KSPR Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons
By Ben Knaup, KSPR News
Just a little over a year ago, the Atlanta Falcons pulled together one of the shortest and most effective rebuilding projects of all time.
2007 had been devastating year. Former Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick was charged with, and subsequently pled guilty to, crimes associated with dog fighting and sentenced to 23 months in prison. The day after Vick's sentencing, head coach Bobby Petrino resigned with three games left on the schedule to take over the coaching duties at the University of Arkansas. Atlanta went on to finish the season with a 4-12 record and looked for all the world the picture of a franchise in disarray.
Things began to turn around modestly enough on January 13th when president Rich McKay handed over the general manager duties to former Patriots director of college scouting Thomas Dimitroff. Ten days later, Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Smith was named head coach, and they were on their way.
In March, Dimitroff signed free agent RB Michael Turner. Then in April, the Falcons selected Boston College QB Matt Ryan. Turner went on to rush for 1,699 yards and finished second in league MVP voting. Ryan was similarly decorated, capturing offensive rookie of the year honors. Atlanta finished 11-5 and capped off their turnaround with a berth into the playoffs.
This season, the expectations are higher and the needs are fewer. Yet the Falcons still require some work before they're ready to make a serious run at their second Super Bowl appearance. Grady Jackson's departure for Detroit left Smith with a pair of defensive tackles who fall short of 300lbs. That may put him in the market for a space eater to park in the middle of his line. Unfortunately for him, this isn't a great draft to try to find such a player. B.J. Raji of Boston College could be that guy and is a fine talent, but there is no chance he will still be on the board at 24. That leaves Mississippi's Peria Jerry as the only viable option, but he does not appear to have the size and strength necessary to absorb double teams and still hold the point of attack. Raji's teammate at BC, Ron Brace, tips the scales at 330lbs. and is ideally suited to that sort of work, but he's more likely to be a guy Atlanta targets with their second round pick.
The Falcons could also use a pass rusher to play opposite John Abraham, but the best of this class will be gone before they get a crack at any of them, as well. They'll have to look to add depth at DE in the later rounds of the draft.
In the end, an already dangerous offense will get even better when Atlanta snags Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew. Tight end is not a gaping hole that needs to be filled, but it is an area that can definitely be improved. Ben Hartsock and Justin Peelle are serviceable, but Pettigrew is far and away the best end in the draft, and one of the better players available, period.
At 6'5", 263lbs., Pettigrew has prototypical size. He also has excellent hands and runs well after the catch. Although he is not really elusive, the former Cowboy is powerful and can break tackles. And while he qualifies as a good receiver, he is an outstanding blocker. Pettigrew is strong and can anchor at the point of attack. In addition, he's very physical and genuinely enjoys the combat that takes place along the line of scrimmage.
As good as he is, there are reasons he'll still be on the board instead of getting plucked in the initial half of the first round. His speed is on the low end of average, so he'll never be one to stretch the field like so many of the elite tight ends in the NFL today. There are also some character issues, stemming from an incident about a year ago in which he elbowed a police officer in the chest. That, and concerns that he tends to motor on and off during games, hasn't helped his draft stock any either.
For a team that wants to run the ball as frequently as Atlanta, Pettigrew is capable of making a significant impact. One more top shelf blocker will only make Turner that much more effective, and Ryan can certainly make use of a big, sure-handed target in the middle of the field as well. The Falcons are getting a proven difference maker, and with Pettigrew in the lineup, have the look of a top-tier offense.
Smith's squad stands to improve on the 11 wins they reached in 2008, and if Ryan can make the strides sometimes associated with second-year quarterbacks, the Falcons will be a serious contender in the NFC this season.
What a difference a year makes.