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[Masbinacci]

http://blogs.ajc.com...ive-back-early/

NFL Draft Scout 2nd Round Harrison Smith – SS

Notre Dame – 6′2 – 213 – Forty: 4.56 – Bench: 19 – Vertical: 34

51 Games – 309 Tackles – 28 Passes Defensed – 7 INTs

Smith had a very productive career while at Notre Dame and seemed to really help his stock with good performances at the Senior Bowl and at the combine. Some sites have him listed as a free safety, while others have down as a strong safety. Smith is very good against the run, as evidenced by his 309 career tackles, and has excellent size. He was very fluid in drills at the combine and ran better than expected, even though he’ll never be confused as a blazer. His versatility to play both positions and coverage ability may be appealing to the Falcons, and Mike Nolan in particular.

Trumaine Johnson – CB/S

Montana – 6′2 – 204 – Forty: 4.5 – Bench: 19 – Vertical: 35.5

47 Games – 173 Tackles – 35 Passes Defensed – 15 INTs

Johnson has become a favorite of many Bird Cage Faithful thus far with his excellent size and speed to go along with his superb production out of Montana. His measurables seem the perfect fit to go along with Mike Nolan’s “Big Nickel” idea, putting in a safety that can cover and come up strong in run support. Johnson is listed by many as a cornerback, but he also seems to be an exceptional fit for a hybrid player. Johnson is also a ballhawk who loves to get his hands on the ball, another bonus for Nolan looking to add speed, agility, and takeaway ability to his defense. Dimitroff has gone to the Montana well twice during his tenure with Kroy Biermann and Shann Schillinger. Of those looking at the “Big Nickel” candidates, Johnson appears to be the frontrunner and should be available @ #55.

Brandon Boykin – CB/KR/PR

Georgia – 5’9 – 182 – Forty: 4.42 – Injury @ Senior Bowl

53 Games – 159 Tackles – 18 Passes Defensed – 9 INT

2,663 Kickoff Return Yards (UGA Career Leader – 2nd All-Time SEC History)

Although Boykin doesn’t fit the idea of a big safety, he’s a fan favorite due to him being a Georgia Bulldog and having playmaker written all over him. He definitely fits more as a standard nickel and is a little undersized to be thought of as a shutdown cornerback, but it’s impossible not to at least consider the former Dawg and local product. Boykin ranks 2nd all-time in SEC history in return yards and one of the biggest playmakers in the entire draft. He is lightning fast and is a true homerun threat to score every time he gets his hands on the ball, whether on defense, offense, returning kickoffs, or punts. He would immediately fill the openings on special teams and either work his way in as nickel or be ready to take over for Grimes if contract negotiations go south. I’m sure Matt Ryan would love him as a weapon on offense as well. 3rd Round Brandon Taylor – SS

LSU – 5’11 – 209 – Forty: 4.5

49 Games – 71 Tackles – 5 Passes Defensed – 2 INTs

Taylor is kind of rated all over the map depending on which site read. Some have him rated as high as going in the 2nd or 3rd round, while others have him being more of a 4th round type candidate. Taylor doesn’t necessarily have the height as your typical cover safety, but he is physical and attacks ball-carriers with violence very fast for someone with his size. His stats won’t blow you away, especially in terms of interceptions. While he may not be worthy of a 2nd round pick, if the Falcons pass on defensive back @ #55. Started 33 games over 3 years for one of the best programs in the country and certainly one of the best defenses in all of college football. The thought having both William Moore and Brandon Taylor in the same backfield would have to delight fans.

George Iloka – FS

Boise State – 6’4 – 225 – Forty 4.59 – Bench: 20 – Vertical: 34.5

53 Games – 232 Tackles – 14 Passes Defensed – 7 INTs

Like Taylor, Iloka is inconsistently ranked according to various scouting reports. Some believe Iloka to be the very best free safety prospect and worthy of a 2nd round pick, while others have him ranked as going as low as the 4th or 5th round. In terms of measureables, you won’t find a prospect with more potential. He has excellent height, weight, strength (20 bench reps), and a vertical leap. While not the fastest safety prospect, he has an excellent frame to cover the new trend of big and tall receivers. He earned Freshmen All-American honors at just 17 years old. His stiffness at the combine will likely make him a low priority for the Falcons looking for a player to take over the “big nickel” role, something he isn’t really suited to do.

Markelle Martin – FS

Oklahoma State – 6’1 – 207 – Forty: 4.58

48 Games – 178 Tackles – 36 Passes Defensed – 3 INTs

Boykin Playmaker Extraordinaire! (AJC)

4.62

38 Games – 197 Tackles – 8 Passes Defensed – 4 INTs

Allen is ranked to go as high as the 3rd round by some, while slotted to go as low as the 5th by others. The lack of speed is definitely a concern, but he’s shown to be one of the better safeties in the SEC the last two years. Has very good size and weight and can possibly add more muscle to his frame. Could be a possibility in the 5th round, even though considered a reach for the Falcons in the 3rd round.

[Falconine]

I really like Trumaine Johnson as a potential starter/replacement/backup for Decouldn't. Definitely wouldn't be angry if we got him at #55.

[Masbinacci]

I hate it for Brandon Boykin cause i really see no way he gets selected in the second round. I really think he will fall to third round. With him still being injured says a lot.

[Masbinacci]

IHateLofton, on 15 April 2012 - 10:40 PM, said:

I really like Trumaine Johnson as a potential starter/replacement/backup for Decouldn't. Definitely wouldn't be angry if we got him at #55.

favorite part is at 1:40
I think with his ability to go to CB is a big thing. And with his size he would be my second round pick.

[X-Man21]

my heart goes for Boykin since he can be a DB and a KR/PR, but lets be realistic here, Mike Nolan uses a "Big Nickel"in his scheme, so Trumaine Johnson sounds like the primary move due to his flexibility at CB/S. I'm not taking anything away from Boykin because he is a heck of a talent and I don't believe the leg injury will push him past the third rd, but Johnson is a one of a kind, 6'2 204 corners are hard to come by nowadays when it comes to rounds 3-7.

[Masbinacci]

Harrison Smith makes me believe he'll be gone before 55. If he is there I am not sure if I would get him or  trumaine johnson. Cause i really like johnson cb skills and could be a good nickel. But then again we need a good safety and smith is a big time hitter. Could be another william moore. Well lets see if he falls to us.
I guess in a way smith would get my vote..

[Falconine]

Fibonacci, on 15 April 2012 - 11:02 PM, said:

favorite part is at 1:40
I think with his ability to go to CB is a big thing. And with his size he would be my second round pick.

Nice. If you check out 1:02 and how fast he breaks on the ball you can see his athletic ability/raw talent. Get this guy coached up and he can be a force in the NFL.

Fibonacci, on 15 April 2012 - 11:07 PM, said:

Harrison Smith makes me believe he'll be gone before 55. If he is there I am not sure if I would get him or  trumaine johnson. Cause i really like johnson cb skills and could be a good nickel. But then again we need a good safety and smith is a big time hitter. Could be another william moore. Well lets see if he falls to us.
I guess in a way smith would get my vote..

Dude's a baller. I doubt he'll fall to #55 but he strikes me as a pure Strong Safety and not a potential nickelback. I like what we have in William Moore.

[ChickenBiscuit]

Why is everyone so high off of Brandon Boykin? He wasn't even that good of a cover corner, he's just a great kick returner and slot receiver. We don't really need either of those things, as we have HD for both.

We've already got plenty of depth at the CB position, I'd rather take a DT/G/LT.

[Masbinacci]

X-Man21, on 15 April 2012 - 11:04 PM, said:

my heart goes for Boykin since he can be a DB and a KR/PR, but lets be realistic here, Mike Nolan uses a "Big Nickel"in his scheme, so Trumaine Johnson sounds like the primary move due to his flexibility at CB/S. I'm not taking anything away from Boykin because he is a heck of a talent and I don't believe the leg injury will push him past the third rd, but Johnson is a one of a kind, 6'2 204 corners are hard to come by nowadays when it comes to rounds 3-7.

One thing I keep telling myself in franks size. Is he as big as johnson....no, but franks actually looked very well in college film. Franks started to look better as he got more playing time. So with thinking of franks, that is why i sway more with going after smith.......but i still see smith gone before 55.

[Falconine]

ChickenBiscuit, on 15 April 2012 - 11:20 PM, said:

Why is everyone so high off of Brandon Boykin? He wasn't even that good of a cover corner, he's just a great kick returner and slot receiver. We don't really need either of those things, as we have HD for both.

We've already got plenty of depth at the CB position, I'd rather take a DT/G/LT.

It's cause he's from UGA. I told the other posters that I don't like drafting tweeners (undersized) and they went off on me giving me examples of tweeners who went on to have good careers in the NFL. Anywho, Boykin isn't worth a 2-3 round picks, maybe i'd consider him at 4.

[Falconine]

Fibonacci, on 15 April 2012 - 11:24 PM, said:

, that is why i sway more with going after smith.......but i still see smith gone before 55.

From browsing the interwebs apparently the Vikes are interested in taking Smith at #35.

[Masbinacci]

ChickenBiscuit, on 15 April 2012 - 11:20 PM, said:

Why is everyone so high off of Brandon Boykin? He wasn't even that good of a cover corner, he's just a great kick returner and slot receiver. We don't really need either of those things, as we have HD for both.

We've already got plenty of depth at the CB position, I'd rather take a DT/G/LT.

Agreed with brandon. Also brandon is still injured....which makes me really believe he will be there in the third.

I do not agree with going g/LT in the second. Because we have no depth in safety. LT we have room, regardless if you like it or not. Svitek stepped up and people on this board fell to see it just like Biermann. Biermann takes on two guys and still makes omg plays....sacks are not everything.....half a sack a game???? Is that what people want instead of Biermann taking on two and still making his own interception for a TD???? SMH.
svitek shut down what vikings guy?????? Oh yea jared allen who averaged what before he met svitek???? Over one a game.....and svitek shut him out.
Any how we also have DT depth some. But maybe we go there, but it is some.
As for safety.....we don't have any depth.

[Masbinacci]

IHateLofton, on 15 April 2012 - 11:30 PM, said:

From browsing the interwebs apparently the Vikes are interested in taking Smith at #35.

Boooo
Lol thanks for letting me know though.

[niels petersen]

I really like Trumaine Johnson, and I wouldn't mind it if we picked him. He seems to be a pretty good fit for Nolan's big nickel, though it seems he has always played on the outside. But what to do with Franks and Owens if we drafted this kid?

Another intriguing prospect for me is George Iloka. He has great measurables, but is probably primarily a zone guy (so he might not fit in here as well as Johnson). He is probably more of a pure safety than Johnson. I think he is going to struggle a little bit early on in his NFL career, but once the game slows down for him and he is able to use all that athleticism more efficiently, I think he will be a very good safety in this league. Safety might not be our primary need, but if we opt to use our first pick this year on something else than the secondary, I think we could get a pretty good player in Iloka in the 3rd, if he is there when we pick.

Edited by niels petersen, 16 April 2012 - 03:47 AM.

[Masbinacci]

niels petersen, on 16 April 2012 - 03:46 AM, said:

I really like Trumaine Johnson, and I wouldn't mind it if we picked him. He seems to be a pretty good fit for Nolan's big nickel, though it seems he has always played on the outside. But what to do with Franks and Owens if we drafted this kid?

Another intriguing prospect for me is George Iloka. He has great measurables, but is probably primarily a zone guy (so he might not fit in here as well as Johnson). He is probably more of a pure safety than Johnson. I think he is going to struggle a little bit early on in his NFL career, but once the game slows down for him and he is able to use all that athleticism more efficiently, I think he will be a very good safety in this league. Safety might not be our primary need, but if we opt to use our first pick this year on something else than the secondary, I think we could get a pretty good player in Iloka in the 3rd, if he is there when we pick.

I rather get johnson then George. I was thinking George had size, but when I looked at his game videos I did not see anything that impressed me. I would take George in the fourth. but we really need a safety and smith or johnson make great sense for us. Franks also can play the nickel position. Franks does not look as big as what Nolan would want, but it is a close size.
being serious Smith reminds me like troy polamalu. if the vikings are thinking of him at 35 pick. then I would move up to take this guy possible. I hate moving up and all that crap, but looking at the game film on smith is "wow". the guy is all over the field and still hits big. With this league going more and more into protecting players, then you need someone who can do interceptions and move all over the field.

[Rai]

I'd prefer Fleming over Johnson. I know he's 3" shorter but the fact that he's better in almost every facet of the game is more than enough to compensate.

[egoprime II]

Fibonacci, on 15 April 2012 - 11:42 PM, said:

Agreed with brandon. Also brandon is still injured....which makes me really believe he will be there in the third.

I do not agree with going g/LT in the second. Because we have no depth in safety. LT we have room, regardless if you like it or not. Svitek stepped up and people on this board fell to see it just like Biermann. Biermann takes on two guys and still makes omg plays....sacks are not everything.....half a sack a game???? Is that what people want instead of Biermann taking on two and still making his own interception for a TD???? SMH.
svitek shut down what vikings guy?????? Oh yea jared allen who averaged what before he met svitek???? Over one a game.....and svitek shut him out.
Any how we also have DT depth some. But maybe we go there, but it is some.
As for safety.....we don't have any depth.

I can see us maybe drafting a DB in the second to play in our nickel and dime formations, since Owens has not stepped up and taken that position and Franks is our third CB.  Smitty has already said we use our nickelbacks almost as much as our third LB.  

But I can't see us worrying about depth at safety early in this draft before we find a legit starter or potential starter for LT.  Svitek benefitted from the short drop quick passing game MM went back to when it was obvious our O line could not handle the pass rush early in the season, that is a BIG part of the reason why Svitek was able to handle Allen, Sweeney, those guys.  That's not my opinion...its a fact.

We can find safeties in the free agent market, that is how we found Sanders last year.  They are fairly plentiful and darn cheap.  That can be our depth right there.   But LTs?  If they are any good they are way too expensive, if they are available at all.  Plus O linemen take some time to develop, so we need to start right now.  Before Ryan gets hurt.

Edited by egoprime II, 16 April 2012 - 07:44 AM.

[Masbinacci]

egoprime II, on 16 April 2012 - 07:43 AM, said:

I can see us maybe drafting a DB in the second to play in our nickel and dime formations, since Owens has not stepped up and taken that position and Franks is our third CB.  Smitty has already said we use our nickelbacks almost as much as our third LB.  

But I can't see us worrying about depth at safety early in this draft before we find a legit starter or potential starter for LT.  Svitek benefitted from the short drop quick passing game MM went back to when it was obvious our O line could not handle the pass rush early in the season, that is a BIG part of the reason why Svitek was able to handle Allen, Sweeney, those guys.  That's not my opinion...its a fact.

We can find safeties in the free agent market, that is how we found Sanders last year.  They are fairly plentiful and darn cheap.  That can be our depth right there.   But LTs?  If they are any good they are way too expensive, if they are available at all.  Plus O linemen take some time to develop, so we need to start right now.  Before Ryan gets hurt.

like it or not there is depth at LT......while safety has nothing. and you do know Moore got hurt for almost half the season last year right? and we had to use Sanders.
you say we can find S in FA. Well tell me who is out there we can pick up? and before you go looking, take a note there is a reason why there are still players out there on the FA market this late.
everyone was upset we brought back decoud.....but failed to realize decoud was the best FA out there.

I would be fine if there was some depth at S. but there is zero. and I pray that no one thinks schillinger is not the answer.
again take note moore did get hurt for half the season.

[k-train]

I think Quinton Richardson from Washington could be a late round FS candidate. We could probably get him in the 6th or 7th.

I just can't see Smith making it to #55, and there isn't anther safety in the class I would want in the 2nd round (I'd rather get a DT or OT). I like Johnson okay, but not in the 2nd. I'd much rather grab Iloka or Martin in the 3rd than Johnson in the 2nd.

[egoprime II]

Fibonacci, on 16 April 2012 - 07:59 AM, said:

like it or not there is depth at LT......while safety has nothing. and you do know Moore got hurt for almost half the season last year right? and we had to use Sanders.
you say we can find S in FA. Well tell me who is out there we can pick up? and before you go looking, take a note there is a reason why there are still players out there on the FA market this late.
everyone was upset we brought back decoud.....but failed to realize decoud was the best FA out there.

I would be fine if there was some depth at S. but there is zero. and I pray that no one thinks schillinger is not the answer.
again take note moore did get hurt for half the season.

We have some LTs on our roster, however they have hardly been shown to be the kind of quality linemen needed to make a vertical passing game work.  Improvement there is vital to our team if we want to win some playoff games next year.  At least at safety we have two good players to start, at LT we don't.

Since TD appears to have shut down his FA signings for now, it doesn't matter who is available at safety at this time.  What will be important is who is available after the draft.  TD does need to draft a safety at some point and more than likely will, but if there is a good LT or DL there I don't see it happening with our second rounder.