AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > May > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTuesday Countdown doesn’t dodge draft
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
10: Marcus Vick told ESPN.com: “I’ll tell you one thing. Without the character issues and the problems I had in my past, I was definitely a first-round guy, from my point of view.” On a related note, if I didn’t get a C in eighth-grade biology, I was definitely going to be a brain surgeon, from my point of view.
9: Actually, it would be worth it for an NFL team to sign The Lesser Vick. One year. Low wage. Low risk. Great athlete. A knucklehead and a punk — but a great athlete.
8: Southern Cal coach Pete Carroll said he’s confident the school will escape NCAA sanctions and added, “To me, it looks like somebody’s out to get [Reggie Bush’s] money, a classic case of people trying to create some kind of opportunity based on another guy’s good fortune.” Well, OK. But what does that have to do with Bush potentially knowing this his parents were living rent free in a house paid by his would-be marketing rep?
7: There are two major reasons the potential for problems at USC is so great: 1) It’s a successful, high-profile college program in a major city that breeds human leeches (I can say that. I’m from L.A.); 2) The lack of an NFL team in the city has elevated the Trojans to a new level in terms of focus and star power. It would be remarkable if something WASN’T going on.
6: Anna Nicole Smith and the Supreme Court intersect in history. Is it too late to convert to Communism?
5: Back to the NFL, because the media was painfully thin in its coverage (aaaaaggggh!): It’s futile grading a team’s draft. But notwithstanding the strong pick of cornerback Jimmy Williams, the Falcons erred by ignoring their offensive line.
4: They have one of the league’s best rushing attacks. But abysmal pass protection last year screamed for help. Wayne Gandy should help but one mid-level veteran doesn’t qualify as a significant upgrade.
3: Before I had a chance to put out the recyclables, my wife told me, “We’re saving the empty water bottles for the orangutans in Borneo.” No, I didn’t ask.
2: Andrew Brunette’s overtime winner for Colorado was his 10th playoff goal since the Thrashers let him leave in free agency. That’s 10 more playoff goals than the Thrashers have scored since he left.
1: The Falcons spent their second draft pick (third round) on a speed running back tailor-made for their offense. If I’m T.J. Duckett, I’m renting my furniture.
Permalink | Comments (26) | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Quick Hit
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By Roger
May 2, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
Marcus Vick, if he gets a free-agent shot, will be in and out of the NFL before Leinhart gets his first start. I don’t understand why he thinks he’s Michael Vick, and not realize he’s Marcus Vick. He went through seven-rounds without being picked and he thinks it’s because of his character? And that he was a first-rounder to boot? I want some of what he’s smoking! Being that delusional about your own talent and abilities is enough to make an NFL team ask for a psychological evaluation!
And for his claim - I got one name for him: Lawrence Phillips. A great player is NEVER passed over because of character, someone is always willing to give a second or third or fourth chance - Terrell Owens anyone?
By Larry
May 2, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
I’ve always liked Duckett, and I hope having some competition for his position will make him realize how much he has to lose and he’ll turn his game around. If not, so long, TJ.
By Brian Hunt
May 2, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
Jeff you are so right about the Falcons offensive line. They must get a guard better than Matt Lehr and a center that doesn’t need help in order to compete consistently against the superior defensive lines of the NFC south.
By Doc Reem
May 2, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
The Falcons did well in the Draft but what’s up with the 5th and 6th round picks! We take a another small offensive linean who wasn’t even all conference when Texas All-American Jonathan Scott went two picks later and is basically the same frame (a little heavier and taller) and he played for a National Champion. To me that pick made no sense because we need some people who can come in and contribute right away to the Off. Line we don’t need anymore projects at that position when you have 100 million dollar QB. Also Greg Blue was still there on the board and we do need back-up safeties so why not pick him as a project? At least the guy was a unanimous All-American and SEC pick. Also Jesse Mahelona DT 6’1” 310 from UT was stil on the board and he dominated the SEC as Junior 18.5 tackles for losses. And as for the 6th round pick the return guy slash short reciever. Why do we need him at this point in the draft his stats were gargabe. Why not pick Jeff Webb from San Diego St. he had great stats and is 6’2” 210 and although not known as a burner he did made alot of catches because he runs great routes and get open consistantly. Maybe he could have given Vick another TALL posession WR. Why the hell would you have Allen Rossum, Deadra Cobb, Jerius Norwood, and Adam Jennings all compete for returner postions when other spots still need help?
By Jim
May 2, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
Having watched Jarious Norwood ( J-Rock) for the past 4 years at Mississippi State, He was the real deal, Yes his lower legs look like toothpicks, But J makes it up with his upper body strength and his speed, He will be a great surprise for fans, What a catch Falcons.
By Danny
May 2, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this
I hate to say it but maybe we will have to wait for 2007 for the offensive lineman. The Falcons shouldnt have any immediate needs on defense barring and injury. We should have our #1 pick and possibly another #1 pick for Schaub next year ( Detroit, Green Bay, Cleveland, Minnesota and NY Jets will be all looking for a QB) along with our 2nd round pick should all go offensive line
Joe Thomas, T, Wisconsin: He thought about entering this year’s draft but suffered a serious leg injury in the Badgers’ bowl game. That forced him to stay in school. He’s a big tackle who excels blocking for the run, although he plays on the left side.
Justin Blaylock, T, Texas: At 6-4, 330 pounds, Blaylock is a power player who has played mostly right tackle. He is a better pro prospect than teammate Jon Scott, who came out this year.
Sam Baker, T, USC: The Trojans had two linemen taken high this year and Baker has a chance to go in the top 10 next year if he comes out as a junior. He is massive at 6-9, 330, and has the power and feet scouts love.
Levi Brown, T, Penn State: This is a massive player at 6-5, 325. He’s a pretty good athlete for a man that big.
By Ben
May 2, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
I am glad to see USC under investigation. Pete Carroll acts like it was the “leaches” fault for causing this. He actually believes that his players are totally innocent. Pete, you can’t turn a blind eye to this one. I would like to see USC punished like all of the other schools get.
By BirdDawg
May 2, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this
So let’s get this straight Jeff… you weren’t already a Communist?
Buh-dah-duh-ching!
By jake the snake
May 2, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
The other night when julio franco batted proves whats wrong with our fans.If jesus himself played for the yankees the red sox fans would boo him.We cheer julio even when he plays for satans team!Maybe thats why our city and fans are always ranked low in sports opinion polls.no passion.
By Doc Reem
May 2, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this
Hey Danny maybe we will have to wait till 2007, but I really think the Falcons are more interested in picking Off. Lineman that fit the system rather than exceptional athletes that weigh 310+ and could have the potential to physically nuetralize the pass rushers in the NFC South. I really wonder about that! Are we really so focused more on the system and cut blocking rather than Off. Lineman who can pass block too! I don’t know that we’ll ever take a dominating lineman early or late in the draft if he does’nt know how to cut block..
And there’s no way Reggie Bush didn’t know his parents were living in this house owned by an agent, no way!
By p
May 2, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
Sox fans booed johnny ‘i’d never sign with the yankees - money’s not that important to me’ damon like they should have.
Correct. Atlanta braves will never have good fans. They only sell tickets to corporations and they deserve what they get for it.
By falcon guy
May 2, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
I wasn’t surprised that Marcus Vick went undrafted. First of all, his predecessor, current Falcon Bryan Randall, was the ACC player of the year his senior season, but went undrafted. Marcus Vick didn’t do anything that made him better than Randall. Plus add all his criminal behavior and juvenile on field behavior and you get undrafted. He’s spoiled by his brother’s success. And add the whole Maurice Clarett flop to the equation. After the Broncos wasted a 3rd rounder on Clarett, no one else was touching Vick with a ten foot pole.
By ConyersDawg
May 2, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
Mercy guys, some OL is due to get cut sometime. They will get another OL as well as a DE. It’s not like the Falcons are set for the rest of the season.
As far as Pete Carrol goes, he just did in his program to me by his words. What money did he have for people to go after. They are only going after the money that he and his parents knowingly said they would give after his drafting.
By Wes
May 2, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
I buy tickets from the Braves all the time and I don’t think I’m a corporation. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m just a fan that buys tickets. And I’m really not sure what a “sports opinion” poll is, or how it has any bearing on what type of fans a team has. And who cares who gets boos at a game? I still yell at people for booing Tom Glavine, regardless of the jersey. The man pitched a one hitter in game 6 of the world series for the ATLANTA BRAVES. Remember that? Gets a standing o from me every time.
By Wes
May 2, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
I buy tickets from the Braves all the time and I don’t think I’m a corporation. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m just a fan that buys tickets. And I’m really not sure what a “sports opinion” poll is, or how it has any bearing on what type of fans a team has. And who cares who gets boos at a game? I still yell at people for booing Tom Glavine, regardless of the jersey. The man pitched a one hitter in game 6 of the world series for the ATLANTA BRAVES. Remember that? Gets a standing o from me every time.
By jason
May 2, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
Well said Wes. There is no reason that anyone should be booing Franco. The dude is like 90 and he is still playing in the majors. That alone is worth cheering for the man. I don’t consider passion to be booing players who used to play for your team, but now play elsewhere. The johnny damon thing is a whole different story.
By Wes
May 2, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Maybe, but it makes for a great April-October knowing my team will compete every year (I can’t even imagine pulling for a team like the Phillies, Cubs, etc. that are usually dead by August).
Regardless, I’m not sure how my standing up for Tom Glavine or other Braves greats (of which I do not include Franco and was pretty confused as to why the guy got any reaction at all) has any bearing on my October. Do I feel miserable in October because I cheered for an ex-brave in April? That doesn’t make sense.
By Wes
May 2, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
Well then.. Assuming you are not a Braves fan then I imagine we are in agreement, as I wouldn’t flush my money down the toilet to buy tickets for whatever team you pull for, unless you are a Royals fan. Who wouldn’t pay money to see the Royals.
By Michael
May 2, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
Good point on Brunette, although I don’t think having him still here would have changed the Thrashers fate. Defense/goaltending was their problem, not scoring.
By desertdawg
May 2, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this
Is that why Im saving water bottles also?
By Ace
May 2, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
Marcus Vick will learn that there’s not much night life in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
By Peter
May 2, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
How dare you call us leeches! We only suck the blood we need…and a little extra for luck. If Reggie and his family haven’t been getting money since he was ten years old..then they’re the “suckers”
By Trophead
May 2, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this
Wow, I couldn’t agree more about the O-line. You could have also mentioned that we have one of the lightest D-lines in the league and we have nobody you can call a run-stuffer, but we passed up 1st round talent Gabe Watson in the 3rd round to add a running back to a team that had the #1 rushing attack in the league last year.
If I’m TJ Duckett, I’m hoping I get traded to a team that puts a high priority on the offensive line and runs a north-south style blocking scheme instead of the zone-blocking garbage the Falcons run, because I know if I go to a team like that (Steelers, Patriots, for example) I’m going to rush for 1000 yards.
By Dave
May 3, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this
McClure’s contract runs out this year. I don’t know why we did not draft Eslinger in round 6.
By Hugh G. Rection
May 3, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
Thanks for a good article Jeff - however, I find it ludicrous for Art Blank to be sending pictures of Ray Nitschke to the coach and GM. LOL!!! I don’t know how they can keep a straight face around that egomaniac … .
By bob
May 3, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
sterling green former georgia tech player(ss/lb).and now bowie state all-american player,did not get picked up,his stats and charter is excellent,nfl teams called all week and during the draft,he was lied to and he still would not stay anything negative about the teams,go to www.bowiestate.edu to get his stats and www.sportsnetwork.com or ww.theciaa.com.he leads all ncaa divisons(d-1,d1aa,d-ii and d-111)in tackles for loss”yardage”the entire ncaa/nation as a linebacker.he had 11.5 sacks,22.5 tackles for loss and 107yards,89 tackles,1,87 yards special td,3 block punts,16 hurries.sterling helped g.t. win the ncstate game with him 4th in sixth stop by inches ,one of the best homecoming games of the year.a great article on sterling green was in the dec 2005 in the washington post,the atlanta fans love him,what did atlanta falcon not pick him up.if you write a article on him,i guarentee they will love it.also you article on the draft was great.i hope sterling get signed with a team,he is the real deal,leave no doubts.