SBNation.com User Blog: Donny.K

Donny's Atlanta Falcons 2013 Mock Draft (3 Rounds)

Donny.K — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 14:36:32 -0000

Well it's been a while since I've updated my Falcons Mock Draft and with the NFL and College football season about at the half-way mark, now would be a great time to update my mock draft!

Round One: Dallas Thomas - G/T

I know that we need to upgrade our pass-rush, however, there is a chance that Sam Baker doesn't re-sign with the Falcons. Dallas Thomas played LT for three years before being moved to LG, where he has also shown a lot of promise in. RG is still a position that can be upgraded as well. Plus we all know how much Dimitroff and Smitty love OL that can play multiple positions. Plus, we would have the makings of a new, young OL with Konz, Holmes, and Thomas for years to come.

Previous pick: Alex Okafor - DE

Round Two: Margus Hunt - DE

If you don't know who Margus Hunt is, he is simply an athletic freak, at 6'8 380, Margus has only played a couple years of football, he's a former junior discus throw champion, which will probably drop him down to the second round, however, he's well worth the risk late in the second round.

Previous pick: Joseph Fauria - TE

Round Three: Mike Gillislee - RB

Think about how dangerous our offense would be if Turner wasn't burned out? Well, we get Turner's replacement and save ourselves 6 million dollars as well. Turner has had some good games, however he's becoming too inconsistent, he runs with burst in some games, and then he looks like he has no fuel in the tank in others. With Gillislee, we will be getting a physical downhill power back that can take over the reins and add some balance to our offense.

Previous pick: Alvin Bailey - G/T

Well it's been a while since I've updated my Falcons Mock Draft and with the NFL and College football season about at the half-way mark, now would be a great time to update my mock draft!

Round One: Dallas Thomas - G/T

Previous pick: Alex Okafor - DE

Round Two: Margus Hunt - DE

Previous pick: Joseph Fauria - TE

Round Three: Mike Gillislee - RB

Previous pick: Alvin Bailey - G/T

Falcaholic Fantasy Football Week 1 Chat!

Donny.K — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 14:44:37 -0000

All are welcomed! Come here to discuss, argue, smack talk, and give advice among all members of the Falcoholic fantasy leagues and others!

Week 1 Match-ups:

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Minnesota Vikings

Indianapolis Colts @ Chicago Bears

Philadelphia Eagles @ Cleveland Browns

Saint Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions

New England Patriots @ Tennessee Titans

Atlanta Falcons @ Kansas City Chiefs

Washington Redskins @ New Orleans Saints

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Miami Dolphins @ Houston Texans

San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders

Discuss!

All are welcomed! Come here to discuss, argue, smack talk, and give advice among all members of the Falcoholic fantasy leagues and others!

Week 1 Match-ups:

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Minnesota Vikings

Indianapolis Colts @ Chicago Bears

Philadelphia Eagles @ Cleveland Browns

Saint Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions

New England Patriots @ Tennessee Titans

Atlanta Falcons @ Kansas City Chiefs

Washington Redskins @ New Orleans Saints

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Miami Dolphins @ Houston Texans

San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders

Discuss!

Donny's 2013 Atlanta Falcon's Mock Draft (3 Rounds)

Donny.K — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:48:58 -0000

Hey all, there have been major changes in all three rounds! Let's get this started.

1st Round: DE Alex Okafor - You can never have too many pass rushers, especially in a league where you have to compete against Brees, Newton, and even Freeman twice a year. While we have depth at the position and several players have potential, we need either someone to step up or the FO could decide to cut their losses and move forward. Also, I've been impressed with Peria Jerry's play of late, if Peters comes back completely recovered from his mysterious foot injury, I think DT could become a position of strength this season.

Previous pick: DT Kawann Short

2nd Round: TE Joseph Fauria - Possibly the most well-rounded TE of the draft, at 6'7 258 lbs, Fauria would upgrade our TE and be a great replacement for the future first ballot HoF Tony Gonzalez. With Fauria on the field, the Falcons could boast one of the best receiver corps in the NFL. With Fauria, we will also have an excellent back-up in Michael Palmer.

Previous pick: DE Delvin Taylor

3rd Round: T/G Alvin Bailey - A Freshmen All-SEC selection, as well as a Second-Team All-SEC selection last season, Bailey will finally shore up the RG position and allow Konz play C where he belongs. Bailey has a high ceiling and could contribute immediately. Oh, he can also play Tackle, and we all know how much Smitty loves versatility when it come to offensive linemen.

Previous pick: RB Cameron Marshall

Hey all, there have been major changes in all three rounds! Let's get this started.

Previous pick: DT Kawann Short

Previous pick: DE Delvin Taylor

Previous pick: RB Cameron Marshall

Could MJD soon become a Falcon?

Donny.K — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 23:50:33 -0000

It's official, MJD will soon be on the trade block: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8290567/sources-holdout-jacksonville-jaguars-running-back-maurice-jones-drew-now-open-trade

A team that comes immediately to mind who would be heavily interested in MJD? The Falcons.

Both Koetter and Mike Smith have close ties to MJD, with both serving as defensive and offensive coordinators for the Jaguars while MJD played for the same team, so obviously both men know what MJD could bring to the table. Dimitrov has also shown that he is willing to gamble if he thinks it would take our team to the next level. A tandem of RBs in MJD and Rodgers sure would be a beautiful thing. Also, do not forget about the 3rd/4th round compensatory pick that we will receive from Lofton's departure, so we will also be in a position to trade an early round pick to sweeten the pot.

Discuss!

It's official, MJD will soon be on the trade block: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8290567/sources-holdout-jacksonville-jaguars-running-back-maurice-jones-drew-now-open-trade

A team that comes immediately to mind who would be heavily interested in MJD? The Falcons.

Discuss!

Andy Reid's son, Garrett, found dead.

Donny.K — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 14:20:56 -0000

Andy Reid's son, Garrett, found dead.

Please keep the Reid family in your prayers.

Donny's Atlanta Falcons 2013 Mock Draft (4 Rounds)

Donny.K — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 02:17:37 -0000

Hey all, I'm bored and after reading through the comments on my Mock Draft, and considering that I doubt the Falcons will switch to a 3-4 anytime soon. I've decided to add several more rounds to the Draft, however this is bound to change as the year and both college and professional football seasons progress.

Round 1: DT Kawann Short (Purdue) - 6'3 310 lbs

Kawann has rare pass rushing ability coveted by the 4-3 scheme and will be what Peria Jerry was suppose to be back in 2009. Posting back to back 6 sack seasons as a interior pass rusher is very impressive, Short has shown to be a consistent and efficient interior pass rusher and could serve as a great compliment to emerging star Corey Peters, and gives us an excellent interior defensive line tandem for years to come. Let's face it, it doesn't seem as if Jerry will ever live up to his first round status, especially after mangling his knee. Kawann gives us a fresh start.

Round 2: DE Delvin Taylor (South Carolina) - 6'7 248 lbs

A possible sleeper in the draft, Taylor saw less play in 2011 while competing for playing time against first round pick Melvin Ingram and freshman Clowney, even so, Taylor has still managed to rack up 7.5 sacks; the same amount he posted his sophomore season in 2010. Taylor could push into first round consideration with a double digit season in the sacks department. A speed rusher, Taylor could take over as our pass rush specialist and finally replace Abraham. Taylor could be a great value here as the 2013 draft is shaping up to be deep at the DE position this year.

Round 3: RB Cameron Marshall (Arizona State) - 5'11 223 lbs

Turner showed a lot of wear and tear down the stretch in the 2011 season. Marshall, a power back with excellent vision and cutting ability broke out last year with a 1,050 yards rushing, 4.6 ypc, and 18 touchdowns. Marshall has the ability to be a 3 down back in the NFL, and could be a great compliment to the elusive Rodgers.

Round 4: LB Rico Johnson (Alabama) - 6'3 245 lbs

Johnson, who shared a starting position with C.J. Mosley, is an athletic linebacker who can play both inside or outside linebacker, Johnson will be coming out of a great program which has produced a number of quality defenders over the past few years. Johnson is expected to start on the inside for the Crimson Tide in 2012. Johnson is a solid linebacker with the athleticism to play both inside and outside linebacker and will provide depth for a rather thin linebacker corps and could compete with either Dent or Nicholas for their jobs.

Why not double dip on the defensive line? We have to find either Abraham's successor or a great interior defensive lineman, why not get both? I know it's tough to judge the draft class right now, however, it certainly seems that the 2013 Draft will be quite deep at DE. Since 2000, the falcons have spent several first round picks on defensive linemen; 2007 first round pick Jamaal Anderson and 2009 first round pick Peria Jerry. Both have not lived up to their first round status. Perhaps this time around, things will be different.

Round 1: DT Kawann Short (Purdue) - 6'3 310 lbs

Round 2: DE Delvin Taylor (South Carolina) - 6'7 248 lbs

Round 3: RB Cameron Marshall (Arizona State) - 5'11 223 lbs

Round 4: LB Rico Johnson (Alabama) - 6'3 245 lbs

Donny's Ridiculously Early Atlanta Falcon's 2013 Mock Draft (2 Rounds)

Donny.K — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 01:06:21 -0000

While I know the draft is only 3 months behind us, but even then, mock drafts are a year round hobby. Call me crazy, but I think that the Falcons could transition very smoothly into a great 3-4 Defense, and I also think that Nolan will eventually sway the Front Office into switching our base defense over to the 3-4 scheme by the end of the season. If not, well then, that's the beauty of drafts, they're always changing.

1st Round: Manti Te'o (Notre Dame) - ILB

Let's face it, it is becoming more evident that Tatupu's injury is serious and suddenly our LB corps seems a little thin doesn't it? Te'o has the physical tools and athleticism to play in both the 4-3 and 3-4 scheme. For starters, let me say that I think Akeem Dent will emerge as a quality 2-down ILB, a kind of Lofton 2.0. However, Te'o is too good of a player to pass up and instantly adds depth at the LB position. Manti Te'o would also gives us a young LB core with Spoon, Dent, Nicholas, and Te'o.

2nd Round: Jesse Williams (Alabama) - DT/NT

I don't know about you, but Corey Peters minor pre-season injury has reveals that we are rather thin at DT. With Peria Jerry looking more and more like a bust and Babineaux aging, and Walker still unproven. What would happen if either Peters, or Babineaux go down with a season ending injury? We need Babineaux's heir and we get him with Jesse William, who will also have the flexibility to play as a NT.

Both of these players could contribute in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. So they would make sense for our team already as they have the capabilities to thrive under both schemes. Their versatility could appeal to our FO, especially if they are a bit wary to switch our base defense to the 3-4.

Feel free to discuss! Like I said, Mock Drafts are always changing, and I will add more rounds and update my Atlanta Falcon's 2013 Mock Draft, especially as both the college and NFL seasons go forward.

1st Round: Manti Te'o (Notre Dame) - ILB

2nd Round: Jesse Williams (Alabama) - DT/NT

Donny's Atlanta Falcon's 2013 Training Camp Dark Horse Pick

Donny.K — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 15:26:28 -0000

One of the many joys of the pre-season is the rising of one our mid to late round picks, or even UDFAs, who rises against the odds or the expectations of them. Think like guys such as Jacquizz Rodgers, Corey Peters, and evenpro bowlers such as Brent Grimes (I have never even heard of Shippensburg). Some were projects, some came out of nowhere, and some have come to rise under the tutelage of a great coach. In case you don't know a lot about the Falcon's new offensive line coach, Pat Hill, you should read up on him at that Falcons home page, under Coaches Rosters.

Donny's Dark Horse Selection: Andrew Jackson, RG

Now I know the position selection shouldn't surprise, especially after mentioning Pat Hill, but I bet you didn't think I would select 2011 7th round draft pick Andrew Jackson, eh?A 2009 first-team Academic All-American, Jackson was an absolute bulldozer and helped Ryan Mathews to earn his first round ranking. Many people thought Andrew Jackson was one of the best guards in the country, prior to the 2010 season in which he injured his ankle in mid-September, which required surgery and didn't allow him to resume play until December.

Jackson was cut from the active roster during the severely shortened and rushed off-season last year, but he was signed to our practice squad. However, I think Andrew Jackson finds himself with an opportunity to not only make the roster, but possibly emerge as a starter later in the season.

Andrew Jackson will have the benefit of being coached by former head coach Pat Hill, who will undoubtedly know how to get 110% from Jackson. Andrew is also two years removed from injury, which means he is more than likely completely recovered from the injury that saw his draft stock plummet. There is also no denying Andrew Jackson physical upside, at 6'5 and only 295 lbs, he could easily add on 10-15 pounds of muscle after a year in a NFL Strength and Conditioning program. He also posted 25 reps at the Combine, compared to Konz's 18,

Jackson has the physical tools as well as the technique for him to be a starter, possibly even a pro-bowler, however, I think that a severely shortened off-season and perceived depth at the position led to Jackson being demoted to practice squad. I think that after a year in the system, and former college head coach Pat Hill now coaching Jackson, as well as a full length off-season/Training Camp, Andrew Jackson could very well become our #2 RG and eventual starter at RG. He certainly has the opportunity to do so.

Donny's Dark Horse Selection: Andrew Jackson, RG

Lamar Holmes will miss Rookie Mini-Camp with Foot Injury.

Donny.K — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:07:23 -0000

It seems that the third round draft pick will miss the three day mini-camp with a minor foot issue that he sustained before the camp began. Smith commented that the organization knew about the issue before the camp started and that him missing the camp is out of caution. He also went on to comment that he will most likely start with the rest of the teams at the end of the month once OTAs at the end of the month.

So, is anyone else disappointed not to see Holmes take the field with the rest of the rookies?

Here's the link: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/05/11/falcons-tackle-lamar-holmes-has-a-left-foot-injury/

So, is anyone else disappointed not to see Holmes take the field with the rest of the rookies?

Here's the link: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/05/11/falcons-tackle-lamar-holmes-has-a-left-foot-injury/