Recap of college players who Falcons have expressed an interest in

[theProf]

A recap of players who Atlanta has expressed an interest in via private workouts/visits and talks/discussions only in red and projected draft round according to cbssport’s nfldraftscouts in parentheses as follows:

Defense:

LB - Rey Maualuga (1), Brian Cushing (1), Clay Matthews (1), James Lauranaitis (1-2), Clint Sintim (2), Darry Beckwith (2-3),

Gerald McRath (3-4), Kaluka Maiava (4-5), Russell Allen (7–FA)

Nic Harris LB/S (5), DeAndre Levy (6-7),

CB - Alphonso Smith (1-2), Darius Butler (1-2), Sherrod Martin CB/S (2-3), Asher Allen (3), Christopher Owens (3), Bradley Fletcher (4), Cary Harris (5-6), Brice McCain (6-7), Jahi Word-Daniels (FA) Vince Anderson (FA)

S – Louis Delmas (2), Patrick Chung (2), William Moore (2-3), Rashad Johnson (3), Chip Vaughn (3),

Chris Clemons (4-5), Justin Garrett (FA) De'Mon Glanton (FA)

DE - Robert Ayers (1-2), Larry English DE/LB (1-2), Connor Barwin DE/TE/LB (1-2), Michael Johnson (2),

Julius Williams DE/LB (FA), Ataefiok Etukeren, (FA)

DT - Evander Hood (1-2), Fili Moala (2-3), John Gill (FA), Elris Anyaibe (FA), Jarron Gilbert (2-3)

Offense:

TE - Brandon Pettigrew (1-2), Jared Cook (2), Chase Coffman (2-3), Cameron Morrah (5), Zack Miller (7-FA)

Ryan Purvis (FA),

C - Alex Mack (1-2), Eric Wood C/G(1-2), Antoine Caldwell C/G (3), Jon Cooper (FA), Cecil Newton (7-FA)

OT - Philip Loadholt (2-3), T.J. Lang OT/G (3-4), Andy Levitre OT/G (3), Andrew Gardner (5-6)

OG - Duke Robinson (2), Tyrone Green (4),

WR – Kenny McKinley (4-5), Aaron Kelly (5), Darius Passmore (5-6),

FB - Brock Bolen (FA),

QB - Tom Brandstater (5-6)

RB – None

For the underlying public announcements on the players that the Falcons have expressed interest in, please see my following topic thread linked as follows:

http://life.atlantafalcons.com/index.php?showtopic=3838132

For an interesting comprehensive numerical ranking of each draft eligible college player, including their projected draft round, see the following link:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings

Last year most of Atlanta’s actual player selections in the draft came from those that had a private visit/workout with the Falcons, including Matt Ryan, Sam Baker, Curtis Lofton, Harry Douglas, Thomas DeCoud, and Thomas Brown. Atlanta’s other draft choices last season: Robert James, Kory Biermann, Fontenot, and Zinger might have also had a private workout/visit with the Falcons, but I could find no public confirmation on the internet that they did so. By the way, I did not find any public reference to Sam Baker’s private workout with the Falcons prior to the draft last year. I only found out in reading a Baker interview, after the draft, that he had a private workout with the Falcons also.

It appears from the above player list that the Falcons are really targeting the LB, CB, S, and TE positions in the draft. I am really surprised by the lack of mid-round projected linemen, especially defensive linemen after the second round. However, it is still possible to construct realistic Falcons mock drafts based solely upon the players that that have expressed a public interest in thus far. I constructed what I believe are four different realistic and feasible Falcons drafts based upon the above players.

In each of the following four Falcons mock drafts; I tried to include the four most targeted positions, LB, CB, S, and TE, as well as at least one defensive and one offensive lineman. I also tried to stay within the above projected draft rounds for the players, with one exception. If a player was indicated in two possible rounds, I tried to stay with the earliest indicated round, with one exception, because Atlanta will be drafting toward the end of rounds one through four. Additionally, I used completely different players in each of my four mock drafts. Finally, if a player I thought would most likely be drafted before Atlanta selected in a particular round, such as Louis Delmas in the second round, then I did not include them in my following mock drafts:

Mock Draft #1: My favorite

1. LB Clay Mathews

2. S Patrick Chung

3. OT J.T. Lang

4. CB Bradley Fletcher

5a. TE Cameron Morrah

5b WR Aaron Kelly

6. DE Julius Williams

Mock Draft #2: Mizzou–based

1. DT Ziggy Hood

2. S William Moore

3. TE Chase Coffman (I have seen many reputable mocks where Coffman goes at the end of round 3)

4. CB Christopher Owens (most all mocks and player rankings I’ve read have Owens going in round 4 or later)

5a OT Andrew Gardner

5b WR Darius Passmore

6 LB DeAndre Levy

Mock Draft #3: Dan Reeves favorite (TE at #1)

1. TE Brandon Pettigrew

2. LB Clint Sintim

3. DT Fili Moala

4. S Chris Clemons

5a QB Tom Brandstater

5b CB Brice McCain

6 C John Cooper

Mock Draft #4: Choose your own DE at #1

1. DE (choose from among Larry English, Robert Ayers, Michael Johnson, or Connor Barwin)

2. S Rashad Johnson

3. CB Asher Allen

4. G Tyrone Green

5a LB Nic Harris

5b CB Cary Harris

6 TE Ryan Purvis

[804_Falconfan]

GREAT read. The first mock is my favorite too.

[theProf]

Mock Draft #1: My favorite

1. LB Clay Mathews

2. S Patrick Chung

3. OT J.T. Lang

4. CB Bradley Fletcher

5a. TE Cameron Morrah

5b WR Aaron Kelly

6. DE Julius Williams

Additional info on the Mock Draft #1 players and why it’s my favorite

1. LB Clay Mathews

I like everything about Mathews, from his bloodlines to his tremendous determination and work ethic. He could be a starting OLB from the very first of the season. Mathews should also improve the Falcons pass rush being that he had 4.5 sacks last season and has played some DE at USC. From a scouting report: “he tested as well as any linebacker at the combine. At the Southern Cal pro day, Matthews' ability to move in space and catch the ball wowed scouts. Some teams believe he could be the best USC linebacker in this draft” Chad Reuter, The Sports Xchange, NFL Draft Scout

2. S Patrick Chung:

From a scouting report: Chung is a strong safety prospect who has the ability to play with agility and aggression. He displays natural instincts in coverage and in run support, and his tackling technique is textbook and devastating. At the combine, his best time in 40 yards was 4.49 seconds. Well-built, versatile athlete who has seen time at cornerback and as a returner. … Flashes explosive hitting ability. … Reads the action quickly and is seemingly always around the ball. … Good lateral quickness, acceleration and smooth change-of-direction agility while in zone coverage. … Attacks underneath routes and rarely allows the receiver to cross with the ball unscathed. … Closes quickly on the ballcarrier. … Receivers are cognizant of him when going over the middle. … Quick enough to hang with receivers for a few seconds in the deep half. … Among the more reliable open-field tacklers in the country and should be an excellent last line of defense at the NFL level. … Accomplished blitzer. … Consistently swarms to the ball. … Durable, consistent performer. … Instinctive defender. … Should be a leader on defense and special teams. NFLDraftScout.com

3. OT J.T. Lang

With the retirement of Weiner, Atlanta is very thin at the OT position. Lang is the type of physical, aggressive, and strong lineman that Atlanta seems to prefer for its power running game. Lang started out as a defensive lineman, but has started at both Right and Left Offensive Tackles the past three seasons at Eastern Michigan. He has a nasty streak and starter potential according to one scouting report. From a scouting report: "Positives: Good height with thick and strong upper and lower bodies. Absolute mauler who works hard on - and through - every play. Versatile enough to start at all three interior spots. Gets down quickly and is effective on cut blocks. Strong enough to stone and pancake his opponent. Fires out of his stance and uses his hands well on run plays; gets inside his man's jersey and doesn't let go. Punches and extends his arms to hold off defenders in pass protection. Good enough feet to get to linebackers, pull and trap. Aware enough to help the tackle and center on the same play. Hustles downfield on screens and reverses to throw the late block."

4. CB Bradley Fletcher

From a scouting report: “Positives: Prototypical size for the position. … Flashes a strong initial punch to disrupt the receiver's timing with the quarterback. … At least adequate straight-line speed to remain at cornerback. … Flexible hips to turn and run with receivers. … Has the lateral agility and quickness to break on the ball. … Long arms and active hands, which he uses well in coverage to bat away passes. … At least adequate hands for the interception. … Uses his size to his advantage and responds to the physical challenge of bigger receivers. … Can highpoint the ball. … Breaks down well in space to make the secure open-field tackle. … Flashes some pop. … Has the size and instincts to lead some teams to project him as a free safety prospect. … Good week of practice at cornerback at the East-West Shrine Game has his stock on the rise. “

5a. TE Cameron Morrah

Atlanta needs to give Ryan a good pass-catching TE. One who can stretch the field, and also be a factor in the red-zone. Morrah had 8 TD passes last season. From a scouting report: “Strengths: Very athletic...Good speed and quickness...Soft, reliable hands...Great body control and ball skills...Decent leaper...Runs good routes...Able to separate..Strong...Is not afraid to work the middle...Still has upside.”

5b WR Aaron Kelly

Extremely productive player. From a scouting report: “ACC career reception leader (226); leads the ACC in receptions per game in ACC play (5.8) … established a Clemson career record for receiving touchdowns (19)….has 2,659 career receiving yards, second-most in Clemson history; has played 50 consecutive games…Strengths: A smooth athlete...Excellent height...Long arms...Outstanding leaping ability...Fantastic ball skills and body control...Reliable hands...Some elusiveness...Knows how to use his frame...Experienced...Productive.

6. DE Julius Williams

Williams did 36 bench reps at his Pro Day and ran the forty in under 4.6. Played DE at a little over 260 pounds. and had 8.5 sacks in 2007 and 7 sacks with 14 TFLs in 2008. However some project him as a hybrid DE/LB, and he was doing extensive LB training before his Pro Day.

[Jaymadd]

My favorite is #4

[theProf]

My favorite is #4

Ah, Mock Draft #4: Choose your own DE at #1. Just out of curiousity, which DE do you think the Falcons should select at #1 and why?

[defensedefensedefense]

Ill take a hybrid of all 4...

[The Dirty Bird]

You are missing Jason Williams from the LB list - we went to his pro day to check him out.

[Jaymadd]

Ah, Mock Draft #4: Choose your own DE at #1. Just out of curiousity, which DE do you think the Falcons should select at #1 and why?

This must be a trick question

If you really want me to elaborate, i will be glad too.

Micheal Johnson would be my choice, then Larry English

I say JOhnson because he has the most potential and can play either the RDe or LDE spot once he gets better against the run. English would be limited more so to the RDE spot and would take over for Abe. MJ on the other had would save us a roster spot if JA98 doesnt reach is potential as an everydown DE. Both players would be pass rushing specialist in their first year, but i like MJ potential at both DE spots.

[jidady]

I'm not sure what the requirements are to make the list, so Sidbury might be excluded for a reason, but the Falcons did attend his pro day and had an interview with him that morning.

[theProf]

I'm not sure what the requirements are to make the list, so Sidbury might be excluded for a reason, but the Falcons did attend his pro day and had an interview with him that morning.

Well I didn't include any player, if the Falcons only attended a team's pro day. On pro days, you might not be sure which player the Falcons are really interested in as usually there are multiple players at a given team's pro day. However, if a Falcons official is reported privately talking to a specific player at the pro day, then I would usually include that player under talks/discussions. For example, at UGA's pro day it was reported that Dimitroff spent quite a bit of time talking privately with Asher Allen. If the same type of thing happened with Sidbury, then I would have included him. However, I personally saw no article to that affect regarding Sidbury. Do you happen to have that article and a link thereto?

[theProf]

You are missing Jason Williams from the LB list - we went to his pro day to check him out.

Atlanta was one of 14 teams that attended Westen Illinois' pro day. I saw nothng that indicated that Atlanta had any type of discussion or private talk with Jason Williams at his pro day, or any subsequent follow-up with him. If you have read an article than links Jason Williams with the Atlanta Falcons is some other way then just sending a rep to Westen Ill. pro day, I would appreciate you sharing it. I really like Jason Williams and hope that the Falcons have a serious interest in him, but I can't find any further verification of that thus far.

[theProf]

This must be a trick question

If you really want me to elaborate, i will be glad too.

Micheal Johnson would be my choice, then Larry English

I say JOhnson because he has the most potential and can play either the RDe or LDE spot once he gets better against the run. English would be limited more so to the RDE spot and would take over for Abe. MJ on the other had would save us a roster spot if JA98 doesnt reach is potential as an everydown DE. Both players would be pass rushing specialist in their first year, but i like MJ potential at both DE spots.

Thanks for the additional comments. Sorry, I forgot that you were the one that liked MJ so much, so now I understand your comment about a trick question. Johnson certainly has potential, no one can argue that. I wonder if some of the lack of quantifiable numbers given his physical talent, has to do with the various schemes and different ways that he was used in Tech's defense.

[Jaymadd]

Thanks for the additional comments. Sorry, I forgot that you were the one that liked MJ so much, so now I understand your comment about a trick question. Johnson certainly has potential, no one can argue that. I wonder if some of the lack of quantifiable numbers given his physical talent, has to do with the various schemes and different ways that he was used in Tech's defense.

that is what he has indicated during an interview, i posted it in a previous thread,

http://life.atlantafalcons.com/index.php?s...t&p=4640580

[jidady]

Well I didn't include any player, if the Falcons only attended a team's pro day. On pro days, you might not be sure which player the Falcons are really interested in as usually there are multiple players at a given team's pro day. However, if a Falcons official is reported privately talking to a specific player at the pro day, then I would usually include that player under talks/discussions. For example, at UGA's pro day it was reported that Dimitroff spent quite a bit of time talking privately with Asher Allen. If the same type of thing happened with Sidbury, then I would have included him. However, I personally saw no article to that affect regarding Sidbury. Do you happen to have that article and a link thereto?

I don't. I actually heard it on Sirius/XM in a discussion based on an article from NFL.com. I just looked at the article and while it does say that 31 teams were at the workout to scout him, it makes no special mention of the teams who interviewed him that day. So, I guess Sidbury doesn't qualify under those terms.

[theProf]

Had to add one more name to the list:

Falcons | Anyaibe works out

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:10:25 -0700

Georgia Tech DT Elris Anyaibe worked out at the Atlanta Falcons' Pro Day Thursday, April 16.

http://www.kffl.com/team/7/NFL

(Anyaibe will most likely be an undrafted FA)

[theProf]

Mock Draft #2: Mizzou–based

1. DT Ziggy Hood

2. S William Moore

3. TE Chase Coffman (I have seen many reputable mocks where Coffman goes at the end of round 3)

4. CB Christopher Owens (most all mocks and player rankings I’ve read have Owens going in round 4 or later)

5a OT Andrew Gardner

5b WR Darius Passmore

6 LB DeAndre Levy

Additional info about the players in Mock Draft #2 Mizzou-based. Most all of these players have the production, work ethics, leadership and other intangibles that the Falcons seem to currently prefer in its draft choices. From scouting reports at draftcountdown on each player as follows:

1. DT Ziggy Hood

Strengths: Very good size and bulk...Naturally athletic...Active with a non-stop motor...Excellent speed and quickness...Uses his hands well...Strong with some power...Nice instincts and awareness...Stout at the point of attack...Gets upfield and can collapse the pocket...Does a good job in pursuit...Explosive with a burst to close...Sudden off the snap...Has a lot of experience...Extremely coachable...Hard worker...Team leader.

2. S William Moore

Strengths: Outstanding size with long arms...Muscular with great bulk...A great athlete...Tough and physical...A big hitter who strikes fear into the hearts of the opposition...Does a terrific job against the run...Has excellent range...Explosive with a burst to close...Decent hands and ball skills...Has shown the ability to make plays in coverage...Real versatile...Productive...Strong work ethic...A team leader and captain.

3. TE Chase Coffman

Strengths: Good natural athlete...Has a big frame with long arms and room to get bigger...Outstanding hands...Fantastic ball skills...Good body control and balance...Excellent route runner...Has nimble feet...Quick off the line...Tough and does a nice job over the middle...Runs hard after the catch...Great redzone threat...Real smart with superb instincts and first-rate awareness...Great work ethic...Has a lot of experience...Very competitive...Team player...Extremely productive...Good bloodlines.

4. CB Christopher Owens

Strengths: Pretty good speed and quickness with a burst...Excellent instincts and awareness...Real tough for his size...Very aggressive...Willing in run support...Decent hands and ball skills...Durable...A ton of experience.

5a OT Andrew Gardner

Strengths: Good size with a large frame...Long arms and big hands...Understands angles and positioning...Uses his hands well...Excellent motor and plays to the whistle...Is very smart with terrific awareness...Decent mobility and range...Mature...Hard worker...Has a ton of experience.

5b WR Darius Passmore

Strengths: Smooth athlete...Decent height with long arms...Plays faster than he times...Terrific body control, leaping ability and ball skills...Elusive with good vision and instincts...Stretches the field vertically...Upside.

6 LB DeAndre Levy

Strengths: Smooth and athletic...Excellent speed...Quick and agile...Has sideline-to-sideline range...Does a nice job in pursuit...Flips his hips well...Can hold his own in coverage...Active with a great motor...A team captain.

[theProf]

Mock Draft #3: Dan Reeves favorite (TE at #1)

1. TE Brandon Pettigrew

2. LB Clint Sintim

3. DT Fili Moala

4. S Chris Clemons

5a QB Tom Brandstater

5b CB Brice McCain

6 C John Cooper

Some additional info from scouting reports about each player in the Mock Draft #3 as follows:

1. TE Brandon Pettigrew

Strengths: Outstanding size with a large frame...Very long arms...Smooth and a good natural athlete...Has big soft hands and can make the difficult catch...Great strength...Excellent blocker in-line and in space...Stout at the point of attack and can anchor...Gets a good push in the run game...Really knows how to use his body...Powerful runner who can do some damage after the catch...Tough with a killer instinct and plays with a nasty demeanor...Has lots of experience... Still has some upside.

2. LB Clint Sintim

Strengths: Excellent size...Long arms...Good athlete...Fantastic pass rusher and blitzer...Good strength...Tough...Physical...A powerful tackler...Looks comfortable in coverage...Does a nice job of taking on and shedding blockers...Decent range...Aggressive with a non-stop motor...Makes plays in pursuit...Solid instincts...Is intense and competitive...Offers some versatility...Productive...Has a lot of experience...A team leader....Sintim started 49 career games at outside linebacker for the Cavaliers and set a school record for his position with 29 sacks. He led all NCAA linebackers with 11 sacks last season and finished second in 2007 with nine.

3. DT Fili Moala

Strengths: Excellent athleticism...Very quick and agile...Good speed...Adequate size with long arms...Has a big frame with room to grow...Active and does a nice job in pursuit...Good range and mobility...Can penetrate and slice into the backfield...Productive pass rusher...Decent instincts and awareness...Versatile...Good bloodlines...Great program pedigree.

4. S Chris Clemons

Strengths: Excellent timed speed...Good height and bulk...Smooth athlete...Quick with a burst to close...Great range...Can match up in coverage...Good strength..Durable with lots of experience...Was extremely productive...Overshadowed throughout his career by teammate Michael Hamlin, Clemons' consistency in coverage might actually make him the safer NFL prospect. A three-year starter for the Tigers who leaves with 323 career tackles, 20 passes broken up and five interceptions, Clemons' production warrants a closer look.

5a QB Tom Brandstater

Strengths: Prototypical height and weight...Accurate on short and intermediate throws...Nice touch and timing...Very intelligent...Can throw on the run...Real tough...Hard worker...Leader...Played in a pro style system.....Last season, he completed a career-high 221 of 371 passes (59.6%) for 2,664 yards and 18 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. His stock has been on the rise since scouts were impressed with his workout at the combine and then again at his pro day.

5b CB Brice McCain

Three-year starter played in 49 games, starting 39 … won all-MWC recognition as a defensive back (2007-08) and kick returner (2006) … 103 career tackles … 21 career pass breakups is tied for sixth all-time at Utah … 37 kick returns ranks ninth at Utah while 846 kick return yards is 11th … fastest player on the team was clocked in a 4.28-second 40.

6 C John Cooper

Strengths: Excellent technician...Understands positioning and angles...Quick and agile with nimble feet...Great range and mobility...Real tough and competitive..Smart with great awareness..Lots of big-time experience....While teammates Duke Robinson and Phil Loadholt receive most of the media attention, the Big 12 coaches recognized Cooper as the conference's 2008 offensive lineman of the year. He went on to become a mainstay on arguably the best offensive line in college football, twice earning all-conference recognition.

[theProf]

I'm changing Laurinaitis' status to private workout, instead of talk/discussion, based on the following article:

7 Points: Don't Overlook Laurinaitis

LB James Laurinaitis (J.Daniel/Getty Images) By Ed Thompson

Scout.com Senior NFL Analyst

Posted Apr 19, 2009

Laurinaitis has worked out for the St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins and the Denver Broncos. He had official visits with the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, and the New Orleans Saints. The Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings were just a few of the teams who requested a formal interview with him at the NFL Scouting Combine.

http://atl.scout.com/a.z?s=122&p=2&c=858071

[MattM12]

hey prof, have we had nothing to do with Casey, Ingram, Nelson?? Do you know if we even went to a proday??

Cause i'm bummed if that is the case, love all 3 of these guys

[theProf]

hey prof, have we had nothing to do with Casey, Ingram, Nelson?? Do you know if we even went to a proday??

Cause i'm bummed if that is the case, love all 3 of these guys

Sorry, but I have not read anything that links the three TEs you listed to any private workout/visit/talk with the Falcons. However, I don't know if the Falcons sent any rep or official to the listed players pro day workouts or not.

[chris30277]

A recap of players who Atlanta has expressed an interest in via private workouts/visits and talks/discussions only in red and projected draft round according to cbssport’s nfldraftscouts in parentheses as follows:

Defense:

LB - Rey Maualuga (1), Brian Cushing (1), Clay Matthews (1), James Lauranaitis (1-2), Clint Sintim (2), Darry Beckwith (2-3),

Gerald McRath (3-4), Kaluka Maiava (4-5), Russell Allen (7–FA)

Nic Harris LB/S (5), DeAndre Levy (6-7),

CB - Alphonso Smith (1-2), Darius Butler (1-2), Sherrod Martin CB/S (2-3), Asher Allen (3), Christopher Owens (3), Bradley Fletcher (4), Cary Harris (5-6), Brice McCain (6-7), Jahi Word-Daniels (FA) Vince Anderson (FA)

S – Louis Delmas (2), Patrick Chung (2), William Moore (2-3), Rashad Johnson (3), Chip Vaughn (3),

Chris Clemons (4-5), Justin Garrett (FA) De'Mon Glanton (FA)

DE - Robert Ayers (1-2), Larry English DE/LB (1-2), Connor Barwin DE/TE/LB (1-2), Michael Johnson (2),

Julius Williams DE/LB (FA), Ataefiok Etukeren, (FA)

DT - Evander Hood (1-2), Fili Moala (2-3), John Gill (FA), Elris Anyaibe (FA), Jarron Gilbert (2-3)

Offense:

TE - Brandon Pettigrew (1-2), Jared Cook (2), Chase Coffman (2-3), Cameron Morrah (5), Zack Miller (7-FA)

Ryan Purvis (FA),

C - Alex Mack (1-2), Eric Wood C/G(1-2), Antoine Caldwell C/G (3), Jon Cooper (FA)

OT - Philip Loadholt (2-3), T.J. Lang OT/G (3-4), Andy Levitre OT/G (3), Andrew Gardner (5-6)

OG - Duke Robinson (2), Tyrone Green (4),

WR – Kenny McKinley (4-5), Aaron Kelly (5), Darius Passmore (5-6),

FB - Brock Bolen (FA),

QB - Tom Brandstater (5-6)

RB – None

For the underlying public announcements on the players that the Falcons have expressed interest in, please see my following topic thread linked as follows:

http://life.atlantafalcons.com/index.php?showtopic=3838132

For an interesting comprehensive numerical ranking of each draft eligible college player, including their projected draft round, see the following link:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings

Last year most of Atlanta’s actual player selections in the draft came from those that had a private visit/workout with the Falcons, including Matt Ryan, Sam Baker, Curtis Lofton, Harry Douglas, Thomas DeCoud, and Thomas Brown. Atlanta’s other draft choices last season: Robert James, Kory Biermann, Fontenot, and Zinger might have also had a private workout/visit with the Falcons, but I could find no public confirmation on the internet that they did so. By the way, I did not find any public reference to Sam Baker’s private workout with the Falcons prior to the draft last year. I only found out in reading a Baker interview, after the draft, that he had a private workout with the Falcons also.

It appears from the above player list that the Falcons are really targeting the LB, CB, S, and TE positions in the draft. I am really surprised by the lack of mid-round projected linemen, especially defensive linemen after the second round. However, it is still possible to construct realistic Falcons mock drafts based solely upon the players that that have expressed a public interest in thus far. I constructed what I believe are four different realistic and feasible Falcons drafts based upon the above players.

In each of the following four Falcons mock drafts; I tried to include the four most targeted positions, LB, CB, S, and TE, as well as at least one defensive and one offensive lineman. I also tried to stay within the above projected draft rounds for the players, with one exception. If a player was indicated in two possible rounds, I tried to stay with the earliest indicated round, with one exception, because Atlanta will be drafting toward the end of rounds one through four. Additionally, I used completely different players in each of my four mock drafts. Finally, if a player I thought would most likely be drafted before Atlanta selected in a particular round, such as Louis Delmas in the second round, then I did not include them in my following mock drafts:

Mock Draft #1: My favorite

1. LB Clay Mathews

2. S Patrick Chung

3. OT J.T. Lang

4. CB Bradley Fletcher

5a. TE Cameron Morrah

5b WR Aaron Kelly

6. DE Julius Williams

Mock Draft #2: Mizzou–based

1. DT Ziggy Hood

2. S William Moore

3. TE Chase Coffman (I have seen many reputable mocks where Coffman goes at the end of round 3)

4. CB Christopher Owens (most all mocks and player rankings I’ve read have Owens going in round 4 or later)

5a OT Andrew Gardner

5b WR Darius Passmore

6 LB DeAndre Levy

Mock Draft #3: Dan Reeves favorite (TE at #1)

1. TE Brandon Pettigrew

2. LB Clint Sintim

3. DT Fili Moala

4. S Chris Clemons

5a QB Tom Brandstater

5b CB Brice McCain

6 C John Cooper

Mock Draft #4: Choose your own DE at #1

1. DE (choose from among Larry English, Robert Ayers, Michael Johnson, or Connor Barwin)

2. S Rashad Johnson

3. CB Asher Allen

4. G Tyrone Green

5a LB Nic Harris

5b CB Cary Harris

6 TE Ryan Purvis

add Coutney Greene to the list of Safeties

http://atlantafalconstalk.com/atlanta-falc...-falcons-today/

[theProf]

add Coutney Greene to the list of Safeties

http://atlantafalconstalk.com/atlanta-falc...-falcons-today/

I remember searching the internet for a verification that Atlanta worked-out Courtney Greene. All I could find were message board or blog references to this, but not a link to a reputable article itself. Therefore, I chose not to list Courney Greene, because I could not find a valid outside link to the workout. If you could link me to something other than a message board or blog reference to this, I will be glad to include Courtney Greene in my list. BTW I am a paid subscriber to scout.com where the quote was reported to originate from, but I could find no reference to a Courtney Greene workout with the Atlanta Falcons in scout .com either.

[gritzblitz]

Thanks Prof. Intersting read and sheds some insights as to the focus of the Falcon leaderships. Appreciate all the mocks as well.

[chris30277]

I remember searching the internet for a verification that Atlanta worked-out Courtney Greene. All I could find were message board or blog references to this, but not a link to a reputable article itself. Therefore, I chose not to list Courney Greene, because I could not find a valid outside link to the workout. If you could link me to something other than a message board or blog reference to this, I will be glad to include Courtney Greene in my list. BTW I am a paid subscriber to scout.com where the quote was reported to originate from, but I could find no reference to a Courtney Greene workout with the Atlanta Falcons in scout .com either.

Prof I did a similar search and couldn't find anything either.

For what it is worth though I remember reading another article at the very beginning of the year stating that some of our scouts were present at the practice leading up to Rutgers vs. Fresno State. Most here speculated it was because of Greene.

[theProf]

Mock Draft #4: Choose your own DE at #1

1. DE (choose from among Larry English, Robert Ayers, Michael Johnson, or Connor Barwin)

2. S Rashad Johnson

3. CB Asher Allen

4. G Tyrone Green

5a LB Nic Harris

5b CB Cary Harris

6 TE Ryan Purvis

Mock Draft #4: Additional player info from scouting reports as follows:

1. DE Larry English (my choice)

One of the premier pass rushers in the collegiate game, English ranks second to Phillip Hunt of Houston (33.5 sacks for minus 229 yards) among the NCAA's active players with 31.5 sacks for losses totaling 220 yards. His 31.5 sacks set the school all-time record and rank fifth in Mid-American Conference history. That total also ranks seventh in NCAA annals.

English wreaked havoc in the opposing backfields throughout his career. His 63.0 tackles behind the line of scrimmage set the school career record and rank fifth on the NCAA all-time record chart (the NCAA began compiling sack and tackle for loss totals beginning in 2000), as he is just the seventh player in major college annals to register 60 or more tackles for loss since those statistics were recognized by the NCAA. English is a two-time Vern Smith Leadership Award recipient, given to the Mid-American Conference's top player, as voted on by league coaches.

2. S Rashad Johnson

Positives: Cerebral defender. … Reads the action quickly and puts himself in position to make big plays. … Quick to recognize run and is able to often get to the ballcarrier before blockers can be effective. … Reliable centerfielder who understands his position as the last line of defense and can break down in space to make the open-field tackle. … Faster on the field than his 40 time would indicate due to his instincts. … Natural playmaker. … Baits the quarterback and has a good burst to close. … Will fight for the ball and can snatch the ball at its highest point. … Can track the ball over his shoulder. … Has a history of making the big play at critical moments. …Johnson started 31 of 50 games he played in at Alabama, including his final 27 contests at free safety … Recorded 224 tackles (144 solos) with two sacks for minus 8 yards, 12 stops for losses of 28 yards and two quarterback pressures … Recovered one fumble and caused five others … Deflected 19 passes and had 11 interceptions for 189 yards (17.18 avg) and a pair of touchdowns.

3. CB/Returner Asher Allen

Positives: Shorter than scouts would prefer, but has a good build. Good straight-line speed. Legitimate cover skills. Loose hips to turn and run with receivers. Accelerates smoothly. Cuts smoothly and generates burst to close quickly out of his cuts. Should be able to handle the nickel role early due to his agility. Secure open-field tackler who flashes some pop, considering his size. Natural kickoff returner. Sees the field well and can accelerate through the pack. Mentally tough. Responded to the challenge of playing on an island as a sophomore in the SEC and looked like he belonged immediately. Isn't a finished product….Gained 146 yards on 10 punt returns (14.6 avg) … His 47 kickoff returns for 1,110 yards both rank third on the school career record list… His average of 23.62 yards per kickoff return placed fourth in school annals.

4. G/C Tyrone Green

Strengths: Great athlete...Very quick...Light on his feet...Good strength...Is stout at the point of attack...Competitive with a good motor...Excellent mobility and range to pull and get to the second level...Durable...Hard worker...Team leader...Still improving and has upside...Nice pedigree….Scouts compare Green to former Auburn standout Ben Grubbs (Baltimore), as he has great athletic ability and outstanding suddenness coming off the snap. Even though he never started at the position, the coaching staff experimented with Green at center in 2008 fall camp. He showed the quick hands and head-on-the-swivel agility that could see him possibly shift to the pivot position in the National Football League.

5a LB/S Nic Harris

Strengths: Outstanding size and bulk...Good tackler...Excellent instincts...Tough and physical...Active and aggressive...A decent blitzer...Nice special teams potential...Hard worker...Mature...Team leader...Durable and has a lot of experience...Was real productive...Offers some versatility….Positives: Instinctive defender who reads the action well and is quick to close. … Flashes explosiveness as a hitter. … At least adequate lateral quickness to remain at safety and is an instinctive player who flows well, avoiding blockers to make the play. … Reliable one-on-one tackler in the open field. … Versatile defender has also seen time at nickel cornerback and free safety and is a mainstay on special teams. … Started at middle linebacker in 2008 due to team injuries. … Willing to take on blockers and has the lateral quickness and hand usage to meet, greet and discard blockers.

5b CB Cary Harris

Strengths: Good height with long arms...Super physical and aggressive...Reliable tackler...Strong and tough...Gets a nice jam at the line...Solid instincts and anticipates well...Capable of playing man or zone...Able to shed blockers...Very good special teamer...Has a lot of big-time experience. Positives: Adequate size for the position. … Instinctive. … Rarely out of position. … Good zone defender. Reads the quarterback's eyes and is quick to close. … Smooth transition and has the agility to mirror receiver's breaks. … Competes for the jump ball. … Tough player. … Aggressive in run support. … Evades blockers well, but isn't afraid to take them on if it means getting to the ballcarrier. … Reliable open-field tackler. … Breaks down in space well and delivers a solid blow.

6 TE Ryan Purvis

Many professional scouts feel the success of Boston College and quarterback Matt Ryan had in 2007 was largely due to the performance of the Eagles' tight end. Purvis proved time and again to be the table setter for the team, as he not only produced four scoring receptions as a junior, but also set up 10 other touchdown drives and three series that ended with field goals thanks to his clutch catches. ….In his first three seasons, 57 of his 89 catches produced first downs, as he converted 19 third-down throws and one more on fourth down. Forty-three of his grabs gained at least 10 yards, with 12 totaling 20 or more yards each. He also showed good blocking skills, delivering 14 touchdown-resulting blocks. As a senior, 11 of his 24 grabs resulted in first downs, as five of those catches were for 10 yards or longer and he managed two touchdown-resulting blocks.