G-Dawg: Burnt out on Mocks, but tradition, y'know? (FINAL)

[papachaz]

5 hours ago, Krosis said:

I’d be very happy if next week played out just like this. 

was going to say the same thing. this would make me happy

[takeitdown]

Think if it sets up this way, we'd be well served to take a pass catcher in the 2nd (a falling TE or receiver), and try to get a combo of Hall (or similar) and Hines in 3 and 4.

If Hall is legit your draft makes us better, but I think we really need to bring in an earlier receiver, who will end up with 600 or so snaps is a game changer.  Our offense with a better 3, and Hines as a RB is much more dangerous.  The same is true if we get a legit TE instead of one of those 2.

 

 

[g-dawg]

27 minutes ago, takeitdown said:

Think if it sets up this way, we'd be well served to take a pass catcher in the 2nd (a falling TE or receiver), and try to get a combo of Hall (or similar) and Hines in 3 and 4.

If Hall is legit your draft makes us better, but I think we really need to bring in an earlier receiver, who will end up with 600 or so snaps is a game changer.  Our offense with a better 3, and Hines as a RB is much more dangerous.  The same is true if we get a legit TE instead of one of those 2.

 

 

One of the reasons I am so skeptical about drafting a WR early is how utterly ineffective Sark was at getting Taylor Gabriel the ball.   Why would drafting another slot WR be any different?

[takeitdown]

15 minutes ago, g-dawg said:

One of the reasons I am so skeptical about drafting a WR early is how utterly ineffective Sark was at getting Taylor Gabriel the ball.   Why would drafting another slot WR be any different?

Well, if our OC can't get the a 3rd WR or 2nd TE the ball, we're cooked anyway.

So I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt that he can (or the next person will) get a 3rd WR or 2nd TE open.

Maybe he is better with a speedster than a jitterbug.  I think we would actually do much better with a speed WR who can play outside since Sanu stays inside.  Last year we basically had 2 slots out there.  Let's get an actual deep threat.

A combo of that in the 2nd, and your RB/WR hybrid in the 4th (if he dropped) would give us different body types and get open styles.

I have legitimate concerns about Sark, but we can't just keep losing talent on offense and not try to replace it.  This offense with Robinson, Gabriel and Tamme is a way better offense than the one we have now, partially because of Robinson, Gabriel, and Tamme.  We need to have guys at least that calibre around.

[atlbaby]

@g-dawg good job although I prefer Nathan Shepherd before Hall/Hill.

I don't see them drafting a OT since they basically used their 5th on one with Ty Sambrailo.

 

[The O.D.B]

4 hours ago, g-dawg said:

but you said that PJ Hall's tape was bad - if his tape was bad, why would Quinn and Dimitroff even bother? after all, like you said - he comes from a small school with lesser competition.

To me, his vids were not good...at least not good enough to justify a 2nd round pick. I'd be fine using a 4th-7th on him. Just like highlight videos my take on a DT should be taken with a grain of salt. I'll admit to myself and you that I'm horrible with inside D guys. I've been able to identify starters but, nothing special. I'm much better with the finesse positions.

Why they went: could've seen something. DQ and TD are always looking for those low cost gems and his testing alone deserves a visit if your doing your job.

If we get him, I hope he's Grady 2.0 or better. It would be another example of how bad I am on the inside of the DL but, I can live with that.

[1989Fan]

Alot to like here. Hall the only pick I’m not too high on. Not Hall as a prospect, but 1-2 rounds early IMO. 

I had mentioned before, like Toth, he could contribute in big TE sets with bunched tackles. He is naaasty. 

Get me a WR or Edge in 2 and I am all good! Would still like some veteran talent at DT if we draft one early. Wouldn’t mind bringing Rubin back in.

[Sandy5prings]

I like the top 3 picks. Taven Bryan and PJ Hall could set up our DL well for a few years. I love Nyheim Hines as an change of pace RB and return guy. He fast! 

[TheDirtyWordII]

Bryan is a likely pick for sure.  I’m not sold though he’s the Falcons ‘guy’ there insofar as they pick him even if there is someone higher on their board.  In short, I’m not sold on selling out for DT in Round 1.  That said, if Bryan is a Falcon come Friday, it makes sense and would be a solid pick.

I love the prospect of Hall.  To your point though, I do think 2nd round is too rich.

You know I’ll crticize the lack of addressing WR though. I don’t think Hines qualifies.

[vel]

I think you take Hall WAY too early but I wouldn't be mad if this was the draft haul. I agree if they take Bryan, they are going to follow up with a more traditional DT. I think Hall can cause fits in the right scheme. I'm a big Hines fan. I was wondering why it was taking so long for his hype to build. He's a great all around back, one of those backs NE has killed the league with for a decade now. Still think we'd need another WR that can win on the boundary, but that's nit picking. 

[Knight of God]

[Wjcorner]

6 hours ago, g-dawg said:

One of the reasons I am so skeptical about drafting a WR early is how utterly ineffective Sark was at getting Taylor Gabriel the ball.   Why would drafting another slot WR be any different?

Gabriel needed to be manufactured plays...

 

Personally, I see a lot of Koetter in Sark’s offense...like a more balanced Koetter offense. I doubt Gabriel would succeed in that offense either, but we wrecked teams with pass catchers 3 deep(4 if you want to count HD).

[theProf]

On ‎4‎/‎22‎/‎2018 at 1:45 PM, falconidae said:

Look at the Oline list again, from beef's thread:

OT Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame -1st
OT Kolton Miller, UCLA - 1st-2nd
OC Frank Ragnow, Arkansas - 2nd
OG Braden Smith, Auburn - 2nd-3rd
OT Tyrell Crosby, Oregon - 3rd
OT Brandon Parker, North Carolina A&T - 3rd
OC James Daniel, Iowa - 3rd

There's a lot of 2nd and 3rd round grades there-more than on the Dline prospect list, while the Dline group has more 1st rounders on it.

Of the above linemen, only McGlinchey and Ragnow have had an official visit or private workout with the Falcons. It's been my observation that Atlanta generally drafts players whom they are most interested enough in to have a private workout/visit with them. I doubt Atlanta drafts an OT in the first round, and being the highest rated OT in this year's draft, McGlinchey will probably even be gone before Atlanta picks. The only other viable Offensive Lineman that  Atlanta has shown real interest in drafting within the first three rounds is Ragnow.

However, Atlanta has had private workouts or official visits from several late-round Offensive Linemen: OT Corey Cunningham, OT Rick Leonard, OG Tony Adams, OG Anthony Coyle, OG Matthew Gono, OG Corey Helms, OC Patrick Morris and OC Tejen Koroma.  If Atlanta drafts an Offensive Lineman this year, I think it will most likely be from this group of players in either the 6th or 7th round.

[Vandy]

11 hours ago, takeitdown said:

Well, if our OC can't get the a 3rd WR or 2nd TE the ball, we're cooked anyway.

So I'm going to give the 

I have legitimate concerns about Sark, but we can't just keep losing talent on offense and not try to replace it.  This offense with Robinson, Gabriel and Tamme is a way better offense than the one we have now, partially because of Robinson, Gabriel, and Tamme.  We need to have guys at least that calibre around.

Glad someone else sees this too. 

[8ball N M.J.C.]

@g-dawg killed it

[falconidae]

11 hours ago, theProf said:

Of the above linemen, only McGlinchey and Ragnow have had an official visit or private workout with the Falcons. It's been my observation that Atlanta generally drafts players whom they are most interested enough in to have a private workout/visit with them. I doubt Atlanta drafts an OT in the first round, and being the highest rated OT in this year's draft, McGlinchey will probably even be gone before Atlanta picks. The only other viable Offensive Lineman that  Atlanta has shown real interest in drafting within the first three rounds is Ragnow.

However, Atlanta has had private workouts or official visits from several late-round Offensive Linemen: OT Corey Cunningham, OT Rick Leonard, OG Tony Adams, OG Anthony Coyle, OG Matthew Gono, OG Corey Helms, and OC Tejen Koroma.  If Atlanta drafts an Offensive Lineman this year, I think it will most likely be from this group of players in either the 6th or 7th round.

OK, then it's much less likely they draft an Olineman early. Thanks for the info.

[Diggable Birds]

I would like it if the draft turned out this way minus the third round pick I believe we can get a better wide receiver Possibly throw a late round running back in there

[g-dawg]

25 minutes ago, Diggable Birds said:

I would like it if the draft turned out this way minus the third round pick I believe we can get a better wide receiver Possibly throw a late round running back in there

the 3rd round pick - is mostly a RB - he just has the ability to play the slot.   But I hear you.   We might take a better WR than the one I have slated in the 7th round - valid criticism.

[ATLSlobberKnockers]

On 4/22/2018 at 0:49 PM, g-dawg said:

First let me say that when your draft slot is #26,  the odds are stacked ridiculously against you getting the pick right - if Falcons had the #1 overall pick, it would be hard to predict, much less giving 25 other GMs the chance to take DQ/TD/Pioli's preferred player.   Having daid that, this is a game and it is supposed to be fun - a plug here for @Draftnut57 game - "Pick 20" - where you get 20 picks and we see who can get the most Falcons draft picks out of the 20 you designate....fun game, you should link up and do it.   Here is link to it:   

Onward w/ the mock draft.   As I have said in past, at the beginning of draft season I do mocks based on what I would want the Falcons to do.   Prior to Free Agency, I wanted the Falcons to draft Georgia OG - Isaiah Wynn.    I was also hoping we could figure out a way to keep Poe - although I knew it wasn't feasible as he would get more than he is worth - and his 3yr $27mm deal is more than he is worth in my estimation for a guy that cannot regularly effect the QB.   Looking at what the Falcons ARE DOING with signing RG Brandon Fusco and re-structuring Andy Levitre - with Schweitzer/Garland(2nd rd tender) and Harlow - I just don't believe Falcons are going OG - so I am throwing Wynn and Hernandez overboard as draft possibilities.

As others have pointed out like @Unintentional Grounding @theProf @FentayeJones and others that keep up w/ it (thank you BTW),  Falcons are gonna pick players who they either workout, have in for visit to FB and/or attend Pro Days, interviews at NFL combine or Senior Bowl, etc.    Another plug link for this info is here:  

While not all workouts/visits become public knowledge - my peeps above and others have done a good job keeping track with most of them.    Wouldn't be shocked if we drafted some players not on this list and we found out later they had workouts, but this is best gathering of info. out there.    Also, from looking at this list, the positions that jump out that the Falcons have had the most contact with seems to be DT, CB, OLB, WR, RB, OT - probably would put them in that order.   We have worked out some TEs but not that many.   We have had meetings w/ a few edge rushers but not that many.   Obviously if a real draft steal at a position other than DT, CB, OLB, WR, RB, OT falls to us, we could go off script, but for now, I am going to stick to the script.

Ok.....whew, here we go - cannot believe after all of this I am going to give you a boring/predictable draft but here goes...

Falcons showed a ton of interest in Michael Bennett before watching him go to the SuperBowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.   Falcons love Bennett the player but I am sure Arthur Blank was not that impressed w/ Bennett the person and mix that up with his advancing age and large salary and Falcons likely bowed out towards the end.   However, I see Falcons #1 need is a player that can play on the edge on first downs and kick inside as a passrusher in the nickel - who better to draft to fit this scenario than.....

"With the 26th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select.....

#1-26)  TAVEN BRYAN, DT - University of Florida (6'4", 291lbs, 4.98/40, 30reps, 35" vert, 119" broad jump) - the big question many of you will have w/ this pick is just "will this guy fall all the way to #26?" and it is a fair question.   I believe he sneaks through as I think both Vea and Payne will fall down the draft board and neither will be selected before about pick#17.   I think he falls, he is a RAW prospect so that will give teams and GMs who are not as secure in their positions pause to take the risk.   Dan Quinn is so dialed in on what he wants from a defensive player that he will not hesitate.  Bryan will be looked at as a 5-tech and a 3-tech for the Falcons.

Taven Bryan checks off most of the boxes for what Dan Quinn wants in a defender - relentless player with a high motor-Check, quick for the position-Check, Warrior mentality-Check, throwing in that Taven Bryan was raised by a Navy Seal and was made to work hard at early age - well that just isn't even fair-Check, Check, Check!!!!!!!!!!!

NFL Comp:  Michael Bennett

 

Now onto round #2.   the list will stay the same and I am not taking DT off the list - remember in 2013 when Falcons took Trufant/Alford back-to-back on the double dip - if you recall that year, Falcons let Grimes walk - similiar to this year when we let Poe walk.   Looking at the list of DTs we have worked out, they all look like penetrating 3-Techs - not pure NTs - would not be surprised if Ahytubi Rubin already knows he will be re-signed as depth and short yardage.  I have a surprise pick here and I think he leaps ahead of the prospect we showed more interest in early in the process.  There was talk at the press conference that one player got moved up and I think it was this guy who had TD and DQ at his workout last week.

#2-58) P.J. Hall, DT - Sam Houston State (6'0", 300lbs - wasn't at NFL Combine but tested fast, jump high and quick at Pro Day) - it is no coincidence that the Falcons have shown late interest in this player and he is so often compared to Grady Jarrett.   Of course so far it has flopped, but Falcons increased their interest in Duke Riley because his natural comparison was Deion Jones who the Falcons loved in his rookie year.    I believe the Falcons would love to have a rotation of Jarrett, Bryan and Hall in the interior with Taven Bryan being able to kick out to 5-tech and rush from inside or outside.    This also frees up the Falcons to let Beasley walk should he have another unimpressive year - not saying that will happen or that I want it to - you are always better when your studs perform but I could see a scenario where the Falcons let Vic walk - even if Vic is re-signed, to have Takk/Vic/Jarrett/Bryan/Hall as passrushers would be a DQ fantasy.   Many pundits will deem this a "reach" pick just like they said Keanu Neal was a reach and Deion Jones was a reach - F-them!  We take him a round early because he won't make it to the back half of the 3rd round.

NFL Comp:  Grady Jarrett

 

#3-90) Nyheim Hines, RB/WR - NC State ( 5'8", 197lbs, 4.38/40, 35.5" vert,  119" broad jump) - this guy is the 2nd coming of Darren Sproles.   Just a big play machine and can be lined up in the slot.  He will apprentice under Teco for 1 year and will assume the 3rd down role and backup RB position after Teco moves on next year.   Should Teco be traded on draft day, he would step in as #2 RB on day#1.  Also has the versatility to be a slot WR with great hands.   NFL Comp:  Darren Sproles

 

4th rd)  Genard Avery, LB - Memphis (6'1", 248lbs, 4.59/40, 36" vert, 124" broad jump) - state champion power lifter and tested off the charts at the NFL combine for ability to explode - look at those numbers.   Can be a Day#1 special teams ace and provide good depth at MLB position.

 

6th rd) Brett Toth, OT/OG - Army (6'6", 291lbs) - Tough player but will need to be developed and likely headed for the Practice Squad.

 

7th rd) Michael Joseph, CB - Dubuque (6'1", 181lbs) raw talent who played Division 3 and dominated competition.  Will be a big adjustment to NFL level.  Could take a few years to develop but could be a find.   NFL Comp: Eric Rowe

 

7th rd) Vyncint Smith, WR - Limestone (6'3", 195lbs) - blazing speed at 4.36/40 and 39.5" vert - he can fly and jump out of the gym.  Not ready for prime time and likely practice squad candidate but he has traits that could be developed into a starter down the line if he has the work ethic.

 

The theme you continue to see above and in Dan Quinn drafts is "urgent athleticism" and all these guys above - on some level or another for their positions - show these traits.   Obviously as you make your way to the end of Day#3, you see more developmental players.   I look at Hines to be used as a #4 WR with 1-2 plays a game being run for him and an instant special teams return man.  Can work into the RB rotation as well with more prominent role in 2019.   We probably look to pick up a QB in UDFA early and more RB, CB and LB competition.

 

Like it all but a FB like Khalid Hill is a must. Either that or a FB/HB hard yarder like Ryan Nall

Edited April 24, 2018 by ATLSlobberKnockers

[g-dawg]

4 minutes ago, ATLSlobberKnockers said:

Like it all but a FB like Khalid Hill is a must. Either that or a FB/HB hard yarder like Ryan Nall

Nick Bawden, FB - San Diego St

BEAST

7th rd

[ATLSlobberKnockers]

Just now, g-dawg said:

Nick Bawden, FB - San Diego St

BEAST

7th rd

He's 2nd to me/ Hill's 2016 stats: 13 tds on 25 attempts and 2 receiving tds(converted TE) at Michigan pushes him over Bawden. I'd be happy with Bawden though.

[g-dawg]

51 minutes ago, ATLSlobberKnockers said:

He's 2nd to me/ Hill's 2016 stats: 13 tds on 25 attempts and 2 receiving tds(converted TE) at Michigan pushes him over Bawden. I'd be happy with Bawden though.

The only STAT that means anything to me for a fullback is receptions.   You don’t draft a FB to carry the ball.  90% of his job is blocking and get the occasional reception.