Salute To Dimitroff's Solid Work

[PappyDawg]

I don't mock anymore. There are WAY too many scenarios and ongoing strategy changes by WAY too many NFL GM's and coaches to see the way clearly. Those that mock have some great ideas, and they're fun to read. But in the end, one reach pick early, or one run on a certain position, or especially one trade, and the best-laid plans of mice and men....

But, however, with this offseason's FA signings by TD and the Falcons, the draft needs are much clearer now, in my opinion.

The crunching needs at running back, tight end, safety, O-line, and defensive end have been addressed.... masterfully!

That said, I hope I see a surprise in the first round by TD. Yes, a corner is a must, and a likely pick, if a Trufant or maybe Xavier Rhodes falls to pick #30. But, the quality of the number of CB prospects beyond Milliner is fairly stocked, and I'm thinking (hoping) Dimitroff might look at Round 2 for help there.

Tavon Austin would be an incredible get for the Falcons with their first-round pick, if he lasts that long. Harry Douglas has been solid in the slot for Ryan, and Roddy stills performs at an elite level. But....

If Austin had a swoopin bird on his helmet in 2013, he might fit well at, oh..... kick returner slash punt returner. At #2 in the slot, maybe. Work some on the outside behind #84 if need be. On the field a LOT, as another silver bullet in coach Smith's loaded gun!

That's the little prayer I say each night to the poster of Amber Theoharris I worship. There are corners, D-line guys, good LB's, even a smattering of athletic tight ends available in rounds 2 through later.

Move up; move around; move down. That's entirely in TD's capable hands. I have absolute faith in the plan he has in mind.

And another little tidbit that gives me great joy, but doesn't get much yakkity-yak: As solid as the Falcons are now, they have become a team of choice for the stampede of undrafted free agents that should be considered post-draft.

Dimitroff will get his troops. I have no doubt. We may not know all their names yet, but he and his staff does. My fervent hope is that Tavon Austin is at the top of their list, though. That kid is one well-put-together 2x4x8, and would look right spiffy in a new Falcons uni!

[chickenfried]

Nice post, I share your optimism and trust in TD. He and the whole staff have proven themselves. They are consumate professionals, own up to mistakes, always pass credit, and take blame -- must be a good place to work.

Keep it up TD! Can't wait for the draft, TC, and Fall to come back around.

[Francis York Morgan]

Personally, I don't mock because I feel like guessing his draft - I do it because it's a fun time killer and it's nice to look back years after and say, "yep, called it" or "man, that was a terrible idea."

But others might feel differently.

[Cali-Falcon]

Lol, this board will explode if we don't go D with our first pick. But you know what, I actually wouldn't mind going TE or WR if the right defensive prospects aren't available. I don't want to gamble with a defensive player if there is a can't miss offensive player.

[chifalc]

Lol, this board will explode if we don't go D with our first pick. But you know what, I actually wouldn't mind going TE or WR if the right defensive prospects aren't available. I don't want to gamble with a defensive player if there is a can't miss offensive player.

If the right defensive prospects for pick thirty aren't available ... Trade down.

[Big_Dog]

Nice post, I share your optimism and trust in TD. He and the whole staff have proven themselves.

Keep it up TD! Can't wait for the draft, TC, and Fall to come back around.

That's what I've been preaching all along. Eat crow naysayers.

[HaRdH3ad]

Exactly if the right d prospects are not there I'm cool with going elsewhere & not just settling 4 a second hand player. Toooo toooo Many ppl believe that deep means good & thats not the case. IN TD I trust all the way! The worst season we have had since he was here was what 9-7 lol & ppl still have the nerve to complain? Go be a fan of oakland or the jaguars right about now u just might die on impact. TD I'm behind u my brother...

[muskokas finest ©]

It's nice to have SJax and Osi, but let's not characterize the bringing in of aging vets as a coup. Those players wanted to come here and were willing to take less money to do so.

TD will be best judged on his draft.

[abcranford2]

It's nice to have SJax and Osi, but let's not characterize the bringing in of aging vets as a coup. Those players wanted to come here and were willing to take less money to do so.

TD will be best judged on his draft.

yea...since in the past tons of vets wanted to come to the falcons for less money. has absolutely nothing to do with td and what he has done with this franchise. brilliant post

[chifalc]

You know Muskie will always accentuate the negative, and if its not there invent it. Its just who he is.

[Big_Dog]

You know Muskie will always accentuate the negative, and if its not there invent it. Its just who he is.

He's just being cautiously optimistic. I do belive the TD picks will carry us onward to where we should have been.

[octoslash]

We should use the draft for the O line and D line (and maybe one DB), period. This team has enough talent everywhere else to make the playoffs, but without better blocking and run-stopping, it will continue to watch the Super Bowl on TV. Upgrading trench personnel is more important than anything.

[muskokas finest ©]

yea...since in the past tons of vets wanted to come to the falcons for less money. has absolutely nothing to do with td and what he has done with this franchise. brilliant post

Then credit where credit is due. Mike Smith has as much to do with the winning culture as anybody. Players want to play for him and in the environment he created.

[abcranford2]

Then credit where credit is due. Mike Smith has as much to do with the winning culture as anybody. Players want to play for him and in the environment he created.

go ahead and thank matt ryan while your at it

[muskokas finest ©]

go ahead and thank matt ryan while your at it

Matt Ryan has greatly benefitted from the structure and discipline instilled by Mike Smith. The team struggles in the playoffs because Smith has wrung everything you can get out of them during the regular season. There isn't a strong enough talent base in place to find that extra gear in the post season.

[abcranford2]

Matt Ryan has greatly benefitted from the structure and discipline instilled by Mike Smith. The team struggles in the playoffs because Smith has wrung everything you can get out of them during the regular season. There isn't a strong enough talent base in place to find that extra gear in the post season.

one could argue that it is the conservative nature of smith that has been the downfall of the team come playoff time.

[muskokas finest ©]

one could argue that it is the conservative nature of smith that has been the downfall of the team come playoff time.

I once thought that too. Mike Smith's philosophy is to limit mistakes and execute. He didn't have the horses on defense in 2010/2012 and his offenses suffered prolonged periods of stagnation. I blamed Smith for being conservative rather than the low ceiling/high floor talent that dictated his approach.

[abcranford2]

I once thought that too. Mike Smith's philosophy is to limit mistakes and execute. He didn't have the horses on defense in 2010/2012 and his offenses suffered prolonged periods of stagnation. I blamed Smith for being conservative rather than the low ceiling/high floor talent that dictated his approach.

i somewhat agree with you actually...i personally blamed mularkey..whose conservative style helped stabalize our team but eventually was outgrown...while i agree our talent level hasn't quite been there i believe it is getting there, thanks to dimitroff. The man who hired mike smith, picked matt ryan, signed michael turner, traded for gonzalez, moved up for julio and continually pulls off magical moves each year like the 7th round trade for asante samuel. Lets not forget his pretty awesome ability to get players for the right price as well. Which brings us to our current situation, a situation in which we are playoff contenders each year, a situation in which proven vets want to play for the falcons and our willing to do so for less money and a situation in which the falcons can go BPA on defense in this draft. A situation that the falcons have never been in since the start of this franchise. Thank you Mr. Dimitroff!

[muskokas finest ©]

i somewhat agree with you actually...i personally blamed mularkey..whose conservative style helped stabalize our team but eventually was outgrown...while i agree our talent level hasn't quite been there i believe it is getting there, thanks to dimitroff. The man who hired mike smith, picked matt ryan, signed michael turner, traded for gonzalez, moved up for julio and continually pulls off magical moves each year like the 7th round trade for asante samuel. Lets not forget his pretty awesome ability to get players for the right price as well. Which brings us to our current situation, a situation in which we are playoff contenders each year, a situation in which proven vets want to play for the falcons and our willing to do so for less money and a situation in which the falcons can go BPA on defense in this draft. A situation that the falcons have never been in since the start of this franchise. Thank you Mr. Dimitroff!

Asante Samuel wanted to come here and could torpedo any other move, destroying any leverage for the Eagles. The 7th round pick was paid so the team could show a net free agent loss with Curtis Lofton, thus still collecting a projected 4th round comp pick. The Eagles would have eventually released Samuel, as they did Asomugha.

Dimitroff makes good and bad decisions. In the coach/owner/QB/GM quartet, I think he is the weakest link.