2012 Falcons Draft Discussion

[Bosanac01]

It's time to start discussing the 2012 draft. Sadly no 1st rounder, but there is talent is every round. Let's look at our potential needs.

LT
TE
RB
WR (slot)

DE
NB
FS

[dunagan15]

not picking till 64 is gonna suck

[Bosanac01]

If there is a lockout we'll pick 59th. :D

I assume.

[Falconguru]

It's time to start discussing the 2012 draft. Sadly no 1st rounder, but there is talent is every round. Let's look at our potential needs.

LT
TE
RB
WR (slot)

DE
NB
FS

I would say linebacker,left tackle (if Baker doesn't work out ) and def end would be the highest needs. I believe ABE doesn't have to much longer on his contract. Left tackles the good ones usually go in the first round. Abe could be resigned or extended since pass rushing def ends are also very hard to find. Linebacker,we can find one in round 3-7. We also don't have a 4th rounder either.

Basically if Baker doesn't step up left tackle could be the biggest need but def end is right up there also.The other positions you can find quality throughout the draft.Why FS? Decoud seems to be doing a reasonable enough job.

[the_dark_knight]

Corner is still a major concern for us if Franks doesn't step up for us, lets hope he does.

LT could be time to get us one of those

OLB for sure

DE if we don't go out and pick up one like Edwards or Johnson in FA.

[Bosanac01]

I don't think we'll need an OLBer next season. We'll have Lofton, Spoon, and Dent starting. With Wire and Adkins backing up. All those guys are still very young.

[the_dark_knight]

If we're starting Dent our defense isn't going to be good.

[Falconguru]

I'm not sold on our linebacker coverage. Spoon can be good but Lofton and Dent don't bring anything to the table in coverage vs backs coming out of the backfield. Sure we need players who can stop the run but pass defense is where we get lit up. A better pass rush will help alot but linebackers need to cover also. I think we need one more good all around linebacker. Dent was a olb before he moved inside yet might be average at best in coverage.

I think we pick up a vet nickelback and Franks becomes depth.

[Bosanac01]

If we're starting Dent our defense isn't going to be good.

I don't think we'll start him week one next season, but he'll get some reps and starts as the season wears down. I believe if you're drafting a 4-3 OLBer in the 3rd round, you better be counting him to start sometime down the road. I highly doubt starting him over Peterson will make our defense worse.

[FTRWRTR]

It's too hard for me to say how the defense will look because I don't know who they'll get in free agency. That can change everything.

[Bosanac01]

It's too hard for me to say how the defense will look because I don't know who they'll get in free agency. That can change everything.

We can assume the secondary is in great shape. An extra year together should do a lot for those guys. Linebackers are there, just need to step up. If Spoon stays healthy, that would do wonders.

The Defensive line bring a lot of trouble, and if they collapse everything goes wrong.

[FTRWRTR]

We can assume the secondary is in great shape. An extra year together should do a lot for those guys. Linebackers are there, just need to step up. If Spoon stays healthy, that would do wonders.

The Defensive line bring a lot of trouble, and if they collapse everything goes wrong.But if the falcons bring in a fa lb that changes things because then their lb core is no longer depent upon weatherspoon.

And of course what happens with a fa DE is very important as well. Especially with abraham being 33 this year.

Really all we can assume at this point is that the DB's will be ok.

[Falconguru]

We do need a nickel back. We saw how the Packers picked the secondary apart since we didn't have enough quality dbs.

[the_dark_knight]

CB is our #1 position of need imo. If a guy like Minnifield is there in the 2nd I'd be happy with that pickup. There's a few other nice CBs that people have pointed me towards in other threads, so I think we can find one, but I think throw him into the fire instead of this whole give them 3 seasons to become a flop thing would be much better.

It'd be nice to get a long armed DB out there someone in the mold of Franks, and honestly Franks may be able to play if he's given the every down spot on the outside and is used more in press man than he is in off coverage, he's sticky like Grimes always was, before Grimes started really settling in and breaking up passes he was abused similarly to Franks.

Franks was all over AJ80 when he was asked to cover him, AJ just made a couple of great catches, that deep ball comes to mind. If given a shot to play every down I could see him being a success story akin to Grimes.

I'd really like to hit on some picks this year, because last year was a complete waste outside of Julio and Quizz. I hated the 'value' where we picked and I hated the pick of Dent that early. I'm really hoping we'll find some gems this year, and we can find a great CB in the 2nd or 3rd, that'd be really nice. Another Asante Samuel

[the_dark_knight]

What do you guys think about Chris Polk from Washington, or maybe someone like Chris Rainey. A back with good hands that could really make some mismatches. I think Turner is going to be gone sooner rather than later, and I don't think that Rodgers is our answer at RB, that's why I mention a guy like Chris Polk.

[the_dark_knight]

Right now, and of course this may change over the course of the next few months of combine / senior games etc.

Trumaine Johnson - Montana. I want to draft that kid. I know we've looked at Montana a lot lately, Kroy worked, Shann sucks, but I like this guy, he jumped out at me about a month ago maybe two, not sure, but I've been rooting for him in the 2nd round for a while now privately in my mind. Nice to see that I'm not the only one who thinks he's got the skills and at a rare size to play corner in the NFL.

Obviously without a DC being named at this point it's going to be hard to tell, and there are other great positions of need, RG (if Mike Johnson doesn't pan out) CB, TE, all are areas I think should be addressed this year.

Part of me hates not having a first round pick and part of me loves it. Just means we're really going to have to hit on a couple of picks hopefully 2nd and 3rd this year.

Round 2 Radar:
CB-
Brandon Boykin
Trumaine Johnson
Donnie Fletcher

TE-
Orson Charles
Michael Egnew

DE-
Jared Crick (not likely to be there at all, but I really like what he can bring)
Vinny Curry

OG-
Brandon Brooks (Absolutely Massive, and I'd love to have an immovable force out there, I think Coach B could help him achieve his potential)
Kevin Zeitler (I love Wisconsin Offensive Linemen)

OT-I want a LT so badly, but Svitek performed very well shutting out Jared Allen, but he's been up and down, and I want that franchise LT, that being said, I'm not sure we find it this year, and even tougher to find in the 2nd.
Andrew Datko
Mike Adams (not likely to be there in the 2nd)

RB-not top priority but I would like to see a real speedster CoP back because I think in the next couple of seasons we're going to see Quizz take over as a primary back and we're going to need 2 backs big time.
Chris Polk
LaMichael James
***later round sleeper***Vick Ballard, I love the way this kid plays the game and if he's there in round 5 or 6 he'd be at the top of my list.

S- I love the Safety position and think upgrading Decoud is going to be a big part of making this defense a lot better, that being said there aren't a lot of guys to consider in the 2nd round, but I do like:
Harrison Smith

[ATLDirtyBirds]

Can't comment on the defense until we know what coach is coming in. Scheme could change radically.

[the_dark_knight]

Can't comment on the defense until we know what coach is coming in. Scheme could change radically.

You're right I fully expect a radical change, that's why I'm not sure on the CBs as you can see I've got several different types of CB listed there. I also think Decoud is a goner, I don't think he's going to stick around.

Now we know Nolan is the guy, but we don't know about his scheme or anything like that at this point, what he's going to actually put on the field for ATL. Can still speculate about potential upgrades.

I think Nolan coming in might be the end of Grimes, cause I think he's going to want more physical corners out there, so Robinson will fit, I also think Johnson will fit well, he's used to CBs with some size after being in Miami.

As far as OLBs are concerned if we swap to the 3-4 I think Spoon will undoubtedly be one of them, and I think Sidbury would be my leading candidate for the other spot. Kroy obviously has a lot of athletic ability as well and could prove a great asset. I just don't see a potential NT on this roster, maybe Porkchop, but I'd be a bit surprised if he could become a serious space eater.

Ah well, lots to figure out over the next few weeks and hopefully we'll get some info with what defense we'll put out there, but for now, let the speculation begin!

[ATLDirtyBirds]

My favorite round two target as of now is Orson Charles. I think he'll go early 2nd though.

[the_dark_knight]

My favorite round two target as of now is Orson Charles. I think he'll go early 2nd though.

I'm a big fan as well. Can't say I'd want to pass him up, but at the same time if we can get a big 6'3 corner with good ball skills, I wouldn't be able to pass him up.

Really looking forward to the Senior Bowl, such a great week!

[FTRWRTR]

My problem with charles is the track record of former UGA te's in the pro's isn't that great.

[Halsey]

My problem with charles is the track record of former UGA te's in the pro's isn't that great.

Track record of a position at a school is about as overrated as it gets. Judge a prospect as an individual.

[Bosanac01]

Track record of a position at a school is about as overrated as it gets. Judge a prospect as an individual.

How bout we judge him on his brick hands and lack off blocking skills. I'm not a fan off his at all. Also, I don't think we should be spending a 2nd rounder on a TE.

If we go offense, I think we should look at the line first. Really, this team needs help in every single position except QB. We are not solid at anywhere.

[Halsey]

I'm not big on Charles either, but UGAs TE history will have no affect on whether or not he succeeds...

[dunagan15]

Only TE id want at 55 is Fleener, and thats just because I thinks hes the real deal and if he fell there would be a steal. But that wont happen.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

I'd happily take Charles at 55, but barring a miracle (Fleener falling), I think we go defense. Specifically corner, because there's a lot of talent that's in that 2nd range. (Minnifield, Hayward, Norman, Johnson, Gilmore, Boykin, etc.)

[Bosanac01]

Even if we have a lot invested in the corner position, I think that would be a great move. Boykin is a beast, I would love to have him. It also answers our return issue.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

Even if we have a lot invested in the corner position, I think that would be a great move. Boykin is a beast, I would love to have him. It also answers our return issue.


Sadly I don't think he'll make it. But yes, I'd be on board, he's my #4 corner. I think a realistic target is someone we scheduled a visit with today actually, Dwight Bentley.

[FTRWRTR]

Track record of a position at a school is about as overrated as it gets. Judge a prospect as an individual.I disagree, if players at a certain position from a specific school constantly get it done in college but don't as pro's that let us know there's something the players have learned from University's coaching staff that works in college but won't work in the NFL.

[villagewarrior]

So I'm reading that the Falcons are looking at corners, d ends, and left tackles (who isn't?) Ends and tackles usually go fairly quickly, so is everyone anticipating a corner in round 2? If Boykin were to fall that would be tremendous, but I don't think he will be there? Who are some other targets?

[scar988]

So I'm reading that the Falcons are looking at corners, d ends, and left tackles (who isn't?) Ends and tackles usually go fairly quickly, so is everyone anticipating a corner in round 2? If Boykin were to fall that would be tremendous, but I don't think he will be there? Who are some other targets?
Boykin is likely falling to our pick in the 2nd.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

Boykin is likely falling to our pick in the 2nd.


I don't think so dude. I mean, I'm rooting for it hard, he's my 4th ranked corner and can immediately replace Weems, but I just don't see it. Too good of a player to fall.

[Bulldogs]

Boykin in the 2nd would be absolutely perfect for us. If we were to grab him we could probably let Brent Grimes go next offseason (depending on how he plays). After that we need to grab a developmental tight end prospect and some linemen depth on both ends of the ball.

[Halsey]

I disagree, if players at a certain position from a specific school constantly get it done in college but don't as pro's that let us know there's something the players have learned from University's coaching staff that works in college but won't work in the NFL.

There is some value to a school's history with positions, but it's a limited indicator. How many TEs have come from Cal other than Tony G? Besides, UGA has produced some good NFL TEs. Ben Watson and Randy McMichael have both had good careers.

[FTRWRTR]

There is some value to a school's history with positions, but it's a limited indicator. How many TEs have come from Cal other than Tony G? Besides, UGA has produced some good NFL TEs. Ben Watson and Randy McMichael have both had good careers.I agree about watson, mcmike has had some good years but other years he's a non factor. IMO the cal thing doesn't really apply because they don't produce te's who do well in college and then disappear as pro's, that's the troubling part to me. I'd be much happier as a NFL fan if UGA didn't have good te's before now and then suddenly Charles comes along. At least then I'd know it's about his talent and skill rather than coaching.

If the Falcons want a sleeper te I'd like them to take LaDarius Green but the coaches seem to like Michael Palmer so I wouldn't be surprised if the don't take a te.

[Bert Macklin]

I respect Bulldogs and ATLDirtyBirds a lot but this is too funny not to post here... Curtis Lofton Interview

Q: Do you have a better chance to win a Super Bowl with the Saints?

A: Yes. I look at it like this. When you go to a team, it would be dumb not to think that you don’t have a better chance to win a Super Bowl with that team. I feel like Atlanta and the Saints have been evenly matched. But I really feel like there is more talent with the Saints. They defintiely can score more than two points in a playoff game. I will say that.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

We'll score more when Tony G rapes Lofton trying to cover him in the playoffs this year, haha.

I can't tell if I'm going to hate Lofton or respect him. He's said some positive things on his way out, and some douchey things. Probably hate. **** the Saints.

[Bert Macklin]

We'll score more when Tony G rapes Lofton trying to cover him in the playoffs this year, haha.

I can't tell if I'm going to hate Lofton or respect him. He's said some positive things on his way out, and some douchey things. Probably hate. **** the Saints.

I feel the same way about the falcons. I got this for my first child

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/9754/imageops.jpg

But I'll acknowledge they're a tough team every year.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

Awesome. (For a Saints kid that is).

But yes, we always have ourselves some good games. What was that stat last year about our games finishing within 3?

But seriously, Lofton's a real good dude. I don't know about the whole OLB thing, but if you play him at MIKE, you're getting an elite run defender and regardless of position, a great leader.

[Bulldogs]

I still like Curtis Lofton. I'm sure he feels like the organization gave him a slap in the face by not offering the big contract he wanted, which plays a part in alot of this stuff coming out now. We just couldn't afford to pay a two-down linebacker that much money. Hopefully he remembers the good times more than the little bad.

[Bert Macklin]

It's always nice to hear fans talk about a former player like that. I feel the same way about Carl Nicks and Robert Meachem.