Since Today Is Apparently Mock Draft Day

[Psychic Gibbon]

Very well rounded as he can play in off man, press man, and cover and be comfortable. Fluid for a CB of his size. Plays against the run well and can command outside blocks to make the rusher hesitate and can get off his blocks. Does a good job of sticking to his man and keeping his eye on the QB. Has good hands which means he's a threat to get a turnover and not to just deflect the pass. Needs his technique polished up, however, but that means there is upside left to go along with being an instant starter.

Very athletic but raw, but is tenacious and high motor. Has a habit of attempting to run around OTs in a wide loop which sometimes ends in him getting pushed out of the play but has shown signs of some pass rush moves, namely a quick speed rush which shows he can bend well and a spin move which he should use more often. He'll need a year or two of coaching up, namely in hand use, before starting but the potential is clearly there. He had a dip in production in 2012 but the front office has shown it is willing to look at better tape in previous years and get the player at optimum value (eg. William Moore, Jonathan Massaquoi).

Has experience as both a 3-4 and 4-3 OLB and plays both well, basically being a poor man's Von Miller. Despite his relatively small size for the position he can hold his own against OGs and even generate some push against them. He's a three down player.

Tape focusing on him is impossible to find, so focus on #67 here. Very high upside but he should have stayed in school for another season to polish up his technique, but instead he'll provide a team with good value in the mid rounds. Good pass blocker, generates push for the run, and can block well on the move for screens.

They have been looking at safeties a good deal this offseason so it is possible they're looking for one to more effectively run the 5 DB formations and have a better backup for Moore. Evans is well rounded as he can play the run well, play zone, and man up. However, he's a 'get what you see' player as he doesn't have much upside left.

Seems like a bit of a tweener. Strong and relentless. Can pressure the QB even when getting double blocked, but he doesn't do it on a regular basis, and is difficult to move from his point of attack, more often than not. He'd be best off adding 10-15 lbs of bulk and becoming an NT, similar to what they're doing with Robertson.

This kid is going to be a late round gem.

UDFA - Charles Johnson, WR, Grand Valley State

Roster:

Offense:

QB: Matt Ryan, Dominique Davis

RB: Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers, Mike James, Antone Smith

FB: Bradie Ewing

WR: Roddy White, Julio Jones, Harry Douglas, Anthony Amos, Drew Davis, Charles Johnson

TE: Tony Gonzalez, Jake Stoneburner, Chase Coffman

LT: Sam Baker, Lamar Holmes

LG: Justin Blalock, Mike Johnson

C: Peter Konz, Joe Hawley

RG: Garrett Reynolds, Alvin Bailey

RT: Tyson Clabo

Defense:

3-4

RDE: Jonathan Babineaux, Peria Jerry

NT: Travian Robertson, Josh Boyd

LDE: Corey Peters, Stefen Charles

ROLB: Osi Umenyiora, Corey Lemonier, Cliff Matthews

RILB: Sean Weatherspoon, Robert James

LILB: Akeem Dent, Stephen Nicholas

LOLB: Sean Porter, Kroy Biermann, Jonathan Massaquoi

CB: Asante Samuel, Johnthan Banks, Robert McClain, Rod Sweeting, Dominique Franks

FS: Thomas DeCoud, Charles Mitchell

SS: William Moore, Josh Evans

4-3

RDE: Osi Umenyiora, Corey Lemonier, Cliff Matthews

NT: Travian Robertson, Josh Boyd, Stefan Charles

UT: Jonathan Babineaux, Corey Peters, Peria Jerry

LDE: Jonathan Massaquoi, Kroy Biermann

WOLB: Sean Weatherspoon, Robert James

MLB: Akeem Dent

SOLB: Stephen Nicholas, Sean Porter

4-2-5

RDE: Osi Umenyiora, Corey Lemonier, Cliff Matthews

NT: Travian Robertson, Josh Boyd, Stefan Charles

UT: Jonathan Babineaux, Corey Peters, Peria Jerry

LDE: Jonathan Massaquoi, Kroy Biermann

WLB: Sean Weatherspoon, Robert James, Akeem Dent

SLB: Stephen Nicholas, Sean Porter

CB: Asante Samuel, Johnthan Banks, Robert McClain, Rod Sweeting, Dominique Franks

FS: Thomas DeCoud, Charles Mitchell

SS: William Moore

Spur Safety: Josh Evans

3-3-5

RDE: Jonathan Babineaux, Peria Jerry

NT: Travian Robertson, Josh Boyd

LDE: Corey Peters, Stefan Charles

ROLB: Osi Umenyiora, Corey Lemonier, Cliff Matthews

ILB: Sean Weatherspoon, Akeem Dent, Stephan Nicholas, Robert James

LOLB: Jonathan Massaquoi, Kroy Biermann, Sean Porter

K: Matt Bryant

P: Matt Bosher

LS: Josh Harris

RS: Harry Douglas?

Notes:

I'm basing this on players they have shown interest in and what I think they'll do, not necessarily what I want them to do.

Snelling is released. He isn't very productive and can be effectively replaced by James, who I think has the ability to become a starter down the line, in this scenario.

This defense is going to be nuts.

Edited March 29, 2013 by Psychic Gibbon

[Falcanuck]

DT would be very weak.

[Psychic Gibbon]

DT would be very weak.

I liked what I saw when Robertson was on the field last season. I think he's going to surprise a lot of people next season.

[Durrtay]

Dude, every day here is mock draft day.

[Falcanuck]

I liked what I saw when Robertson was on the field last season. I think he's going to surprise a lot of people next season.

Boyd wouldn't even be able to replicate Walker's production on an already weak DT rotation tho.

[Francis York Morgan]

I liked what I saw when Robertson was on the field last season. I think he's going to surprise a lot of people next season.

Warford said Robertson was the toughest DT he ever faced. This coming from the guy who shut down Floyd, Richardson, Short...

Needless to say, I agree.

Not a huge fan, but I imagine we'll see several of those players, Amos being a near deadlock. I feel like this might be overboard though, tbh - we draft a lot of the guys we look at, but it's closer to around 30% than a sure thing.

[Tribal Chief]

As a hurricane fan, I would love for the falcons to draft mike james

[Psychic Gibbon]

Boyd wouldn't even be able to replicate Walker's production on an already weak DT rotation tho.

Boyd isn't meant to be a pass rusher, he's meant to be an anchor who can collapse the pocket like Robertson so they can be rotated effectively. This way they clog of the running lanes for rushing QBs and prevent pocket QBs from feeling comfortable about stepping up to avoid the edge rush, which was the real problem with the pass rush last year. Stefan Charles is also someone worth keeping an eye on. Big, rangy DT, but his knock is that he played college ball in Canada.

Warford said Robertson was the toughest DT he ever faced. This coming from the guy who shut down Floyd, Richardson, Short...

Needless to say, I agree.

Not a huge fan, but I imagine we'll see several of those players, Amos being a near deadlock. I feel like this might be overboard though, tbh - we draft a lot of the guys we look at, but it's closer to around 30% than a sure thing.

I'm basing the picks off of players they're directly linked to and off pro days they have attended. I like other DT prospects more but they haven't shown any interest in them and I don't recall them ever being that coy in the draft process.

As for the Warford quote, I am well aware of it. That is very high praise.

[Falcanuck]

Boyd isn't meant to be a pass rusher, he's meant to be an anchor who can collapse the pocket like Robertson so they can be rotated effectively. This way they clog of the running lanes for rushing QBs and prevent pocket QBs from feeling comfortable about stepping up to avoid the edge rush, which was the real problem with the pass rush last year. Stefan Charles is also someone worth keeping an eye on. Big, rangy DT, but his knock is that he played college ball in Canada.

I know Stefan. I like him a lot (partially because he's Canadian). Wish he went to my school this year.

[FalconFanSince1970]

One fullback? Coming off major knee surgery? A virtual rookie? I doubt it.

[Psychic Gibbon]

One fullback? Coming off major knee surgery? A virtual rookie? I doubt it.

Koetter likes 3 WR sets. With Tony coming back and Jackson not needing a FB anywhere near as much as Turner I'm going to assume FB isn't going to be heavily utilized next season which will help Ewing acclimate more effectively.

Edited March 30, 2013 by Psychic Gibbon

[Birdy™]

One fullback? Coming off major knee surgery? A virtual rookie? I doubt it.

Jason Snelling can also play FB...

[HEIST]

I like it, based on your posts I was expecting Jesse Williams

[Ben Day Hoe]

Thanks for putting it out there I like to read what others are thinking. I really think we can get McFadden in the 3rd at CB and don't need to invest a first rounder. I could see us getting a late round corner as well for depth.

I'd rather have Jamie Collins than Corney Lemon Here. LOL.

I like Bailey in the fourth but think we have enough middle round talent at that position.

[Psychic Gibbon]

I like it, based on your posts I was expecting Jesse Williams

He would be there if this is what I wanted but I'm basing it on what I think they will do. Though I would prefer someone like Williams in the 1st I wouldn't mind Banks at all.

[Psychic Gibbon]

Thanks for putting it out there I like to read what others are thinking. I really think we can get McFadden in the 3rd at CB and don't need to invest a first rounder. I could see us getting a late round corner as well for depth.

I'd rather have Jamie Collins than Corney Lemon Here. LOL.

I like Bailey in the fourth but think we have enough middle round talent at that position.

Most people were surprised that Bailey declared for the draft since if he didn't he would have likely been a 2nd round talent in 2014, especially with Bielema going to Arkansas. I think he's good value in the 4th and just needs to be coached up before becoming a starter down the line. Having Reynolds on a cheap two year deal gives them breathing room to pick up and groom someone like Bailey.

Edited March 30, 2013 by Psychic Gibbon

[Javader09]

Very well rounded as he can play in off man, press man, and cover and be comfortable. Fluid for a CB of his size. Plays against the run well and can command outside blocks to make the rusher hesitate and can get off his blocks. Does a good job of sticking to his man and keeping his eye on the QB. Has good hands which means he's a threat to get a turnover and not to just deflect the pass. Needs his technique polished up, however, but that means there is upside left to go along with being an instant starter.

Very athletic but raw, but is tenacious and high motor. Has a habit of attempting to run around OTs in a wide loop which sometimes ends in him getting pushed out of the play but has shown signs of some pass rush moves, namely a quick speed rush which shows he can bend well and a spin move which he should use more often. He'll need a year or two of coaching up, namely in hand use, before starting but the potential is clearly there. He had a dip in production in 2012 but the front office has shown it is willing to look at better tape in previous years and get the player at optimum value (eg. William Moore, Jonathan Massaquoi).

Has experience as both a 3-4 and 4-3 OLB and plays both well, basically being a poor man's Von Miller. Despite his relatively small size for the position he can hold his own against OGs and even generate some push against them. He's a three down player.

Tape focusing on him is impossible to find, so focus on #67 here. Very high upside but he should have stayed in school for another season to polish up his technique, but instead he'll provide a team with good value in the mid rounds. Good pass blocker, generates push for the run, and can block well on the move for screens.

They have been looking at safeties a good deal this offseason so it is possible they're looking for one to more effectively run the 5 DB formations and have a better backup for Moore. Evans is well rounded as he can play the run well, play zone, and man up. However, he's a 'get what you see' player as he doesn't have much upside left.

Seems like a bit of a tweener. Strong and relentless. Can pressure the QB even when getting double blocked, but he doesn't do it on a regular basis, and is difficult to move from his point of attack, more often than not. He'd be best off adding 10-15 lbs of bulk and becoming an NT, similar to what they're doing with Robertson.

This kid is going to be a late round gem.

UDFA - Charles Johnson, WR, Grand Valley State

Roster:

Offense:

QB: Matt Ryan, Dominique Davis

RB: Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers, Mike James, Antone Smith

FB: Bradie Ewing

WR: Roddy White, Julio Jones, Harry Douglas, Anthony Amos, Drew Davis, Charles Johnson

TE: Tony Gonzalez, Jake Stoneburner, Chase Coffman

LT: Sam Baker, Lamar Holmes

LG: Justin Blalock, Mike Johnson

C: Peter Konz, Joe Hawley

RG: Garrett Reynolds, Alvin Bailey

RT: Tyson Clabo

Defense:

3-4

RDE: Jonathan Babineaux, Peria Jerry

NT: Travian Robertson, Josh Boyd

LDE: Corey Peters, Stefen Charles

ROLB: Osi Umenyiora, Corey Lemonier, Cliff Matthews

RILB: Sean Weatherspoon, Robert James

LILB: Akeem Dent, Stephen Nicholas

LOLB: Sean Porter, Kroy Biermann, Jonathan Massaquoi

CB: Asante Samuel, Johnthan Banks, Robert McClain, Rod Sweeting, Dominique Franks

FS: Thomas DeCoud, Charles Mitchell

SS: William Moore, Josh Evans

4-3

RDE: Osi Umenyiora, Corey Lemonier, Cliff Matthews

NT: Travian Robertson, Josh Boyd, Stefan Charles

UT: Jonathan Babineaux, Corey Peters, Peria Jerry

LDE: Jonathan Massaquoi, Kroy Biermann

WOLB: Sean Weatherspoon, Robert James

MLB: Akeem Dent

SOLB: Stephen Nicholas, Sean Porter

4-2-5

RDE: Osi Umenyiora, Corey Lemonier, Cliff Matthews

NT: Travian Robertson, Josh Boyd, Stefan Charles

UT: Jonathan Babineaux, Corey Peters, Peria Jerry

LDE: Jonathan Massaquoi, Kroy Biermann

WLB: Sean Weatherspoon, Robert James, Akeem Dent

SLB: Stephen Nicholas, Sean Porter

CB: Asante Samuel, Johnthan Banks, Robert McClain, Rod Sweeting, Dominique Franks

FS: Thomas DeCoud, Charles Mitchell

SS: William Moore

Spur Safety: Josh Evans

3-3-5

RDE: Jonathan Babineaux, Peria Jerry

NT: Travian Robertson, Josh Boyd

LDE: Corey Peters, Stefan Charles

ROLB: Osi Umenyiora, Corey Lemonier, Cliff Matthews

ILB: Sean Weatherspoon, Akeem Dent, Stephan Nicholas, Robert James

LOLB: Jonathan Massaquoi, Kroy Biermann, Sean Porter

K: Matt Bryant

P: Matt Bosher

LS: Josh Harris

RS: Harry Douglas?

Notes:

I'm basing this on players they have shown interest in and what I think they'll do, not necessarily what I want them to do.

Snelling is released. He isn't very productive and can be effectively replaced by James, who I think has the ability to become a starter down the line, in this scenario.

This defense is going to be nuts.

Like all but the 2nd round pick, I feel more NFL ready DE will be there at this pick.

[Psychic Gibbon]

Like all but the 2nd round pick, I feel more NFL ready DE will be there at this pick.

Looking over the top edge rushers he only way I see that happening is if someone like Carradine falls that far. The second tier are 1st round but raw talents, like Collins and Lemonier. Okafor may fall that far but he's strictly an LDE and that is what Massaquoi played in college and I find it safe to assume he'll continue playing there and considering how high the coaching staff is on him I doubt they get someone that high to play the same position. Instead, they'll go after someone who can eventually play RDE.

[FalconFanSince1970]

Jason Snelling can also play FB...

He cut Snelling.

[Birdy™]

He cut Snelling.

... Oh

[Psychic Gibbon]

He cut Snelling.

Which I already explained. Snelling's career is downhill at this point and James provides a potential starter down the line or, at worst, solid depth. Likewise, Jackson does not require a FB like Turner did to be effective and combined with Koetter's preference for 3 WR sets the FB will not be heavily utilized. A relatively light workload will help Ewing acclimate after his injury.

Edited March 30, 2013 by Psychic Gibbon

[atlbaby]

I put the Bailey kid in my draft as well

[mumblesjr]

not bad

[blizzard_falcon]

Nice mock. This really matches up with the prospects we've been looking at + TD's style.

I would be fine with only Ewing at FB. Mike Cox is always just a drunk dial away!

[MSalmon]

I like. A couple of things I'd like to point out and ask:

First, with Robertson' length, don't you think he's more of a 34 DE in 34 sets?

Two, I like the 2 DT/NT picks, but do you think we wait so late? I'm not sure where Stefan Charles gets picked. I think Akeem Hicks (another Canadian) went in third round. Think **** be around so late?

Lastly, I don't think we wait until 7th round to pick a wr. I think we get either a wr or TE in the 2nd-4th round areas.

I love Banks in the first. Very good with all other picks

Good job!