Four-round Mock Draft by WalterFootball.com has the Falcons selecting:

[theProf]

27. Atlanta Falcons: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

It's no secret that the Falcons need receiver help. With Tony Gonzalez regressing at an alarming rate, Matt Ryan's only viable option this season was Roddy White. Atlanta has to get its franchise quarterback some help.

General manager Thomas Dimitroff is all about finding players with great character and work ethic, which makes Torrey Smith a great fit for the Falcons. Smith is a high-effort guy who earned his degree in 2-and-a-half years. Oh, and he's pretty talented too.

Pick change; previously Nate Solder, OT


59. Atlanta Falcons: Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State

The Falcons really need to upgrade their pass rush; they had just 23 sacks during the regular season, and John Abraham isn't getting any younger.

Pick change; previously Jerrel Jernigan, WR


91. Atlanta Falcons: Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin

Tony Gonzalez will probably be entering his final year in the NFL next season, but he doesn't look like he has much left. The Falcons will need a successor.


123. Atlanta Falcons: Cecil Shorts, WR, Mount Union

More weapons for Matt Ryan. The Falcons need to surround their franchise quarterback with talent because the cupboard's pretty bare right now.


http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2011.php

[FullMetalFalcon23]

being honest if our draft looked like this I would not sniff at it one little bit. We have a hell of a lot of cap and we aren't retaining everyone, we could splurge and still not be at risk, And I believe that is the message that TD was trying to put across that we will spend in FA and in the draft.

Away from this I like the replenishment factor for the receiving units, I think any combination of draft and FA acquisition that led to 2 new receivers a true all purpose back e,g, DeMarco Murray in 2nd or Sproles 2 DEs 1 FA 1 Draft and if I really want to dream away another corner and a TE would be like 5 xmas' in one

[g-dawg]

I'm not crazy about that draft........I know Torrey Smith has all the measuarables but I'm just not sure that he is player. NFL cuts are riddled with high draftees that had the height/speed but could not hack it. This guy reminds me of that "bust" from New England - Chad Jackson. Also of his former teammate from 2 years ago - Darius Heyward-Bey.

No thanks.....

Pernell McPhee just sounds like a "body" at a position we need. He had a "whopping" 2 sacks last year in 13 games - in other words JA98 v. 2.0.....

I like Kendricks but he is having a poor Senior Bowl and the white guy from Tennessee is doing better - Luke Stocker....

[FullMetalFalcon23]

(01-28-2011 12:53 PM)g-dawg Wrote:  I'm not crazy about that draft........I know Torrey Smith has all the measuarables but I'm just not sure that he is player. NFL cuts are riddled with high draftees that had the height/speed but could not hack it. This guy reminds me of that "bust" from New England - Chad Jackson. Also of his former teammate from 2 years ago - Darius Heyward-Bey.

No thanks.....

Pernell McPhee just sounds like a "body" at a position we need. He had a "whopping" 2 sacks last year in 13 games - in other words JA98 v. 2.0.....

I like Kendricks but he is having a poor Senior Bowl and the white guy from Tennessee is doing better - Luke Stocker....

I agree with you to some extent although to make my own position a little clearer its the personnel not the players I like about this. That being said I do like Torrey Smith, I'm not sure where you see the bust potential... could you highlight that to me. I think my favourite realistic version of this would be Baldwin, as I think we would receive the sort of player who could be what Boldin was to Fitzgerald. However my concern is is will he actually be that guy. Now that isn't exclusive to him that goes for pretty much anyone in the draft.

[theProf]

(01-28-2011 12:53 PM)g-dawg Wrote:  I'm not crazy about that draft........I know Torrey Smith has all the measuarables but I'm just not sure that he is player. NFL cuts are riddled with high draftees that had the height/speed but could not hack it. This guy reminds me of that "bust" from New England - Chad Jackson. Also of his former teammate from 2 years ago - Darius Heyward-Bey.

No thanks.....

Pernell McPhee just sounds like a "body" at a position we need. He had a "whopping" 2 sacks last year in 13 games - in other words JA98 v. 2.0.....

I like Kendricks but he is having a poor Senior Bowl and the white guy from Tennessee is doing better - Luke Stocker....

Torrey Smith had very productive seasons the last two years. I don't know that much about DE McPhee, but I would prefer that Atlanta get a DE in free agency rather than the draft. I've read that TE Stocker is having very good practices at the Senior Bowl, but Mike Mayock still has Kendricks rated the #2 TE only behind Rudolph. A scouting report on Torrey Smith as follows:

"Overview
A record-breaking receiver and kick returner for a university famous for producing athletic phenoms, Smith will enter the NFL as one of the more intriguing big-play specialists of the 2011 draft.

After redshirting in 2007, Smith immediately proved his versatility, averaging 141.2 all-purpose yards over the final five games of the 2008 season and breaking the ACC single-season kickoff return record with 1,089 yards. Smith was even better a year later as his 2,192 all-purpose yards set a Maryland single-season record and rank second in ACC history.

Smith's ability as a returner was unquestioned, but until the 2010 season he hadn't been able to consistently transfer his talents to wide receiver. Smith nearly matched his previous career totals (85 catches for 1,160 yards and seven touchdowns) during a breakout junior campaign in which he was essentially a one-man receiving outlet for the Terps. Smith's 67 receptions were 31 more than the next Maryland receiver (Adrian Cannon).

His 1,055 receiving yards were more than three times that of Cannon's 324. Smith's 12 receiving touchdowns broke the single-season school record. In only three seasons, Smith broke the Terrapins' career all-purpose yardage record (5,183).

For as dominant as his statistics are, Smith remains a work in progress. Nearly a third of his production in 2010 came in one game - the regular-season finale against North Carolina State - in which he caught 14 passes for 224 yards and four touchdowns. As such, he may struggle if asked to take over immediately as an NFL team's primary receiver. Allowed to develop as a No. 2 target, however, his big-play ability as a receiver and returner could ultimately pay off in greater production than some of the higher touted receivers of the 2011 draft.

Analysis
Release: Good burst off the snap to eat up the cushion. Possesses very good straight-line speed, making it risky for defenders to attempt press coverage. Quick hands to slap away the initial jam and has the balance, flexibility and strength to absorb a pop, gain freedom quickly and accelerate downfield.

Hands: Reliable pass-catcher, though he needs to be more consistent with catching with his hands. Shows the ability to extend and pluck the ball out of the air. Long arms and good body control to contort in space to make the difficult reception of a poorly thrown ball. Can absorb the big hit and hang on. Good vision and balance to track the ball over his shoulder.

Route running: Remains a work in progress in this area, though he showed significant improvement as a junior. Generally asked to run only vertical, comeback drags across the middle and quick screens in this offense. Has been able to gain separation largely due to his speed, though he shows good footwork and balance to develop in this area.

After the catch: His best attribute due to his agility, straight-line speed and vision. Gliding runner who accelerates quickly and changes directions without sacrificing speed. Can make defenders miss in the open field, but doesn't possess elite lateral agility to juke in tight quarters. Good straight-line speed to separate. A threat to score from any point on the field.

Blocking: Willing to help his teammates downfield, but this is an area that could use some development. Has the agility and competitiveness to mirror, but possesses only average strength and physicality.

Intangibles: An ascending talent who may be only scratching the surface of his potential. His 2,983 yards as a kick returner set the ACC record. Endured a tough childhood in which he was often asked to help his raise his younger brothers and sisters while his single mother worked two jobs. Described by head coach Ralph Friedgen as "God created a perfect person" due to Smith's humility and dedication, as well as his athletic talents. Graduated in December with a degree in criminology and criminal justice - the first male in his family to earn a college diploma. Made the special teams captain by Friedgen."

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1242961

[g-dawg]

Torrey Smith has trouble catching the ball........he uses his body too much to catch the ball and does not have great hands....

[g-dawg]

(01-28-2011 01:06 PM)FullMetalFalcon23 Wrote:  I agree with you to some extent although to make my own position a little clearer its the personnel not the players I like about this. That being said I do like Torrey Smith, I'm not sure where you see the bust potential... could you highlight that to me. I think my favourite realistic version of this would be Baldwin, as I think we would receive the sort of player who could be what Boldin was to Fitzgerald. However my concern is is will he actually be that guy. Now that isn't exclusive to him that goes for pretty much anyone in the draft.

if you get "the positions" right but you select the wrong players - then it does not matter - your right back where you started. Those players on Walterfootball.com are the wrong players in my estimation.

[papachaz]

wow, Kendricks to the third round, smith would be an ok pick, just no where near first. we've got to have pass rush, i can't see us waiting so long to take someone so far down the list, although i do realize there's not a lot to choose from after the first 2 or 3

[g-dawg]

(01-28-2011 01:34 PM)chazmataz Wrote:  wow, Kendricks to the third round, smith would be an ok pick, just no where near first. we've got to have pass rush, i can't see us waiting so long to take someone so far down the list, although i do realize there's not a lot to choose from after the first 2 or 3

I think it would be a mistake to take a WR in the 1st. AJ Green & Julio Jones are the only no-brainer first round picks to me. Jonathan Baldwin is close but I'm not 100% comfortable with him.

I would rather look at Baldwin, Titus Young, and Jernell Jernigan in 2nd round....maybe the Torrey Smith guy - I don't know - but I don't like him in 1st round at all.

I believe in 1st round you should get as close you can to a "sure thing". I know there is not a true sure thing but.......you don't want to look back on draft and say "yeah I took this guy but I really did not like <blank> about him"....

I really think the "value" and less likely busts will be the offensive linemen in the mid 20's - the Nate Solder, Derek Sherrod, Gabe Carimi, Anthony Castonzo type players. Solid...

[theProf]

(01-28-2011 01:34 PM)chazmataz Wrote:  wow, Kendricks to the third round, smith would be an ok pick, just no where near first. we've got to have pass rush, i can't see us waiting so long to take someone so far down the list, although i do realize there's not a lot to choose from after the first 2 or 3

Are you talking about after the first 2 or 3 DEs or after the first 2 or 3 rounds? This draft is loaded with first-round DEs: Bowers, Kerrigan, Jordan, Quinn, Clayborn, Watt, Aldon Smith, and possibly Heyward and Bailey. Several of the aforementioned should be available at Atlanta's selection in the first round. However, I would still prefer that Atlanta sign a DE in free agency rather than draft one.