FAN_O_THE_ATL

First, this is a great topic and @Rings you did a great job laying out the facts in the original post. As for the debate, to me it is not about who the better player is head to head but how teams construct their roster understanding that there is a budget. No doubt the Barkleys and Gurleys are studs but if taking them early prevents me from addressing other important areas then maybe that's not the best approach. If I can get comparable production at the RB position later in the draft and/or with lower $ FA then it probably makes more sense to invest my draft capital at positions where, if I have to go buy an impactful player, it will cost me a greater % of my budget. I feel like OG used to be this type of position as well...I can grab an impact OG in the middle rounds or as cheap FA. Maybe it started with the FA signing of Steve Hutchinson that the value of OG's started to shift and now you see the OG position drafted high because if you have to go sign an impactful OG it is going to cost big $.

Yep -- options -- that was my thought. I'm not suggesting that I'd prefer Howard over Hooper because I'm a big fan of Hooper. I'm simply suggesting that this could be a good time for a 'buy low' on a high upside TE in Howard who I think would count about $3.5M in cap next year. That's about the same as Luke Stocker who is not good. If we can re-sign Hooper (likely @ $10-12M per) then great, I'll take Hooper, Howard, Graham over Hooper, Stocker, Graham everyday. If we can't re-sign Hooper then we 'd at least have Howard and Graham as primary options. Also, if I understand 5th year options correctly, players drafted with picks 11-32 get the avg of the highest 3rd-25th salaries at their position vs players drafted in the top 10 (like Vic Beasley) who get the avg of the highest top 10 salaries at their position. In Howard's case his option would probably be closer to $6M.

No way would I draft a RB first round this year. IMO there are 8-10 RB's that would fit nicely on our roster. I'm thinking somewhere between late 2nd and 4th would be the spot to draft one. Strategy might be to slow play until the run on RB's starts unless there's a guy they love and target him with one of the 2nd round picks.

What would it take for us to get OJ Howard? Clearly he's not living up to expectations in Tampa but that guy had so much talent coming out of Bama. I know there were rumors of him being shopped at the trade deadline this year but I'm sure the asking price was high. Would love to see him paired with Hooper if we can re-sign him or as a potential high-upside replacement to Hooper. I think Howard has one more year on his rookie deal plus the fifth year option. I'd be looking into whether a 4th or 5th round pick could land us Howard. Thoughts?

Does anyone know what the issues are that caused Michael Divinity to miss several games this season? All I've seen is 'personal issues'. If Campbell doesn't return at LB next year Divinity looks like a solid fit for that position.

Like the mock. love the Lee trade. Hope we improve @ LB early today. Mack Wilson would be my target.

I like big Dex and am cool w Bunting but not before round 3...also don't love Lindstom late In Rd2

Love it.

Falcons get Ford & Lawrence & future starters at CB & WLB?...yes please!

Really like the first 3 to 4 picks. Would be happy if the draft played out that way. Not a big fan of the Harmon, Davis and Holyfield picks. Moreland is solid and a cheaper P is a good idea IMO.

That's an awesome draft. I don't like the LSU TE and probably prefer Gardner Minchew to Rypien as a developmental QB but otherwise solid. Walk away with Wilkins, Winovich, and Johnson is a win IMO.

I like the mock. In that scenario I'd probably pick Rashan Gary or Devin Bush in R1 and get my RT in R2, but I kinda expect the Falcons to go OT in R1. Would also prefer a LB earlier, probably in place of Gaillard.

I like alot of those players...particularly Baker if he is available in Rd 2 and Hardman on Day 3. Here is a counter of an all Bama draft. Blend the two and we'd be solid...or make it an all Bama, UGA, & Clemson draft... Rd1 - Jonah Williams, OT Alabama Rd2 - Josh Jacobs, RB Alabama or Damien Harris, RB Alabama or Irv Smith TE, Alabama Rd3 - Mack Wilson, LB Alabama Rd4a - Deionte Thompson, S Alabama Rd4b - Isaiah Buggs, DL Alabama Rd5a - Saivion Smith, CB Alabama Rd5b - Christian Miller, Edge Alabama Rd6 - Ross Pierschbacher, C Alabama Rd7 - Lester Cotton, OG Alabama

Who is your first choice?

I think he's also had a couple knee injuries...still would be my #1 choice.