By Kenny

April 23, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Obviously Dorsey if he is there. If not, I say Sedrick Ellis or trade down and take the next best OT like Clady of Boise State.

By Todd Walker

April 23, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

If Dorsey is there @ No. 3…The Falcons need to take him..He will make an immediate impact on defense..If the Rams select Dorsey the Falcons need to look to trade down for more picks..The QB selection can be solved in the 2nd round with any of the 2 early 2nd round picks (3 selections in the 2nd)..I like Ryan but a believe the QB’s in this years draft are strong..Go Falcons

By cefus

April 23, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

draft dorsey with the first pick. draft flacco or brohm with next pick pick up ot sam baker and cb justin king with the other 2nd rounders. Also with one of the 11 picks brandon coutu should be picked up we need a young kicker with a good leg so we wont be looking for a kicker every year.

By Mike

April 23, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Clearly Dorsey should be the pick if available. If not, I dont mind Matt Ryan being the pick but I also wouldnt mind Ellis either in a trade down. Looks like we are all on the same page thus far.

By SC

April 23, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Pray that the Rams take Gholston or Chris Long and then we land the best player in this draft. Cefus, we signed jason Elam. We are not picking Coutu.

By Jay

April 23, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

If Dorsey is taken by the Rams, I say trade pick 3 to the Ravens for their 8th pick plus extra picks and select DT Sedrick Ellis from USC.

By Jimbo

April 23, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Dorsey or trade down. I have heard good things about Cedric Ellis but Gholston is an animal physically. I would love to see him here.

2nd round for OTs, QB & saftey help.

This is going to be fun to watch!!!

By mackdad

April 23, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

trade and get more picks….stay within the first round and grab a OL or DL with first selection and then go after next best available QB…nuff said!

By Paul

April 23, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Cephus. I second all of that. That would be a perfect 1st and 2nd round. Dorsey, Brohm, Baker, King

If they can get Coutu with the last of the 11 that’s even better. Nothing against Jason Elam but he’s 16 years in and they blew it last year not getting the guy that went to the Packers in the 6th.

By Frodo

April 23, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

If you can’t get Dorsey, then get Chris Long. Take Sam Baker with the next pick if he’s there. Then take the best of whatever’s left at QB. Brohm is said to be moving up into the first round, as is Henne. I’d take Erik Ainge over Flacco, who couldn’t compete at Pitt and transferred to 1-AA Delaware. That makes me question his maturity, decision making and toughness.

By mecca

April 23, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

I say take either dorsey or ryan….just pleeeaaaassseee dont trade out of that pick….if dorsey isnt there then take ryan he is the best qb in the draft I dont see any of the other qbs being all that good

By Scott

April 23, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Jay, you are dead on with your advice for the Falcons. If Dorsey is gone, they can’t afford to reach at #3 with that much guaranteed money involved. They also can’t take Chris Long, Gholston or McFadden, as that would be redundant. The only player there that provides value at #3 is Matt Ryan, and if they end up with him I’m OK with that.

But, there is a better scenario to follow: Work a deal with the Ravens where we take Ryan and they select Sedrick Ellis at #8 if he’s still there. They they then trade players and Baltimore will have to give us 2 more picks (likely a 2nd and a 4th rounder), following the NFL draft pick bonus plan thay they all use.

Then the Falcons package those 2 picks plus their own 2nd round supplemental pick (#48) to trade back into the mid-first round with a team which wants out of the first round (and there are some). Then Atlanta uses that pick to select an offensive tackle - there are up to 6 impact OT’s likely to go in the first round this year.

Finally, Atlanta then uses pick #34 to get their QB - probably Henne or Flacco, I’m good with either one.

Here’s the best part of all this: Dimitroff will be the MAN in this draft, probably causing Mel Kiper to wet himself on TV AND the Falcons will have filled all 3 glaring needs without giving anything away other than extra picks they accumulated. AND TD will have pulled off a 2 for 1: they will likely spend about the same money for their #8 DT and their mid-first round OT as they would have spent on Ryan at #3.

The Falcons have more ammunition to pull off these moves than any other team this year.

Saturday should be fun.

By Rob

April 23, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Dorsey has got to be the first choice if he is available, if not then Chris Long or Sedrick Ellis. We already have a wealth of picks, so trading the 3rd for more picks and giving up the opportunity to sign an elite player like Dorsey would be INSANE!!

By chief of smoke

April 23, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Dorsey or Chris Long will work. Please pass on Matt Ryan their are better QB’S Available in round 2.

By Bilbo

April 23, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

I agree mostly with my nephew. However, I think he should have said if Baker’s not there, maybe go ahead and get the best QB available. I hope it’s Brohm or Henne. But I agree with Frodo that Ainge may be a better pro than Flacco. But, I don’t think I’d take him in that spot. Oh, it’s so confusing. What to do? What to do?

By Different Mike

April 23, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Everyone here is assuming that we can trade our pick & get value for it. What if we are offered squat (relatively speaking)?

Dorsey is the no-brainer. If he’s gone, then IMO we have 3 choices:

Personally, I’d have no problem if they took Cleary, as he is CLEARLY (no pun intended) what we need (and is supposed to be a better LT than J. Long).

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 23, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

LINE!!!

Doesn’t matter if Long is gone. There are still other linemen.

LINE!!!!!!

By Supes

April 23, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Please anyone who says that drafting Chris Long at 3 would be redundant…what did Jamal Anderson show you last year at DE to make you think that!!!

I’m so glad none of you are making this pick, with that kind of thinking…:look:

Either Dorsey or C. Long will be an impact player pick by the Falcons.

Just DO NOT draft Matt Ryan at 3. That’s all I’m asking for as a fan.

By Jesse

April 23, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

If our offense is going to be around running the ball, managing the clock, and strong Defense why draft a QB this high? It’s pointless. Redman can make the throws needed for this Offense. So pick Dorsey, or trade down and take Clady or a CB or Ellis

By Bias media need help

April 23, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

no Matt Ryan Please all media Hype!! Do Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis. The shocker would be to get both defensive players our defense would be set.

If dorsey is gone trade down no lower than 8th and get another 2nd rounder. We need Dorsey real bad. Another pick could be Gholston he could be a good middle linebacker!

By JB

April 23, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Best part about this…..The bad blood is gone ( worst anyway) and all these new guys WANT to be here…Only down side….WE will struggle the next year or so and some guys ( who haven’t bought in and there are always a few) will poke their bottom lip out. hopefully some new leadership will emerge. We have a NFL staff which is a BIG BIG plus. read the Bio’s of this staff. Pretty impressive.

By St. Bernard

April 23, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Pass on Ryan and trade up or wait and pick Brohm

By chc4

April 23, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Supes — They won’t take Chris Long. They have Abe and Jammal was the #8 pick just last year. On a team with so many holes they can’t take another DE.

By Coach Hinz

April 23, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Amen Scott and Jay!Don’t forget about Brian Brohm. This scenario would fill a lot of gaps quick! Use the later picks for more secondary depth. The fate of Jimmy Williams is yet to be determined. “Personal reasons” is not a valid excuse to miss training camp, especially when you are not that productive!

By Huh?

April 23, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Who’s Cleary? Is he related to Clady?

By Different Mike

April 23, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

I meant Clady, not Cleary. My point is, you may not be able to trade and feel you get value, so go ahead and take the best player you need.

By Gold standard

April 23, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

(1)Dorsey (2) Woodson, two more offense linemen in the second 3th round get a middle line backer also in the third a safty and a cB! And please don’t draft all hype Matt Ryan the media love the guy they are clueless. woodson play better teams but the media love the golden boy PURE HYPE!

By sumguy

April 23, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if its dorsey, clady, ellis, or long as long as we don’t take Matt Ryan. We have too many holes to fill. The offense will be power based, therefore the value of the QB position is not as great (ie the QB just needs to be servicable). Build the lines and the defense up. I’m not sold on Ryan at all. He played terrible against any defense with speed (VT played prevent the last two mins of the game), and he played behind a very solid line at BC. Heck he never beat Maryland. (yes I understand Peyton Manning never beat Florida, but at c’mon Maryland, We’re talking Maryland!) If you feel like you need to draft a QB get Ainge from TN (good size and decent arm strength).

Dorsey and Ellis are the best intetior lineman in the draft. Long will remind people of Kerney. Anderson (last years #1) was 280 coming out of school. It wouldn’t be impossible to move him to DT if he added 10-20 lbs. Clady is the best tackle prospect available so you can’t go wrong with any of these.

I of course would trade down if at all possible.

By mark

April 23, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

If the Rams don’t take Dorsey with the 2nd pick then we take Dorsey and move on. If Dorsey is taken with the 2nd pick then we look to Kansas City and swap our pick for their two first rounders (5 and 17) and with the 5th pick we could still get DE Jake Long and with the 17th pick we would still have the flexibility to get CB Leodis McKelvin

By Jay W

April 23, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

You have to take Dorsey. If he is not there look to trade to the Jets so they can get McFadden. At the 6th overall pick we could get Ellis, Mckelvin, or Clady. The felxiblity to address many different needs with an immediate impact player is more vast at 6 than 3.

By diamond dave

April 23, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

who cares. this years crop is mediocre at best. we’re in for another long season (or two).

Go Dawgs!

By chc4

April 23, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Uh, the Chiefs aren’t trading the 5 & 17 picks just to move up to 3. No chance.

By Huh?

April 23, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

DE Jake Long? Me, I’d take DE Chris Long. Much better at that position. The best Jake Long is the OT who just signed with Miami. Too bad he won’t be available.

By Karl

April 23, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I agree 100% with Kenny. If Dorsey is there scoop him up. I like Ellis as well but at #3 it is too early. If we could trade down to say where Denver picks and get more draft picks in earlier rounds and then select Clady or Otah from Pitt or even Williams the local boy from Vandy who might be available a little further down it takes care of our biggest weakness which is the O-Line. Pull Brohm or Henne with the first 2nd round pick then go after the top rated D-lineman or CB. This is Dimitroff’s chance to make a name for himself if he picks Ryan I fell that name would be mud and the Falcons will be the same ole bottom dwellers for quite some time. Let’s get it right and start turning it around.

By Jon

April 23, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

I have never seen a fanbase less excited about taking a QB with its first pick. NOrmally, fans want a franchise QB but everyone seems to think there’s so much more in the second round at QB. I do agree, and I’m curious to see the reaction if Ryan is selected.

By The Realist

April 23, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Whatever we do, I don’t think we can afford to NOT take a top 10 caliber o-lineman or d-lineman. Chris Long? I seriously doubt it. I refuse to believe that management is ready to call last year’s first round pick, Jamal Anderson, a bust after only one season. We’ve got more pressing needs…yes, tons of them…but DE is the least of my worries. We get a DT or OT in the top 10 & I’m happy!

By jeff Carter

April 23, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

*Its CLEARLY not going to happen…but Barry Sanders was a no.3 pick and im not drawing comparisons, but Mcfadden SHOULD BE THE PICK!!! Look what that guy did against LSU (and Glenn Dorsey) who had a top defense. Everyone knew that guy was gonna run the ball and he still rushed for over 200. He is clearly a game changer who needs the ball in his hands ****

By Retired Falcon

April 23, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

You guys are just wishing. The Falcons usually take a speedy receiver with two by four hands and brag about the success of the draft. I need not remind you that Dorsey has a history of being hurt. Matt Ryan, although a projext will be a great QB but Atlanta doesn’t have the luxory of time to wait on him and will throw him in where he will get the hell beat out of him like Randy Johnson in ‘67. A defensive lineman has a huge impact immediately such as Claude Humphrey and John Zook did.

I suspect the Falcons wil try to do as the Patriots did and build a bunch of ‘no names’ who will dominate in 2 or three years but Blank will not wait that long and will fire the GM and coach before they have the chance. No, I have no hope this year as always.

The best plan would losd up OL and DL players and draft Ainge as a project to be brought along slowly.

Remember this, Vick will be back for the 2009 season and the crap will hit the fan then.

By Gunner

April 23, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

If Dorsey’s still there they’ll pick him, if not it’ll be Ryan.

By dawgcall

April 23, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

If the Falcons don’t get Glen Dorsey, then they need to pick up Sedrick Ellis. They don’t need to pick up another DE since they just pick up Jamaal Anderson last year at DE. They need to give him a little longer to develop before they give up on him. Sedrick Ellis and Glen Dorsey suppose to be in a different class compared to the other DT, so they should go ahead and pick Ellis. If they know can trade down and still get him a couple of picks later then that’s an option. If not, then just go ahead and get Ellis. I must admit I am a Georgia fan, so I want DJ to get one more shot at QB, so hopefully they want draft a QB. If they do, I hope they give DJ a fair shot to make the team.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

April 23, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Chris Long. Remember the Giants, who played 3 DE’s at the same time during there SB run? Long has the size and agility to move all over the field. Long can play the interior in pass rushing situations utilizing his speed and Abraham since coming to Atlanta has yet to prove he can play all 16 games. Please…CHRIS LONG!!!

By DK

April 23, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Picking for need seems to be the conventional wisdom these days. If I thought the Falcons could turn it all around this year and be a contender, I’d agree that picking the 3rd overall based on need rather than picking the best available player would be the way to go, but I don’t believe that the Falcons will be a contender for a Super Bowl Berth this year; better maybe, but not a contender. That said, I’d take McFadden and look to trade Norwood, or just make him our returner on special teams. I know that this will not happen, but it is what I’d do.

By sumguy

April 23, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

My question is, What makes Matt Ryan a “franchise QB”?and why does every one thing that the face a franchise has to be a QB? I peronally would like someone to earn the right to be called the face of the franchise rather than be annointed that title.

By truthman

April 23, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Personally, I think a couple of topless Hooters Girls would do more to distract the opposing defense than any lineman or quarterback. Plus, they work for tips!!

By NoD

April 23, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Mcfadden #3 - trade him and all the 2nd round pick for no 1 picks next year. lose every game and get Tim Tebow, plus 3 other no 1 picks. Let new system define needs this year, every play knows there playing for a job next year because the 4 no 1 picks are lined up.

By Retired Falcon

April 23, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Vick, he is still property of the Falcons for several years and if he catches on somewhere else, that team will have to compensate Atlanta. Atlanta will probably be willing to take a box of footballs for him and still have to eat part of his salary until the contract runs out. Old Home Depot won’t do that, so you can look for number 7 to be back on the team and the crowd will be yelling to put him in.

Take Dorsey as third pick. Worry about the rest later.

By chc4

April 23, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Cracks me up that everyone thinks Ryan sucks. I think he’ll be solid, maybe not a superstar but very good. That said I don’t want him @ 3.

By chc4

April 23, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

NoD - if the Falcons want Tebow they should load up on 3rd-4th rounders b/c thats what he’ll be. All that running will be useless in the NFL.

By Tmac

April 23, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

I think atl needs someone to bring their fan base back. There is really no one in the draft that brings that kind of excitement. I would trade down to take at least 2 first round caliber linemen along with a wild card at QB like Josh Johson. For now, if Aurthor wants his fans back in the seats, DJ shockley needs to be given a real competitive chance for the starting job. ATL LOVES DJ SHOCKLEY.

By Ken Strickland

April 23, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Dorsey isn’t a prototypical NT and wouldn’t fit the Rams 3/4 DEF. Therefore, he should be available to us at #3. MRyan isn’t head and shoulders above Brohm, Flacco or Henne. Why waste our top pick on Ryan when he’s not rated head and shoulders above Brohm, Flacco or Henne, who can be had in the 2nd rd.

Although Flacco played at a lower division school, he was coached by former NFL QB Jim Harbough. Brohm, like the Mannings, grew up in a QB family and knows the position inside out. Although they started a simular # of gms, Brohm’s threw more TD’s and his career TD to INT ratio is about 3-l. Ryan TD to INT’s ratio can’t come close to that. Brohm’s career INT total is only a few more than Ryans senior yr total alone. Brohm or Flacco would be far far better values in the 2nd rd than Ryan would be at #3.

Also, the Falcons would be much better off DEF drafting Dorsey 1st and OFF by drafting Brohm or Flacco 2nd, than Ryan 1st and whatever’s available 2nd. Too many of you are repeating what you hear put out there on ESPN rather than thinking for yourselves and reaching a logical conclusion. Why draft another DE when we’ve already used our last 2 1st rd picks on DE’s. It’s too early to classify JAnderson as a bust. He only had 2yrs of college experience playing the position. He might have been lacking as a pass rusher last yr, but he more than held his own as a run stopper. His ability to hold his ground as a run stopper is why teams went after our DT’s, and with much success I might add. We need a playmaking DT to stop the double and triple teaming of our best pass rusher, DE JAbraham. Our OL will be made a priority in next yrs draft. This yr will be used as an audition for our existing OLinemen.

By Reality Time

April 23, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

To A Retired Falcon - please keep up. Vick does not get out of prison until 2009. Then the Commissioner does his thing, which will probably make it 2010 before Vick could even think of stepping on a football field. The man was not very motivated when he had all the money and all the facilities and all the encouragement. Do you really think he can keep up on his own?

By Maxx

April 23, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

If the Rams pick Dorsey, we should trade the 3rd pick to the Lions for WR Roy Williams and their 15th pick so they can get their man Matt Ryan, package that 15th for more picks to move down to the bottom of the first round and pick up Brohm, then pick up many OTs DTs CBs and a Safety in later rounds with our myriad of Draft picks

By Bubba McBubba

April 23, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Glenn Dorsey Dan Conner Sam Baker Andre’ Woodson Tyrell Johnson I don’t give a crap past round 3.

By chc4

April 23, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

The Rams run a traditional 4-3. Dorsey is a perfect fit.

By Ben

April 23, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Pick Dorsey or Long. Just please please don’t draft Ryan. Henne or Brohm would be fine by me!!

By marko

April 23, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Ryan only if Dorsey’s gone. The second round corners and quarterbacks look pretty strong, but a kid like Dorsey comes about once a decade. If Dorsey’s gone, Ryan’s not a bad consolation prize.

By For Real

April 23, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

If Dorsey is not there, trade the pick for a swap in 1st round positions and get a second pick. Then package second round picks and move back into the 1st round to draft Ellis and O/T. This would give the Falcons two first round picks. This also could be done whether Dorsey is there or not.

By Bk Hawk

April 23, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Take Dorsey #1 if not there for Falcons maybe C. Long or trade it. But if possible get* McKelvin CB *with 2nd Falcon pick. I hope we don’t get Ryan unless its later round, I rather have *Brohm * over Ryan. NO matter who they pick it will be a improvement to last year and I believe Management is on the right track.

By Old Coach

April 23, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

just heard rams will trade second pick.

By Doug

April 23, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

We need to build up both lines. At this point Dorsey, Long, or the Ohio State OL, can’t remember his name. Coach Smith’s stated philosophy is 3 yards and a cloud of dust and stop the run. With this in mind, this will not be an offense which depends on the QB to be the best athlete or best in the league. Redmond or DJ could run this new offense very well and we can focus on the needs, OL, DL, DBs. If Ainge is around, lower down, he might be worth the pick.

By WILL

April 23, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

CHRISLONG IF HE IS THERE JAMAL ANDWERSON IS ANOTHER #1 BUST OF THE FALCONS CHRIS LONG WILL BE BETTER THAN PATRICK KERNEY REMEMBER HIM HE IS A MOTOR RUNNING ALL THE TIME IF THE RAMS DONT GET HIM AND ATLANTA PASSES ON THIS PLAYER IWILL PRAY THEY MOVE THIS TEAM ANYWHERE BUT ATLANTA IWILL PUT A WORSE CURSE ON THE FRANCHISE CHRIS LONG DIMITRIOFF GET IT DDONT SCREW IT UP.

By WILL

April 23, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

CHRIS LONG GET A QB IN THE SECOND AND ACORNERBACK,LINEBACKER 3RD,OLLINEMAN 4TH, 5TH, SAFETY IN THE 7TH AND ANOTHER OL.IN THE 6TH

By Craig

April 23, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

I would love to read about one of those H. Walker deals where we get 7 or 8 first round picks…

we have two many needs…I will leave this years and next years drafts to the experts..

I have no comment…

By Mr. MOCK DRAFT

April 23, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

By Saints Fan

April 23, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Awesome. As a Saints fan, I hope the Falcons don’t get a QB ever. Dorsey wants to be in New Orleans and not in ATL. With this crop of QB’s, if Atlanta doesn’t pick the best one available, they deserve the trip through mediocrity. We’ll see you in the Superdome!

By Mr. MOCK DRAFT

April 23, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

ahhhhh bahhhhhhh humbug Saints fan dont hold your nutts on thr dirty birds. Oh yea and if we cant draft Dorsey with the first pick we should trade it 4 more picks. peace and may GOD BLESS!

By Retired Falcon

April 23, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

In no case should the Falcons take one of the Georgia Players. They have never worked out here, either hurt or suspended for drugs.

For the guy who tried to correct me, Vick will be out in 2009. He received 23 months that started when he voluntarilly went to prison in Oct. 2007. He entered a drug program at federal prison which would enable him to be released 6 month early. Do the math - 23 -6 = 17. Seventeen months from Oct 07 is April 09. I don’t especiaaly want him back but Blank will try to enrich his fan base and I feel Blank won’t be able to resist the temptation to bring him back. All depends on Commissioner, though.

By shane #1

April 23, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Retired Falcon, don’t worry, the Falcons do not draft UGA players, which may be one reason They have always been losers. Going all the way back to the days of Stanfill and Scott they have passed up on Bulldogs. Including Mack Strong, Champ Bailey, Guy McIntyre, Marcus Stroud, Richard Seymour,Terrell Davis, and Hines Ward. All-Pros all. BTW, Davis, Scott, and Ward are Super Bowl MVPs, something no Falcon has ever been. If You can find out what kind of drugs Bailey, Ward, and Seymour are on please see that the Falcons give some to Their defensive line, dbs, and recievers. Maybe They could win a few games.

By shane #1

April 23, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Now back to the draft. I agree with most that Ryan is not the way to go, He may be a great one, but, at least half of the qbs selected in the first round turn out to be busts. I don’t think the Falcons can afford to chance it. Dorsey or Long would be good picks, or draft Ryan if You can trade Him later for Mcfadden and another second round pick. The Falcons need pass rushers and run stoppers, since the Birds in all Their wisdom let the best of both They had go. O linemen are needed also, without better blocking it won’t matter Who plays qb. I would start DJ, if He is ready to go, because He has the ability to run for His life. A straight drop back passer will get killed behind what Atlanta calls a line!

By Joe D

April 23, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Trade down with Kansas City for their 2 1st round picks and either a number 2 or 3 also.

By bulldog

April 24, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Barring any trades and assuming that the Falcons keep the 11 picks that they currently possess, what they should do is draft Dorsey with the third pick. If the Rams choose him, then they should select Ellis from USC. Either way, Dimitroff addresses one of the three biggest needs on this team by securing one of the only two defensive tackles good enough to start immediately.

The other two glaring needs are a good cover corner capable of starting as a rookie and a starting left tackle. With their first pick of the second round, they should select the best available corner.

With the two remaining picks in the second round, they should select the best available offensive left tackle and Lofton, the middle linebacker from Oklahoma. That way, Dimitroff will have selected the best middle linebacker in this draft and Brooking’s future replacement and current understudy. They can afford to wait that long to draft a left tackle because offensive tackle is the deepest position in this year’s draft.

With the two third round picks, they should draft a safety and another offensive lineman.

There is no need to draft a quarterback in this draft. You already have three on the roster. With the most talented of the three (Shockley) having not even had a chance to show what he can do yet. He is a natural leader and a talented young man.

Then, draft Matt Stafford next year to be your quarterback of the future. He won’t stay for his senior year and his future is much brighter than any of the qb’s in this year’s draft.

By chemdawg

April 24, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Draft Matt Ryan then bring back vick as a wide receiver/return man. Atlanta gets something to talk about and arthur loves the limelight.

By DanR

April 24, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this

If Dorsey’s gone at three, I trade the pick to the Jets or Ravens and acquire an additional draft pick. I for one like our quarterbacks; however, one name that intrigues me is San Diego’s Josh Johnson. Johnson finished his career as the NCAA’s all-time leader in passing efficiency at 176.7. He also threw for 43 TDs and one interception his senior year! The guy is also fast and athletic; yet, he’s not a “running” quarterback by any stretch. What else - humble, smart, great mechanics, “player of the game” in the East-West Shrine game - need I say more.

Another kid I like a lot is Central Florida junior RB Kevin Smith. Smith ran for 2,567 yards last season including 217 yards against NC State and 149 against Texas - that’s 61 yards short of Barry Sanders NCAA single season record! I know running back is not a need, but if this kid is still available in the third round … just check him out on youtube.com. Aside from those two, OL and DL are obvious needs, with depth in the secondary and at linebacker also in need.

By tony

April 24, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this

if dorsey doesn’t fall to us at 3 take chris long because is the next best player in this draft. chris just like dorsey will have a positve impact on our entire team and lets not forget who’s blood is running through his veins. this is a no-brainer.

By MariettaFalconFan

April 24, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

You build a team from the inside out unless there is a franchise quarterback.

I just do not believe the hype that ESPN, NFL Network, and so called draft experts have said about Matt Ryan being a franchise quarterback. IMO he will either be a bust or an average qb. So the best pick for the Falcons would be Glenn Dorsey.

If Dorsey gets drafted by the Rams then I would trade the pick with KC or Baltimore and get the second best DT available, S. Ellis.

If for some reason we cannot trade the pick, then I’m perfectly fine with getting Chris Long. He kinda reminds me of Kerney.

By Stan

April 24, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

I agree, we should stay away from Ryan. Most successful NFL QB’s have been great college QB’s. Matt Ryan was a good college QB. Hence, I said good not great. You do not take a QB that high in the draft if you’re not absolutely in love with him. Plain and simple.

Moving on to my scenario, I say we trade out of the 3 spot with either the Chiefs or Ravens, if Dorsey isn’t available. We pick up an additional 3rd round pick this year/4th rounder in the 2009 draft and select either McKelvin or Ellis in the first. We know the Ravens definitely want a QB and the Chiefs aren’t sold on Croyle. Either one of them will take the bait for Ryan. We can find a viable QB in the later rounds with all of our picks. Also, it may be wishful thinking but don’t sleep on D.J. this year. I think he comes back with a vengeance. With a solid draft this year, the Falcons may be back before you know it. Go Birds!!!!!!!!!!!

By 82DAWG

April 24, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Trade the pick for a combination of draft picks and players. The Falcons need so much that they can trade that pick, move back a few slots, still get the lineman they need and gain another pick to fill another key hole. They need to stock up.

By Hal

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

The Falcons and the Draft are like oil and water, what ever they do it never comes together.

By Reality Time

April 24, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

To Retired Falcon, just to refresh your memory here is my post:

To A Retired Falcon - please keep up. Vick does not get out of prison until 2009. Then the Commissioner does his thing, which will probably make it 2010 before Vick could even think of stepping on a football field. The man was not very motivated when he had all the money and all the facilities and all the encouragement. Do you really think he can keep up on his own?

As you can see I said he would get out in 2009. I also assumed a 1 year suspension by the Commissioner which makes it 2010. So I guess my math was O.K. By the way, Vick applied for the drug program, he has not yet been accepted so the six months early release had not yet kicked in.

In my opinion Michael Vick is not motivated enough to keep himself in shape for the period of time, either mentally or physically, to resume play as a quarterback, I don’t care how many prison teams he quarterbacks for.

By Michael

April 24, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I think the Falcons need to hire Scott(above) to run the draft. I really like his way of thinking!

By ctsyle

April 24, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

If Dorsey is there take him. If he is not, then trade w/ the Raven’s and take Cedric Ellis with the 8th pick. Get an extra 2nd or 3rd round pick this year when you switch places with the Ravens.

By BigWood

April 24, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Dear Falcons Please take a D-tackle “Dorsey or Ellis”. If Ellis you could trade down gain a couple picks. Come back in Rnds 2&3 and pick a Off-linemen, another D-Tackle because (Def wins Championships). With Young CB’s lots of presure on the QB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pick a QB and a ILB. Rnd4 look for a small school DB and Saftey that will make you pay for catching the ball. By the way I am interested in the Asst GM job.