Rapid Reports

[The Falcon Jedi]

Latest Falcons RapidReports




April 28, 2011 10:52 p.m. - WR Julio Jones on the tornado that terrorized Tuscaloosa, Ala. Wednesday, killing at least 36 people: “I’m going to do what I can to give back to Tuscaloosa because they’ve been there for me since I started there for the University of Alabama." Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 10:49 p.m. - WR Julio Jones had problems dropping the ball during his junior year, which Jones said he's corrected. “I had to teach myself to slow down," he said. "Play fast but not hurry. I’d take my eyes off the ball to try and make a play.” Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 10:48 p.m. - WR Julio Jones visited Atlanta at least once. The coaching staff showed Jones clips of safeties rolling coverage WR Roddy White's way. "I want to come in and take some pressure off (White) and make them play us one on one," Jones said. Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 10:46 p.m. - WR Julio Jones said Atlanta had little contact with him during the pre-draft process. Jones was shocked the Falcons traded up to select him. "We were just talking on the phone -- they didn't interview me or nothing," Jones said. "I was taken by surprise." Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 10:37 p.m. - The Falcons will hold their first team meeting on Monday at 8 a.m. Coach Mike Smith said offseason sequencing will begin, as the team will work out in the weight room. Smith added the coaches will evaluate what kind of shape the players are in. Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 10:35 p.m. - GM Thomas Dimitroff on adding WR Julio Jones as another weapon for QB Matt Ryan: “We’re going to continue to provide as much firepower for him and this offense within reason. We think this is within reason.” Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 10:32 p.m. - Coach Mike Smith on WR Julio Jones' addition to Atlanta: “We’re going to be explosive with the addition of Julio. You’re going to do what your talent allows you to do and what your players allow you to do.” Draftees RapidReports

April 28, 2011 10:00 p.m. - GM Thomas Dimitroff said the Falcons are likely done in the first round. But Dimitroff said the Falcons aren't out of conversations for swapping picks in the coming rounds. Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 9:53 p.m. - GM Thomas Dimitroff said the team talked about trading up to take WR Julio Jones for a month. Dimitroff said the explosiveness Jones adds on offense outweighed the explosiveness from anyone on defense in this draft class. Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 9:19 p.m. - GM Thomas Dimitroff hasn't addressed the media yet, but he commented to AtlantaFalcons.com about trading up for WR Julio Jones. "This was a deal where we were very aware of what we'd have to give up. It's a bold move, no question about it." Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 9:13 p.m. - TE Tony Gonzalez appears excited about the Falcons drafting WR Julio Jones. "That's a great move by the dirty birds! Welcome to the team Julio," he tweeted. LB Curtis Lofton tweeted: "I like it! Getting more explosive on The O." Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 8:57 p.m. - WR Roddy White, who predicted Atlanta would not trade up to take a top WR, tweeted he was excited the Falcons selected WR Julio Jones with the sixth overall pick. He then added: "Well I was wrong we give up our draft." Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 8:45 p.m. - GM Thomas Dimitroff must have had a lot of faith in WR Julio Jones to give up five picks in two years. Dimitroff is known for building through the draft, which could show he believes this team is one player away from turning the corner. Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 8:42 p.m. - A season ago, Atlanta's offense was categorized as balanced, but it was never explosive. By drafting WR Julio Jones, the Falcons add a playmaker who disallows teams to double cover a single WR, opening the field up for QB Matt Ryan and the offense. Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 8:39 p.m. - The Falcons traded this year's first (27), second and fourth pick to take WR Julio Jones. The team will also give up next year's first- and fourth-round picks. Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 8:39 p.m. - Atlanta traded up to No. 6 to take WR Julio Jones. ESPN's Adam Schefter said on-air the Falcons thought they had a deal with Cincinnati to take WR A.J. Green at pick 4, but it didn't happen. Jones is a great second choice, however. Falcons RapidReports

April 28, 2011 8:28 p.m. - WR Roddy White, tweeting during the draft, had a warm welcome for Carolina Panthers draft pick QB Cam Newton: "Great carolina picked cam now we get to beat up on him." Falcons RapidReports

[The Falcon Jedi]

We didnt interview Julio...

[ChrisD]

Quote:April 28, 2011 10:46 p.m. - WR Julio Jones said Atlanta had little contact with him during the pre-draft process. Jones was shocked the Falcons traded up to select him. "We were just talking on the phone -- they didn't interview me or nothing," Jones said. "I was taken by surprise." Falcons RapidReports

Despite what most people will think about this, I actually like it. Tells me that TD doesn't try to get into rookies heads and make them screw up. He has a normal conversation with them, and then he gauges their demeanor. I like that. You get a sense of who the real person is behind the player.