Hearing 92.9 Floating Rumor Of Falcons Moving Up To Get Dante Fowler, Jr

[g-dawg]

they keep teasing it (Falcons move up for Dante Fowler) but don't even know where the rumor is coming from - anybody know?

I don't understand how we give up picks in this draft with our horrendous depth throughout our team.

maybe just a BS rumor - probably - of course Falcons have the reputation since Julio trade so there are always "Falcons move up" rumors.

[xskyx]

For once (unless we target Williams) why can't we just trade back if we feel the need to trade at all...

[KRUNKuno]

I dont see why anybody wants to trade up in the top 10. Lots of potential in other draft picks.

[g-dawg]

never mind - it is D-Led:

Dimitroff appears set to make a play for Dante Fowler Jr.

April 27, 2015 | Filed in: ajc sports, Atlanta Falcons.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff will have a tough call if Randy Gregory is available at the eighth spot in the draft.

FLOWERY BRANCH – Since 2008, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has made a trade in all seven of his drafts with the franchise.

He’s made big trade, middle-round trade and late-round trades. His mega-deal was the 2011 trade to slide up 21 spots to grab wide receiver Julio Jones with the Cleveland Browns. The deal helped the Falcons nearly reach the Super Bowl in the 2012 season.

So it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Falcons will consider trading up to try and land Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., who was recruited by head coach Dan Quinn and played two seasons for him in Gainesville, Fla.

Dimitroff said the franchise is considering all of their options.

“There is a lot of discussions already about moving both ways with a lot of our peers in the league,” Dimitroff said. “A lot of it has to do with what goes down with the top three picks. That’s going to set the tone for how much movement there is into the top 10 and even in the top five.”

Dante Fowler in action against South Carolina.

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston and Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota are expected to be selected first and second. USC’s defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who some consider the best player in the draft, could go third to Jacksonville.

In the No. 4 slot, the Oakland Raiders are open for trading business.

Ironically, Dimitroff and Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, a Ron Wolf disciple from Green Bay, were the finalists for the Atlanta job back in 2008. They have not business before.

“My phone line is always open,” McKenzie said in his pre-draft press conference. “You hear everybody out. If it makes sense and it’s going to help the Raiders, we’ll do a deal.”

Jacksonville general manager Dave Caldwell worked under Dimitroff in Atlanta from 2008 to 2012.

Now, the Falcons could trade back and amass picks and presumably land two first-round picks if their coveted edge rusher is not available in the eight position.

After Fowler, Clemson’s Vic Beasley, Kentucky’s Bud Dupree and Missouri’s Shane Ray are the top edge rushers.

Bud Dupree is UK’s first defensive lineman to be named AP first team All-SEC since Corey Peters in 2009 (UK Athletics Photo)

Quinn didn’t sound too interested in Nebraska’s Randy Gregory, who failed a drug test at the NFL scouting combine, when discussing the importance of character and team chemistry.

“For us to be really good, this team has to be tight,” Quinn said. “Those guys have to connect. … It’s such a wide topic, off the field concerns, where some people, some clubs may do it differently, but for us, how tight and close can this team get? Bringing in great teammates into our locker room is really important to me.”

Last season, the Falcons sent the team’s sixth (182 overall) and one of their three seventh-round picks (220) to the Minnesota Vikings for a fifth-round pick. The pick was used to select Syracuse linebacker Marquis Spruill, who missed last season with a knee injury.

The Falcons were also looking to trade for a late first-round pick, but their intended targets went too high.

They had an eye on Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier, but realized early that too many teams wanted him, and it would cost too much to move up high enough. He was selected by Pittsburgh with the 15th pick.

The Falcons’ attention then shifted to Auburn defensive end Dee Ford, who didn’t slip into their range. Ford was selected by Kansas City with the 23rd pick.

“We worked hard at it, and you have to have a dance partner,” Dimitroff said last year. “In the end, we didn’t (trade) at the spots that we were interested in.”

Here’s a look at Dimitroff’s trading record:

• 2014: The Falcons traded their sixth-round pick (182 overall) and one of their three seventh-round picks (220) for the Vikings’ fifth-round pick (168). They selected Syracuse linebacker Marquis Spruill with the pick.
• 2013: The Falcons traded up from 30 to 22 in the first-round to land cornerback Desmond Trufant. The Falcons traded with the St. Louis Rams They gave up a third and a sixth round pick. In the fifth round, the Falcons traded up 10 picks to TCU defensive end Stansly Maponga. They sent a seventh-round pick (236) to the Chicago Bears.
• 2012: The Falcons made a trade with Baltimore to move down seven spots in the third round to take tackle Lamar Holmes. They picked up a fifth round pick and selected defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi with the 164th overall pick. The Ravens picked up running back Bernard Pierce with the 84thpick the Falcons sent them. The Falcons gave up a seventh rounder (229 overall) to the Eagles in the Asante Samuel trade. The Eagles used that pick to select running back Bryce Brown.
• 2011: There was the 5-for-1 mega-deal with Cleveland to move up 21 spots in order to land wide receiver Julio Jones. Later, in the fifth round after the spotlight was off the Falcons, he sent two picks to St. Louis in order to move up 10 spots to scoop up running back Jacquizz Rodgers.
• 2010: Oklahoma cornerback Dominique Franks, who left school a year early, was slipping in the draft. Dimitroff sent two picks to St. Louis to move up 14 spots to acquire Franks. He’s played some nickel back and was the punt returner for most of last season.
• 2009: Dimitroff felt he could get his guy by going back 13 spots in the fifth round. The Falcons made a deal to send their fifth-round pick to Dallas. They moved back 13 spots and picked up a seventh-round pick for their troubles. They drafted offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds in the fifth and Vance Walker in the seventh. Reynolds has opened the last two seasons as a starter at right guard. Walker was a contributor before signing with Oakland in free agency.
• 2008: There was a run on left tackles. With the Falcons needing protection for Matt Ryan, Dimitroff sent two second-round picks and a fourth-round pick to Washington in order to move back into the first round and pick Sam Baker with the 21st overall pick. They also received third- and fifth-round picks. The Falcons used those picks to select wide receiver Harry Douglas (84th overall) and defensive end Kroy Biermann (154th).

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST VIDEO: D. Led: Dante Fowler Jr. Fits Falcons

[g-dawg]

talk about a false title - nothing in his article backs up the title. D-Led is "click-bait".

[slamee101]

they keep teasing it (Falcons move up for Dante Fowler) but don't even know where the rumor is coming from - anybody know?

I don't understand how we give up picks in this draft with our horrendous depth throughout our team.

maybe just a BS rumor - probably - of course Falcons have the reputation since Julio trade so there are always "Falcons move up" rumors.

Saw the rumor earlier today. Had it in my head that it was coming from a source other than Ledbetter.

I know he worked with him at UF but I don't see it unless Quinn is completely convinced that Beasley, Gregory, Ray or Dupree can't hold a candle to Fowler and I doubt he does.

[FalconFanSince1969]

If this happens and people pin it on Dimi Ill laugh pretty hard.

[g-dawg]

looks like PFT started the speculation - just speculation - not even a rumor....good grief:

The Falcons could be eye-balling a move for Dante Fowler

Posted by Darin Gantt on April 27, 2015, 10:24 AM EDT

Getty Images

The Falcons have made at least one trade in each of General Manager Thomas Dimitroff’s seven drafts in charge, some of them bigger than others.

And according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of theAtlanta Journal Constitution, the next one might be to acquire the pass-rusher they’ve needed for a few years.

With the traditional “it shouldn’t be a surprise” qualifier, Ledbetter suggests the target is Florida defensive end Dante Fowler.

New Falcons coach Dan Quinn recruited Fowler when he was a Gators assistant and coached him two years, but the need goes beyond their familiarity. The Falcons badly need to find a pass-rusher to go along with their defensive makeover this offseason.

“There is a lot of discussions already about moving both ways with a lot of our peers in the league,” Dimitroff said. “A lot of it has to do with what goes down with the top three picks. That’s going to set the tone for how much movement there is into the top 10 and even in the top five.”

That third spot, currently owned by Jacksonville, could be the pivot for the Falcons, as the Jaguars could justify using it on Fowler, defensive tackle Leonard Williams or a receiver such as Amari Cooper. Then again, the Jaguars have sufficient needs that they could find a fit deeper in the draft, and the eighth spot would suffice.

Jacksonville general manager Dave Caldwell worked for Dimitroff, so there’s also a familiarity there that could help facilitate a deal.

[HaRdH3ad]

I think sitting @ 8 and taking Dupree is worst than a trade up of any kind. Unless we just want the best broad jumper

[ArthursMoustache]

Lots of anti - Fowler people on here. Mayock thinks he is arguably the best in the class. Hysterical that everyone is so anti-Fowler when arguably every single professional that does this for a living has him as 1 or 2 as pass rush. He can rush from anywhere with his size, can push the pile, seal the edge and drop back to cover.

He doesn't get minimized like Gregory. Gregory is better in space chasing people down though.

I'll put my faith in Quinn, we'll be interesting to see what happens.

Edited April 27, 2015 by NewBird

[g-dawg]

Lots of anti - Fowler people on here. Mayock thinks he is arguably the best in the class. Hysterical that everyone is so anti-Fowler when arguably every single professional that does this for a living has him as 1 or 2 as pass rush.

yeah......a few popular TATF'ers, that in fairness typically know their stuff, came out hard against Dante Fowler out of the gate and poisoned the well for the entire forum.

I've been fairly agnostic re: him but figured he was out of our range so did not focus on him at all - guess I need to look into him some more - not that Quinn and Dimitroff care what I think - LOL.

[slamee101]

Lots of anti - Fowler people on here. Mayock thinks he is arguably the best in the class. Hysterical that everyone is so anti-Fowler when arguably every single professional that does this for a living has him as 1 or 2 as pass rush. He can rush from anywhere with his size, can push the pile, seal the edge and drop back to cover.

He doesn't get minimized like Gregory. Gregory is better in space chasing people down though.

I'll put my faith in Quinn, we'll be interesting to see what happens.

Cuz we know when the experts say a guy is can't miss....he's can't miss.

I like Mayock and typically trust his assessments but he's wrong about guys just like they all are. He believed in Pat White at QB years ago.

Fowler can be good, might even be the best in this class. I just question that he's going to be that much better than Beasley, Gregory or Ray. I think it's fair to be a little skeptical of the guy. It's obviously not all about sacks but he racked up 3 of his 8.5 last season against ECU in a bowl game.

[DonDaLuvMaker]

Chris Collinsworth just called Fowler the best player in the draft on the NBC Sports draft preview special.

Pass

[ArthursMoustache]

yeah......a few popular TATF'ers, that in fairness typically know their stuff, came out hard against Dante Fowler out of the gate and poisoned the well for the entire forum.

I've been fairly agnostic re: him but figured he was out of our range so did not focus on him at all - guess I need to look into him some more.

I'm a Gator grad and was disappointed with his play this year...until I heard all the crap that MeatStick asked him to do. Hand in the dirt, stand up etc. He was asked to play 3 positions for the most part because MeatStick is a moron.

[Francis York Morgan]

yeah......a few popular TATF'ers, that in fairness typically know their stuff, came out hard against Dante Fowler out of the gate and poisoned the well for the entire forum.

I've been fairly agnostic re: him but figured he was out of our range so did not focus on him at all - guess I need to look into him some more - not that Quinn and Dimitroff care what I think - LOL.

Prepare for massive disappointment.

Mayock liked Daquan Bowers and Clayborn as his 1 and 2 pass rushers that year despite so many better players coming out, it's not like the dude has a good track record.

D.Led is full of it. No chance we get Fowler imo.

[ArthursMoustache]

Cuz we know when the experts say a guy is can't miss....he's can't miss.

I like Mayock and typically trust his assessments but he's wrong about guys just like they all are. He believed in Pat White at QB years ago.

Fowler can be good, might even be the best in this class. I just question that he's going to be that much better than Beasley, Gregory or Ray. I think it's fair to be a little skeptical of the guy. It's obviously not all about sacks but he racked up 3 of his 8.5 last season against ECU in a bowl game.

And played with a roster that stunk against top competition. Beasley was freed up due to his middle linebacker getting so much attention. Gregory played in the BigTen *yawn*.

Quinn has more history with him than anyone else. So you're telling me that you've got more info on Fowler than DQ?? hahahaha

[Captain Insano]

Like we were supposed to move up for Clowney?!..everything now is just rumors

[g-dawg]

Cuz we know when the experts say a guy is can't miss....he's can't miss.

I like Mayock and typically trust his assessments but he's wrong about guys just like they all are. He believed in Pat White at QB years ago.

Fowler can be good, might even be the best in this class. I just question that he's going to be that much better than Beasley, Gregory or Ray. I think it's fair to be a little skeptical of the guy. It's obviously not all about sacks but he racked up 3 of his 8.5 last season against ECU in a bowl game.

yeah, to move up, Fowler needs to be head-n-shoulders better than Ray and Beasley - If all were available, I might take Fowler, but it is not enough of a no-brainer to justify trading up and losing our 2nd round pick - don't like that.

[A-TowN.-]

That's what I've been saying too. Our overall team AND depth can be improved at every level. can be upgraded outside of Ryan, Julio, Trufant, and Matthews. I don't think trading away picks is very smart when you see how many holes we have. That said, I think we may just sit tight and get either Beasley or Ray. We just need one of those top 5 pass rushers (preferability without trading up).

[g-dawg]

That's what I've been saying too. Our overall team AND depth can be improved at every level. can be upgraded outside of Ryan, Julio, Trufant, and Matthews. I don't think trading away picks is very smart when you see how many holes we have. That said, I think we may just sit tight and get either Beasley or Ray. We just need one of those top 5 pass rushers (preferability without trading up).

I agree....well said.

[DonDaLuvMaker]

And played with a roster that stunk against top competition. Beasley was freed up due to his middle linebacker getting so much attention. Gregory played in the BigTen *yawn*.

Quinn has more history with him than anyone else. So you're telling me that you've got more info on Fowler than DQ?? hahahaha

Even though I'm not high on Gregory either, the conference that he played in means nothing.

You know who else who played in the Big Ten?

JJ Watt and Ndamukong Suh

[HEIST]

I wanna see what happens if we stay put. I'm starting to get a vibe that Fowler may slip. Jaguars are pretty unconventional nowadays.

[Guest Mr Plow]

I think sitting @ 8 and taking Dupree is worst than a trade up of any kind. Unless we just want the best broad jumper

Or unless we want the guy who was the career sack leader in the SEC for active players at the end of last season.

[slamee101]

And played with a roster that stunk against top competition. Beasley was freed up due to his middle linebacker getting so much attention. Gregory played in the BigTen *yawn*.

Quinn has more history with him than anyone else. So you're telling me that you've got more info on Fowler than DQ?? hahahaha

Clearly you're a Fowler fan but calm down bro. We don't even know what Quinn's real assessment of Fowler is. Just because he coached him that doesn't mean squat. Think Taylor Mays/Pete Carroll/Earl Watson. Would you really expect Quinn to say anything publicly? Especially right before the draft?

This is not a shot at the kid. He might be great. I just don't see where he's head and shoulders above everyone else in the pass rush group projected to go in the 1st round.

[slamee101]

yeah, to move up, Fowler needs to be head-n-shoulders better than Ray and Beasley - If all were available, I might take Fowler, but it is not enough of a no-brainer to justify trading up and losing our 2nd round pick - don't like that.

Exactly!