Now that Jake Long has been signed by Miami, the focus (and suspense) is squarely on the Rams and what they will do – Chris Long or Glenn Dorsey. I have read a lot of rumors that St. Luis are trying to get the Falcons to trade up one pick in order for the Falcons to secure Dorsey. As much as I think Dorsey would be a great fit for the Falcons, I do not want them to give up any picks to move up a position.
So what do I want from the Falcons? I was kind of resigned to the Falcons taking Matt Ryan, because I thought J. Long and Dorsey would be off the board. Besides, as I have written before, A. Blank wants character players, the Falcons need a “face of the franchise” and they need someone to move merchandise. The only reason not to take Ryan is because of the bust potential – no one can say if Ryan is the next great QB or the next Ryan Leaf.
The Falcons need help all over the place – offensive line, defensive line, quarterback, secondary – you name it, the Falcons need it. The best scenario for Atlanta is to use their first pick is to grab a can’t miss impact player on either side of the line, and in the second round, grab a QB of the future, continue to build out the line, and work on the secondary. Three picks in the second should allow Atlanta to follow this path. With their two third round picks they can focus on depth at receiver, running back, or offensive/defensive line.
Of course this is all predicated on the Falcons not trading down and not trading second round picks to get back into the first round. Trading down may be viable if there is a way to still land an impact player and get a starting offensive lineman and/or an additional pick. I hate the idea of trading up because the Falcons need all the picks they have to rebuild their roster.
Should be a fun day, with only 6.5 hours until 3PM.
