Falcons: We really do need a strong and full draft this year.

[AUTiger7222]

(01-14-2013 10:08 PM)RFlagg Wrote:  We traded our 7th rounder last season. We won't get anything for Edwards because he was not an offseason move and he wasn't traded, and I doubt we'll get a pick for Weems because he really hasn't done much. However, I fully expect either a 3rd or 4th rounder for Lofton.

Just to piggyback on what you're saying, teams don't get draft compensation for cutting players under contract. It doesn't matter when it happens.

[Jesus]

You can't really rely on compensation picks for anything. You don't know where you're going to pick. The best thing to do is start to go all Patriots and stockpile picks at the bottom of the draft. Our core from 2008 is either getting old or hitting their prime. We need to fill those positions and start looking for bodies to get ready for the fall offs at DE and CB. We need a MLB and TE. I would love a quality dedicated KR/PR. With Gonzo retiring HD is going to be more important in the passing game. We will need him out there more on offense.

In reality I don't care I just want a Super Bowl.

[FullMetalFalcon23]

The way I see it is we will start with the following.

Round 1 pick
Round 2 pick
Round 3 pick
Round 4 pick
Round 5 pick
Round 6 pick
Round 7 pick

Then we should have at least 2 comp picks.

A 3rd or 4th for Lofton
Maybe a 5th or 6th for Weems

Going by position this is my needs assessment.

QB: none needed. We have out Franchise guy. We have a great development prospect. And we have an exoerienced back up.

RB: whether we keep Turner or not we need at least 1 more back. Way I see it in a world without Turner we would see Jacquizz doing work along with the other back. And Snelling being that powerful back.

FB: between Cox and Ewing we are sorted. Both are pathfinders and both are good out of the back field which would give us a great personnel set going 2 wr 1 te and 1 RB and 1 FB set in pro or I where both backs can execute any of the back requirements. This would be a good play action set.

TE: Coffman and Palmer are an ok pair. Adding a third guy who is an All rounder is the most important thing here. I used to think they needed to be a field carver but they need to run good routes and get good position separation when it counts. My guy would be Fauria or Lutz out of the draft. FA could be an option Dennis Pitta and the guy out of Tennessee are FAs.

O Line: unless its Barrat Jones there is no way we put a Rookie infront of Matt Ryan. The centre is already on our Roster whether it is Konz or Hawley is the question. I think we bring back Baker Blalock is gonna be there as will Clabo. RG if Konz takes Center I see Reynolds in that spot not Hawley.

Wr: we know what we have in 1 and 2. I think with a lesser talent in TE we will see Koetter scheme more for the 3rd receiver to be the guy that gets sprung. I see that being Harry's Job to begin with and if he can't do it then Drew Davis. I think a late rounder could be spent on a receiver. I don't see Cone being here though.

I think the receiving core is going to start to develop as our biggest strength on O similar to GB. But we will still retain and look to levy a more productive ground game where as they have given up on it.

DL: Our DTs are good they are mainly mid round picks or lower but it is clear we are able to find and develop a type that fits our system. I would love a bigger guy. Not a traditional Nose more a guy a bit bigger than our systems prototypical but still great agility. However between Peters Babs walker and Jerry if we bring him back. I think we could get production so unless a guy we grade highly reaches us and the staff really don't miss I don't see it being paramount not with Robertson in there at the back as well.
DE: different story totally. It's time to spend a 1st or 2nd rounder on a pass Rusher. We are hurting badly here and we need impact sooner than later. Whether this is a tweener or a True 4 3 end I don't know as Abe to me is more a tweener as he isn't strongest against the run. But then again when he right up on the line with his hand in the dirt neither is Kroy.
Matthews goes hard but if he doesn't get home he gets ridden out of the play. Sid is a Ghost and Massaquoi I don't think he has seen the field but I get the feeling that he projects more like Kroy in that jack in the box type role.

LBs. Dent is gonna be manning the middle next year. That guy has gone from strength to Strength and was great at the weekend. He is what we need in a guy who is essentially a role player in our system. Sean and Nich are good to go obviously. Behind that though we have the Robert James enigma. We have Kroy as a Hybrid and Massaquoi too. Pat Schiller as a traditional but talent really unknown where it matters. We will need to draft at least 1 guy and FA sign a veteran who player.

DBs

Dunta: Good for another year at least I feel whether that is on the outside or inside either way I am comfortable with what he brings here.

Asante: His Savvy will keep him performing well but we can't get to complacent here. So long as his health keeps up. Having him for the next year two years is giving us an opportunity to compete and develop at the same time. We benefit now and in the long term from having him here as he coaches our players up as well.

McClain: Whether he is on the edge or in the middle this guy is here to stay. We would be wise to resign him to a better contract this year. At this point it doesn't have to be massive and it can be weighted more to the back end of say a 4 year contract with say Harry Douglas type money. He's good but he isn't getting Tramon Williams type money without getting them Int's.

Owens: Has been suffering this year. I don't know what happened to him he looked great at the top of the year as a depth player. We could bring him back relatively cheaply and it not cost us anything in development of other players as it's clear Nolan is the type who will move someone out performing you in practice above you regardless of your tenure. Eg McClain over Franks and Owens.

Franks: Unless we want to keep him as a safety now, I think he is gone.

We have Peyton Thompson in practice squad he impressed some but in all honesty we can't commit our future to chance. I think either this year or next we could see a relatively high pick spent on a corner in comparison to how we normally draft them.

Safety: Decoud and Willie Mo Are gonna be together like Bert n Ernie
What's behind them though is vague, uninspiring and worrying to be frank. I don't know that Chris Hope returns next year. But he has done well for us when called upon for the most part.


I think it would be folly for us to trade up this year, we need a volume draft this year as we have gone 2 straight with reduced picks. Here is where we infuse the the roster with talent around the star talent. The positions that between draft and FA that need to be crucial hits are RB and DE. These guys need to be contributors whether as starters or heavy rotational guys who spell with the starters on a 60:40 ratio from day one. Tight End will need to be addressed also but with Gonzo likely out the door I think we must accept that the PYP offense will have to evolve to make more of the slot and less of the tight end. Having a multiple backs that can catch out of the back field and who can run without a lead blocker in pass or run type downs and distances is gonna be crucial for this as Tony's touches are going to be redistributed between a Tight End who may see 50 touches (not targets) the Slot seeing about 50 touches also. Then More targets going to Julio and Roddy with the rest being a combination of carries and catches to the backs.

Our current ball distribution by receptions/carry as I can't get target numbers for the top personnel playing percentage wise is as follows.

Tony Gonzalez 93
Roddy White 92
Julio Jones 79/6
Jacquizz Rodgers 53/94
Harry Douglas 38/2
Jason Snelling 31/18
Michael Turner 19 /222

That's nearly 100 productive touches to be re distributed throughout the roster. THe PYP offense in its current form may return again if a TE on our roster starts to take off, but the way Koetter is, you know this offense is about to evolve again this year. I'm excited to see this new form. I think it could take pressure off of Matt particularly if we get a more productive run game going again.

Any way no more waffling from me.

[FullMetalFalcon23]

FF TOOL BOX RBFrom FF Tool Box

1.Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina - 5'10 - 205
Coming off a torn ACL injury in 2010, University of North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard has put together two great seasons back-to-back to take the presumptive lead as the best prospect at this position heading into the evaluation period of the 2013 NFL Draft. Bernard has been an All-ACC performer since taking a redshirt after that aforementioned ACL injury... Read More
2.Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama - 5'10 - 220
3.Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State - 6'0 - 200
4.Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin - 5'11 - 210
Montee Ball continues the tradition of NFL-caliber running backs to come from the University of Wisconsin. The junior was a Doak Walker Award finalist. Although he isn't a dynamic athlete, Ball possesses a well-developed array of talent. Ball is the type of runner who can make the first man miss or run him over. Shows a great churn in his legs to drive through arm ... Read More
5.Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon - 5'11 - 192
6.Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson - 5'10 - 190
7.Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford - 5'11 - 215

[FullMetalFalcon23]

FF TOOLBOX TE

1.Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame - 6'6 - 249
The Fighting Irish have another great tight end prospect who could potentially declare early for the 2012 NFL Draft. Tyler Eifert is a big target with great hands and plays very tough as a run blocker. He's been a highly-productive receiver in his career. Eifert lacks ideal athleticism for the position. He's not particularly fast or quick, but does well to find cre... Read More
2.Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford - 6'6 - 252
Stanford University tight end Zach Ertz is quietly surpassing the other best TE prospect, Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert, on many draft boards. What Ertz offers is a huge frame, solid straight line speed, so he can be a versatile offensive weapon. Ertz is polished as a receiver. He runs clean routes and shows a nice snap when changing directions. He clears defenders wit... Read More
3.Joseph Fauria, TE, UCLA - 6'7 - 255
UCLA tight end Joseph Fauria is a former transfer from Notre Dame who excels as a receiver yet has a long way to go as a blocker. Very athletic and long frame has a high ceiling as potential offensive playmaker. Fauria has NFL roots, his uncle Christian played for 13 seasons in the NFL. He is very tall (6'7") and is a very difficult matchup for linebackers to cover... Read More

[FullMetalFalcon23]

FF TOOLBOX DL

1.Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah - 6'4 - 320
Utah's Star Lotulelei is a dominating run stuffer with the potential to anchor a defensive line for years to come. In a draft class that may include as many as six defensive tackles that could go in the first round, the aptly named star is Lotulelei. As you might expect of a 6'4", 320 lb player, Lotulelei is very impressive against the run. He can occupy double tea... Read More
2.Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State - 6'4 - 255
Florida State defensive end Bjoern Werner projects as a 4-3 DE with a frame that could eventually transition to a 3-4 DE with added bulk. A hard-working prospect, Werner may not be as athletically gifted as some of the defensive line prospects, but he makes up for it in a well-rounded game where he can defend the run and pressure the quarterback. Werner was born an... Read More
3.Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M - 6'4 - 250
Texas A&M defensive end Damontre Moore has been the nation's best pass-rusher this season. His 12.5 sacks rank him among the leaders in college football. Moore transitioned to defensive end this season for the Aggies. He has a very good, but not elite jump off the line of scrimmage. He can take on blockers with speed or power. Brings A+ effort on every play. Knack ... Read More
4.Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State - 6'3 - 322
Ohio State's great 2012 season could be attributed to many factors; one big reason for their success is DT Johnathan Hankins. The 6'3", 332 lb anchor of their defensive line is a true difference maker. Hankins is best-suited as a RDT or NT that can occupy double teams and control the middle of the trenches. Although he plays with inconsistent technique, he is power... Read More
5.Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon - 6'7 - 243
A very raw, long, and lean prospect, defensive end Dion Jordan is one of the leaders on the Oregon Ducks. Given his tremendous frame, the sky is the limit as long as he can continue to add bulk as his career progress in the NFL. Jordan is a very good athlete with a good first step and burst. Still requires coaching up in his technique. Relies on long arms to push a... Read More
6.Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU - 6'5 - 260
LSU's Sam Montgomery is a versatile defensive end prospect who can play either the 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB spots. Although his best attributes are his strength, toughness, and run defense, Montgomery is a legit pass-rusher as well who should hear his name called in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. The 6'5", 260 lb. junior plays with good pad level and drives into b... Read More
7.Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri - 6'4 - 295
University of Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson is a first round prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft that should excel as both a run stopper and bull rusher in a 4-3 defense. Richardson's biggest asset is his straight line quickness. He can really explode and drive blockers back into the pocket when getting a good jump off the line. While a touch undersized w... Read More
8.Jonathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia - 6'3 - 351
University of Georgia defensive tackle Jonathan Jenkins is a big time space eater that can occupy multiple blockers and collapse the pocket through the middle. At 6'3" and 351 lbs., Jenkins has the potential to be a nose tackle in 3-4 schemes and a legitimate two-down 4-3 defensive tackle. Jenkins flashes his best skills against the run. He can cover two gaps with ... Read More
9.Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU - 6'6 - 270
Brigham Young University's Ezekiel Ansah had big shoes to fill with his namesake and he probably has that covered physically. Ansah is a huge prospect who will pass the eyeball test with no problems and matches that with elite athletic upside. Ansah is originally from Ghana and had never played football in his life prior to 2010. Naturally this means he is a projec... Read More
10.Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama - 6'4 - 320
University of Alabama defensive tackle Jesse Williams is a very thick prospect with a well-balanced game. He does not have many glaring weaknesses and can contribute both against the run and pass. Williams is quick in short spaces and really gets after the action. Finds himself in the mix and fights for position until the whistle. Not physically dominant, but he c... Read More
11.Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina - 6'3 - 305
University of North Carolina defensive tackle Sylvester Williams has overcome adversity to become one of the premiere talents in the nation. After bouncing in and out of high school, Williams found his way in junior college before making a name for himself with the Tar Heels. Williams is an well-built prospect that does well to gain penetration into the backfield. ... Read More
12.Alex Okafor, DE, Texas - 6'4 - 260
If Alex Okafor decides to join the 2012 NFL Draft, he'll immediately be considered a potential early round selection. Okafor's speed on the edge and potential to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense will make him a highly coveted pass-rusher. With an electric first step, he's going to garner a lot of attention from scouts, coaches and general managers alike. His 201... Read More
13.Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida - 6'3 - 303
After overcoming a tough childhood without his parents and being raised by his grandmother, University of Florida's Sharrif Floyd is a defensive tackle with some versatility to where he can line up on the field. He projects now as a 4-3 DT and could eventually grow into a 3-4 DE later in his career. While not overpowering in his strength, Floyd can anchor well when... Read More
14.Kawann Short, DT, Purdue - 6'3 - 310
Purdue Boilermakers defensive tackle Kawann Short has been a productive and disruptive prospect who has the potential to impress scouts and push for early round consideration in the 2012 NFL Draft. Short is at his best playing for penetration into the backfield. When he can explode through the line and split blockers, he's a very aggressive presence in the trenches... Read More
15.Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn - 6'4 - 246
Auburn University defensive end Corey Lemonier is an undersized prospect who also has limited potential as a 3-4 OLB. A versatile player who can line up at either end spot or fire off the edge on both sides. A highly aggressive player who always flows to the football. Lack of adequate bulk can get him pushed around or isolated on run plays. Lacks an anchor and will... Read More
16.Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas - 6'5 - 245
Texas Longhorns defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat is a speed-rushing specialist with a prototypical build. May need a year to bulk up if he plays in a 4-3. Plays with an adequate blend of power-speed moves to take on blockers. Good finisher and highly disruptive at times. Technique is not an issue. Uses good pad level, dips his hips nicely when changing directions. D... Read More
17.Bennie Logan, DT, LSU - 6'3 - 295
18.Cornellius Carradine, DE, Florida State - 6'5 - 265
Florida State Seminoles Cornellius Carradine is a 4-3 defensive end prospect with good pass-rushing skills, adequate strength to anchor the line and enough athleticism to develop some added short zone coverage skills. Carradine has a great first step and establishes position quickly. Explodes into blockers and can use his long frame to occupy running lanes. Had a m... Read More
19.Margus Hunt, DE, Southern Methodist - 6'7 - 280
20.William Gholston, DE, Michigan State - 6'6 - 278
21.Akeem Spence, DT, Illinois - 6'1 - 305
22.Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame - 6'3 - 340
UPDATE: Louis Nix has opted to play out his remaining eligibility and will return to Notre Dame for his senior season. Nix is a huge defensive tackle prospect with a thick, compact frame. He projects as a 3-4 NT or three-technique 4-3 DT. Lost weight at different points of his career to improve cardio and try to become an every-down player. Good motor when on the ... Read More
23.Michael Buchanan, DE, Illinois - 6'5 - 240

[RFlagg]

Thinking of the running back position, there's a guy I'd like to throw out there that many people probably haven't heard of: Dominique Swope from Georgia Southern. He just finished his sophmore season, and in 2 years has 372 carries, 2,279 yards, 23 TDs, plus 3 receptions for 66 yards and 2 more TDs.

Here's Swope his freshman year when Georgia Southern took on Alabama:




And here's a sideline vid of a little dump off pass:




He's still got 2 years left in college, but I'd love to see the Falcons pick him up after he graduates.

[keithbrooking56]

If we stay with a 4-3 base (which I hope we don't) then we desperately need to get a DE that can rush the QB other than Abe. I have been banging that drum for 3 years now. We have ZERO pass pressure outside of one man and that is just not good.

We also need a RB, a TE and I hate to say it that while Kontz hasn't impressed me at all he will be given the shot to replace McClure at center if McClure retires.

Honestly I'd wish we would switch to a 3-4 base. Babs has always been to me a better 3-4 DE than a 4-3 rush DT.

[FullMetalFalcon23]

(01-15-2013 09:38 AM)keithbrooking56 Wrote:  If we stay with a 4-3 base (which I hope we don't) then we desperately need to get a DE that can rush the QB other than Abe. I have been banging that drum for 3 years now. We have ZERO pass pressure outside of one man and that is just not good.

We also need a RB, a TE and I hate to say it that while Kontz hasn't impressed me at all he will be given the shot to replace McClure at center if McClure retires.

Honestly I'd wish we would switch to a 3-4 base. Babs has always been to me a better 3-4 DE than a 4-3 rush DT.

Disagree with you regarding Konz. I think he has been very solid in there for someone learning and playing a new position. If he kicks back to center I think his time at Guard is only going to have elevated his play.

I would like us to get a bigger stronger DT. Someone who would allow us to run 3- 4 variations eg.

DE DE/DT NT DE

Nose over weak side Guard and Center leaving back side end with a 1on 1 or having to beat a chip and then 1on1 on the blindside. Strong side DE who is balanced in playing pass and run then has a chance to be one on one with RT and there would be a one on one between the RG and the DE/DT It's a good way to get 4 to beat 5/6 and if you blitz it is a good way to eat up blockers.

I would still us to run the traditional 4 - 3 but I would just like us to have more versatility

[mdrake34]

It doesn't matter who we pick, but we've got to have a draft class with more than one contributor. This year we had Konz, that was it. We don't need a bunch more bullshti developmental players, we need impact players. Every good team has at least a few key rookie contributors.