AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > April > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons can’t ignore Bulldogs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
There are so many things the human brain can’t comprehend. I mean, why is there still war? How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? What’s up with the yearly habit of the Falcons ignoring all of that football talent just 69 miles to the east of the Georgia Dome?
This is crazy. Lunacy. Absolutely ridiculous. Since 1966, when the Falcons took their first breath along the way to dying more than a few times, here are some of the Georgia Bulldogs who have barked their way to fame through Pro Bowls, Super Bowls and prominent NFL awards.
Jake Scott. Ray Donaldson. Kevin Butler. Champ Bailey. Terrell Davis. Bill Stanfill. Garrison Hearst. John Kasay. Mo Lewis. Bobby Walden. Clarence Kay. Richard Seymour. Rodney Hampton. Winford Hood. Guy McIntyre. Marcus Stroud. Len Hauss. Herschel Walker. Jermaine Wiggins. Patrick Pass. Kendrell Bell. Oh, and did I mention Hines Ward? All he did was become the most valuable player of this year’s Super Bowl after leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a world championship.
None played for the Falcons, by the way, and it gets worse: The Falcons have drafted just five (that’s right, five) Georgia players ever, and they all were obscure — unless you’re among those with an Allan Leavitt throwback jersey.
Even worse, the last time the Falcons drafted a Georgia player was 1994, when they picked somebody named Mitch Davis in the fourth round. Even worse, since that Mitch Davis pick, 54 Bulldogs have been selected in the draft by teams not named the Falcons.
Terrell Davis evolved into an NFL MVP after he was a sixth-round pick by the Denver Broncos. McIntyre was a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers along the way to three Super Bowl rings. Ward wasn’t snatched by the Steelers until the third round, and he became the poster child for why the Falcons just don’t get it regarding Georgia players.
During the 1998 draft, the Falcons had a chance to pick Ward, who already was a Bulldog legend as a versatile wide receiver, running back and quarterback with a charismatic smile. He also was from nearby Forest Park. Instead, the Falcons took Miami’s Jammi German. While German hasn’t played for the Falcons in six years, he hasn’t played for anybody in five.
What makes this even more perplexing is that Falcons founder and owner Rankin Smith Sr. was such an ardent Georgia supporter that he had a building named in his honor on campus.
Vince Dooley chuckled over the phone from his office in Athens, before the Georgia icon said, “Sometimes these things just happen, and I’ve never been privy to (the Falcons’) draft. It’s the coaches, I guess, or whoever is in charge of that. But it’s interesting, and it’s worth a good study. There is no question that if you would have had a Herschel Walker playing for the Falcons, a lot of Georgia people would have certainly been there on Sunday who normally wouldn’t have come.”
Yep. Plus, Walker, along with those other Georgia players the Falcons ignored, would have kept this franchise from gasping so much. Added Dooley, “Of course, (the Falcons) also had Larry Munson (the eternal voice of the Bulldogs) as their announcer for a while.”
Enough of the past. The Falcons can alter their Georgia shortsightedness right now. It’s one thing to do what they did last week and bring D.J. Shockley to Flowery Branch for a workout. It’s another to put the Georgia quarterback star and prep standout at North Clayton on their roster.
Elsewhere, the Falcons need defensive backs. Lots of them, and few are more gifted than Greg Blue, Tim Jennings and DeMario Minter, all from Georgia, all heading for next week’s NFL draft. The same goes for Dennis Roland Jr. and Kedric Golston. They were efficient linemen for Georgia, and the Falcons need efficient linemen.
The Falcons also could use Max Jean-Gilles, but the Bulldogs’ offensive guard will be ancient history when Atlanta is on the clock for the first time with the 47th pick. In addition, since the Falcons already have Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler, they don’t need Leonard Pope, Georgia’s other big stud in the draft. But the Falcons could use one of those other Bulldogs, or maybe several of them.
Oh, well. So much for dreaming the impossible dream. That is, unless the Falcons want to quit living this nightmare in red and black.
Permalink | Comments (103) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By BigWill
April 20, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
If you want to watch the Georgia guys play on Sunday, catch Carolina. I don’t know why they are the only ones who seem to appreciate the talent in Athens. I just hope we don’t get anymore VT players..nothing against VT, just getting old!
By geechee
April 20, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this
One thing we have all learned is that no matter who owns the Falcons, they seem to never learn.
By christopher
April 20, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
I am eight years old and I like the Falcons, but I cheer for teams with Georgia Bulldogs - like the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers. I hope the Falcons pick more Bulldogs in the draft.
By BO
April 20, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
You got it right geechee. Plus that Cry Baby Coach MORA,a complete joke.
By Bryan G.
April 20, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
I doubt they’ll take a QB this year in the draft with Reggie Ball being a senior and all. I sure hope he isn’t off the board before the Falcons pick in the 2007 first round. Honestly, we might just want to tank this year, just in case.
By Ashley
April 20, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
I like the Georgia Bulldogs a lot!!!But, I wish the Falcons would pick more Dawgs because I like the Falcons too!!!
By kent
April 20, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this
tank a hold season so the falcon can have a chance to draft…reggie ball??? bryan, are you stupid, dillusional, or both???
By Peewee
April 20, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
I’m a GT fan and I don’t like Reggie Ball at QB. He can’t cut it when the going gets tough.
By Mark
April 20, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
In the low-pressure world of the ACC, Reggie Ball already has trouble remembering what down it is—I’d hate for him to throw the ball away on 4th down in a crucial situation for the Falcons.
Especially considering Mora might be on his cell phone and unable to let Reggie know what’s going on.
By Bryan G.
April 20, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
Kent…do you not get sarcasm? lol
By pdawg
April 20, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
They could use DJ Shockley a lot as a backup incase Schaub leaves. DJ could easily fit into their offensive scheme as he basically plays like Vick. Its high time they start looking towards UGA. I naturally chear for any team a bulldog goes to and i support the Falcons. Iast season i had mixed feelings when the falcons played the panthers cos of Thomas Davis and co.
By reality check
April 20, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this
I gave up on the Falcons several decades ago. I don’t care what they do or where they do it. If they left town it would be fine by me.
By Jordan
April 21, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this
If you want to watch great Bulldogs in the NFL, become a Bengals fan, which I have this past season, in addition to following the Steelers. According to one mock draft I’ve seen for this year, Cincy may even add a couple more Dawgs to the roster. The Falcons just don’t get it, there’s incredible talent right down the road from the Dome.
By Josh Knight
April 21, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this
The Bulldogs suck. The reason why the Falcons don’t draft the Bulldogs is because most of them cannot hack it in the NFL, and most of the ones that can spend a lot of time in the state prisons. I applaud the Falcons for staying away from the Bulldogs.
By Snowdawg
April 21, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this
Terence, I rarely agree with your columns but I am right there with you on this one! I have been talking (b*** acutally) about this for years and it is the biggest reason that I have little or nothing to do with the Falcons despite the fact that I grew up in Atlanta. In fact, it is also the reason for my support of the Denver Broncos who have always been big fans of the Georgia program and it’s players. Three of the guys you list played or play for the Broncos as have several others. It simply baffles the mind but since I live in Colorado now, I could care less. Go Broncos!
By JD FIELDS
April 21, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this
“and most of the ones that can spend a lot of time in the state prisons.”
After reading your post. “See quote above” Were you recently released from prison? Your grammar is pernicious and lacking basic grammatical sense.
By UGA 72
April 21, 2006 03:16 AM | Link to this
Okay who took the old Terrance Moore and substituted this guy with intelligence who can write? The old TM never wrote anything that made sense and this article is great. I’ve often wondered if the Falcon’s draft by tossing darts, because they have drafted losers much more often than winners. Winners are better, trust me and TM on that. I think it is highly ironic that Carolina and New Orleans have more GA players than the Falcons, oops strike ironic and replace it with moronic.
By Josh Knight
April 21, 2006 03:41 AM | Link to this
“and most of the ones that can, spend a lot of time in state prisons. Get a life JD. You have too much time on your hands obviously going around checking everyone’s grammar. Did your mom not give you much attention when you were young. Lol. IDIOT
By Josh Knight
April 21, 2006 03:42 AM | Link to this
“and most of the ones that can, spend a lot of time in state prisons.” Get a life JD. You have too much time on your hands obviously going around checking everyone’s grammar. Did your mom not give you much attention when you were young. Lol. IDIOT
By Josh Knight
April 21, 2006 03:45 AM | Link to this
I already know about the question mark loser. It’s late
By hop
April 21, 2006 05:30 AM | Link to this
one georgia great that you did not list was the nfl player of the year in 1975. he held most nfl passing records for many years and is one of only two bulldogs,the other is charley trippi, in both the college and pro football hall of fame. the falcons maked not attempt to get him either.
i am talking about fran tarkenton.
By hop
April 21, 2006 05:31 AM | Link to this
one georgia great that you did not list was the nfl player of the year in 1975. he held most nfl passing records for many years and is one of only two bulldogs,the other is charley trippi, in both the college and pro football hall of fame. the falcons maded no attempt to get him either.
i am talking about fran tarkenton.
By RC
April 21, 2006 06:15 AM | Link to this
somehow I knew that Shockley was the underlying reason for your article……….
By USMCDAWG
April 21, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this
OK, who the hell let Harry Potter (Josh Knight) onto this blog. Bulldogs can’t cut it in the NFL, huh? Just look at these names Harry and see if any ring a bell; Ward, Bell, Seymour, Stroud, Thomas Davis, TERRELL Davis, Pollack, Thurman, Watson, Walker, and Hearst. How many more do you want me to list Harry? I know your probably lost in your Tech induced haze, still holding onto hope that Joe (SIX FOOT) Hamilton will ressurect his career, and lead the Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl. Tell you what, name one GT alum, other than Keith Brooking, on an NFL roster? I sure as hell hope you can, because I can’t!
By Ray
April 21, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this
When Jake Scott was released from canadian football league he came to falcons training camp. they tried him out as a reciever. he caught one pass while on his knees. they cut him .he went to the dolphins the rest is history.
By Jay
April 21, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
As far as I’m concerned, when Sunday rolls around the football weekend is over.
I’ve given up on the falcons directly due to the fact that they don’t draft or sign UGa players.
By JamesD
April 21, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
I want to respond to Josh Knight but I am stunned. I guess you didn’t read the article (look at the to of the Blog and find someone to read it to you) I would ask how stupid you are but you answered that with your post. Why did you use your real name? I would be ashamed. Did you use the name of someone you hate to make him look bad?
By JamesD
April 21, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
I want to respond to Josh Knight but I am stunned. I guess you didn’t read the article (look at the top of the Blog and find someone to read it to you) I would ask how stupid you are but you answered that with your post. Why did you use your real name? I would be ashamed. Did you use the name of someone you hate to make him look bad?
By JR
April 21, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
Mack Strong, George Foster, Thomas Davis, Will Witherspoon, Boss Bailey, Todd Peterson, David Greene, David Pollack, Randy McMichael, Ben Watson, Odell Thurman, Robert Geathers, Andre Hastings, Robert Edwards (pre-injury), the Stinchcombs but yeah, UGA cannot produce talent who can make it in the NFL.
By GW
April 21, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this
Excellent column. The Falcons have done UGA players a favor by not drafting them. They are better off away from Atlanta the city, and surely away from the Falcons. Hines Ward would not be what he is today as a player if he were with the Falcons. He’s a blocker so they would have cut him. The Falcons don’t block.
By 2N4YEARS
April 21, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
I have to agree w/ ‘UGA 72’. Finally something worth reading from TM. Way to go TM! This is the stuff we we’ll pick up & read. And what’s up w/ that ‘Josh Knight ’ poster?? Another disgruntled Tech fan?? TENN fan?? If I’m not mistaken it was a Tech player that got arrested & charged w/ Felony drug trafficking charges last season. And TENN….Well everybody knows about the troubles at UT…which is why they wear that ugly Orange. lol
By 2N4YEARS
April 21, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
I have to agree w/ ‘UGA 72’. Finally something worth reading from TM. Way to go TM! This is the stuff we we’ll pick up & read. And what’s up w/ that ‘Josh Knight ’ poster?? Another disgruntled Tech fan?? TENN fan?? If I’m not mistaken it was a Tech player that got arrested & charged w/ Felony drug trafficking charges last season. And TENN….Well everybody knows about the troubles at UT…which is why they wear that ugly Orange. lol
By U.
April 21, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this
I guess everyone seems to have forgotten about a certain Bulldog receiver that Falcons signed in 2003. If I recall correctly he finished his career as the school record holder in career receiving yards (3,093), career receptions (204), TD receptions (30), and 100-yard receiving games at UGA. That was Terrence Edwards and he’s not in the NFL anymore.
So the Falcons have tried to get better at this but not every player that comes out of UGA turns into a Hines Ward or Richard Seymore.
By Dave
April 21, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
Ironic that Terrence Moore would write that that the Falcons should pay more attention to the Dawgs, insinuating that their fan base would grow as would their success rate. Terrence should swallow some of that medicine himself.
By Covington dawg
April 21, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this
During one of the first drafts, the Falcons drafted a Georgia Bulldog named Ray Jeffords. He had great hands and size but they cut him. HE WAS A BASKETBALL PLAYER! Maybe that scared them and they’ve never gotten over it. My favorite blunder by the Falcons was their choosing Steve Brousard instead of Rodney Hampton who went on to star for the Giants for years. I agree that the Falcons are doing the Dawgs a favor by not drafting them.
By pdawg
April 21, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this
U, i think Terrence Edwards just trained with then for a while, he never signed.
By Warren
April 21, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this
Since when do we go to football games to see players from any one university? I’d like to see a Championship Team. Yes, there have been some great players that have come out of UGA like Mr. Walker, but where was he drafted? How close was the Falcons pick to that pick? There’s more to drafting players than what university they attended. Not every Dawg has been great! It would be nice to see more Dawgs and Jackets on the Falcons but let’s get the best player available first and if it’s a Trojan, than get a Trojan. Let’s not encourage a new form of “discrimination” just so we can watch our “Saturday Afternoon” hero’s playing on Sunday! I’d like to see my team playing in January a few more times and I don’t care if they get the players from China, if they are playing in January!
By robert g
April 21, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this
2n4years, IT IS A SHAME THAT WE HAVE IGNORANT FOOLS LIKE JOSH KNIGHT ON THIS BLOG. HE IS THE ONE THAT NEED TO “GET A LIFE” IT IS APPARENT THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE ONE. ROBERT
By nate
April 21, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
pdawg-
Give DJ some credit. He “basically plays like Vick”? Yeah, basically, except he has the necessary intelligence to play quarterback and run a complicated offense - neither of which have been displayed by Michael Vick since we wasted our pick on him. How great would it be to have Schaub starting at QB (which we all know he can do) and to have gotten LaDanian Tomlinson back then. I say we draft DJ and move Vick to RB.
By Jeff M
April 21, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
Bryan G wrote : doubt they’ll take a QB this year in the draft with Reggie Ball being a senior and all. I sure hope he isn’t off the board before the Falcons pick in the 2007 first round. Honestly, we might just want to tank this year, just in case.
What you smoking crack? Who would want Reggie Ball? A QB completing 48% of his passes with arguably the best WR in the country? 1st round in 07? Maybe in the Arena League or CFL. Do you watch football? I vote you the smartest person with Down Syndrome.
By Ben
April 21, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this
Historically, there is a reason that the Falcons haven’t drafted Dawgs. Look who were making the picks!! Until recently, their front office brass have been a laughing stock. Look at the successful teams…. New England (Seymour, Pass, Watson)- Steelers (Ward, Haynes)- Seattle (Strong, Greene)- Carolina (Davis, Witherspoon last year,) I think that the front office they have in place now will end up taking a Bulldawg this year and in the future. The only position that UGA hasn’t really produced NFL success is the O-Line. I think that will change judging by their recent recruiting classes and Max-Jean this year.
By BO
April 21, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this
Who cares where a players from as long as he can PLAY. BLANKS PLEASE BUY THE BRAVES….RAY JEFFORDS was a great BB player from Ware Co. HIGH School. The same place another great player for UGA is from. Guess Who?
By nate
April 21, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
Hey Jeff M-
I’m pretty sure that was sarcasm from Bryan G. Even someone with Down Syndrome would have recognized it.
By Stephen
April 21, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe I agree with Terence. The Patriots, Steelers, and Panthers - the absolute cream of the crop - are loaded with Bulldogs as their leaders, and they try their best to draft more Dawgs. Get a clue, Falcons. Or should I say, Shock ‘em!
By nate
April 21, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
Hey Jeff M-
I’m pretty sure that was sarcasm from Bryan G. Even someone with Down Syndrome would have recognized it.
By nate
April 21, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
Ben-
Just to clarify, the Dawgs have produced plenty of successful O-Lineman in the NFL. jonas Jennings is a starter for SF and George Foster is a starter for DEN. Both Stinchcomb brothers were drafted high and have had some success. Max-Jean will no coubt continue the success.
By GW
April 21, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
Someone mentioned Southern Cal. The Falcons also passed on Marcus Allen. Warren, Herschel Walker was not drafted because he was in the USFL.
By Jeff M
April 21, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
Nate wrote: By nate
April 21, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
Hey Jeff M-
I’m pretty sure that was sarcasm from Bryan G. Even someone with Down Syndrome would have recognized it.
I guess I should have smelled the sarcasm! I guess I have been promoted to the smartest person with DS!
By Reed
April 21, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
Let’s play a game….German over Ward; Broussard over Hampton- Can you guys think of other Falcons busts while a UGA player they passed on (at the same position) went on to become a good NFL player??
By Ben
April 21, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
nate- can’t count the Stinchcomb boys.. they were drafted high but busted out (not because of talent but they stay injured)
By gp
April 21, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
I gave up after the Falcons took tiny Steve Broussard all the way from Washington State over Rodney Hampton. Every year they’ve ignored obvious bulldog talent and the inherent local interest those picks would provide, you just shake your head and say wtf.
My favorite is that nobody from the dogs defense in 2000 made it on the Falcons roster yet almost allm of those guys have been impact players in the NFL.
By Joe
April 21, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
Totally agree with you on this one Terence. Until Rich McKay took the controls over, the Falcons have passed on great players from EVERY school. The list of Falcon draft busts during the Smith years is too long to list. Deion Sanders is hands down their best pick ever.
Towards the end of his career Herschel Walker could have easily been a Falcon. If memory serves me, he was a punisher until he hung the cleats up.
There are plenty of talented Bulldogs available this year that could become Falcons, but as much as I like to be an armchair GM, Rich McKay has forgotten more about building a team than I will ever know. That is why they pay him the big dollars.
By Sly
April 21, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Sorry GW. Herschel was draft in the 5th round in 1985. Since his trade ressurected the Cowboys, it might be the best 5th round pick ever.
By Moe
April 21, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
Bryan, apparently we have some broken sarcasm meters out there. I don’t even think Tech wants Reg to be their QB. LMFAO.
By KB
April 21, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
The Falcons logically can use only Jean-Giles and Blue. The Falcons need Jean-Giles more than they need Blue. Jean-Giles will be gone when the Falcons pick. The Falcons will pick an offensive line first. Blue will not be around when the Falcons come again in the third round.
By Zack
April 21, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
Everyone needs to come down off the DJ cloud and remember that he sat behind Green for three years, who will be a career back up in the NFL. If DJ was even close to the ability of Vick, he would be a 1st round pick. Just because DJ won a few games, but not the Sugar, does not make him a great quarterback. DJ is not as good as Shaub, so stop comparing him to Vick…
By Ben
April 21, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
Joe: “forgotten more about building a team than I will ever know. That is why they pay him the big dollars” Doesn’t make any sense.
By Bradley G
April 21, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
Bryan G…you need to go back to the UGA blogs. Sarcasm is understood and appreciated over there. Waiting for Reggie? LMAO!
By USMC DAWG
April 21, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this
OK, who let Harry Potter, aka Josh Knight, on this blog. It’s obvious he know crap about nothing when it comes to football. UGA players can’t hack it in the NFL, eh? OK genius, let’s run a few names by you, see if they ring a bell. Tarkenton, Ward, Walker, Hampton, Stanfill, Scott, Seymour, Stroud, Trippi, Hearst. Give up yet? There are alot more I can list. Here’s another one for you, what school is the only one to have 3 alumni as a Super Bowl MVP? Thought so. Get back to playing Dungeons and Dragons, watching Star Trek, or whatever the hell it is you do, just quit pretending to know football!
By Ben
April 21, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
I like that USMC!!
By Ben
April 21, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
I like that USMC!! Funny S**
By Mdawg50
April 21, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Just check out collegefootballrivals.com to see which school produces more current NFL players than any other. Dtackle,tight end, kicker, and second best at linebackers. They are not even finished with all of the positions yet and GEORGIA, that’s right Josh knight aka Harry P., not Tech, is the leader at 3 positions. By the way, Harry, I don’t believe Tech had anyone drafted last year while Georgia had T Davis and D Pollack in the 1st round alone. K Brooking is the only decent player in the league from your school so know your role and shut your mouth!
By Greg from Marietta
April 21, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, Of all the articles that you have written and all the professional sports acumen that you have exhibited this has to be the dumbest article that you’ve ever written. Things must have really been slow around the sports desk last night for you to waste time questioning the Falcon’s draft non-selection of UGA players. Admittedly, the UGA football program has produced a bumper crop of great pro football players but so have other Georgia schools. Maybe the Falcon’s could take a page from the Braves and pick up on the advantage of drafting “Home Grown” players, be they from UGA, Tech, GA Southern, or any other “Georgia” school. You know, kind of like they did with that unknown kid named “Tuggle” from Valdosta State.
By Shiney
April 21, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this
I TELL U ITS A CONSPEARACY THAT THE FLACONS NEVER DRAFT A DAWGS I M NOT SHUR WAT IS WRONG WIT THEM BUT 2 MANY GET PAST BYE THE FLACONS ON DRAFT DAY FLACONS CULD HAVE WIN S MANY SUPERBOWELS BY NOW IF THEY HAD DRAFTED MORE DAWGS MR BLANKS PLEEZ DRAFT MORE DAWGS THIS YEAR
By Blazer
April 21, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
Greg you are right. Home Grown no matter the school.
By gadawg
April 21, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this
I think they will take a UGA player this year…Rich McCay did it in Tampa with Jermaine Phillips and Tim Wansley (sp?)
I think in the second round Minter would be a GREAT pick and Blue if he slips to 4 would be a steal, Blue is slow a too much of a risk in rd 3. Golston can be a stud in the NFL if he stays healthy. I am not big on draft Shockley b/c we run a West Coast style offense and that is not Shock. I think a good fit to be Vick’s future back up is Drew Olsen from UCLA.
By GW
April 21, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
Sly, Herschel was not drafted by the NFL directly out of college. 1982 was his last season at UGA before signing with the N.J. Generals. Can ayone remember the name of the Generals’ owner that showed Herschel the money. He and Jan Kemp may have sailed off into the sunset together. Either way the Falcons would have passed on Herschel in the 1984 draft had he been available.
By William Kitchens
April 21, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
Nice article but it’s three plus years late. I’m sure McKay will draft his share of Georgia talent when the opportunity arrives. They have to be on the board and fill a priorty need. Your op doesn’t take the “new” administration into account.
The new Falcons owner and staff is way too young to be critized on the faults of the old regime.
By 2N4YEARS
April 21, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Zack: I don’t think ‘everybody’ is ‘on a DJ cloud’. Yeah, he did back up Green for 3 yrs., BUT he won 10 games, didn’t play in the loss to FLA., and scored 31 points in UGA’s 31-30 loss to AU which UGA’s defense loss on a last-minute busted play, and the other loss in the Sugar Bowl DJ led UGA to 35 points, which is the 2nd game UGA’s defence collapsed in. If UGA’s D would’ve held up (likely because they lost VanGorder,Def.cord) DJ’s team could’ve been very easily 13-0. DJ might or might not be as good as MVick, but they do have similar styles. Yeah, he’s not as fast as Vick, but he’s still WAY faster than the avg. NFL QB. If (or when) Vick gets hurt again, it sure would be nice to have someone to come in & run the offence w/o having to change the complete off. scheme. And if it was someone from the UGA roster it would surely sell more tickets, which is what NFL football is all about to their owners.
By gadawg
April 21, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
Actually owners biggest thing is not ticket sales but TV revenue.
By Cedric
April 21, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
I like the discussion about UGA players and the Falcons cause both teams are headed in the right direction, but I wish the Falcons trade up to get Jean-Giles because we need a road grader in the middle and I hope that they get Jennings in the later rounds. K. Golston would look good in a Falcons uniform too. I think Jennings is tougher on the receivers than Minter that is why I would like him instead. This draft will put an end to the not drafting Bulldogs. On another note I think the ajc should print more about the spring game the bulldogs had and talk about the incoming kids that enrolled early this year.
By Josh Knight
April 21, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
The few the proud the straight marines. Get over it Jane Fonda aka USMC Dawg. Quit whining like a btch and get a life. Most of the guys that you mentioned were solid at best NFL players. I could start naming some players but you are probably too dumb to even know what I am talking about, therefor I will not waste my time with you. There has been some good players come out of Georgia, I will admit, but I am not ready to start drafting a whole team of them on the Falcons. Go scream and protest with someone else Jane and please lay off the Harry Potter movies. They will really fck with your image.
By Josh Knight
April 21, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
Ben you mentioned that USMC Dawg was “funny”. I suspected that. He has some of those homosexual fits of rage. Are you and him butt buddies?
By 2N4YEARS
April 21, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
By gadawg
April 21, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
Actually owners biggest thing is not ticket sales but TV revenue.
Wrong. Have you heard of BlackOuts?? If you don’t sell tickets, you won’t be on TV.
By 2N4YEARS
April 21, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Josh Knight = loser 14yr old on his Daddy’s computer.
By Tom
April 21, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Head Coach Mora, Jr. = Head Coach Glanville.
They prefer less-disciplined rogue-type players with attitudes, not the players currently coming out of Georgia’s program.
By Greg
April 21, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
The worst Dawg oversight by the Falcons was taking Steve Broussard(who?) over Rodney Hampton, who is now the Giants all-time leading rusher.
By Al
April 21, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
Yet another piece of crap from the worst writer in Atlanta.The Falcons operate the same way all NFL teams do, the only reason there is controversy here is because Georgia is overwhelmingly more of a college than professional football state…..
By Scooter
April 21, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this
The object on draft day is to pick the best player available. The team he plays for or the position he plays should not be the concern. Now don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of the Bulldogs and would also like to see more Dawgs playing for the falcons. But once we are on the clock the chances that the best player available is actually from Georgia (out of all the other schools) is pretty slim. Furthermore, the GA boy may not fit the falcons scheme (for example Max Jean-Gilles)not to mention his pass blocking skills are under par which is what we so desperatley need. So lets not give the falcons a hard time about the number of UGA athletes on the Roster. Instead lets focus more on the number of playoff victories. By the way they have Rich McKay and thats all I have to say.
By Cuz
April 21, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
I dont have enough time to finish reading all the responses, but I can tell you one thing. Atlanta, draft all the Dawgs you can. It is all about the money put the rears in the seats and maybe I will go an see my first Falcon game in person. Draft DJ, give him a year or two to learn your system. Get rid of Schaub for some money and when Vick goes down again, later in the season someone will say Michael who? Nuff said..
By Cuz
April 21, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
I dont have enough time to finish reading all the responses, but I can tell you one thing. Atlanta, draft all the Dawgs you can. It is all about the money put the rears in the seats and maybe I will go an see my first Falcon game in person. Draft DJ, give him a year or two to learn your system. Get rid of Schaub for some money and when Vick goes down again, later in the season someone will say Michael who? Nuff said..
By FalconW810
April 21, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
Bottom line, get the best football player available with the pick at hand and let us stop this local boy crap. Go see your Dawgs, go watch your Ramblin Wrecks, just give me a talented NFL team in this city and by the way, I cheer for both college teams. Go Rich McKay!
By northwestDawg
April 22, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this
Question: has everyone forgotten the starting FB for Seattle in the SB? He’s none other than Mack Strong. He’s Pro Bowl bound, named FB of the year and has played for the SEAHAWKS for 13 yrs. sincew he played FB for the Dawgs.
By Draft Professor
April 22, 2006 01:33 AM | Link to this
OK, you can’t ignor them. but you can not draft them. Take Fred Gibson. All these dog fans thought he was the greatest WR since Jerry Rice. Turns out he’s nothing more than a lazy, lactose intolerant, footstep hearing, under weight, practice squad player. OK, who’s next? Odell Thurman? He’s where he needs to be. A long way from his hometown thug buddies. OK, maybe the Falcons should have drafted Tim Wansley. I wonder how many times he slapped his girlfriend this week. They thought about Pollack last year but knew better than to trade up to obtain a freaking religious fanatic who thinks it’s gods will for his team to lose a game. Hey Pollack, What would Jesus do, punt? Until UGA can win a national title or two their players will be no more than also rans. Ignore them? No. Just don’t draft them.
By robert Hughes
April 22, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this
WE’ve been wondering for years why do we let Pittsburg, Denver, Carolina and recently the Bengals have all our Dawgs while the Falcons comtinue to make mistake after mistake. You skipped my favorite, when Glanville (aka the IDIOT)taking the Broussard running back over Rodney Hampton. It would have been different if the stadium had been sold out since 66. We all know that the best football is played in the South and McCay has a history of taking southern talent so just maybe things may change. He drafted a load of Noles at Tampa Bay.
By northwestDawg
April 22, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
Draft Professor, Daft you maybe but professor your not. it’s takes a very limited degree of knowledge to make the statement that you have to win a NC before your players are good enough for the NFL. You are really the “Draft Bigot” that has to put Pollack down because he believes in his “Higher Power”. Since you know so much why did you ignore my blog about Mack Strong and what hehas done for 13 years? When (if ever,when ever) you have enough smarts to know what your talking about come back and visit this blog again. Until then, Bug Off!
By Ray
April 22, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this
draft professor go back to bed you ain’t awake yet.
By Andy Haygood
April 22, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
…and Ray Jeffords lettered in basketball at Georgia — not football! Of course, the late Pete Maravich might insist that he was in a few football games: the ones in which he was guarded by Jeffords.
By OldTimer
April 22, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
If the draft was done by the Falcons marketing department sure we’d have a lot more Dogs on the team. Problem is those pesky GMs and coaches always want to have a say in who gets picked.
By Bo
April 22, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Andy I was on the same HS team with Ray Jeffords. HS play off against Americus HS Ray did guard Dan Reeves. Dan’s brother also played in that game. Ray did play football in HS at Ware Co.
By FalconsFan
April 22, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
First, I have Falcons season tickets and I went to Tech. I hate UGA and their players. I am glad no former UGA players are on the Falcons. I particularly don’t want to see Shockley on the team because there will be a bunch of redneck moron Bulldog fans (who of course, never attended UGA) in my section that wear Shockley jerseys and will talk about how he’s better than Vick and / or Schaub (this is if Shockley can even make the team).
With that said, Terrence Moore, is once again wrong. The Falcons don’t ignore UGA. A look at the Falcons all time player roster shows that UGA is in a tie with a number of other schools for the most number of former players that ever played for the Falcons. So while, the Falcons may not have been drafting UGA players, they certainly have played for the team.
Here is the list of the number of all time players by school (source AtlantaFacons.com):
15 Colorado
15 Florida
15 Georgia
15 Tennessee
15 Texas A&M
15 Washington
14 Florida St.
14 Georgia Tech
12 Auburn
12 Louisiana St.
12 Nebraska
12 Notre Dame
12 So California
11 Clemson
11 Oklahoma
11 Texas
11 Virginia Tech
10 Michigan St.
10 Stanford
By TLS
April 22, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
Been waiting for someone to write about this. I’m surprised it was even five. And don’t forget Steve Broussard, drafted two slots ahead of Rodney Hampton. Hampton ended up gaining more yards in his best season than Broussard in his entire career. I agree wholeheartedly that Jean-Gilles, Blue and Shockley would make great picks in the right rounds. Also except for Keith Brooking the Falcons never drafted a significant Tech player either. Shameful.
By DustinH
April 22, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
the falcons need to get techs calvin johnson in the draft next year. but unless vick gets hurt thats not likely…….also if the falcons are down by a touchdown with only 1 min left to play and have to drive the field…please Mora…put in Matt Schuab!!!!
By northwestDawg
April 22, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
I don’t think that QB will be the place for Schockley in the NFL. He’s not good enough. If he plays he’ll be like Randle El in Pitt. or Senaca Wallace is in Seattle. Wallace was the QB. in college, Iowa State, but he’s #2 with the “Hawks and last season they started to use him like Randle El. If I were Schockley, I would quit worrying about QB. and just try to make a team any way he can.
By northwestDawg
April 22, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Forgot, Blue is to slow and won’t go untill the 3rd or 4th round. Giles,2nd round.
By Gaaaaaa!
April 22, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
2nd ROUND?? ARE YOU CRAZY??
Giles won’t get drafted on Saturday at all, because he hurt his finger the other day playing against the Mets.
Also, he’s like 5’8”.
By Bryan G.
April 22, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
northwest, Greg Blue runs about a 4.55-4.60 which is what Darnell Bing from USC runs.
The reason Blue will be drafted later isnt’ because his speed, it is because of his ball skills. That man couldn’t cover his own a*. He can hit and tackle, but just doesn’t need to be out in space with a WR or TE.
By Michael
April 22, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this
What I want to know is out of all the ex-Georgia kickers they could’ve gotten, why did they pick one that can barely make 42-yarders? Yeah, it’s all nice that he made about 90% of his kicks (which is what most NFL kickers do nowadays) but that kick against Tampa Bay was horrible. What was it, 27 yards? Thank goodness he’s no longer on the roster.
And for those stat geeks mentioning how many players from what school: the Falcons don’t draft or sign any UGA players of significance. Didn’t they take Bryan Scott over Jermaine Phillips a couple of years ago? Fans want a local guy to latch onto. Tech fans have Keith Brooking. Do us all a favor and draft a guy like Golston.
By keeping it real
April 22, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
I could care less about bulldog being on the falcons team but I will say this if a good player from georgia is there in the draft take him. If a good player from goat rope state get him. we just need good player with skill. we want to win. # 61 and #62 need to be 2nd string or gone not a stater. If someone from georgia is better get them and they are better than this bunch clown we have. These guys on the offense linemen or so weak outcast scrubs for a offense line! 2005 offense linemen must GO!Please send money to a better offense line in 2006 fund! GO FALCONS and take #61 and #62 with you!
By duffo
April 22, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this
I like bulldogs. They can lick their own eggs. Eggs, birds, all makes sense.
By hedduk
April 23, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
The Falcons may have missed the best Dawg when they chose to hire Mora instead of going after Mark Richt.
By Marcus
April 23, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
Based on McKay’s recent history in Tampa, he does seem to get regional talent that meets team needs, as evidenced by getting a few UF, FSU, and Miami players as draftees or rookie free agents. He hasn’t done it yet while here in ATL, but also he doesn’t have the long history in this state as he did in FL. That being said, just being less than an hours drive doesn’t mean that automatically any UGA player will meet the Falcons needs in any given draft year. Just get who we need REGARDLESS of alma mater.
By Huh
April 23, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this
I’m a Tech fan, but I agree with Terence Moore on this article. You can’t overlook UGA’s track record regardless of whether you root for them or not. Not only have they produced impact players at nearly every position, but they also have had relatively few first-round busts compared to most other big schools (Jonathan Sullivan is the only one I can think of in the last few years from UGA who didn’t live up to expectations). UGA might not have a lot of players coming out this year who fit the Falcons’ needs (Greg Blue can’t cover, Max Jean-Gilles is not athletic enough for the offensive line scheme the Falcons run), but I definitely would like to see the Falcons target more UGA players in the draft in the future.