What would you do ?

[atljbo]

It seems like the DE or OT position is our 1st round options.. So what would you do ? This is my take on the issue.

OT

OK... We all feel like it might be best if we move Sam Baker to RT... Realistically speaking.... If you want a day 1 LT... He has to be taken in the 1st or Early 2nd round... If we go LT... We technically improve 2 positions (LT and RT)... This OT class is kind of week so you have to grab your guy asap

DE

This draft class has top notch 1st round talented DE's.... The smart thing is to take advantage of it.

The thing is... The 3 most important positions are QB, LT, DE... I feel like we cant go wrong with either but i think our Biggest need is LT right now... I know Abe is getting up there in age but dude is producing and Kroy is doing his think.... I still think the Coaching staff are high on Sidbury (sees him as a development guy) and JA98 is stepping up...

[gritzblitz]

Good question JBO. Agree that LT and DE are two of the most important positions on the team and to find someone with adequate size and skill set to fill those positions is difficult. Players matching these requirements generally go on Rd1.

In the scenario that you accurately presented I would go LT in Rd1 and DE Rd2...Rd3 at the latest(due to depth in this year draft). Although it is a tough call, I think Matt Ryan needs to be protected at all cost therefore LT in Rd1.

Interesting possibilities are signing FA in 1 position and draft the other. I'm not that familiar who is available as FA....but I know these position demand top dollar so it will be expensive. Also it will be interesting to see if Greg Romeus drops very far, would the Falcons take a chance and draft him. I'm sure TD is scouting both positions to see if he can find that hidden talent in later rds.

[Rai]

It is a hard choice. OT is the number 1 need imo but there aren't any outstanding LTs that can start right away from what I've heard. And with DE, they are more like 3-4 ends rather than the edge rusher you'd like to see in a 4-3 on the right-hand side.

I'd take Aldon Smith if he declares but otherwise, I might just go OT. WR is still another position I'd think hard about depending on who's there.

[alphaville]

The great thing is that these are our biggest needs, but we are not desperate. So we get to sit back at the end of the first round and make our best move. No panic, no reach.

I would guess that for OT, DE, and WR we will have a pretty limited board in the first round, and if none are left by our selection, then try to trade back and get some more picks. For example, Buffalo just picked up a fourth round pick from Seattle in the Lynch trade, and they are going to be desperate after this season. We move back a couple of picks and get an early fourth round pick. I could live with that.

If you cannot trade back, then go with another position that has dropped in your lap, maybe another OLB.

[hakim24]

We all know the OT class is weak, but I don't think this class of DE's is all that great either. The only guy who I think is a legitimate candidate and should be available when we pick, is Jeremy Beal. Guys like Romeus and Kerrigan don't really intrigue me.

In the end, I think this offseason is going to probably be largely focused on putting weapons around Matt Ryan and building the talent on our Offensive line.

We may add a few defensive guys later in the draft, but for the most part, our defense is really set. If we don't end up drafting a DE, we still have Abe and hopefully a more experienced Sidbury.

The other thing to keep in mind is that TD doesn't draft 1st round picks to sit on the bench. Eventually, we are going to have to think about Abe's replacement, but I think we are all giving up on Sidbury a little prematurely.

[alphaville]

The other thing to keep in mind is that TD doesn't draft 1st round picks to sit on the bench. Eventually, we are going to have to think about Abe's replacement, but I think we are all giving up on Sidbury a little prematurely.

Not giving up on Sid as a pass rusher, just not sure that he is a three down starting DE.

[Psychic Gibbon]

TD seems content with drafting projects for DE so I doubt he'll go after one in the 1st unless a prospect's potential blows him away, and I get the feeling he has the same line of thought he had with Reynolds as he did with Biermann when it comes to RT. Meanwhile, there is almost no depth at WR. As it stands all there is is White, Jenkins, Douglas, Finneran, Weems, and Meier. Douglas is meant to be in the slot, Weems is a return specialist, Finneran is in all likelihood not staying, Meier is on IR... The team only has three effective receivers, and one of them is a slot receiver and Jenkins can be upgraded.

Look for a receiver in the 1st. A good possession receiver who attacks the ball would upgrade the passing game a great deal and would open up the playbook for Mularkey. Suddenly he can have a very effective 4WR personnel grouping, he can switch out players based on their strengths (eg. Jenkins' adeptness at downfield blocking) to confuse the opposing defense, Ryan won't have to hold onto the ball for an extra second or two waiting for a target to get open like he has been all season so the O-line isn't under as much pressure, Meier can be used as another slot receiver when he comes back and if both he and Douglas are on the field opposing defenses will have to figure out how to cover the quick burst of Douglas and the option routes of Meier while most of the attention is put on the running game, White, the #2 receiver, Gonzalez if he's still there, etc.

TD loves drafting in the high rounds based on position strength but he also loves drafting effective players that will make an immediate impact and make their side of the ball more dynamic by just being on the team. A new receiver will make the offense a juggernaut.

Edited October 16, 2010 by Psychic Gibbon

[atljbo]

The other thing to keep in mind is that TD doesn't draft 1st round picks to sit on the bench. Eventually, we are going to have to think about Abe's replacement, but I think we are all giving up on Sidbury a little prematurely.

Trust me ... I'm not giving up on Sid.,.. Ive talked to Abe on twitter... It seem like they are groomind Sid to be Abe jr...

To me it seem like the Coaching Staff is trying to build a dominant D-Line... So i dont think drafting a DE high in the draft is giving up on any DE... Its just adding a DE.... I feel like Chauncey Davis is doing his job but the guy cap hit the next 2 years is around 4 million each year...I see us adding another young DE and us letting Chauncey go or trading him for a late round draft pick.

I agree tho... If we can add an LT, WR, and a explosive RB... That will be huge for our Offense... I feel like LT is the biggest need right now.

[atljbo]

TD seems content with drafting projects for DE so I doubt he'll go after one in the 1st unless a prospect's potential blows him away, and I get the feeling he has the same line of thought he had with Reynolds as he did with Biermann when it comes to RT. Meanwhile, there is almost no depth at WR. As it stands all there is is White, Jenkins, Douglas, Finneran, Weems, and Meier. Douglas is meant to be in the slot, Weems is a return specialist, Finneran is in all likelihood not staying, Meier is on IR... The team only has three effective receivers, and one of them is a slot receiver and Jenkins can be upgraded.

Its a known fact that TD was really thinkin about drafting Graham and Morgan.... TD even said in a interview that the DE's going off the board made his decision much easier... In a interview even Spoon said he was hearing from his agent that it was coming down to him and Derrick Morgan....

If you go back a year before that... It was reports that TD was really high on Robert Ayers... It was between him and Peria.

So yea.. I think DE is a big possibility if a guy TD wants is on the board.

I want to see what Reynolds can do also but we havnt even seen the guy at RT... last year he played guard and this year in the preseason he played guard....

I think it depends on what we are looking for... If we want a LT so we can move Baker to RT... We have to draft a guy in the 1st round... If we are getting a RT... We may draft a guy in the 2nd or 3rd round RT so he can compete against Reynolds..

WR is a possibility also... If a big name WR slide in the draft

[Psychic Gibbon]

I'm well aware of that, but I'll still hold onto the belief that Weatherspoon was the smarter pick. He's more dynamic and the main problem with the defense last year was horrendous linebacker coverage on third downs (and the coverage in general). Maybe I'm just a believer in having a strong linebacker corps more than most.

WR is a possibility also... If a big name WR slide in the draft

Michael Floyd and Julio Jones may fall quite a bit due to injury questions, and as we all know TD isn't afraid of that.

[atljbo]

I'm well aware of that, but I'll still hold onto the belief that Weatherspoon was the smarter pick. He's more dynamic and the main problem with the defense last year was horrendous linebacker coverage on third downs (and the coverage in general). Maybe I'm just a believer in having a strong linebacker corps more than most.

Spoon was the right pick.... I'm really glad we got him.. The guy is a impact LB... During draft tim... TD said he had 5 potential 1st round guys he like... 2 of the guys he really like... Morgan and Spoon seems to be the 2 guys.... My point is DE has been one of the position TD target with our 1st round picks both years... Both DE's went off the board right before we picked.... DE is a big time possibility especially if you look at the guys we have been scouting this year.

[Psychic Gibbon]

Spoon was the right pick.... I'm really glad we got him.. The guy is a impact LB... During draft tim... TD said he had 5 potential 1st round guys he like... 2 of the guys he really like... Morgan and Spoon seems to be the 2 guys.... My point is DE has been one of the position TD target with our 1st round picks both years... Both DE's went off the board right before we picked.... DE is a big time possibility especially if you look at the guys we have been scouting this year.

I'm not saying it's not a possibility, I'm just saying there are bigger holes in the roster that can be more of an immediate impact with a big time player. The only DE that is pretty much guaranteed to go in the 1st that they might be looking at is Allen Bailey, but with the way the NFC is shaping up the Falcons are looking at a very deep playoff run once the offense begins clicking with Jenkins coming back he'll likely be taken before they get to pick. Meanwhile, Floyd and maybe Jones might drop to where they'll pick. Once they have one of them they can trade up in the 2nd to pick up Beal or just sit tight and wait for Romeus to fall to them.

[Kennesaw77]

Bailey is too much of a 3-4 DE

[Smiler11]

Bailey is too much of a 3-4 DE

I've heard he could run between a 4.60 and 4.70. He is supposed to be an absolute freak of an athlete.

[Smiler11]

I think after today, DE and OT are the two biggest needs. I don't think we will be going WR that early.

[hawkeye]

I think after today, DE and OT are the two biggest needs. I don't think we will be going WR that early.

I agree and have said DE or OT the whole time.

[Kennesaw77]

I've heard he could run between a 4.60 and 4.70. He is supposed to be an absolute freak of an athlete.

I won't disagree. However, the way he plays is more like a 3-4 DE.

[hakim24]

After watching our team for 6 games, I don't think it is any question that we are going to be looking for an OT or WR in the first round.

Our Offense is just too stagnant. Even though we could see better pressure from our D-Line, a rookie DE is probably not going to have that much of an impact anyway.

[Mr Pickle1]

Our no. 1 offseason need is a legitimate OC who hasn't been repeatedly demoted.

Need no. 2: Quality LT.

Need no. 4: Dynamic WR.

Need no. 5: WLB

Need n. 6: DE.

[Psychic Gibbon]

Ok, consider me a convert for a new LT. Jenkins upped his game in the off season and it showed yesterday and Meier is coming back next year so the need suddenly dropped considerably. Though the need to get an OC that works with the offense TD is drafting has been rising sharply this season... TD came here and built a Patriots styled offense yet Mularkey thinks he's working with the Kordell Stewart Steelers.

Edited October 18, 2010 by Psychic Gibbon

[Smiler11]

After watching our team for 6 games, I don't think it is any question that we are going to be looking for an OT or WR in the first round.

Our Offense is just too stagnant. Even though we could see better pressure from our D-Line, a rookie DE is probably not going to have that much of an impact anyway.

Jenks just had his best game in his career to date and TD and MS obviously like the guy... we have Meier coming back next year - I don't think we are looking for a no. 2 receiver, maybe someone else like Meier or HD.

As for DE, we haven't been getting anywhere near enough pressure on opposing QB's, especially from the DE position. You also have to factor in that we still need to find a long term replacement for Abe.

OT and DE are definitely our 2 biggest needs.

[Smiler11]

I won't disagree. However, the way he plays is more like a 3-4 DE.

No I always assumed he would be a 3-4 DE, but maybe some teams think his athleticism translates to a 4-3 end. He often lines up at DT for Miami.

[Mr Pickle1]

Jenks just had his best game in his career to date and TD and MS obviously like the guy... we have Meier coming back next year - I don't think we are looking for a no. 2 receiver, maybe someone else like Meier or HD.

As for DE, we haven't been getting anywhere near enough pressure on opposing QB's, especially from the DE position. You also have to factor in that we still need to find a long term replacement for Abe.

OT and DE are definitely our 2 biggest needs.

WAY too soon to think we aren't looking for a no. 2 wr.

Jenks had 1 good game. That's the best game he's ever had. Seriously. And he still didn't make some plays he should have made.

Meier has done NOTHING...besides blow out his knee. He's a late round converted qb with a blown out knee who hasn't caught a single ball or even taken a snap in the regular season. He should NEVER be used as a reason for why the wr position wouldn't be looked at strongly, at least until he actually does something.

Lets say we do take a guy in the 1st who can be a no. 1 no. 2 type. What does that do?

You have 2 legitimate threats with him and Roddy...Jenkins and HD and Meier can absolutely terrorize nickle and dime defenders and safeties. Teams can't stack the box anymore. The running game will open up.

Roddy will have someone to take over for him when he starts slowing down in a few years. If we want his replacement to be ready to take over no. 1 receiver duties when White hits 32-33, the he should be drafted and prepared either this year or the next. Don't ask him to be a no. 1 as a rookie or a 2nd year guy. That's begging for trouble, during Ryan's prime years.

[hakim24]

Jenks just had his best game in his career to date and TD and MS obviously like the guy... we have Meier coming back next year - I don't think we are looking for a no. 2 receiver, maybe someone else like Meier or HD.

As for DE, we haven't been getting anywhere near enough pressure on opposing QB's, especially from the DE position. You also have to factor in that we still need to find a long term replacement for Abe.

OT and DE are definitely our 2 biggest needs.

We can't start making snap judgments off of one game. We have been getting pressure from our DEs, it just didn't happen last game because our entire defense was just out of sync with all the gadget plays that the Eagles were throwing at us.

Your right Jenkins did have his best game of his career, but unfortunately he still hasn't topped the 100 yd mark yet. He isn't a dynamic threat that makes team pay for putting most of their attention on Roddy and Turner.

He is a solid possession WR and blocker. We need somebody who can make some big plays and take some pressure off of our Offense. Jenkins will never be that guy.

[A-TowN.-]

I think we need to add someone to the secondary too, they had so many missed assignments out there. Someone needs to be brought in to contend for the FS spot or another CB spot.

Maybe it is the scheme though, our CBs play so far off and makes it easy for opposing WRs to do quick routes and 7 yard gains. We need a D that has press coverage and quick safeties.