Falcons: 2013 Draft Targets

[RFlagg]

Looking ahead to the draft (mainly cause I could give two shits about the Super Bowl this year), I think our biggest areas of need, in order, are DE, DT, ILB, C, G, OLB, RB, TE. Yes, I realize Tony (likely) retiring will leave a hole at the TE position, but I think we have greater needs, and I believe we have a handful of players that will be able to step in and take Tony's reps and receptions (Douglas, Coffman, Drew Davis, and Michael Palmer).

Looking at draft rankings, I went ahead and compiled a list of the top 10-15 guys at each position to see who we should draft.

DE
1. Damontre Moore | 6'4, 250 pounds | Defensive end | Texas A&M
2. Bjoern Werner | 6'4, 272 pounds | Defensive end | Florida State
3. Dion Jordan | 6'6, 243 pounds | Defensive end | Oregon
4. Sam Montgomery | 6'5, 260 pounds | Defensive end | LSU
5. Ezekiel Ansah | 6'6, 270 pounds | Defensive end | BYU
6. Alex Okafor | 6'4, 260 pounds | Defensive end | Texas
7. Cornelius Carradine | 6'5, 265 pounds | Defensive end | Florida State
8. Datone Jones | 6'4, 275 pounds | Defensive end | UCLA
9. Margus Hunt | 6'8, 295 pounds | Defensive end | SMU
10. William Gholston | 6'7, 275 pounds | Defensive end | Michigan State
11. Corey Lemonier | 6'4, 242 pounds | Defensive end | Auburn
12. Joe Kruger | 6'7, 280 pounds | Defensive end | Utah
13. Malliciah Goodman | 6'4, 280 pounds | Defensive end | Clemson
14. Quanterus Smith | 6'5, 249 pounds | Defensive end | Western Kentucky
15. Lavar Edwards | 6'5, 258 pounds | Defensive end | LSU

DT
1. Star Lotulelei | 6'4, 320 pounds | Defensive tackle | Utah
2. Jesse Williams | 6'4, 320 pounds | Defensive tackle | Alabama
3. Sheldon Richardson | 6'4, 295 pounds | Defensive tackle | Missouri
4. John Jenkins | 6'3, 351 pounds | Defensive tackle | Georgia
5. Johnathan Hankins | 6'4, 317 pounds | Defensive tackle | Ohio State
6. Shariff Floyd | 6'3, 305 pounds | Defensive tackle | Florida
7. Sylvester Williams | 6'3, 320 pounds | Defensive tackle | North Carolina
8. Kawann Short | 6'3, 310 pounds | Defensive tackle | Purdue
9. Bennie Logan | 6'3, 287 pounds | Defensive tackle | LSU
10. Akeem Spence | 6'1, 305 pounds | Defensive tackle | Illinois
11. Jordan Hill | 6'1, 292 pounds | Defensive tackle | Penn State
12. Kwame Geathers | 6'5, 350 pounds | Defensive tackle | Georgia
13. Everett Dawkins | 6'3, 304 pounds | Defensive tackle | Florida State
14. Kapron Lewis-Moore | 6'4, 306 pounds | Defensive tackle | Notre Dame
15. Josh Boyd | 6'3, 300 pounds | Defensive tackle | Mississippi State

ILB
1. Manti Te'o | 6'2, 255 pounds | Middle linebacker | Notre Dame
2. Arthur Brown | 6'1, 228 pounds | Middle linebacker | Kansas State
3. Kevin Minter | 6'2, 242 pounds | Middle linebacker | LSU
4. Alec Ogletree | 6'3, 232 pounds | Middle linebacker | Georgia
5. Nico Johnson | 6'2, 245 pounds | Middle linebacker | Alabama
6. Jon Bostic | 6'1, 246 pounds | Middle linebacker | Florida
7. Kevin Reddick | 6'3, 240 pounds | Middle linebacker | North Carolina
8. Kiko Alonso | 6'4, 242 pounds | Middle linebacker | Oregon
9. A.J. Klein | 6'2, 248 pounds | Middle linebacker | Iowa State
10. Bruce Taylor | 6'2, 235 pounds | Middle linebacker | Virginia Tech

C
1. Barrett Jones | 6'5, 302 pounds | Center | Alabama
2. Travis Frederick | 6'4, 338 pounds | Center | Wisconsin
3. Khaled Holmes | 6'4, 305 pounds | Center | Southern California
4. Mario Benavides | 6'4, 280 pounds | Center | Louisville
5. Braxston Cave | 6'4, 304 pounds | Center | Notre Dame
6. Dalton Freeman | 6'5, 265 pounds | Center | Clemson
7. P.J. Lonergan | 6'4, 305 pounds | Center | LSU
8. Matt Stankiewitch | 6'3, 301 pounds | Center | Penn State
9. Stephen Warner, C, Louisiana Tech
10. Graham Pocic | 6'7, 310 pounds | Center | Illinois

G
1. Chance Warmack | 6'3, 320 pounds | Guard | Alabama
2. Jonathan Cooper | 6'3, 310 pounds | Guard | North Carolina
3. Larry Warford | 6'3, 333 pounds | Guard | Kentucky
4. Dallas Thomas | 6'5, 300 pounds | Offensive tackle | Tennessee
5. Kyle Long | 6'7, 311 pounds | Offensive tackle/ Guard | Oregon
6. Brian Winters | 6'6, 294 pounds | Guard/ Tackle | Kent State
7. Alvin Bailey | 6'5, 320 pounds | Guard | Arkansas
8. Travis Bond | 6'7, 330 pounds | Guard | North Carolina
9. Omoregie Uzzi | 6'3, 300 pounds | Guard | Georgia Tech
10. Jeff Baca | 6'3, 295 pounds | Guard | UCLA

OLB
1. Jarvis Jones | 6'3, 241 pounds | Outside linebacker | Georgia
2. Barkevious Mingo | 6'5, 240 pounds | Outside linebacker/Defensive end | LSU
3. Khaseem Greene | 6'1, 220 pounds | Outside linebacker | Rutgers
4. Chase Thomas | 6'3, 240 pounds | Outside linebacker | Stanford
5. Brandon Jenkins | 6'3, 260 pounds | Outside linebacker | Florida State
6. Jelani Jenkins | 6'0, 230 pounds | Outside linebacker | Florida
7. Gerald Hodges | 6'2, 233 pounds | Outside linebacker | Penn State
8. John Simon | 6'2, 270 pounds | Defensive end | Ohio State
9. Jamie Collins | 6'3, 239 pounds | Outside linebacker | Southern Miss
10. Sio Moore | 6'2, 229 pounds | Outside linebacker | Connecticut
11. Sean Porter | 6'2, 230 pounds | Outside linebacker | Texas A&M
12. DeVonte Holloman | 6'2, 241 pounds | Outside linebacker | South Carolina
13. Lerentee McCray | 6'3, 249 pounds | Outside linebacker | Florida
14. Jake Knott | 6'3, 252 pounds | Outside linebacker | Iowa State
15. Trevardo Williams | 6'2, 233 pounds | Outside linebacker/ Defensive end | Connecticut

RB
1. Giovani Bernard | 5'10, 205 pounds | Running back | North Carolina
2. Eddie Lacy | 6'0, 220 pounds | Running back | Alabama
3. Marcus Lattimore | 6'0, 218 pounds | Running back | South Carolina
4. Johnathan Franklin | 5'10, 205 pounds | Running back | UCLA
5. Joseph Randle | 6'1, 200 pounds | Running back | Oklahoma State
6. Andre Ellington | 5'10, 190 pounds | Running back | Clemson
7. Jawan Jamison | 5'8, 200 pounds | Running back | Rutgers
8. Kenjon Barner | 5'11, 195 pounds | Running back | Oregon
9. Montee Ball | 5'11, 212 pounds | Running back | Wisconsin
10. Stepfan Taylor | 5'11, 208 pounds | Running back | Stanford
11. Mike Gillislee | 5'11, 209 pounds | Running back | Florida
12. Le'Veon Bell | 6'2, 244 pounds | Running back | Michigan State
13. Christine Michael | 5'11, 213 pounds | Running back | Texas A&M
14. Ray Graham | 5'9, 195 pounds | Running back | Pittsburgh
15. Robbie Rouse | 5'7, 190 pounds | Running back | Fresno State

TE
1. Tyler Eifert | 6'6, 251 pounds | Tight end | Notre Dame
2. Zach Ertz | 6'6, 249 pounds | Tight end | Stanford
3. Jordan Reed | 6'3, 243 pounds | Tight end | Florida
4. Dion Sims | 6'5, 276 pounds | Tight end | Michigan State
5. Gavin Escobar | 6'6, 255 pounds | Tight end | San Diego State
6. Travis Kelce | 6'4, 280 pounds | Tight end | Cincinnati
7. Michael Williams | 6'6, 270 pounds | Tight end | Alabama
8. Levine Toilolo | 6'7, 263 pounds | Tight end | Stanford
9. Ryan Otten | 6'6, 245 pounds | Tight end | San Jose State
10. Joseph Fauria | 6'7, 258 pounds | Tight end | UCLA

I've struck through the players I expect to be off the board when we pick in the first round, so based on that, and a little educated guessing, here's who I think we should target.

1st Round: Barrett Jones, C, Alabama
Reasoning - I realize defense has to be our top priority, but current projections have Jones falling to the end of the first round or early second round, and I think if he's there, we have to take him. My figuring is if we draft Jones, our O-Line next year will be Baker, Blalock, Jones, Konz, Clabo, which I think would be able to really make some holes in the ground game.
2nd Round: Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
Reasoning - Hunt is projected to be a 5 technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense, and I really believe that's the direction we're heading to. Unless he has an incredible combine and pro day, I see him as being a late 2nd round or early 3rd round pick.
3rd Round: Kwame Geathers, DT, Georgia
Reasoning - While I think there will be slightly better DTs available at this time, I believe Dmitroff is tired of seeing our D-Line get pushed around by bigger offensive linemen. While Peters (6' 3", 305 lbs.) and Babineaux (6' 2", 300 lbs.) have been solid, I believe we are going to look at size here. It started last season with Robertson (6' 4", 304 lbs.), but I think Geathers (6' 5", 350 lbs.) would be a different thing on our D-Line, especially if we go 3-4, where he could play nose.
4th Round: Nico Johnson, ILB, Alabama
Reasoning - This might be a bit of a stretch that Johnson falls this far, but if he does, I believe he'd be a good pickup to compete with Dent and possibly take away the starting spot. Side note: If we get a third round compensatory pick as I expect us to for Lofton, I believe Johnson will still be there and we might snatch him up then.
5th Round: Michael Buchanan, DE/OLB, Illinois
Reasoning - Let's be honest, at this point it's anybody's guess who will still be on the board. Buchanan was actually projected as a high first round pick right after last year's draft, but slipped due to a bit of a disappointing season. He's raw, but a little coaching could make him a good 3-4 OLB.
6th Round: Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
Reasoning - I expect to catch a lot of flack for this pick, but hear me out. Lattimore had a horrible injury to end his season, and right now is projected to likely not be able to play until the 2014 season. There are still some projecting him in the early rounds, but I don't buy that, I think NFL GMs will not want to waste an early round pick on someone with practically zero chance of playing this year. I think he falls a long way from where he would be if not for the injury, and the Falcons will be able to pick him up. I also think he'll be put on the IR as soon as possible for the 2013 season.
7th Round: Roy Roundtree, WR, Michigan
Reasoning - Call this a flyer pick, someone likely to hit free agency that Dimitroff decides to take a stab at as a project. Roundtree logged 31 catches for 580 yards last year, but it's his 2010 season that makes me think we might grab him: 72 catches, 935 yards, 7 TDs. He could easily play slot as well should we decide to ever go 4 wide, as he has been clocked between 4.38 and 4.59 in the 40.

So that's what I got, thoughts? Disagreements? Where do you think I'm way off?

[Swift Is a Die Hard]

Don't really Like it at all

No sense to go C if the plan to move Konz there. That would be a waste of a pick . The better option would go RG in the 3rd round and move Konze over to C and hope the RG drafted can compete with some of the players we already have on roster or a mid level free agent

Magnus Hunt- is a project and a half. He won't be the answer to our problems as a pass rusher and will take years to develop . He has some upside but it's going to take work. He also didn't show vs better talent. He comes from a small school and would be too much of a project for a 2nd round prospect


Geathers- was destroyed by Georgia Tech offensive line. He is going to be a wasted pick in the NFL ..NFL teams will fall in love with his size but he lacks top tier strength ..He also benefited by playing with a better DT inside

[Aftermath]

yeah, not really seeing the need to draft another Center, if we go OL it better be Guard.

[papachaz]

just say NO to lattimore

why is everyone forgetting Hawley? I remember him playing in the PITT game and having a good game. I personally think the biggest reason he didn't start at center for us this year, is this Staff's almost overbearing sense of loyalty to the older players.

[RFlagg]

If it makes everyone feel any better, I have not correctly projected a Falcons draft pick since 2007. And yes, that was Jamaal Anderson.

[RFlagg]

(01-22-2013 01:47 PM)papachaz Wrote:  just say NO to lattimore

why is everyone forgetting Hawley? I remember him playing in the PITT game and having a good game. I personally think the biggest reason he didn't start at center for us this year, is this Staff's almost overbearing sense of loyalty to the older players.

Not forgetting about Hawley, but in this year he saw his appearances drop from 16 games in 2011 to 6. Even factoring in his 4 game suspension, that's still a huge drop for a guy that's supposed to be starting by now.

As for Lattimore, like I said, I expect people not to like that pick.

[juraitwaluzka]

(01-22-2013 01:47 PM)papachaz Wrote:  just say NO to lattimore

why is everyone forgetting Hawley? I remember him playing in the PITT game and having a good game. I personally think the biggest reason he didn't start at center for us this year, is this Staff's almost overbearing sense of loyalty to the older players.

Ordinarily I would agree on lattimore, but if they did that with a 6th or 7th round pick what the hell, not a huge risk at that point.

[papachaz]

(01-22-2013 01:59 PM)RFlagg Wrote:  Not forgetting about Hawley, but in this year he saw his appearances drop from 16 games in 2011 to 6. Even factoring in his 4 game suspension, that's still a huge drop for a guy that's supposed to be starting by now.

As for Lattimore, like I said, I expect people not to like that pick.

the loyalty to mcclure kept him out at center, the drafting of Konz (who was announced at the draft as guard) kept him out at RG. Of course the suspension kept him out completely for 4 games. my thoughts are, does that suspension cost him is spot in the organization? I read one time that he has a prescription that it just wasn't 'registered' with the NFL. how freaking stupid would it be for a player to NOT do that? sounds fishy to me....

but if he sticks around, I'd expect him to be the starter, unless we draft either another guard or center.

I still wonder about mike johnson. he made it all the way through this season without getting injured, and he actually did pretty well when we brought him in for the jumbo package. heck dude even caught the first TD in the NO game....

and then there's garrett reynolds, with his back injury, and being a FA this year, and picking up Holmes.....gotta wonder if he comes back

[papachaz]

(01-22-2013 02:02 PM)juraitwaluzka Wrote:  Ordinarily I would agree on lattimore, but if they did that with a 6th or 7th round pick what the hell, not a huge risk at that point.

with SO MANY RB's available, why waste ANY pick at all on someone so injury prone?

[ggp]

Don't forget these DT's"

Brandon Williams (Southern Missouri)
Cody Grissom (USF)
Mister Cobble (UK)--- I am not sure that he has declared for this draft yet.

In my opinion, Nolan should move us towards more 3-4 sets. That would allow us to generate a pass rush from many areas. Before we can do so, we need to have a true NT up front.

A front line of Corey Peters-/-NT-/-Cliff Matthews would provide a steady base for the play makers. Babs should be given the same treatment that Abraham has received (limit his snaps for the play off run). Walker can be used to spell the NT.