Pancake Blocks Mock: Pick No. 24
Andrew chimes in with the Falcons' pick at 24th overall.
The Atlanta Falcons concentrated on offense in the early rounds of last year's draft. The results were outstanding. This year they will turn their focus to the defensive side of the ball. They have a number of
needs to fill highlighted by cornerback, outside linebacker and defensive tackle. With no defensive tackles remaining worthy of this pick, their attention turns to cornerback.
Trading DeAngelo Hall to the Raiders left the secondary devoid of talent (albeit one of lesser value than his ego would have us believe) and now that Lawyer Milloy has left town they are lacking a leader. They thought
they had an answer when they traded for Dominique Foxworth but he evidently did not live up to expectations as they let him walk in free agency during the off season.
The NFC South is home to a uniquely talented trio of Pro Bowl wide receivers in Steve Smith, Marques Colston and Antonio Bryant. Darius Butler possesses the speed and athleticism to hang with all three. Butler didn't allow a touchdown reception or more than two catches for a first down to a receiver he covered in his last two years at UCONN. His coverage abilities will allow the Falcons to place Butler on an island and shift safety support to other areas of the field or up into the box to help defend the run. Butler has great hands for a defensive back which
will help the team improve their turnover margin.
With the 24th pick the Atlanta Falcons should select Darius Butler.
2009 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft
1. Detroit Lions (Sparty) - Jason Smith
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan) - Eugene Monroe
3. Kansas City Chiefs (Dude Abides) - Michael Crabtree
4. Seattle Seahawks (LunaticFringe) - Aaron Curry
5. Cleveland Browns (Thomas G.) - Aaron Maybin
6. Cincinnati Bengals (Wesseling) - Brian Orakpo
7. Oakland Raiders (Andrew W.) - Jeremy Maclin
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (Matt G.) - B.J. Raji
9. Green Bay Packers (Bob) - Michael Oher
10. San Francisco 49ers (Wes H.) - Everette Brown
11. Buffalo Bills (Mark P.) - Brandon Pettigrew
12. Denver Broncos (Michael R.) - Mark Sanchez
13. Washington Redskins (Ryan J.) - Andre Smith
14. New Orleans Saints (Scott K.) - Malcolm Jenkins
15. Houston Texans (Shyam) - Tyson Jackson
16. San Diego Chargers (Justin) - Rey Maualuga
17. New York Jets (Kirby) - Matthew Stafford
18. Denver Broncos (Steve C.) - Brian Cushing
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Reaper) - Vontae Davis
20. Detroit Lions (TC) - Peria Jerry
21. Philadelphia Eagles (Jack) - Knowshon Moreno
22. Minnesota Vikings (Jesse) - Josh Freeman
23. New England Patriots (Gregg R.) - Robert Ayers
24. Falcons (Andrew) - Darius Butler
25. Dolphins (Phil) - On the clock.
Comments
Um, I like the pick, but Antonio Bryant a uniquely talented WR? How so? He is most likely going to fizz out this year, with the addition of Kellen Winslow.
Posted by: Drunkmonkey | April 21, 2009 04:20 PM
Antonio Bryant has been very impressive when I have seen him play and markedly less impressive when he has not been in the league due to "the knucklehead factor". On the field though, which is where Darius Butler comes in, Antonio Bryant is very talented.
Posted by: Jesse | April 21, 2009 05:21 PM
I'm not arguing that he isn't talented, or good, I just feel that he doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same paragraph as Steve Smith, or Marques Colston, let alone the same sentence.
This last year was by far his best year. In 2006, the only reason he eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark is he was the only option to throw to, and the Browns forced him the ball. I think he is much better than above average, but he's not a unique talent.
Posted by: Drunkmonkey | April 21, 2009 07:41 PM
Let's be real here. Steve Smith is much, much better than either Antonio Bryant or Marques Colston. Colston benefits from playing in an offense that gives him opportunities. Bryant actually did very well last season, but he's far from a franchise player, despite the tag.
I honestly think naming those three was just an attempt to justify the pick. Other than Steve Smith, I would say the NFC South doesn't have any blue chip receivers. That doesn't make me critical of the pick because I do think Atlanta needs secondary help. I just think that statement was a bit of hyperbole.
Posted by: DJOmaha | April 23, 2009 03:25 PM
Sorry. The last thing the Falcons need is another little-bitty, first-round 5'10" DB. Try building up the DL instead. But if the Falcons insist on going for a DB early - again, haven't they blown a pick this way often enough? - try Sean Smith out of Utah. More options on the field (Corner or Safety), great ball skills and he's certainly got the size...
Posted by: Bsdgreen | April 23, 2009 03:51 PM