEED

By Frank

April 27, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

I am a 6 year former season ticket holder. I am so glad that I did not renew my season tickets, based on the draft the Falcons have not addressed their most pressing needs OL & DL. Until we can do complete at the point of attack with simple blocking and tackling a 4 & 12 record is the best we can expect…..

Fayetteville

By Chris

April 27, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Here’s the breakdown: Baker had injuries but was as good as it gets at Left Tackle. Booty was sacked a total of 4 times under the care of Baker. The WR is for kick returns. Remember we didn’t have one last year. Linebackers- Brookings will need to be replaced next year. The 3rd pick is a head hunter and will make immediate impact. Safeties and corners are to replace Lawyor and Williams. D-line will come through free agrency. Rod may return.

By Miles D

April 27, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

And not to mention we have an owner that doesn’t know a lick about the sport! He is only in it for the money and our agony. Why do you think Parcells turned him down? Because he doesn’t have a mind of his own like all racist in the south! He cares too much about what someone else thinks instead of whats good and whats right for the football world!

By monty

April 27, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry but I just don’t get it! Take Dorsey, then get Flacco or Brohm later. WE even traded picks to get the SC guy and now I read that he has been injured alot. I like Thomas Brown, but another RB?

By Ken Strickland

April 27, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

ROGUE 42-I know you actually believe you know what you’re talking about and you’re making sense. Take your “YEA, AND BROHM AND HENNE WERE SOOOO GOOD THEY FELL TO 56TH AND 57TH” comment. Tom Brady fell the 190’s in the 6th rd. Did that mean he wasn’t a good QB, or didn’t have the character, ability, intelligence or leadership to outperform a QB taken in the 1st rd, like Bledsoe, the 1st rd QB he replaced?

Being in the War Room and being a GM doesn’t necessarily give one more insight than an informed fan. Look at all of the former Falcon GM’s that have been in Dimitroff’s situation and failed. There’s a reason the Falcons have one of the worst draft records in the NFL and have never had back to back winning seasons in its 43yr history. Yes, there are fans that could have done better, believe me.

Drafting Dorsey wouldn’t have guaranteed we’d have made the playoffs, but it would have given us a better chance. Ryan isn’t even a sure thing to become a starter. Our OL gave up 47 sacks last yr. If Ryan threw 19 INT’s under pressure in college, what can we expect from him on the NFL level with our OL and going up against NFL DEF’s? Are you really dumb enough to think Baker is going to make that much of a difference, assuming he actually becomes a starter. Remember, he was a 2nd rd projection on a lot of boards.

It’s amazing how some of you are stupid enough to think the Falcons had a good draft. Consider this. (1)Our pass rush was the worst in the NFL. How did we address that? (2)Our run and pass DEF was near the bottom of the NFL. How was that addressed? (3)Our best pass rusher, DE JAbraham, has been injury prone and far less effective because he gets double and triple teamed. What did we do to address that? (4)DT TLewis is last yrs only returning starter and he’s on IR. His rehab was set back because he reinjuried his surgically repaired knee. Therefore, we don’t have a single DT projected as a starter for training camp.

Only a football illiterate would be foolish to think you can win in the NFL without DEF. Good solid DEF starts with a solid DL and so does good OFF. Most of the better QB’s that the Falcons history got victimized by porus and below average OL’s. Just ask SBarkowski, CMiller, CChandler and a host of others. I hope Ryan isn’t added to that list.

I hope those of you who are psychologically scared by the Falcons having MVick as their former QB can put your confederate mentalities to rest. You seem to be obcessed with the idea of psychologically being able to put this so called MVick era to rest.

Although, he QB’d us to the most successful era in Atlanta Falcons history in terms of regular season wins, playoff wins and conference titles. However, you should remember this. MIKE VICK WAS IN JAIL AND ON THE FALCONS ROSTER BEFORE MRYAN WAS DRAFTED. AFTER MRYAN WAS DRAFTED WITH THE #3 PICK, MVICK WAS STILL IN JAIL AND STILL ON THE ROSTER. SO IF THE MIKE VICK ERA EXISTED WHEN MRYAN WAS DRAFTED, IT DIDN’T END BECAUSE VICK IS STILL IN JAIL AND STILL ON THE ROSTER. SO DRAFTING MRYAN HASN’T CHANGED VICKS STATUS OR ENDED ANY SO CALLED ERA, JUST IN CERTAIN DILLUSIONAL MINDS?

By Reality

April 27, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Whoa this Blog is a hoot. How many of you are professional football scouts, coaches, etc.? Have any of you worked in professional football (and I don’t mean a job in the ticket office)? Ah - that’s right - it’s obvious. Read up on all NFL related websites, watch SEC football, buy a subscription to ESPN Insider, listen to SIRUIS NFL radio and voila — you’re a qualified NFL talent evaluator. Riigghht.

Now ponder for a moment…. do you second guess your spouse, doctor, mechanic, friends, politicians (just kidding on that one..)? You do? Oh, well I suppose the “man” is keeping you down too. Bummer.

Chill ATL NFL wannabe’s… you’re not going to get instant gratification; this is not a microwave dinner. You won’t know whether your new team leadership and first group of players are any good for at least 12-24 months….

Try to at least enjoy the ride!!

By Tracy

April 27, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Clearly Mr. Ledbetter has not paid attention to the Falcon’s free agency signings. Alex Stepanovich was picked up from Arizona. Stepanovich played Center for Arizona and most likely was signed as a Center. But he also has experience at other offensive line positions. Doug Datish, a rookie from last year, is also listed as a Center but has experience on all offensive line positions. He was a college starter at left tackle, left guard and center. If the Falcons plan on running the ball like I have heard they intend, Ben Hartsock is a fullback who was also used as blocker when running the ball. I fully respect everyone’s right to their own opinion but it does not sound to me like this particular writer had all his facts before criticizing what I feel was a decent draft day. I think the fact that Matt Ryan was signed as our new face of the franchise alone was worth it.

By Robp

April 27, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

It looks like the Falcons are building for the 3-4 Defense. Dimitroff was the Director of College Souting for the New England Patriots; he knows what he is doing. I believe he is taking the best available players where there is a need. He is not going to reach for a Defensive lineman or Offensive lineman because this is a 3 year re-building process. The Patriots linebackers were key to thier defense. Lets wait and see.

By Jed clampet

April 27, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

WEll Doggies—- Ellie may would done better than what the falcons got.Jeffthro would makem a good QB cause hes real smart. by the way anybody seen granny i bet she made these Draft picks.Well shooti bet MR Drisdale wanted to keep the price down.He shore did’t get nobody with all them picks. well i guess thats thier falt.Well its been nice talking to yall suckers im going to take a bath in the cement pond.Better luck in the next 40 years. jed