Falcons ignoring DL, OL needs

By D. Orlando Ledbetter | Sunday, April 27, 2008, 03:03 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Some themes are starting to develop as the Falcons move deep into their first draft under rookie general manager Thomas Dimitroff.

He’s picking major college players who were productive. It’s a strategy that Bill Polian, longtime president of the Indianapolis Colts has used throughout his career. It’s been successful with the Colts and in Buffalo.

The one disturbing thing about the Falcons draft thus far is that they have ignored their defensive tackle spot and after picking Sam Baker, haven’t addressed their offensive line issues.

Seems like they are confident that offensive line coach Paul Boudreau and defensive line coach Ray “Sugar Bear” Hamilton can whip their troops into shape. If all else fails on the defensive line, Big Grady Jackson is still available as a free agent. Maybe Rod Coleman will come back at a reduced rate when he gets healthy.

Maybe Sam Baker is good enough to block everybody.

Here’s a look at what they’ve done today:

Chevis Jackson, Louisiana State, CB, 5-11, 188 — Is a tough and rugged cornerback, but lacks top flight speed.

Harry Douglas, Louisville, WR, 5-11, 176 — A speed merchant from Jonesboro High with great running ability after the catch.

Thomas DeCoud, California FS, 6-1, 196 — Is considered hybrid safety. Has the range to play free safety and will come down into the box in run support.

Robert James, Arizona State, OLB, 5-10, 219 — The Sun Devils nation nicknamed him “The Beast” for his reckless style of play.

Kroy Biermann, DE, 6-3, 241—- Lone pick not from major conference. Played weakside linebacker at Hula Bowl.

Exactly...

I'm highly disappointed that we didn't do more to "run the ball and stop the run" in the trenches.

We've got time. Camp is a ways off. Who knows who they might sign before then. Plus June 1 cuts.

well if weiner and forney stay healthy the right side will be fine. Baker and blalock have been friends for a while and they will back each other up well. And mcclure has been pretty solid his whole career, so i think we'll be ok at OL because baker will be a day one OT.

Now yea, DT was not an issue aparently for TD, but remember, we did pick up 3 DT through FA and thats primarily for situation and depth reasons. So, i think it won't be much of a problem. At least they drafted a CB and an OLB, so we slowly getting there.

Even when we had Gandy, Blalock, McClure, Forney, and Weiner all starting last year our O-line STILL got absolutely raped by Tenn... The group as a whole simply aren't good enough. Per the draft apparently TD thought that only Gandy needed to be replaced. Unless something changes Turner is just going to get stuffed in the backfield over and over and over just like Dunn & Norwood did last year...

i agree w/ ya that they shoulda gotten more trench warfare players. But, we were lucky enough to get sam baker, so at least TD made the effort and got one for us. But, we still have june 1st cuts left and i think TD isn't done improving this team yet. But, we shouldn't expect the falcons to have a winning record or a losing record just after one draft.

All i wanna do now is sit back and sip on some beers and celebrate the fact that vick is not gonna be a falcon ever again.........phew. :beer:

I see Sam Baker as a desperation move to protect Ryan's blindside since Weiner (and Foster) are hurt.

I don't see him improving our running game.

well, signing turner itself did improve our running game regardless of the O-line...............but, just a little bit. Ovi will finally be used a lot to pick up the blitz and on top of the turner isn't gonna fall down on first contact like dunn and norwood do.

But, yes, we need depth at oline regardless, so at least we agree on there, like we usually agreed back on the atlantafalcons.com forum.