2011 Falcons Draft Discussion

[DraftMichaelHuff]

Id like a way to make the following scenarios happen

First Pick

1. Bowers OR Trade Down

2a) Allen Bailey

(both would give us a new LE body type as opposed to Biermann and Sidbury clones in Houston and Kerrigan. The last two years have shown that big/dumb athletic DEs can be coached to success, the key is athletism not smarts from a DE). Bailey at full potential = Mario Williams. I see Peria Jerry's personality in Bailey

I conceed that both Bailey and Bowers have the potential to be JA 98 2.o though :(

2. Torrey Smith (may need to move up, but he is the only 2nd round WR with #1 or #2 potential without having the bad character that would turn us off that you get with Baldwin or Little)

3. Jordan Cameron (to make up for loosing my boy Jimmy Graham this year, has Grahams potential and could unleash hell in the slot as a rookie - imagine a 6"5 Brent Grimes playing tight end)

Other Players I like

RB
Jaquizz Rodgers - Size will drop him but he is a great player, poor mans Maurice Jones Drew
Taiwan Jones - Very similair to Norwood

[BamaFalcon59]

Allen Bailey at his potential is not Mario Williams. Not even close.

[dunagan15]

April 15th Mock: This mock will not invlove any trades, drafting strictly on needs, throw up the feedback.

Round 1(27): Justin Houston DE UGA- Perfect style player for this defense, at 6'3 270 has great size and more than likely the fastest and quickest DE in this draft. Definitly the type of "Atlanta" player due to being a senior, a captain and productive in the SEC. Not a great run stopper but we need a pass rusher and he fits the bill great. Abe isn't getting any younger and Houston should fill that hole nicely.


Round 2(59): Jerrel Jernigan WR Troy- Finally a guy that will be the new spark in the ATL offense, which has been missing that feature ever since Jerious Norwood can't stay healthy for more than 20 minutes and Harry Douglas actually decides he wants to cath the ball again. Both of those things being uncertain, The Falcons take Jernigan who although small, is very quick and should be a great option for Ryan and take some pressure off Roddy. I don't see JJ ever becoming a true #2, but will definitly make some big plays for this offense and being an asset on offense.

Round 3(91): DeMarco Murray RB OU- A versatile back that does a little of everything. By far the best pass cathching RB in the draft and will make a great compliment to Turner on passing downs and is always a threat to hit the homerun. Not the greatest runner inside the tackles but gets the job done. Incredible athlete but has struggled w/ injuries which is the reason for him dropping this low. if he stays healthy this pick could be a steal of the draft. One of my fav players in this draft class, I think he will be a stud wherever he goes.

Round 4(124): DJ Williams TE ARK: Not necessarily the type of TE that fits the exact style of the Falcons but too good of a player to pass up. With Tony G still going, this will only help DJ become a better all around player. DJ was a big player in the SEC and always made an impact in games. if anyone here remebers AJ Hernandez from UF that some of us were begging for and he went to the Pats, we all see how well he did as a rookie. I feel DJ is around the same type of player as Hernandez, not quite as good coming out but can be a good pro. Needs to work on his blocking if he wants to really mold into this offense, worst comes to worse he a nice matchup guy in the slot. Solid pick.

Thats as far as Im going to go for now, let me know what you guys think and throw up some options.

[the_dark_knight]

I do not like Houston. I think he's got massive flop written all over him. That being said, I do think it makes sense that he'd get drafted here, except that he's a Junior, and we don't draft Juniors.

As much as I'd like to get a much bigger WR, (really love Greg Little and that kid from UT) Jernigan seems to be an extremely popular pick for the Falcons, and he'd help us in 3 wide sets, but I want a #2 WR.

Murray is cool with me, I like other backs more, but this kid is a nice 3rd down back imo.

I like getting a TE, and I like DJ Williams.

[dunagan15]

My bad on houston being a junior. Still a captain none the less. I do disagree on Houston though. Hes done well in a tough conference. Although sometimes in games ppl say he tends to dissapear but I hate that analysis. Its so hard for DE to make an impact every down, If the guy can get at least consistent pressure then im happy with it, the guy doesnt have to rack up sacks although they are nice.

Out of this draft class, sure they are better all around DE's like Kerrigan (who isnt dropping past 20). But at 27 if Houston is there I think we are lucky, the guy is a pure pass rusher and that is exactly what we need.

[FTRWRTR]

Originally Posted by dunagan15

April 15th Mock: This mock will not invlove any trades, drafting strictly on needs, throw up the feedback.

Round 1(27): Justin Houston DE UGA- Perfect style player for this defense, at 6'3 270 has great size and more than likely the fastest and quickest DE in this draft. Definitly the type of "Atlanta" player due to being a senior, a captain and productive in the SEC. Not a great run stopper but we need a pass rusher and he fits the bill great. Abe isn't getting any younger and Houston should fill that hole nicely.


Round 2(59): Jerrel Jernigan WR Troy- Finally a guy that will be the new spark in the ATL offense, which has been missing that feature ever since Jerious Norwood can't stay healthy for more than 20 minutes and Harry Douglas actually decides he wants to cath the ball again. Both of those things being uncertain, The Falcons take Jernigan who although small, is very quick and should be a great option for Ryan and take some pressure off Roddy. I don't see JJ ever becoming a true #2, but will definitly make some big plays for this offense and being an asset on offense.

Round 3(91): DeMarco Murray RB OU- A versatile back that does a little of everything. By far the best pass cathching RB in the draft and will make a great compliment to Turner on passing downs and is always a threat to hit the homerun. Not the greatest runner inside the tackles but gets the job done. Incredible athlete but has struggled w/ injuries which is the reason for him dropping this low. if he stays healthy this pick could be a steal of the draft. One of my fav players in this draft class, I think he will be a stud wherever he goes.

Round 4(124): DJ Williams TE ARK: Not necessarily the type of TE that fits the exact style of the Falcons but too good of a player to pass up. With Tony G still going, this will only help DJ become a better all around player. DJ was a big player in the SEC and always made an impact in games. if anyone here remebers AJ Hernandez from UF that some of us were begging for and he went to the Pats, we all see how well he did as a rookie. I feel DJ is around the same type of player as Hernandez, not quite as good coming out but can be a good pro. Needs to work on his blocking if he wants to really mold into this offense, worst comes to worse he a nice matchup guy in the slot. Solid pick.

Thats as far as Im going to go for now, let me know what you guys think and throw up some options.

I'd be happy to see atlanta do that but I think murray will go in the 2nd. Personally I'm fine if the falcons don't get him because dude can't stay healthy.

[Bosanac01]

Originally Posted by the_dark_knight

I do not like Houston. I think he's got massive flop written all over him. That being said, I do think it makes sense that he'd get drafted here, except that he's a Junior, and we don't draft Juniors.

As much as I'd like to get a much bigger WR, (really love Greg Little and that kid from UT) Jernigan seems to be an extremely popular pick for the Falcons, and he'd help us in 3 wide sets, but I want a #2 WR.

Murray is cool with me, I like other backs more, but this kid is a nice 3rd down back imo.

I like getting a TE, and I like DJ Williams.

It's not that we don't draft Junior, it's that we draft more leaders/captains, and most of those tend to be seniors. Just because a player is a Junior doesn't mean he's out of our radar. Justin Houston is actually a redshirt Junior so he spent 4 years at college, which is more than Quinn, Bowers, or Aldon Smith, who are 1,2,3 in this DE class. If Robert Quinn fell to us, I guess you wouldn't take him because he's a Junior?

Justin Houston will be a great NFL player imo, I don't see a bust with him. Aside from Quinn, I think he will be the most successful DE in this class. That is if he plays DE in the 4-3 and not OLB in 3-4.

[SimonRath]

Originally Posted by dunagan15

April 15th Mock: This mock will not invlove any trades, drafting strictly on needs, throw up the feedback.

Round 1(27): Justin Houston DE UGA- Perfect style player for this defense, at 6'3 270 has great size and more than likely the fastest and quickest DE in this draft. Definitly the type of "Atlanta" player due to being a senior, a captain and productive in the SEC. Not a great run stopper but we need a pass rusher and he fits the bill great. Abe isn't getting any younger and Houston should fill that hole nicely.


Round 2(59): Jerrel Jernigan WR Troy- Finally a guy that will be the new spark in the ATL offense, which has been missing that feature ever since Jerious Norwood can't stay healthy for more than 20 minutes and Harry Douglas actually decides he wants to cath the ball again. Both of those things being uncertain, The Falcons take Jernigan who although small, is very quick and should be a great option for Ryan and take some pressure off Roddy. I don't see JJ ever becoming a true #2, but will definitly make some big plays for this offense and being an asset on offense.

Round 3(91): DeMarco Murray RB OU- A versatile back that does a little of everything. By far the best pass cathching RB in the draft and will make a great compliment to Turner on passing downs and is always a threat to hit the homerun. Not the greatest runner inside the tackles but gets the job done. Incredible athlete but has struggled w/ injuries which is the reason for him dropping this low. if he stays healthy this pick could be a steal of the draft. One of my fav players in this draft class, I think he will be a stud wherever he goes.

Round 4(124): DJ Williams TE ARK: Not necessarily the type of TE that fits the exact style of the Falcons but too good of a player to pass up. With Tony G still going, this will only help DJ become a better all around player. DJ was a big player in the SEC and always made an impact in games. if anyone here remebers AJ Hernandez from UF that some of us were begging for and he went to the Pats, we all see how well he did as a rookie. I feel DJ is around the same type of player as Hernandez, not quite as good coming out but can be a good pro. Needs to work on his blocking if he wants to really mold into this offense, worst comes to worse he a nice matchup guy in the slot. Solid pick.

Thats as far as Im going to go for now, let me know what you guys think and throw up some options.

I want Jacquizz Rodgers or Jordan Todman more then Murray.

[Bosanac01]

I think we are all split on RBs. I would love Derrick Locker over all of those.

[FTRWRTR]

I just read that the AJC's latest mock has the Falcons taking Kyle Rudolph at #27. I'd be kinda surprised if they did but with the draft being weak at te and deep at de I guess that's a possiblity.

[FTRWRTR]

Originally Posted by Bosanac01

I think we are all split on RBs. I would love Derrick Locker over all of those.

Guy is seriously injury prone. After wasting their time with norwood I'd be surprised if they take a rb with a significant injury history.

[dunagan15]

Originally Posted by FTRWRTR

Guy is seriously injury prone. After wasting their time with norwood I'd be surprised if they take a rb with a significant injury history.

In the 3rd I dont see it as a bad pick, I highly doubt he even lasts to relatively close to 91 b/c hes a great player, far better than Jerious was coming out.

I also like Kendall Hunter alot but assumed hed be gone.

[Bosanac01]

IDK, Jerious was a pretty darn good RB coming out. I think Locke will last till our 3rd pick and possibly even 4th. Though the RB position isn't too strong at the top, there is certainly a lot of depth in the middle rounds with guys like Quizz, Devine, Scott, Helu jr, Locke.

[Bosanac01]

Originally Posted by DraftMichaelHuff

Id like a way to make the following scenarios happen

First Pick

1. Bowers OR Trade Down

2a) Allen Bailey

(both would give us a new LE body type as opposed to Biermann and Sidbury clones in Houston and Kerrigan. The last two years have shown that big/dumb athletic DEs can be coached to success, the key is athletism not smarts from a DE). Bailey at full potential = Mario Williams. I see Peria Jerry's personality in Bailey

I conceed that both Bailey and Bowers have the potential to be JA 98 2.o though :(

2. Torrey Smith (may need to move up, but he is the only 2nd round WR with #1 or #2 potential without having the bad character that would turn us off that you get with Baldwin or Little)

3. Jordan Cameron (to make up for loosing my boy Jimmy Graham this year, has Grahams potential and could unleash hell in the slot as a rookie - imagine a 6"5 Brent Grimes playing tight end)

Other Players I like

RB
Jaquizz Rodgers - Size will drop him but he is a great player, poor mans Maurice Jones Drew
Taiwan Jones - Very similair to Norwood

Everyone you have in your draft are just some freakishly athletic guys.

You are terribly wrong on Bailey. He is a horrible "football" player and doesn't have potential like people think he does. He's just strong and athletic for his size, so the media have done all they could to hype him up. You plug the tape in he's not good at all. I honestly wouldn't waste a 5th rounder on him, how do you see Mario Williams in him?

Torrey Smith can play football, l would love him.

I like Jordan Cameron, but I think we could gave him in the 5th. He just hasn't done **** on the football field.

[Falconguru]

The problem of drafting Jernigan or Smith is they most likely won't be available come the Falcon's 2nd round pick. Unless TD trades up or even down from 27 not a great chance either will be available in the 2nd for the Falcon's.

[Bosanac01]

There is a good chance Jernigan will be there actually. Smith and Titus Young will be gone, if Jernigan is too then we should just take Cobb. He has great speed and is bigger than Jernigan and Young.

[the_dark_knight]

I still wish there was SOME way we could get Julio Jones in here, that guy would be sick with Roddy.

But maybe that's why I'm stuck on Greg Little so much, I really do think he's going to be insane in the NFL. 6'3 230 pound WR, I mean good luck. I know it's not Calvin Johnson sort of measurables, but he's a freak and fills 2 needs at once.

I also am a huge fan of Moore from UT, I think he's special too.

[Falconguru]

Originally Posted by Bosanac01

Everyone you have in your draft are just some freakishly athletic guys.

You are terribly wrong on Bailey. He is a horrible "football" player and doesn't have potential like people think he does. He's just strong and athletic for his size, so the media have done all they could to hype him up. You plug the tape in he's not good at all. I honestly wouldn't waste a 5th rounder on him, how do you see Mario Williams in him?

Torrey Smith can play football, l would love him.

I like Jordan Cameron, but I think we could gave him in the 5th. He just hasn't done **** on the football field.

Agree with your post. I really like T Smith but really see only way we get him is trade down from 27 or move up from 59. Bailey, please not that man again. I'm going to be real upset if the Falcon's draft him. Cameron I don't want to draft in the 3rd round since he hasn't done much.

[FTRWRTR]

Originally Posted by Falconguru

The problem of drafting Jernigan or Smith is they most likely won't be available come the Falcon's 2nd round pick. Unless TD trades up or even down from 27 not a great chance either will be available in the 2nd for the Falcon's.

I wouldn't be surprised if smith is gone. However a wr as small as Jernigan should still be available especially considering the depth at wr this year.

[Falconguru]

If I had to put money on it I think Clayborn is going to be the falcs pick at 27.I've gone through all the advantages and disadvantages and I don't see TD getting away from drafting for need and trhe Falcs are desperate for help at def end. Also consider Biermnan gets less reps meaning he'll be fresher coming into the game. The falcon's seem to set their def line with rotational players besides ABE.

What's everyone's opinion on Clayborn? Remember we also drafted William Moore who didn't play well his senior year but he had injuries. Alot of these prospects there is no way to tell for the most part how hungry they are to be the best so it can be a crap shoot. I hate passing on a player with more potential or should I say less risk but I think that's the way its going. Clayborn is coming in to workout Tuseday another sign the Falcon's interest is more than normal.

I expect Houston/Kerrigan gone and probably Ayers, rudolph to be the best competition outside of Clayborn for pick 27.

[Bosanac01]

Hell no for Clayborn. If Houston and Kerrigan are gone, then a much better option would be Brooks Reed. Clayborn is slow as **** off the snap and his bull rush is terrible, mainly because he's a weak ******. He also has an off field history which will dip him into the second round, along with his health issues.

[Falconguru]

I'm just saying Bosanc that's my gut feeling, I hope I'm wrong. I've heard some analyst say Reed is nothing more than a 3rd round selection when they watch film of the player. Hard to know what is a smokescreen or not but we need to make a soid selection and I don't like all this risk but it comes with the territory. Still the betters know how to scout and I hope TD gives us a solid draft since we are still building the core of the team.

[Bosanac01]

Draft "experts" know as much as me and you. Nothing is a given in a draft, and no one has inside information on whether a player will make it or not.

That said, Brooks Reed is a late 1st/early 2nd imo. Which means, he's not the elite top 10 player or anything. If the DE/OLB class wasn't as strong, he would be an easy top 20 pick. In fact I have seen him go as high as 16 by some of the top mockers on the web. The fact that someone says he's a 3rd rounder, well who gives a ****? It's just peoples opinion. The problem I've noticed with Reed and these opinions is that everyone wants to compare him to Clay Matthews and they give their personal opinion based on how well he stacks up to Clay, which is not fair for Reed.

Bottom line is, we need a DE, we need a pass rusher, we need a high motor guy, and Brooks Reed fits the bill. There is not a lot of things I can't say bad about him. Maybe he lacks a little size and he didn't really dominate according to stats, but he brings it on every play.

[Falconguru]

Your right you can never tell on players but this is what the top GMs get paid for. Miss and you set the team back hit and helps the team win alot on pass rushers. You do have to take a look at history and history shows that many of these players won't produce near the number at def end. As a comparison many off linemen do much better in the league so the bottom line there is ample risk especially with def ends. Will see what TD decides. I wouldn't be against Akeem Ayers either but would be with Clayborn. Your really sure on Reed (Bosanac) aren't you? I've watched the clips and read the scouting reports and even with that players still don't perform the way they should or are better than expected. I hope the later is right but will see.

[FTRWRTR]

I've read good things about clayborne but IIRC 8 of the 10 mocks I saw recently had him going to the bucs at #20.