Tony Gonzales trade – what is a Second Round pick worth?

The Falcons just cannot seem to escape their history. Landing Tony Gonzales for a 2010 Second Round draft pick seemed like a good idea at the time. In fact, I was enthusiastic. Gonzales was supposed to be a key component in the Falcons potent offense. Gonzales was also billed to be Ryan’s “go to” receiver; Gonzales was going to help Ryan avoid a sophomore slump.

There is no doubt that Gonzales has contributed, and he is a fan favorite in Atlanta judging by the #88 jerseys I see at every home game. Gonzales currently ranks in the Top 10 in receptions (75), Top 30 in yards (788), and Top 30 in TDs (5) among all receivers. If you compare just TEs then Gonzales lands in the Top 5 in receptions and receiving yards, but is further back in TDs.

Gonzales’ numbers are more than reasonable, but I did expect him to have 10 TDs by this point in the season. Gonzales should be the goal line weapon of choice if Ryan has to go to the air in the Red Zone. Little did we know that Ryan would miss multiple games because his toe was sore, Turner would pull up lame, Norwood would miss five consecutive games, and the list goes ever onward.

If the Falcons fail to make the playoffs, and if Atlanta does not manage to pull off three victories in a row to get back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history, I think I am going to regret this trade. The 2010 draft should be plenty deep, and the Falcons need all the picks they can get.

A Second Round pick is worth plenty. Now you are asking “just what can you get for a Second Round pick?” Looking back over the last few years, the Falcons drafted:

  • William Moore, S (2009) – Plenty of upside, but a bum knee in college made his stock fall. Landed on IR; the verdict is still out.
  • Curtis Lofton, LB (2008) – Steal of a pick. He should anchor the Falcons defense for years to come.
  • Justin Blalock, G (2007) – Solid starter the last three years.
  • Chris Houston, CB (2007) – Plenty fast, but should be a nickel back, not a starting CB.
  • Jimmy Williams, DB (2006) – Wasted pick and a pot-head.
  • Jonathan Babineaux (2005) – Solid DB, but wants to join the thug crowd as a pot-head.
  • Bryan Scott, S (2003) – Contributed for a couple of years before being traded to the Saints.
  • Alge Crumpler, TE (2001) – A fan favorite during the Vick years. Alge was dumped in 2008 when the new front office took over.
  • Travis Claridge, G (2000) – I had to look this one up because I do not remember the pick. A busted knee ended his career in 2003, and he passed away in 2006.

While the results have been mixed, overall I think the Falcons have done well with their Second Round picks. Let’s hope Gonzalez stays with the Falcons another couple of seasons, helps us get over the hump, and forget about giving up a valuable rebuilding tool.

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