Not happy with the DE/WR options at #27 overall, here is the player I would want...

[g-dawg]

There are just too many questions and too much bust potential with all these first round defensive ends – none of the wide receivers are 1st round grade except for the two guys out of reach (A.J. Green/Julio Jones). All of ‘em have warts.

Anthony Castonzo, 6'7",314lbs, 5.18/40, 35" arms, 10.375" hands


My take :
Obviously teams like Detroit(#13), New England(#17), Kansas City(#21), Indianapolis(#22) and Philadelphia(#23) turn the card in with Castonzo's name - but just maybe.....

I might even trade-up 4-5 spots to get him. I doubt Castonzo falls into the 20-27 range but if he does, he's a 10yr starter and significant pass-blocking upgrade from Sam Baker - who can move inside while we let Harvey Dahl go. It probably upgrades us at two positions because I think Baker could play better than Dahl at offensive guard and it saves us money to go out and get Defensive End and Corner help in free agency where we need more experienced and talented guys anyway. The Falcons will go as far as Matt Ryan can take them. I still contend for all the accolades the Falcons offensive line gets, the reason why the O-Line stats are so good is simply because Matt Ryan is the master at throwing the ball away to avoid sacks. Matt has never really been able to sit in the pocket and "deal" like the greats (Brees, Manning, Brady, Rivers) can. Falcons need a legit left tackle. Sam Baker is a decent player but he is not ideally suited to be a left tackle. Falcons can address D-End in free agency and later in the draft. We need a "non-bust" 1st round talent - Castonzo could be there or be had by moving up just a few picks - probably need to get in front of Philly/Indy.

Scouting Report(from ProFootball Weekly):

Notes:
Father, Bill was an offensive lineman at Illinois(1973-1976). Anthony, who broke his leg as a sophmore - was a two-way lineman who also competed in track and field(discus, shot-put) as a suburban Chicago prep, was too lean at 225lbs to attract the attention of recruiters. Attended Fork Union Military Academy(Va.) in 2006 before becoming the first B.C. freshman to start on the offensive line IN A DECADE. Despite being listed at 262lbs., started all 14 games at right tackle in 2007 opposite first-rounder Gosder Cherilus, protecting Falcons 2008 first rounder, Matt Ryan. Made the transition to left tackle in 2008 and started all 40 games over the next three seasons(2008-2010). Missed 2010 spring practice while recovering from a broken foot. Team Captain. Biochemistry major who intends to conduct cancer research and become a doctor after his football career and was nominated to be a Rhodes Scholar.(if that is not a Dimitroff pick, then I don't know what is - this is the "Matt Ryan" of offensive linemen)

Positives:
Excellent arm and Body Length (the "anti-Sam Baker" ). Very mentally tough. Extremely intelligent and hard-working. Understands angles and maintains positioning. Runs his feet on contact and can torque defenders to the ground. Flashes a mean streak. Works easily on the second level, maneuvers suprisingly well for his size and gets good second level fits. Uses his hands very well to steer and recover. Outstanding in pass protection. - sets quickly and is able to cut off the wide rush(again, the "anti-Baker") Aggressive run blocker - attacks the line of scrimmage and plays with urgency. Versatility is a big plus - lined up at every position on the line but center in the Senior Bowl (you know how Mike Smith loves versatile players ) Rises to the challenge against the better competition and fared well against Da'Quan Bowers. Moved very comfortably in Combine positional Drills.

Negatives:
Will overset and give up the inside. Not powerful in the run game. Lacks lower body base core strength - will rise out of stance, get outleveragedd by shorter defenders and struggle keeping cleats in the ground. Tends to play too tall against lesser competition. Ankles appeared tight at the combine.

Summary:
A "Day One" starter who can be plugged in readily at almost any position, Castonzo is not flashy and still must continue to improve his lower-body strength and anchor, but he is very smart and dependable, seldom gets beat and could start t left tackle for the next 8-10 years.


What say you, Pat?

[cooperbh]

I love the idea of grabbing a big, athletic tackle as much as anybody, but I have yet to see a mock where Castonzo makes it into the 20's.

I'd rather wait to see if Gabe Carimi falls or trade down and pick up Derrick Sherrod.

[Paulitik]

I absolutely agree. I'd rather not trade up to get him, because I really want to keep our second and get a playmaker, but I would be thrilled if Castanzo fell in our lap. I like him better than Houston or Clayborn.

[cnasty]

If we stay @ 27 I think an athletic OT like Anthony or any of the aforementioned OTs is probably our best available option.

[Sporkdevil]

Love Castonzo. I really believe that is an elite tackle. Doubt we come within 10 picks of him, though.

[Jesus]

Maybe if he does something nefarious over the next few days he might fall.

[g-dawg]

(04-21-2011 01:26 PM)Sporkdevil Wrote:  Love Castonzo. I really believe that is an elite tackle. Doubt we come within 10 picks of him, though.

it depends on if Tyron Smith goes ahead of Castonzo or not. Frankly, I would take Castonzo all day long over Tyron Smith but Smith seems to be the media darling of the tackles.

If Castonzo gets by Detroit, then he will definitely slide until at least #17 (Patriots) and then Giants(#19), Chiefs(#21), Colts(#22), Eagles(#23) - that is a gauntlet there in the late teens - early twenties - I agree there.

[g-dawg]

(04-21-2011 01:33 PM)Jesus Wrote:  Maybe if he does something nefarious over the next few days he might fall.

doubtful - this guy looks to be a choir-boy like Matt Ryan.

[Sporkdevil]

(04-21-2011 02:26 PM)g-dawg Wrote:  it depends on if Tyron Smith goes ahead of Castonzo or not. Frankly, I would take Castonzo all day long over Tyron Smith but Smith seems to be the media darling of the tackles.

If Castonzo gets by Detroit, then he will definitely slide until at least #17 (Patriots) and then Giants(#19), Chiefs(#21), Colts(#22), Eagles(#23) - that is a gauntlet there in the late teens - early twenties - I agree there.

Castonzo is the better player. The media loves guys with great measurables. I cannot see the Colts passing on him. I feel like I could put money on it.

[The O.D.B.]

Not powerful in the run game. Lacks lower body base core strength

I'm sure he's great but this quote seems like a pretty significant wart for a team that runs as much as we do??