My New Mock , and some thoughts on why I have the players .

Draftnut57 · December 11, 2007

Well I put this Mock together a few days ago and put it in my sig , I'm sure you have already saw it but i wanted to share my thoughts on why I would Draft in this fashion.

1.I believe like you we MUST fix the OL , I just believe in building it in a little differant way , I think it is the fist priority so I think the bulk of FAcy $ should be put into that , LIke Max Starks and Nat Dorsey or whoever is the best available. We are very fortunate that this draft is loaded with a lot of good OL all the way into the 5th round .

2.I also think that a great DL can take a team to a New leval , Like the Bears had a few years ago , They just simply let Tank Johnson walk and let Thomas Jones get away for a song when he was their best RB . That's what really hurt that team. they also let another one of thier top DL get away and it put them back to a medioaker DL . As you know from all thepast Drafts most of the time I have pushedfor great DL man and I'm not going to change untill we get a DL that can bring Havok to the opposing OL and QB . A great DL will cause more turnovers, Interceptions , and fumbles than any otehr positions. Plus they make the DBs all look like probowlers no matter who the DBs are , The bad passes having to be thrown in a hurry causes these problems , Ellis has 8.5 Sacks this year and even thou he is Spuaty , He is hard to get a hold on such mass and a low center of gravity and Power. And I think that Tre would be a great addition as a NT for rotation. He will be the best DL forthe pick I think as of now anyway . Even if we don't go with Ellis I hope we still get Tre latter.

3. I really like Ryan better than Brohm , but the good thing about getting Brohm is that we could still get a top Quailty player like , Ellis or Long with that first pick if we take Brohm, BC I think Brohm will drop to at least the middle of round one . I do think that McFadden and Dorsey will be gone by our pick .

4. I also think we are pretty well set at S and CB but i do have a slot for one and we could sure up those with a FA pickup of a lower quailty player. Crocker has looked very good to me latly and I really think that Stone was a good pick up last year ,

5.IMO Jonathan Steward will not be drafted in the first , i just don't see it and I do think we can get him with one of our 2nd round picks , if not we will have to take another one ,I still think Snellings will be a good backup.

6.Bottom line is Fix OL and DL at all cost and this team will be 100% better if that is acomplished . Get a Furture QB , and a Future starting Power back and we will be a good team next year.

7. If I were a GM , I would have the Biggest , Baddest and most powerful DL in the NFL , and I'd be like Detroit is with WRs , I'd keep drafting untill I did have . And like the Bears a few years ago that alone would bring about 4 more wins a year . Next just liek Patrino believes in , I'd have a Power Running game that would open up the Spread O#.

8.Lastof all I would draft the best Kicker in the draft , We know by wht happend in our first 4 games that we lost 2 or three of those because we didn't take one of the two Great ones last draft , Crosby and Folk. I'd bet money if I was a bettin man , that we will not make the same mistake twice . I just hope there is at least one as good as those two.

9. See Sig for the Draft . comments welcome

Culain · December 12, 2007

Why Sedrick Ellis ? I would rather go Long or Laurinitis

I like both of the second rounders.

Draftnut57 · December 12, 2007

Culain (12/11/2007)
Why Sedrick Ellis ? I would rather go Long or Laurinitis
I like both of the second rounders.

Because I am convinced that we will not get any pressure on a QB untill be get some beastly DTs, Not only is Ellis a good run stuffer , He can also get to the QB , 8.5 Sacks this year alone , ah , name another DT with that many Sacks this year . Plus you can get good Ots in latter rds , but you can't get the top quality DTs in latter rds , just don't hardly ever happen , I do think Tre can be one thou.

My philosophy has always been , never use a high pick on LBer , CB , S , WR , FB , K , G BC to many great deals in latter rounds , always take the Guys that you can't get latter. Plus I believe in taking OTs in the 2nd thru the 4th rds .

Carter · December 12, 2007

Very interesting... but I don't think Brohm lasts until the 2nd round even if we skip on him now that Petrino isn't gonna be here. Brohm just isn't some rag doll QB that no other team will want... he had a great college career and falls very well into every category teams look at for 1st round QBs.

I love the idea of taking Sedrick Ellis in the 1st. If Dorsey and McFadden are gone, I think Ellis has to be our pick unless we can manage to trade down. This makes it 2 years in a row that I have wanted a DT in the 1st... and I have wanted others in the past, which means it probably won't happen.

I don't think Jake Long is a good value at the top of the draft because he will convert into a flat out dominant RT in the NFL... but if we can trade down and get Ryan Clady, that would be a very good pick for LT. Then we could hope for Jonathan Stewart to fall to us in the 2nd or perhaps take Rashard Mendenhall or Tashard Choice.

Draftnut57 · December 12, 2007

Carter (12/11/2007)
Very interesting... but I don't think Brohm lasts until the 2nd round even if we skip on him now that Petrino isn't gonna be here. Brohm just isn't some rag doll QB that no other team will want... he had a great college career and falls very well into every category teams look at for 1st round QBs.
I love the idea of taking Sedrick Ellis in the 1st. If Dorsey and McFadden are gone, I think Ellis has to be our pick unless we can manage to trade down. This makes it 2 years in a row that I have wanted a DT in the 1st... and I have wanted others in the past, which means it probably won't happen.
I don't think Jake Long is a good value at the top of the draft because he will convert into a flat out dominant RT in the NFL... but if we can trade down and get Ryan Clady, that would be a very good pick for LT. Then we could hope for Jonathan Stewart to fall to us in the 2nd or perhaps take Rashard Mendenhall or Tashard Choice.

If yu will notice beside the Brohm pick , I put that we will have to give a 2009 pick in order to trade up for him , just like Clev did last year to get Quinn. It would have to be a high pick at that . I made this Mock a couple of days to soon . Now I'm not sure that we will get Brohm, I think most Coaches will want Ryan in which we would have to take him with our top pick .

Carter · December 12, 2007

Draftnut57 (12/11/2007)
If yu will notice beside the Brohm pick , I put that we will have to give a 2009 pick in order to trade up for him , just like Clev did last year to get Quinn. It would have to be a high pick at that . I made this Mock a couple of days to soon . Now I'm not sure that we will get Brohm, I think most Coaches will want Ryan in which we would have to take him with our top pick .

I don't think there is any chance of us taking Matt Ryan. If we draft him, I'm pretty sure he will demand a trade... he doesn't want to play here. I don't want him anyways, I think he's very overrated and has a poor attitude if he thinks he's good enough to just pick and choose which teams he will play for.

Also, I wouldn't say the Falcons taking a QB in the 1st is a certainty. In the Falcons 42 year existence, only 4 QBs have been taken in the 1st round.

Michael Vick (2001)

Chris Miller (1987)

Steve Bartkowski (1975)

Randy Johnson (1966, Falcons 1st draft)

Almost every single other QB drafted by Atlanta has been taken in the 2nd or 3rd rounds, including our most recently drafted QB Matt Schaub.

Draftnut57 · December 12, 2007

Carter (12/11/2007)
Draftnut57 (12/11/2007)
If yu will notice beside the Brohm pick , I put that we will have to give a 2009 pick in order to trade up for him , just like Clev did last year to get Quinn. It would have to be a high pick at that . I made this Mock a couple of days to soon . Now I'm not sure that we will get Brohm, I think most Coaches will want Ryan in which we would have to take him with our top pick .
I don't think there is any chance of us taking Matt Ryan. If we draft him, I'm pretty sure he will demand a trade... he doesn't want to play here. I don't want him anyways, I think he's very overrated and has a poor attitude if he thinks he's good enough to just pick and choose which teams he will play for.
Also, I wouldn't say the Falcons taking a QB in the 1st is a certainty. In the Falcons 42 year existence, only 4 QBs have been taken in the 1st round.
Michael Vick (2001)
Chris Miller (1987)
Steve Bartkowski (1975)
Randy Johnson (1966, Falcons 1st draft)
Almost every single other QB drafted by Atlanta has been taken in the 2nd or 3rd rounds, including our most recently drafted QB Matt Schaub.

You know I have ask for a link every time sombody said that Ryan does not want to play here and nobody has given one , makes me think it's made up/

Carter · December 12, 2007

Draftnut57 (12/11/2007)
You know I have ask for a link every time sombody said that Ryan does not want to play here and nobody has given one , makes me think it's made up/

I heard it with my own ears and so have a few others on here. During the ACC Championship game between Virginia Tech and BC, Brad Nessler said that Matt Ryan responded to being asked about so many NFL teams needing a QB, and Atlanta in particular, by saying "no thanks"... why would multiple people make up the same story?

ESPN not having a story on it just means they didn't want to blow up the guy they've been pumping up all season as the next Tom Brady.

Draftnut57 · December 12, 2007

The 2008 draft is looking like it could be a very good one, especially if many of the top juniors eligible to leave school this winter indeed opt to turn pro this year. The senior class itself is probably only average, however, its getting better with the late emergence of a number of quality prospects for the early rounds of the upcoming draft Including the players listed below:

QB Joe Flacco, 6-5, 230, 4.90, Delaware& . One-time Pitt recruit who played little in two years at the D1A level, Flacco has emerged as a legitimate pro prospect the past couple of seasons with Delaware. In fact, Flacco is right there in the mix of second-tier QBs this fall along with the likes Chad Henne of Michigan, John David Booty of USC, Colt Brennan of Hawaii, and Erik Ainge of Tennessee. Flacco is a prototype pocket passer with a strong arm; he stands tall in the pocket and sees the field well; is also very patient and gets rid of the ball quickly, but will on occasion force plays that aren t there. Flacco is a reasonably accurate passer who completed 66% of his pass attempts in 2007 for almost 3,700 yards and 20 TDs; makes good decisions in the pocket, throwing just 5 picks this fall; and while Flacco is no gazelle with only 4.9 speed, he is relatively mobile and will take off on occasion; also does a nice job moving around the pocket to avoid the rush, but doesn t always get feet set on the move. Flacco is also a good student with excellent leadership intangibles. And folks will get a chance to check out Flacco themselves when Delaware plays giant-killer Appalachian State in the D1 championship game on Friday night after leading his upstart 13th ranked Blue Hens to upset wins over Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois.

Pittsburgh OT Jef Otah, 6-6, 340, 5.30, Pittsburgh& Otah is one Pitt Panther who didn t get away. Certainly is just starting to scratch the surface of some impressive physical potential and has as much upside as any player in the 2008 draft class. Indeed, with the senior OT class thinned out by injuries (Sam Baker of USC and Tony Hills of Texas) and off-field issues (Gosder Cherilus of Boston College), Otah has risen to the 32 spot among senior OTs behind Michigan s Jake Long. Otah, though, could drop down if nay of as many as a half dozen or so top junior OTs opt to enter this year s drfat. Otah, whose family immigrated from Nigeria when he was 7, played only one season of high school football and two at junior college before ending up at Pitt. Otah has great size at almost 6-7 and 340 pounds, along with decent quickness and agility. Otah also has long arms and a strong punch, although he likely still needs work in an NFL weight room. Strong drive blocker who realy locks and keeps his feet alive, but needs to work hard on keeping his pads low.

DT Kentwan Balmer, 6-5, 290, 5.00, North Carolina& In what looks like a down draft year at DT, UNC s Kentwan Balmer has made a nice move up draft boards across the NFL and rates as the #3 DT behind, albeit way behind, LSU s Glenn Dorsey and USC s Sedrick Ellis. Balmer isn t a monster at around 290 pounds but he has a quick first step and good closing speed with a 40 clocking under 5.0. Strong player for his size; does a nice job stuffing the run and will get a long look by 3-4 teams as a DE; active player with decent lateral range; was second on the Tar Heels this fall with 59 total stops including 3.5 sacks and 6 other tackles for loss.

California FS Thomas DeCoud, 6-1.5, 200, 4.55, California& Athletic Cal safety has benefited from overall lack of talent at safety for the 2008 draft. DeCoud is a taller safety with long arms and good flexibility; also has decent speed, but not great speed with a 40 time in the 4.55-4.60 range. DeCoud is a solid wrap-up tackler who led the Bears with 106 tackles this fall, but he isn t necessarily all that instinctive or physical; also lacks much in the way of ball skills; indeed, has only one career interception, although he can line up at CB in a pinch. Outstanding special teams player who has had six career blocked kicks.

DE Jason Jones, 6-5, 265, 4.75, Eastern Michigan& Oe of the fastest rising players in the 2008 draft class, going from a fringe prospect prior to the season to a potential first-day candidate. Originally signed as a TE, but has bulked up to close to 265 pounds to become an undersized, but very athletic and disruptive DT. Jones is quick off the snap and has decent closing speed with a 40 clocking in the low to mid 4.7 range. Still raw technically but does uses arms well to keep separation, although he can be engulfed by bigger offensive linemen. Spent the past thre seasons camped out in opposition backfields where he had alsmot 50 career tackles for loss including 19.5 in 2007; also has 14 career sacks including 3.5 this past season.

CB Leodis McKelvin, 5-10.5, 190, 4.42, Troy& Troy hasn t sent a lot of players to the NFL, but what they have lacked in quantity the Trojans have made up with quality. Former Troy DEs Demarcus Ware of Dallas and the Giants Osi Umenyiora, for example, are among the most disruptive players in the NFL. And McKelvin would like to make it a Trojan triumvirate. He s an underrated cover corner who doubles as a very effective kick returner; averaged almost 12 yards per punt return and 24 on KO returns over the past couple of years; has returned both for TDs; not all that big, but a solid tackler had 66 stops last season; still not a true shut-down corner, but is physical and runs well; is also flexible and can change directions, but ball skills are only average.

CB Patrick Lee, 5-11, 200, 4.42, Auburn& Never played much prior to this season, but has emerged in recent weeks as yet another good cover corner in a class which appears to be deep in good cover corners meaning teams looking to upgrade at CB at this year s draft need not force a pick in the opening round but may be able to wain until even the 3rd-4th round area to get a player the quality of a Lee. Lee has decent size at 5-11 and 200 pounds and very good speed with a 40 clocking in the low 4.4 range. Lee, in fact, can run with most receivers, has decent instincts and good ball skills. Lee picked of 4 passes; Lee is also a pretty good tackler although he s not known as being all that physical in coverage.

defensedefensedefense · December 12, 2007

I DO NOT want to trade away any 2009 picks... IMO we cant afford to. What if we finish up 2-14/3-13 again and Brohm busts?? We are screwed beyond comprehension...

We draft like last year, and then we draft like that again in 2009... Acquire as many picks as we can on the way. We have no HC, this isnt a 2-3 year fix... This is a 4-5 year building process, and IMHO drafting a QB this year isnt as necessary as it was with Petrino.

McKay better go BPA all the way. If he reaches on a 1st round QB or throws our 2009 draft away by trading picks, he needs to go...

Draftnut57 · December 12, 2007

defensedefensedefense (12/12/2007)
I DO NOT want to trade away any 2009 picks... IMO we cant afford to. What if we finish up 2-14/3-13 again and Brohm busts?? We are screwed beyond comprehension...
We draft like last year, and then we draft like that again in 2009... Acquire as many picks as we can on the way. We have no HC, this isnt a 2-3 year fix... This is a 4-5 year building process, and IMHO drafting a QB this year isnt as necessary as it was with Petrino.
McKay better go BPA all the way. If he reaches on a 1st round QB or throws our 2009 draft away by trading picks, he needs to go...

WEll , I really only had Brohm in BC of BP being here , now that he is gone ,I like the thoughts of taking Joe Flacco with that 2nd #2 we have and we would not have to give anything for the pick , I'm going to revise this thing for this reason.

MSalmon · December 12, 2007

draft, well thought out. Here are my comments.

1.DT Sedrick Ellis........ 6-1, 285, 4.95..... Mcfadden & Dorsey are gone.

--Smallish and quick penetrating UT type. We have two in Babineux and Coleman. We need run-stopper types. This guy will slip due to size like Mike Patterson did a few years ago.

2.RB Jonathan Stewart 6-1, 225, 4.55..... Tashard is 2nd Choice.

--I dont think he slips, but I would be overjoyed if he does. Stud alert.

2.QB Joe Flacco............6-5, 230, 4.90..... Revised pick after BP Left .

--Ok, but I still think we draft one of the big three.

3.ILB Ben Moffit........... 6-2, 245, 4.55..... Future replacment for Mr Falcon.

I like this kid a lot.

4.OT Heath Benedict.... 6-6, 320, 5.15..... A lot of geat deals at OT.

4.OT Shannon Boatman 6-7, 315, 5.10..... We need the depth here.

Great picks w/ the 4s

5.DT Dre Moore............ 6-4, 311, 4.90..... DT Steal of the draft, Need 2.

--Getting bigger and more like we need. Nice player

6.DE Adam Oliver......... 6-4, 265, 4.85..... Need depth in case of injury .

--might see secondary or return help with this pick. But this guy could be BPA.

6.K Art Carmody.......... 5-8, 165, 5.10..... Take the best K this year.

--Not sure where he goes, but i agree w/ you. Well finally draft a K

7.S Jamal Lewis........... 6-0, 200, 4.50..... Good deal for depth.

--Nice pick for seventh rounder.

FAcy = OT Max Starks and or Nat Dorsey 12-10-07

--Pretty sure we'll be active in FA on the OL, as well. Nice job. Look forward to next one. Hard to tell where any one projects just yet, but be interesting to see how your picks play out post-combine. Comments appreciated on mine, if you don't mind. (p. 3 I think)

thx,

mike

Poster Large Johnson · December 12, 2007

Carter (12/11/2007)
Draftnut57 (12/11/2007)
You know I have ask for a link every time sombody said that Ryan does not want to play here and nobody has given one , makes me think it's made up/
I heard it with my own ears and so have a few others on here. During the ACC Championship game between Virginia Tech and BC, Brad Nessler said that Matt Ryan responded to being asked about so many NFL teams needing a QB, and Atlanta in particular, by saying "no thanks"... why would multiple people make up the same story?

I heard the dirt bag Ryan say it as well

Draftnut57 · December 12, 2007

Michael Salmon (12/12/2007)
draft, well thought out. Here are my comments.
1.DT Sedrick Ellis........ 6-1, 285, 4.95..... Mcfadden & Dorsey are gone.
--Smallish and quick penetrating UT type. We have two in Babineux and Coleman. We need run-stopper types. This guy will slip due to size like Mike Patterson did a few years ago.
2.RB Jonathan Stewart 6-1, 225, 4.55..... Tashard is 2nd Choice.
--I dont think he slips, but I would be overjoyed if he does. Stud alert.
2.QB Joe Flacco............6-5, 230, 4.90..... Revised pick after BP Left .
--Ok, but I still think we draft one of the big three.
3.ILB Ben Moffit........... 6-2, 245, 4.55..... Future replacment for Mr Falcon.
I like this kid a lot.
4.OT Heath Benedict.... 6-6, 320, 5.15..... A lot of geat deals at OT.
4.OT Shannon Boatman 6-7, 315, 5.10..... We need the depth here.
Great picks w/ the 4s
5.DT Dre Moore............ 6-4, 311, 4.90..... DT Steal of the draft, Need 2.
--Getting bigger and more like we need. Nice player
6.DE Adam Oliver......... 6-4, 265, 4.85..... Need depth in case of injury .
--might see secondary or return help with this pick. But this guy could be BPA.
6.K Art Carmody.......... 5-8, 165, 5.10..... Take the best K this year.
--Not sure where he goes, but i agree w/ you. Well finally draft a K
7.S Jamal Lewis........... 6-0, 200, 4.50..... Good deal for depth.
--Nice pick for seventh rounder.
FAcy = OT Max Starks and or Nat Dorsey 12-10-07
--Pretty sure we'll be active in FA on the OL, as well. Nice job. Look forward to next one. Hard to tell where any one projects just yet, but be interesting to see how your picks play out post-combine. Comments appreciated on mine, if you don't mind. (p. 3 I think)
thx,
mike

Thanks for your comments , Just remember Ellis played some very good teams and he still had 8.5 Sacks this year as a DT, almost unheard of , Sure I would rather have Dorsey , but he didn't have that many Sacks , I think that Ellis will be more durable and have more sacks in the NFL as well. Both players played very good teams and compair thier stats , you make get a surprice . Plus Ellis is a very good run stuffer. He is much better player than any of our young DTs. If we only end up with Tre I'll still be pretty happy BC Lewis should be back next year also , WE probably will take a QB in the first anyway.

Kayoh · December 12, 2007

Who's to say that the new HC will continue with the Power Offense philosophy? Maybe we'll pick up a finesse system where somebody like Mike Hart, Steve Slaton, or Ray Rice become more viable options at RB. Maybe we pick up the freaking zone-cut blocking system again where Benedict and Boatman become nearly null options for us. I'm just saying, I think that all mock drafts should be put off until we know what our new offensive philosophy is going to be. I feel almost like we now have no identity on offense in terms of scheme, and it scares the ##### out of me.

MSalmon · December 12, 2007

Draft, i do agree with you he's a great player. Patterson was a steal for the eagles in the second round. Something about shorter DTs tend to drop them. But you are a good evaluator of DTs--I remember the Tommy Harris touting a few years back, so i'll cede to you

Great mock,

Mike

Oregonfan · December 13, 2007

I see either the Texans or Seattle taking stewart in the first. If we want him probably trade down in the first. And just to add the correct stewart bio-5-11 235, bench 410, squat 600, 402 power clean. 39 inch vertical 4.34. Info courtesy of my brother who I think is a little gay for Stewart

Carter · December 13, 2007

I can totally see Seattle taking Jonathan Stewart. I've had them tagged to select him for some time now, actually... I don't see any way Atlanta can grab him unless we trade down or trade back into the 1st... and as much as I like him, he's not worth trading up for.

Totally on board with taking Dorsey or Ellis, though... totally on board with that one. It's the right pick to make, much like Okoye would have been last year. We need a DT inside to take some focus off Abe and Jamaal... cuz Abe is being contained most of the time and Jamaal is pretty much getting closed out. We have no real inside threat, so they can just force our DE's to go wide on every play.

Carter · December 13, 2007

Welcome to Atlanta (12/12/2007)
Who's to say that the new HC will continue with the Power Offense philosophy? Maybe we'll pick up a finesse system where somebody like Mike Hart, Steve Slaton, or Ray Rice become more viable options at RB. Maybe we pick up the freaking zone-cut blocking system again where Benedict and Boatman become nearly null options for us. I'm just saying, I think that all mock drafts should be put off until we know what our new offensive philosophy is going to be. I feel almost like we now have no identity on offense in terms of scheme, and it scares the ##### out of me.

I agree for the most part... I think that spending more than maybe 3 picks on offense in this draft could be a mistake. Our defense is a lot closer to being formidable than our offense is... we should do what we can to complete that part of the problem since it could realistically take a DT, MLB, and maybe a safety for our defense to be very good. We could also use a Will, but it's not an absolute necessity. Even if DeMo leaves, I think Nicholas could be good there.

We have no idea what's in store for our future on offense... which isn't to say we should neglect developing talent... but in my opinion, we need to get our o-line fixed. That should be the priority on the offensive side of the ball. Once the o-line is a bit more solid, other things will fall into place and actually have a chance at being successful.

It's definitely going to take a few years to get this thing straightened out. It's hard to imagine us making any major change to put us on top of the division next year and keep on track with the trend of worst-to-first in the South.

defensedefensedefense · December 13, 2007

Carter (12/13/2007)
Welcome to Atlanta (12/12/2007)
Who's to say that the new HC will continue with the Power Offense philosophy? Maybe we'll pick up a finesse system where somebody like Mike Hart, Steve Slaton, or Ray Rice become more viable options at RB. Maybe we pick up the freaking zone-cut blocking system again where Benedict and Boatman become nearly null options for us. I'm just saying, I think that all mock drafts should be put off until we know what our new offensive philosophy is going to be. I feel almost like we now have no identity on offense in terms of scheme, and it scares the ##### out of me.
I agree for the most part... I think that spending more than maybe 3 picks on offense in this draft could be a mistake. Our defense is a lot closer to being formidable than our offense is... we should do what we can to complete that part of the problem since it could realistically take a DT, MLB, and maybe a safety for our defense to be very good. We could also use a Will, but it's not an absolute necessity. Even if DeMo leaves, I think Nicholas could be good there.
We have no idea what's in store for our future on offense... which isn't to say we should neglect developing talent... but in my opinion, we need to get our o-line fixed. That should be the priority on the offensive side of the ball. Once the o-line is a bit more solid, other things will fall into place and actually have a chance at being successful.
It's definitely going to take a few years to get this thing straightened out. It's hard to imagine us making any major change to put us on top of the division next year and keep on track with the trend of worst-to-first in the South.

Totally agree with this assessment, and i have been saying this all along... Even before Bobby no balls left. This draft should focus on getting the defense into the top 5-10 in the NFL, whilst picking up some 2nd/3rd round OLmen for the future. We should also be aggressive in FA for any younger players at needed positions, this way, we can fine tune our draft even more...

featherz17 · December 13, 2007

Draftnut57 (12/11/2007)
Well I put this Mock together a few days ago and put it in my sig , I'm sure you have already saw it but i wanted to share my thoughts on why I would Draft in this fashion.
1.I believe like you we MUST fix the OL , I just believe in building it in a little differant way , I think it is the fist priority so I think the bulk of FAcy $ should be put into that , LIke Max Starks and Nat Dorsey or whoever is the best available. We are very fortunate that this draft is loaded with a lot of good OL all the way into the 5th round .
2.I also think that a great DL can take a team to a New leval , Like the Bears had a few years ago , They just simply let Tank Johnson walk and let Thomas Jones get away for a song when he was their best RB . That's what really hurt that team. they also let another one of thier top DL get away and it put them back to a medioaker DL . As you know from all thepast Drafts most of the time I have pushedfor great DL man and I'm not going to change untill we get a DL that can bring Havok to the opposing OL and QB . A great DL will cause more turnovers, Interceptions , and fumbles than any otehr positions. Plus they make the DBs all look like probowlers no matter who the DBs are , The bad passes having to be thrown in a hurry causes these problems , Ellis has 8.5 Sacks this year and even thou he is Spuaty , He is hard to get a hold on such mass and a low center of gravity and Power. And I think that Tre would be a great addition as a NT for rotation. He will be the best DL forthe pick I think as of now anyway . Even if we don't go with Ellis I hope we still get Tre latter.
3. I really like Ryan better than Brohm , but the good thing about getting Brohm is that we could still get a top Quailty player like , Ellis or Long with that first pick if we take Brohm, BC I think Brohm will drop to at least the middle of round one . I do think that McFadden and Dorsey will be gone by our pick .
4. I also think we are pretty well set at S and CB but i do have a slot for one and we could sure up those with a FA pickup of a lower quailty player. Crocker has looked very good to me latly and I really think that Stone was a good pick up last year ,
5.IMO Jonathan Steward will not be drafted in the first , i just don't see it and I do think we can get him with one of our 2nd round picks , if not we will have to take another one ,I still think Snellings will be a good backup.
6.Bottom line is Fix OL and DL at all cost and this team will be 100% better if that is acomplished . Get a Furture QB , and a Future starting Power back and we will be a good team next year.
7. If I were a GM , I would have the Biggest , Baddest and most powerful DL in the NFL , and I'd be like Detroit is with WRs , I'd keep drafting untill I did have . And like the Bears a few years ago that alone would bring about 4 more wins a year . Next just liek Patrino believes in , I'd have a Power Running game that would open up the Spread O#.
8.Lastof all I would draft the best Kicker in the draft , We know by wht happend in our first 4 games that we lost 2 or three of those because we didn't take one of the two Great ones last draft , Crosby and Folk. I'd bet money if I was a bettin man , that we will not make the same mistake twice . I just hope there is at least one as good as those two.
9. See Sig for the Draft . comments welcome

Nice mock Draftnut. What do you think of Laurinaitis or Conner in the 1st?

MSalmon · December 13, 2007

Carter (12/13/2007)
Welcome to Atlanta (12/12/2007)
Who's to say that the new HC will continue with the Power Offense philosophy? Maybe we'll pick up a finesse system where somebody like Mike Hart, Steve Slaton, or Ray Rice become more viable options at RB. Maybe we pick up the freaking zone-cut blocking system again where Benedict and Boatman become nearly null options for us. I'm just saying, I think that all mock drafts should be put off until we know what our new offensive philosophy is going to be. I feel almost like we now have no identity on offense in terms of scheme, and it scares the ##### out of me.
I agree for the most part... I think that spending more than maybe 3 picks on offense in this draft could be a mistake. Our defense is a lot closer to being formidable than our offense is... we should do what we can to complete that part of the problem since it could realistically take a DT, MLB, and maybe a safety for our defense to be very good. We could also use a Will, but it's not an absolute necessity. Even if DeMo leaves, I think Nicholas could be good there.
We have no idea what's in store for our future on offense... which isn't to say we should neglect developing talent... but in my opinion, we need to get our o-line fixed. That should be the priority on the offensive side of the ball. Once the o-line is a bit more solid, other things will fall into place and actually have a chance at being successful.
It's definitely going to take a few years to get this thing straightened out. It's hard to imagine us making any major change to put us on top of the division next year and keep on track with the trend of worst-to-first in the South.

I disagree simply because we are deficient in talent in key areas, regardless of scheme. I think it's safe that we won't return to zone-blocking, so bigger OL men are still needed. And you know the new HC won't just waste the 330lb Blalock that we drafted. Also our rb position is not very deep. Any HC out there is going to want to have solid rbs. Will all coaches want a Michael Bush type? Probably no. But a 210-220 lb everydown back will certainly be on the priority list. Maybe it is Mike Hart to pair w/ Jerious or McFadden in the top 3, regardless we'll need to address that position.

Look at FA signings. We signed a bruising FB Mughelli to a huge contract--we cut him we're screwed. I think it's safe to say that most reasonable coaches would utilize the guy more than petrino. Singletary and Cowher both will utilize I formtion and run the ball.

Lastly look at the QB position. Will we draft a QB for a scheme? Probably not. But you can guarantee that a traditional drop back passer w/ IQ and leadership skills to be the face of the team is on the mind of Blank, McKay and whoever the coach is. Good draft for it too. Ryan, Woodson and Brohm all fit the mold. Brohm is far from a Petrino system guy BTW. Brennan may be out as candidate (if he ever was) due to scheme type.

But the point being, is the only place that we have any semblance of talent is on the defense. We have young talent. Much easier to plug in FAs there and get late rounders. You can bet we'll be filling out the offense a bit, regardless of coach.

etherdome · December 13, 2007