Team Herzlich/Baldwin (complete draft included)

[Zodiac]

With the 2011 approaching many people are asking, Who should we pick in the 1st and 2nd rounds. Everyone wants an LT and WR. Now where the Falcons will be picking (More than likely 26+) ALmost all the OT talent will be gone excpet for Nate Solder, and I don't want a converted TE protecting my franchise QB. This year though a lot of good LTs will be hitting the FA! So I think were going to grab one out of FA

Falcons 2010 Draft Picks!

#1 WR Jonathan Baldwin; 6'5 225 LBs 4.5 Vertical (just .1 second slower than Michael Floyd.)

As a true freshman in 2008, Baldwin started 3 of 13 games, recording 18 receptions for 404 yards and three touchdowns.During his sophomore season in 2009 he made 54 receptions for 1,080 yards and eight touchdowns in the regular season. Including six catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns against Cincinnati in the final game with the conference championship on the line, but Pittsburgh lost by one point. -history

This season- 33 catches 546 yards 4 touchdowns, AVG 16.5 YPC. On pace for 50 Catches, 819 yards, and 6 TDs. While not great numbers the man has been in double or triple coverage most of this season (Like a certain Pro-Bowl reciever who went there '00-'03), Fitz had 161 Catches for 2601 Yards in 3 Seasons, Baldwin is on pace to finish with 125 Catches for 2200 Yards. Eeirly similar.

2nd round. OLB Mark Herzlich. 6'4, 238lbs.

you've heard his story and yes he's had a falling off this year, but he was considered the best linebacker in the nation going into the year he contracted cancer, he's also battled through 2 broken bones. Physically the guys reminds me a lot of Kieth Brooking, and mentally he's as instinctual as Kieth Bulluck. Now he might take a year to develop and get caught up to the NFL speed, but considering the potential of the what he can become i'd say the reward is well worth the risk. (Imagine something along the lines of Herzlich(SSLB), Lofton (MLB), and Spoon(WSLB). Yea pretty **** scary especially when you add Willy Mo, Sludge Pit, and D-Rob behind it.

Stats (Career and projected this year)

YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK STF STFY FF BK INT YDS AVG LNG TD PD

2006 42 32 10 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0

2007 97 55 42 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 1.0 1 0 0

2008 110 81 29 2 0 0 2 0 6 121 20.2 60 2 0

2010 35 29 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 17 8.5 12 0 0

2010* 53 44 9 0 0 0 0 0 3 26 0 12 0 0

(Asterik indicates projected.)

3rd (Time for those CoP backs!) RB Delone Carter; 40 Time 4.49-4.5 (last measured his lowest was 4.42 and highest was 4.62) 5'10 216 LBs.

He's not the fastest back in the draft (Jeff Demps he'd be avaible but the guys a stick, one big hit and his career might be done.) While he could be picked up in the 4th or not at all (if Kendall Hunter is avaiable), he's a good safe pick.

YEAR ATT YDS AVG LNG TD REC YDS AVG LNG TD FUM LST

2006 156 713 4.6 47 4 9 46 5.1 15 0 0 0

2008 23 137 6.0 32 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

2009 236 1021 4.3 58 11 11 117 10.6 22 1 0 0

2010 140 746 5.3 46 6 4 14 3.5 6 0 0 0

2010* 210 1119 5.3 46 9 6 21 3.5 6 0 0 0

(Asterik indicates projected.)

While not the fastest person avaible there he's still a very good CoP from Snelling and Turner who are both considerably slower.

4th. OG Clint Boling; 6'5 310 LBs, not really good enough to be a starter but good enough to compete with Hawley (Or whoever esle we might bring in) and push them for the starter spot and be a decent back up. A lot of people might be calling for a center this round but some really solid centers (McClure included) have come 6th round or later. he has decent fundamentals from what I can tell. just depth right here.

5th. Charlie Gantt;6'5 260 LBs TE.

He's not a big wr type TE like Tony G. He's a very good blocking TE, but he can make catches. While not what many would hope for in TEs, he's the ebst of what's available, and with Baldwin and a good Flanker to make up in Tony G's absence (if he does dcide to retire.) he's a good pick, we're still a run first team and Peele is often injured, Gantt is almost build like an OT. He's a great pick especially if were looking to lure teams in on PAs.

Stats.

YEAR REC YDS AVG LNG TD ATT YDS AVG LNG TD FUM LST

2007 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

2008 19 302 15.9 82 4 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

2009 22 348 15.8 55 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

2010 15 195 13.0 37 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

2010* 20 260 13.0 37 3 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

(asterik indicates projected)

6th. It's a C, it's a OT, It's a K? K Blair Walsh; 5'10 183 Lbs.

To be hoenst if he isn't having a down eyar and UGA sucking eggs like they are this year he could go in the 5th but luckily for us he's having a down year (comparative to his other years.) coming into this season he was touted as the best kicker in NCAA, he's fallen off a bit compared to last year but is still considered a top K prospect, and let's be honest I love what Bryant has done for us this year, but we need a good young kicker. He's also a juniour so there is debate on wheter he'll come out this year or not.

Stats

2008 15 23 65.2 50 50 95

2009 20 22 90.9 42 42 102

2010 15 18 83.3 30 31 75

2010* 20/24 24 83.3 40 41 100

(Asterik indicates projected.)

7th. C! Yes we're finaly going after a C! Jake Kirkpatrick; 6'3 305LBs (Ima be lazy and just post his history on this one)

First-team All-American by SI.com and a third-team selection from Rivals.com … one of six finalists for the Rimington Trophy, recognizing the top center in the nation … wasn't even on the watch list at the start of the season … All-Mountain West Conference … made the first 13 starts of his career … set the blocking scheme on every play … anchored a line that paved the way for the Horned Frogs to rank fifth in the country in scoring (38.3 points per game) and rushing (239.5 yards per game) while placing seventh in total offense (456.7 yards per game) … key in TCU ranking sixth nationally in fewest sacks allowed per game (0.92) … TCU set single-season school records for points scored (498) and total offense (5,937 yards). Give him a year under McClure and watch him blossom, we also have Hawley if he doesn't turn out well.

[Zodiac]

Bump.

[Falcon Fanatic]

There is something really wrong if we don't target a LT at the top of the next draft.

[Zodiac]

There is something really wrong if we don't target a LT at the top of the next draft.

Theres a grand total of 5 1st round LTs only one of them is projected outside of the playoff picks(24+) That is Nate Solder who is a convereted TE( he hasn't played his full college career as a LT, IE He's extremely raw, we can just sign a good LT with the amount of them hitting hte market this offseason and pick up one in the draft next year.

[Falcon Fanatic]

Theres a grand total of 5 1st round LTs only one of them is projected outside of the playoff picks(24+) That is Nate Solder who is a convereted TE( he hasn't played his full college career as a LT, IE He's extremely raw, we can just sign a good LT with the amount of them hitting hte market this offseason and pick up one in the draft next year.

Still way too early to determine where folks will end up. LT has to be our number one priority even if we have to trade up to get a good one next Spring.

[KSFALCON]

Hey man, you know there is a Draft/Free Agency Board...just sayin

[A-TowN.-]

This should be moved.

Anyway I wouldn't mind the first two picks. Baldwin is just a guy with Plax potential, but that is just potential, he needs to show it.

Clint Boling got a DUI, not TD material.

Gnatt is a blocker only. Not a real pass game threat since he's kinda slow. Palmer is better

[DirtyBirdSupabowl]

No need to draft a olb that high when we got Nicholas. Getting a WR in the first round all depends on Baker if he continues to struggle I say we replace him with a LT in the 1st then draft a WR in the second round.

[KSFALCON]

Mark H had talent, but has fallen so much he could be available in a later round so we can get a T in round 2...I like Baldwin a lot though

[KSFALCON]

No need to draft a olb that high when we got Nicholas. Getting a WR in the first round all depends on Baker if he continues to struggle I say we replace him with a LT in the 1st then draft a WR in the second round.

Who do you like in the 2nd round at WR...Posey, Hankerson, maybe Broyles will fall

[Zodiac]

To be honest i'd rather have Baker blocking for Ryan than Nate Solder who would be probably the best with what we could get for a first rounder. However I don't think thats the case, we'll sign a FA LT or trade some expendable players for one, I really don't see TD drafting an OT especially when his best option would be a converted TE.

@A-ToWn- if you read the synopsis I gave you'd see that I said Baldwin has been pretty much doubled and tripled this year, sorta like Fitz was when he was at Pitt. Also a DUI isn't that big of a hit, many people in the NFL have DUI's now if it was something like reckless driving or public intoxication than yea I could see it, but DUI is a very broad term, the man could've been .1 above the legal limit on the BAC.

@KSfalcon- He won't fall beyond maybe early 3rd, theres way way to much potential and work ethic there for someone not to take him in the first two rounds.

@Dirty. 08' and 09' a lot of people were complaining about Nichloas lack of consistency when starting, he's a very good back-up and role player but he honestly isn't starting material, why do you think he's getting beat out by a 35 year old?

Edited November 7, 2010 by Zodiac

[#1 pick]

LT is the biggest need but I like Baldwin.

[Zodiac]

LT is the biggest need but I like Baldwin.

Let me weigh our options

A. Baker

B. Nate Solder (A Converted TE, he got converted he's Sophmore year in College, and is about as raw as JPP was last year.)

C. Veteran FA

I honestly prefer C, I don't know why people are so against going out and getting a FA as opposed to drafting one.

Also if we make it to the play-offs regardless of our record we're picking 24+ if we get a bye than were going 26+.

[Rai]

Nate Solder is pretty **** good. He keeps improving, game by game and he has insane upside. He is raw, not going to deny that but he can develop into a franchise LT. I suspect some team that's already got a serviceable aging tackle will draft him and have the LT position covered for another 10 years. Someone like the Patriots if they decide to keep Matt Light or the Vikings who currently have Bryant McKinnie.

[Zodiac]

Nate Solder is pretty **** good. He keeps improving, game by game and he has insane upside. He is raw, not going to deny that but he can develop into a franchise LT. I suspect some team that's already got a serviceable aging tackle will draft him and have the LT position covered for another 10 years. Someone like the Patriots if they decide to keep Matt Light or the Vikings who currently have Bryant McKinnie.

Yea they also have Franchsie QBs who are well established and, have great pocket protection and can switch things around to make sure thier Blindside is safe no matter what, not saying Matt can't do that, he's just not matured that much yet. I honestly don't want someone as raw as Solder is protecting Matt's blindside especially against 3-4s.

[FlyHighFalcons]

LOVE the pick of Baldwin if he is there. I don't think Herzlich would be a good pick in the 2nd. I'd rather have him in the 3rd, NO earlier. There could be some solid OLB and LTs in FA this year so we should address one in FA and one in the second round.

[A-TowN.-]

idk why you think Solder is our only option like he is the only LT in the draft :blink:

[Zodiac]

idk why you think Solder is our only option like he is the only LT in the draft :blink:

He's really the only 1st round viable option at that point(I'm expecting us to be picking 26 or above), and with a plethora of FA LT this year I really don't see us trading down.

[gritzblitz]

Zodiac here is my 2 cents worth (not being critical but assume you want inputs if you post a mock draft):

1) WR Baldwin-- nice choice, think he will be a nice option opposite Roddy. Upgrade in #2 WR. I agree that LT is a need but agree with your point that LTs go quickly. In the 1st Rd, there are 3 positions that always seem to get over drafted because of there importance of the position (Qbs, LT and DEs). You may be right in the fact there is no Rd 1 talent LT available & the next best option may be a significant drop off in talent.

2) LB Herzlich. Huge risk here. I love Herzlich talent and courage. But some worry that the chemo used so effectively to treat his bone cancer also has caused his bones to become brittle (2 broken bones) which is an unfortunate side effect of the treatment. As a GM I could not use our 2nd rd pick on him. Would risk it with maybe 4th rd but not 2nd. That being said, it will only take 1 GM to fall in love with this guy so I do expect him to go in 2nd or 3rd rd. I think we have more pressing needs to take the risk.

3) RB Carter. I would prefer to go with another need rather than use 3rd pick on a back-up Rb that will see only limited plays. If we want to go fast then I say go really fast with a smaller back later in the draft who can also be a returner.

4) OG Boiling. Nice pick but I would not under estimate the Falcon filter. He may be passed over due to DUI. Historically TD has passed over players that have gotten into any trouble in college.

5) TE Gantt. Ok pick in the 5th but blocking TEs can be picked up later in draft or inexpensively in FA.

6) K Walsh. OK pick but I do not like drafting kickers...but that is just me, not sure how TD feels.

7) C Kirkpatrick. Nice choice for depth and competition on O-Line.

By the way we have 2 more picks in 7th Rd from trades if you want to add more picks.

Not a bad draft and if Herzlich can remain healthy it will be even better.

gb

Edited November 7, 2010 by gritzblitz

[Zodiac]

Zodiac here is my 2 cents worth (not being critical but assume you want inputs if you post a mock draft):

1) WR Baldwin-- nice choice, think he will be a nice option opposite Roddy. Upgrade in #2 WR. I agree that LT is a need but agree with your point that LTs go quickly. In the 1st Rd, there are 3 positions that always seem to get over drafted because of there importance of the position (Qbs, LT and DEs). You may be right in the fact there is no Rd 1 talent LT available & the next best option may be a significant drop off in talent.

2) LB Herzlich. Huge risk here. I love Herzlich talent and courage. But some worry that the chemo used so effectively to treat his bone cancer also has caused his bones to become brittle (2 broken bones) which is an unfortunate side effect of the treatment. As a GM I could not use our 2nd rd pick on him. Would risk it with maybe 4th rd but not 2nd. That being said, it will only take 1 GM to fall in love with this guy so I do expect him to go in 2nd or 3rd rd. I think we have more pressing needs to take the risk.

3) RB Carter. I would prefer to go with another need rather than use 3rd pick on a back-up Rb that will see only limited plays. If we want to go fast then I say go really fast with a smaller back later in the draft who can also be a returner.

4) OG Boiling. Nice pick but I would not under estimate the Falcon filter. He may be passed over due to DUI. Historically TD has passed over players that have gotten into any trouble in college.

5) TE Gantt. Ok pick in the 5th but blocking TEs can be picked up later in draft or inexpensively in FA.

6) K Walsh. OK pick but I do not like drafting kickers...but that is just me, not sure how TD feels.

7) C Kirkpatrick. Nice choice for depth and competition on O-Line.

By the way we have 2 more picks in 7th Rd from trades if you want to add more picks.

Not a bad draft and if Herzlich can remain healthy it will be even better.

gb

Ty, I spend quite some time on doing this.

One thing that I like to point out with Gantt is that he is a PA TE, He's built like a TE. IF we put him in there on 3rd downs it will sell the run even more than having TG or Palmer in there, he can also break a few tackles. Basically Gantt can sell the Play

Action pass even more than TG or Palmer could.

With Herzlich, I think he wotn start right away but we'll give him a year to get used to the speed, and also with his work ethic he's probably hosing hinmself down with milk every second he gets to make his bones stronger. He's huge Risk/Reward, but he's not like JPP Risk/Reward, We've seen what he can do, he's sorta like Willy Mo, when hes on the field he makes play but he just has to get past injuries.

Thanks for the heads up on the 2 other 7th round picks, I'm guessing one will be Depth at DLine and the other one Depth at WR or Oline.

[gritzblitz]

Ty, I spend quite some time on doing this.

One thing that I like to point out with Gantt is that he is a PA TE, He's built like a TE. IF we put him in there on 3rd downs it will sell the run even more than having TG or Palmer in there, he can also break a few tackles. Basically Gantt can sell the Play

Action pass even more than TG or Palmer could.

With Herzlich, I think he wotn start right away but we'll give him a year to get used to the speed, and also with his work ethic he's probably hosing hinmself down with milk every second he gets to make his bones stronger. He's huge Risk/Reward, but he's not like JPP Risk/Reward, We've seen what he can do, he's sorta like Willy Mo, when hes on the field he makes play but he just has to get past injuries.

Thanks for the heads up on the 2 other 7th round picks, I'm guessing one will be Depth at DLine and the other one Depth at WR or Oline.

No problem. Good points. With all mocks, there is no one perfect draft...one without difference of opinions or risks. Regarding Herzlich I hope you are right about him for his sake whether we draft him or not. I will say this about him...he is a TD type of player.

Enjoy researching those 2 additional picks.

[Kennesaw77]

I like your mock.

Walsh isn't a sr. though and kickers dont come out early.

[Zodiac]

I like your mock.

Walsh isn't a sr. though and kickers dont come out early.

Walsh is probably the most hyped kicker in 10 years, Like I said if he wasn't having a down year and by down year I mean missing more than 3 (he's 20-24 and 36-37 XPA) he would probably go in the 5th. He'd be insane to stay in another year, especially if the lockout does happen.

[KSFALCON]

I'd take Titus Young or Austin Pettis from BSU before any other WR in this draft not named AJ Green or Julio Jones...Either can probably be had in the 2nd or 3rd.

What about Floyd??

[gritzblitz]

What about Floyd??

Agree Floyd should be considered in the discussion because he is considered a 1st Rd talent.