FALCONS DRAFT 2016
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As Tiger Woods' career continues to sink from his one-time dominant status, a superstar on his level is convinced that Woods will never again reach stardom and probably wants to retire.
Basketball icon Michael Jordan, a friend of Woods, issued the strong comments in an article in which ESPN.com detailed Woods' deep decline following the death of his father in 2006.
"I think he really wishes he could retire, but he doesn't know how to do it yet," said Jordan, "and I don't think he wants to leave it where it is right now."
Woods is currently recovering from multiple back surgeries and hasn't won a major since the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.
Jordan theorizes that Woods would probably like to land one more big accomplishment before walking away from the sport.
"(If he) could win another major and walk away, he would, I think," Jordan said. "... The thing is I love him so much that I can't tell him, 'You're not gonna be great again.'"
The article also touches on other aspects of Woods' life in the years following the passing of his father, Earl, identifying the death as the starting point for other issues Woods experienced.
Woods' marriage with Elin Nordegren fell apart after it was revealed in 2009 that he had affairs with numerous women.
Jordan said the fallout still effects Woods, and he occasionally calls Woods "Rabbit Ears" because of his sensitivity over the subject and the fact he is obsessed with seeing what is written and said about him.
"That bothers him more than anything," Jordan told ESPN.com. "It looms. It's in his mind. It's a ship he can't right and he's never going to. What can you do? The thing is about 'T-Dub,' he cannot erase. That's what he really wants. He wants to erase the things that happened."
Around the time his father died, Woods developed an obsession with the Navy SEALs.
After an initial visit, Woods returned to see the SEALs in training action near the Mexican border east of San Diego.
Eventually, he was asked why he had come to participate in training.
"My dad," Woods told Petty Officer 1st Class John Brown. "My dad told me I had two paths to choose from."
Woods took part in simulated hostage situations and the instructors set up targets. Rapid decisions had to be made over who gets shot and who lives.
As targets of terrorists and civilians flashed in front of Woods, suddenly he saw a photographer. He fired.
Some of the SEALs asked Woods why he shot a civilian and the golfer joked that he has always hated photographers.
But Woods' time with the SEALs became a punch line in another way.
Woods and several other SEALs went to have dinner and the waitress brought the check. Woods didn't say a word and neither did anyone else until one of the SEALs looked at the waitress and said, "Separate checks, please."
"We were all baffled," a veteran SEAL told ESPN.com. "We are sitting there with Tiger (expletive) Woods, who probably makes more than all of us combined in a day. He's shooting our ammo, taking our time.
"He's a weird (expletive) guy. That's weird (expletive). Something's wrong with you
Basketball icon Michael Jordan, a friend of Woods, issued the strong comments in an article in which ESPN.com detailed Woods' deep decline following the death of his father in 2006.
"I think he really wishes he could retire, but he doesn't know how to do it yet," said Jordan, "and I don't think he wants to leave it where it is right now."
Woods is currently recovering from multiple back surgeries and hasn't won a major since the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.
Jordan theorizes that Woods would probably like to land one more big accomplishment before walking away from the sport.
"(If he) could win another major and walk away, he would, I think," Jordan said. "... The thing is I love him so much that I can't tell him, 'You're not gonna be great again.'"
The article also touches on other aspects of Woods' life in the years following the passing of his father, Earl, identifying the death as the starting point for other issues Woods experienced.
Woods' marriage with Elin Nordegren fell apart after it was revealed in 2009 that he had affairs with numerous women.
Jordan said the fallout still effects Woods, and he occasionally calls Woods "Rabbit Ears" because of his sensitivity over the subject and the fact he is obsessed with seeing what is written and said about him.
"That bothers him more than anything," Jordan told ESPN.com. "It looms. It's in his mind. It's a ship he can't right and he's never going to. What can you do? The thing is about 'T-Dub,' he cannot erase. That's what he really wants. He wants to erase the things that happened."
Around the time his father died, Woods developed an obsession with the Navy SEALs.
After an initial visit, Woods returned to see the SEALs in training action near the Mexican border east of San Diego.
Eventually, he was asked why he had come to participate in training.
"My dad," Woods told Petty Officer 1st Class John Brown. "My dad told me I had two paths to choose from."
Woods took part in simulated hostage situations and the instructors set up targets. Rapid decisions had to be made over who gets shot and who lives.
As targets of terrorists and civilians flashed in front of Woods, suddenly he saw a photographer. He fired.
Some of the SEALs asked Woods why he shot a civilian and the golfer joked that he has always hated photographers.
But Woods' time with the SEALs became a punch line in another way.
Woods and several other SEALs went to have dinner and the waitress brought the check. Woods didn't say a word and neither did anyone else until one of the SEALs looked at the waitress and said, "Separate checks, please."
"We were all baffled," a veteran SEAL told ESPN.com. "We are sitting there with Tiger (expletive) Woods, who probably makes more than all of us combined in a day. He's shooting our ammo, taking our time.
"He's a weird (expletive) guy. That's weird (expletive). Something's wrong with you
Atlanta Falcons: Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
I believe Darron Lee is one of the players the Falcons are targeting at No. 17. He's such a great fit for their defense, and he happens to fill a huge need in their linebacking corps. He's also exactly what the front office covets from an athleticism standpoint. I think Atlanta would rather have Shaq Lawson, but Lee isn't a bad consolation prize.
1. Shaq Lawson, DE - This is probably the latest Shaq Lawson can go. I can't imagine the Falcons passing on him if he happened to be available.
2. Jonathan Bullard, DT - The Falcons could use an interior rusher, and Bullard has the athleticism that they covet.
Indianapolis Colts: Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
Indianapolis can certainly use some young blood at outside linebacker, as Trent Cole doesn't have many quality seasons remaining. There's definitely value here with Noah Spence, who would be a top-10 prospect if it weren't for his off-the-field issues. That said, it appears as though Indianapolis isn't too worried about Spence's past, meaning he's definitely in consideration at the No. 18 spot.
1. Andrew Billings, DT - Indianapolis expressed a desire to upgrade the nose tackle spot entering the offseason, but thus far, nothing has been done about it.
2. Taylor Decker, OT - Right tackle is a massive need for the Colts, so Decker is someone who could interest them.
Pick change; previously Andrew Billings, DT
Buffalo Bills: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The Bills generally did not have quality play from their linebacking corps this past season. Manny Lawson was just OK, while Nigel Bradham struggled in Rex Ryan's scheme. Bradham went on to sign with the Eagles this offseason, so a replacement is needed. Reggie Ragland, one of the top players available, projects well to Ryan's scheme.
1. Darron Lee, LB - Darron Lee is probably Buffalo's top realistic target, but the Falcons are likely to take him.
2. Jarran Reed, DT - The Lions have shown interest in Reed, but if they don't take him, Buffalo very well could.
New York Jets: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Is this too early for Jason Spriggs? Quite possibly, but the Jets do like him, according to Tony Pauline. I've seen some late first-round buzz for Spriggs, so perhaps New York will take him at No. 20 or perhaps trade down and acquire him. Spriggs makes sense from a needs perspective because the right tackle situation is a mess. The left tackle spot isn't much better, as Ryan Clady has a dubious injury history.
1. Vernon Butler, DT - Butler has been compared to Muhammad Wilkerson. Coincidentally, Wilkerson is likely to leave the Jets soon.
2. Paxton Lynch, QB - This is a possible spot for Lynch, as he's a good fit for the Jets' system. However, I think New York is more likely to hold out for a second-day quarterback.
Pick change; previously Reggie Ragland, ILB
Washington Redskins: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Terrance Knighton signed with the Patriots, but the Redskins wanted a better, long-term option anyway, so here it is. There's a decent chance Andrew Billings will be available for Washington, and if so, the front office may just pull the trigger.
1. William Jackson, CB - I was so set on Jackson going here, but that has changed in the wake of the Josh Norman signing (click the link for my grade.) Jackson is probably not a possibility anymore, but I just wanted to point out how difficult mock drafting is!
2. Ryan Kelly, C - The Redskins are in desperate need of a center, and Kelly fits the range.
Pick change; previously Kenny Clark, NT
Houston Texans: William Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
William Fuller is chosen over Laquon Treadwell in this mock draft. That may have not seemed possible a month ago, but based on what I'm hearing, Fuller is getting some serious buzz from some of the teams in the latter stages of the first round, and he makes more sense for the Texans than Treadwell because the team needs a deep threat to complement DeAndre Hopkins.
1. Corey Coleman, WR - Corey Coleman is Plan B if Fuller isn't available. Both are better fits than Treadwell.
I believe Darron Lee is one of the players the Falcons are targeting at No. 17. He's such a great fit for their defense, and he happens to fill a huge need in their linebacking corps. He's also exactly what the front office covets from an athleticism standpoint. I think Atlanta would rather have Shaq Lawson, but Lee isn't a bad consolation prize.
1. Shaq Lawson, DE - This is probably the latest Shaq Lawson can go. I can't imagine the Falcons passing on him if he happened to be available.
2. Jonathan Bullard, DT - The Falcons could use an interior rusher, and Bullard has the athleticism that they covet.
Indianapolis Colts: Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
Indianapolis can certainly use some young blood at outside linebacker, as Trent Cole doesn't have many quality seasons remaining. There's definitely value here with Noah Spence, who would be a top-10 prospect if it weren't for his off-the-field issues. That said, it appears as though Indianapolis isn't too worried about Spence's past, meaning he's definitely in consideration at the No. 18 spot.
1. Andrew Billings, DT - Indianapolis expressed a desire to upgrade the nose tackle spot entering the offseason, but thus far, nothing has been done about it.
2. Taylor Decker, OT - Right tackle is a massive need for the Colts, so Decker is someone who could interest them.
Pick change; previously Andrew Billings, DT
Buffalo Bills: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The Bills generally did not have quality play from their linebacking corps this past season. Manny Lawson was just OK, while Nigel Bradham struggled in Rex Ryan's scheme. Bradham went on to sign with the Eagles this offseason, so a replacement is needed. Reggie Ragland, one of the top players available, projects well to Ryan's scheme.
1. Darron Lee, LB - Darron Lee is probably Buffalo's top realistic target, but the Falcons are likely to take him.
2. Jarran Reed, DT - The Lions have shown interest in Reed, but if they don't take him, Buffalo very well could.
New York Jets: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
Is this too early for Jason Spriggs? Quite possibly, but the Jets do like him, according to Tony Pauline. I've seen some late first-round buzz for Spriggs, so perhaps New York will take him at No. 20 or perhaps trade down and acquire him. Spriggs makes sense from a needs perspective because the right tackle situation is a mess. The left tackle spot isn't much better, as Ryan Clady has a dubious injury history.
1. Vernon Butler, DT - Butler has been compared to Muhammad Wilkerson. Coincidentally, Wilkerson is likely to leave the Jets soon.
2. Paxton Lynch, QB - This is a possible spot for Lynch, as he's a good fit for the Jets' system. However, I think New York is more likely to hold out for a second-day quarterback.
Pick change; previously Reggie Ragland, ILB
Washington Redskins: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Terrance Knighton signed with the Patriots, but the Redskins wanted a better, long-term option anyway, so here it is. There's a decent chance Andrew Billings will be available for Washington, and if so, the front office may just pull the trigger.
1. William Jackson, CB - I was so set on Jackson going here, but that has changed in the wake of the Josh Norman signing (click the link for my grade.) Jackson is probably not a possibility anymore, but I just wanted to point out how difficult mock drafting is!
2. Ryan Kelly, C - The Redskins are in desperate need of a center, and Kelly fits the range.
Pick change; previously Kenny Clark, NT
Houston Texans: William Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
William Fuller is chosen over Laquon Treadwell in this mock draft. That may have not seemed possible a month ago, but based on what I'm hearing, Fuller is getting some serious buzz from some of the teams in the latter stages of the first round, and he makes more sense for the Texans than Treadwell because the team needs a deep threat to complement DeAndre Hopkins.
1. Corey Coleman, WR - Corey Coleman is Plan B if Fuller isn't available. Both are better fits than Treadwell.
The Falcons prove again that they are incompetent.
They draft 3 players at positions that are easy to find people.
Left tackle, cornerback, quarterback are players with truly unique skills.
Falcons select linebackers, strong safeties and tight ends.
This draft had more good defensive ends than any in memory, and they have fallen; but we get none! We need a pass rush and better pass protection, where are the defensive ends and offensive linemen? Look forward to 6-10 season.
15 sacks as a TEAM last year, and we don't go after one pass rusher ! And who is protecting the slow footed Matty Slush ?
Quinn gets Neal and Dimitroff is happy its not his choice and he can keep his job next year.
how pathetic
They draft 3 players at positions that are easy to find people.
Left tackle, cornerback, quarterback are players with truly unique skills.
Falcons select linebackers, strong safeties and tight ends.
This draft had more good defensive ends than any in memory, and they have fallen; but we get none! We need a pass rush and better pass protection, where are the defensive ends and offensive linemen? Look forward to 6-10 season.
15 sacks as a TEAM last year, and we don't go after one pass rusher ! And who is protecting the slow footed Matty Slush ?
Quinn gets Neal and Dimitroff is happy its not his choice and he can keep his job next year.
how pathetic
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank made his expectations clear as his team approaches this year's NFL draft: find starters.
The Falcons are a little handcuffed with only five draft picks after losing their fifth-round pick for illegally piping crowd noise into the Georgia Dome and their sixth-round pick in a trade with Tennessee for left guard Andy Levitre. However, Blank believes losing two later-round picks can be overcome with shrewd decision-making.
"We have five picks, but we have the first four [rounds], which is critical," Blank told ESPN.com Monday. "That's where you expect your starters to come. I'd be disappointed if we didn't end up with at least three starters out of those first four picks.":0002
Blank's words puts even more pressure on an organization with its share of draft misses under general manager Thomas Dimitroff. The entire 2012 draft class is no longer with the team, and only two of those six players -- tackle Lamar Holmes (Detroit) and outside linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi (Kansas City) -- are still in the league.
Last year during Dan Quinn's first year as head coach, only first-round draft pick Vic Beasley was a regular starter among the seven draft picks. Second-round draft pick Jalen Collins, the cornerback from LSU, was a major disappointment and started only three games. Third-round pick Tevin Coleman started the season at running back but lost his job to Devonta Freeman after suffering a rib injury. And fourth-round pick Justin Hardy showed promise in more of a reserve receiver role.
Going into the 2016 season, the Falcons have holes in the starting lineup at inside linebacker, strong safety and right guard, plus other key areas of concern (pass-rush help, pass-catching tight end, depth at cornerback).
"I think Thomas and Dan both have done a tremendous amount of work," Blank said. "I spoke to them independently on Saturday to get kind of their appraisals of where we are. I have formal meetings with them this coming week, at the end of the week. But their sense of needs and players was very compatible. So, I'm encouraged by that.
"I'm looking forward to the draft. Positions where we have needs, there seems to be some depth -- on both sides of the ball, but certainly on defense."
The Falcons have the option, of course, of trading down in order to gain more draft picks.
The NFL draft takes place April 28-30 in Chicago.
Quinn and Dimitroff are scheduled to hold their predraft press conference on Thursday.
The Falcons are a little handcuffed with only five draft picks after losing their fifth-round pick for illegally piping crowd noise into the Georgia Dome and their sixth-round pick in a trade with Tennessee for left guard Andy Levitre. However, Blank believes losing two later-round picks can be overcome with shrewd decision-making.
"We have five picks, but we have the first four [rounds], which is critical," Blank told ESPN.com Monday. "That's where you expect your starters to come. I'd be disappointed if we didn't end up with at least three starters out of those first four picks.":0002
Blank's words puts even more pressure on an organization with its share of draft misses under general manager Thomas Dimitroff. The entire 2012 draft class is no longer with the team, and only two of those six players -- tackle Lamar Holmes (Detroit) and outside linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi (Kansas City) -- are still in the league.
Last year during Dan Quinn's first year as head coach, only first-round draft pick Vic Beasley was a regular starter among the seven draft picks. Second-round draft pick Jalen Collins, the cornerback from LSU, was a major disappointment and started only three games. Third-round pick Tevin Coleman started the season at running back but lost his job to Devonta Freeman after suffering a rib injury. And fourth-round pick Justin Hardy showed promise in more of a reserve receiver role.
Going into the 2016 season, the Falcons have holes in the starting lineup at inside linebacker, strong safety and right guard, plus other key areas of concern (pass-rush help, pass-catching tight end, depth at cornerback).
"I think Thomas and Dan both have done a tremendous amount of work," Blank said. "I spoke to them independently on Saturday to get kind of their appraisals of where we are. I have formal meetings with them this coming week, at the end of the week. But their sense of needs and players was very compatible. So, I'm encouraged by that.
"I'm looking forward to the draft. Positions where we have needs, there seems to be some depth -- on both sides of the ball, but certainly on defense."
The Falcons have the option, of course, of trading down in order to gain more draft picks.
The NFL draft takes place April 28-30 in Chicago.
Quinn and Dimitroff are scheduled to hold their predraft press conference on Thursday.
Round 1, pick 17: Keanu Neal, S, Florida | Highlights
My take: My hunch is that Neal was high on the Falcons' board, but it seemed more likely for him to be targeted in a trade-down scenario since Neal got a second-round grade from ESPN draft expert Todd McShay. But the Falcons clearly felt comfortable enough with him to overlook UCLA linebacker Myles Jack and Clemson pass-rusher Shaq Lawson. Neal is a strong safety who can run but can also hit like a linebacker. It's easy to see him playing a Kam Chancellor-type role in the Falcons' Cover 3 scheme. Quinn believes Neal has the ability to cover tight ends, which has been a struggle for the Falcons. And Quinn also believes having Neal's coverage on third down will aid the pass-rush issues. The Falcons needed to address their defensive holes before anything else, and adding Neal helps at least one glaring need in the secondary. The Falcons cut ties with William Moore because he couldn't run the way he used to. And they didn't have confidence in Kemal Ishmael to step in as the starter.
No place like Atlanta: Neal told ESPN.com Thursday afternoon that he would love to get a call from the Falcons. Well, it happened, and Neal is now headed to his desired destination. Here is what he said about the Falcons about a week ago when asked if Atlanta was the best fit: "For me, schematically, yes. I feel like that's a great fit for me and my style of play. The coaching staff is authentic. I can tell they really care about each other and the program. I feel like [secondary coach] Marquand Manuel can really help me out as a person and a player. And Coach Quinn, he's a tremendous head coach. Getting under him, getting under his wing and learning will skyrocket my career."
What's in a name? Neal is named after actor Keanu Reeves, as you might expect. "Everything he's been through, he's stayed humble and grateful," Neal said of Reeves. "He gave all his 'The Matrix' revenue to a charity. Really good dude."
Round 2, pick 52: Deion Jones, LB, LSU | Highlights
My take: The Falcons obviously had an interest in Jones from the start based on how closely they monitored him at the Senior Bowl. Then Jones had a private workout with the team, just another indication of the interest level the Falcons had. Although Jones didn't have a lot of starting experience at LSU, his speed is such an asset and something the Falcons sorely need at inside linebacker. In the Cover 3 scheme, Jones' speed can be utilized as he drops in coverage and closes on the ball. What might hurt Jones is he's not the most instinctive player. But again, a team needing improved speed at linebacker just took a significant step. Jones expects to step into a role at weakside linebacker, where the Falcons are unsettled after cutting veteran starter Justin Durant. You wonder if the Falcons had maybe just a little hesitation after taking another LSU player, cornerback Jalen Collins, in the second round last season then seeing Collins struggle as a rookie. They hope Jones doesn't have the same type of rookie experience.
In the middle of the rivalry: Jones, who is from New Orleans, told ESPN.com during the draft process that his father is a die-hard Saints fan. So it should make matters much more interesting that Jones now plays for the bitter-rival Falcons. "He'll get over it," Jones said of his father. "He won't have a choice." Jones gets to return home in Week 3 of the regular season, when the Falcons and Saints square off on ESPN's Monday Night Football in the 10-year anniversary of the reopening of the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.
High praise: Here's what LSU coach Les Miles told ESPN.com's Mike Triplett about Jones after he ran that 4.38 at the pro day: "Not a lot of linebackers in history will run like that. That guy may be the fastest linebacker that I personally have been around that had any size to him at all. He?s absolutely the first. That fits into the NFL game as a guy that can move and make plays and has ball skills. He?s going to fit right into the NFL game." Jones was upset about running a 4.59 at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
Round 3, pick 81: Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford | Highlights
My take: The Falcons obviously needed another red zone threat, particularly with the added defensive attention given to Julio Jones. The 6-foot-4, 254-pound Hooper gives the Falcons that type of target. Hooper has long arms and big hands. He's a crafty route runner who should provide a great mismatch in favor of the Falcons. Since he was split outside a lot in college, he didn't have the type of blocking responsibilities he'll have in the NFL. So, expect him to improve his blocking with time. The Falcons might have eyed Arkansas' Hunter Henry, but he came off the board earlier. Hooper has the tools to start immediately in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's scheme, which is likely to have more two-tight ends sets now. Jacob Tamme returns off a 59-catch season.
Stanford connection: Stanford has produced solid tight ends as of late, so the Falcons hope Hooper can follow suit. Those players include Zach Ertz (Eagles) and Coby Fleener (Saints). Current Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo also played at Stanford, but his role is in limbo following the addition of Hooper. If Toilolo can carve out his niche as a blocker, he could stick.
..............................................................
looking for help in round 4-7 big time
My take: My hunch is that Neal was high on the Falcons' board, but it seemed more likely for him to be targeted in a trade-down scenario since Neal got a second-round grade from ESPN draft expert Todd McShay. But the Falcons clearly felt comfortable enough with him to overlook UCLA linebacker Myles Jack and Clemson pass-rusher Shaq Lawson. Neal is a strong safety who can run but can also hit like a linebacker. It's easy to see him playing a Kam Chancellor-type role in the Falcons' Cover 3 scheme. Quinn believes Neal has the ability to cover tight ends, which has been a struggle for the Falcons. And Quinn also believes having Neal's coverage on third down will aid the pass-rush issues. The Falcons needed to address their defensive holes before anything else, and adding Neal helps at least one glaring need in the secondary. The Falcons cut ties with William Moore because he couldn't run the way he used to. And they didn't have confidence in Kemal Ishmael to step in as the starter.
No place like Atlanta: Neal told ESPN.com Thursday afternoon that he would love to get a call from the Falcons. Well, it happened, and Neal is now headed to his desired destination. Here is what he said about the Falcons about a week ago when asked if Atlanta was the best fit: "For me, schematically, yes. I feel like that's a great fit for me and my style of play. The coaching staff is authentic. I can tell they really care about each other and the program. I feel like [secondary coach] Marquand Manuel can really help me out as a person and a player. And Coach Quinn, he's a tremendous head coach. Getting under him, getting under his wing and learning will skyrocket my career."
What's in a name? Neal is named after actor Keanu Reeves, as you might expect. "Everything he's been through, he's stayed humble and grateful," Neal said of Reeves. "He gave all his 'The Matrix' revenue to a charity. Really good dude."
Round 2, pick 52: Deion Jones, LB, LSU | Highlights
My take: The Falcons obviously had an interest in Jones from the start based on how closely they monitored him at the Senior Bowl. Then Jones had a private workout with the team, just another indication of the interest level the Falcons had. Although Jones didn't have a lot of starting experience at LSU, his speed is such an asset and something the Falcons sorely need at inside linebacker. In the Cover 3 scheme, Jones' speed can be utilized as he drops in coverage and closes on the ball. What might hurt Jones is he's not the most instinctive player. But again, a team needing improved speed at linebacker just took a significant step. Jones expects to step into a role at weakside linebacker, where the Falcons are unsettled after cutting veteran starter Justin Durant. You wonder if the Falcons had maybe just a little hesitation after taking another LSU player, cornerback Jalen Collins, in the second round last season then seeing Collins struggle as a rookie. They hope Jones doesn't have the same type of rookie experience.
In the middle of the rivalry: Jones, who is from New Orleans, told ESPN.com during the draft process that his father is a die-hard Saints fan. So it should make matters much more interesting that Jones now plays for the bitter-rival Falcons. "He'll get over it," Jones said of his father. "He won't have a choice." Jones gets to return home in Week 3 of the regular season, when the Falcons and Saints square off on ESPN's Monday Night Football in the 10-year anniversary of the reopening of the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.
High praise: Here's what LSU coach Les Miles told ESPN.com's Mike Triplett about Jones after he ran that 4.38 at the pro day: "Not a lot of linebackers in history will run like that. That guy may be the fastest linebacker that I personally have been around that had any size to him at all. He?s absolutely the first. That fits into the NFL game as a guy that can move and make plays and has ball skills. He?s going to fit right into the NFL game." Jones was upset about running a 4.59 at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
Round 3, pick 81: Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford | Highlights
My take: The Falcons obviously needed another red zone threat, particularly with the added defensive attention given to Julio Jones. The 6-foot-4, 254-pound Hooper gives the Falcons that type of target. Hooper has long arms and big hands. He's a crafty route runner who should provide a great mismatch in favor of the Falcons. Since he was split outside a lot in college, he didn't have the type of blocking responsibilities he'll have in the NFL. So, expect him to improve his blocking with time. The Falcons might have eyed Arkansas' Hunter Henry, but he came off the board earlier. Hooper has the tools to start immediately in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's scheme, which is likely to have more two-tight ends sets now. Jacob Tamme returns off a 59-catch season.
Stanford connection: Stanford has produced solid tight ends as of late, so the Falcons hope Hooper can follow suit. Those players include Zach Ertz (Eagles) and Coby Fleener (Saints). Current Falcons tight end Levine Toilolo also played at Stanford, but his role is in limbo following the addition of Hooper. If Toilolo can carve out his niche as a blocker, he could stick.
..............................................................
looking for help in round 4-7 big time
Overall grade: D-
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons wanted to add speed in the draft, and they certainly got it with LSU linebacker Deion Jones. He's a speedy Telvin Smith-like linebacker who can make plays all over the field. The criticism is passing up a really good interior blocker like Cody Whitehair.
The selection of tight end Austin Hooper at No. 81 was a good move. The Falcons need talent at the position, and he provides it. Just a redshirt sophomore, Hooper runs good routes and knows where to sit in a zone. He can develop quickly into a starter for the Falcons.
Overall grade: B-
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens started the second round with pick No. 36 before dropping down twice before taking Kamalei Correa at No. 42. It's clear the Ravens needed a pass rusher early in the draft, and they got one with the Boise State product. By getting multiple picks, that boosts the grade. Correa has some big highlights with 20 career sacks, and can play end or outside linebacker, so he's a scheme fit. The Ravens will have to figure out a way to way to use him because he can struggle against the run and getting off blocks. The athleticism and hustle is there, though.
In the third round, the Ravens got another great system fit with BYU's Bronson Kaufusi. He's an athletic front seven player with a ton of length. He needs to get stronger, but he can really move. If he can get off blockers better, watch out.
Overall grade: B
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons wanted to add speed in the draft, and they certainly got it with LSU linebacker Deion Jones. He's a speedy Telvin Smith-like linebacker who can make plays all over the field. The criticism is passing up a really good interior blocker like Cody Whitehair.
The selection of tight end Austin Hooper at No. 81 was a good move. The Falcons need talent at the position, and he provides it. Just a redshirt sophomore, Hooper runs good routes and knows where to sit in a zone. He can develop quickly into a starter for the Falcons.
Overall grade: B-
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens started the second round with pick No. 36 before dropping down twice before taking Kamalei Correa at No. 42. It's clear the Ravens needed a pass rusher early in the draft, and they got one with the Boise State product. By getting multiple picks, that boosts the grade. Correa has some big highlights with 20 career sacks, and can play end or outside linebacker, so he's a scheme fit. The Ravens will have to figure out a way to way to use him because he can struggle against the run and getting off blocks. The athleticism and hustle is there, though.
In the third round, the Ravens got another great system fit with BYU's Bronson Kaufusi. He's an athletic front seven player with a ton of length. He needs to get stronger, but he can really move. If he can get off blockers better, watch out.
Overall grade: B
FLOWERY BRANCH ? The Atlanta Falcons selected Minnesota linebacker De?Vondre Campbell in the fourth round of the NFL draft on Saturday.
Last season he started 11 of 13 games at weakside linebacker for the Gophers. He reportedly failed on drug tests at Minnesota.
?De?Vondre is a big, fast, athletic linebacker who can cover a lot of field and make plays,? said Minnesota coach Tracy Claeys in a tweet. ?You cannot teach height and speed and he has plenty of both. His best football is still ahead of him and with the right fit he could have tremendous success at the next level.?
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Hey Mr Blank
they just got a immediate starter in the fourth round.
only thing is he does not have the dicipline or intelligence to pass drug tests.
nice fit
Last season he started 11 of 13 games at weakside linebacker for the Gophers. He reportedly failed on drug tests at Minnesota.
?De?Vondre is a big, fast, athletic linebacker who can cover a lot of field and make plays,? said Minnesota coach Tracy Claeys in a tweet. ?You cannot teach height and speed and he has plenty of both. His best football is still ahead of him and with the right fit he could have tremendous success at the next level.?
......................................................
Hey Mr Blank
they just got a immediate starter in the fourth round.
only thing is he does not have the dicipline or intelligence to pass drug tests.
nice fit
Tim Donaghy says 100 percent of referees gamble - 'The Herd'
Whether you believe all his claims or not, few (if any) know the inner workings of the NBA and the role referees play in determining outcomes of games better than Tim Donaghy does. The disgraced former ref worked in the NBA for 13 seasons, until an FBI investigation revealed that he had bet on games where he had refereed.
Donaghy spent 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to two charges in the case, but out free now, there are few people who can provide more insight into the state of NBA refereeing than Donaghy can, after a wild ending to Game 2 of the Western Conference semis between the Thunder and Spurs.
He joined Colin Cowherd Wednesday afternoon, and had a fascinating answer when asked what percentage of NBA referees gamble, not necessarily on basketball games, but just in general:
"One-hundred percent," Donaghy said without hesitation.
When Cowherd repeated the number, Donaghy didn't hesitate.
"Absolutely (it's 100 percent). When I was there, (and) David Stern did his investigation, he said 'Legal gambling will cost you your job, illegal gambling will cost you your freedom. Then they did an investigation and found out that 58 out of the 60 referees gambled in some way, shape or form. And they changed the rules. Now basically they're allowed to gamble."
When asked he believed if any referees gamble on the NBA, Donaghy gave an interesting response.
"No, I can't say that I know for a fact. But I do think when you're at a party and you're discussing the NBA, you're always going to have that guy that comes up to you and is going to try and come up to you and pump you for information on, you know, 'who is going to win a series,' or 'who, the league wants to crack down in certain situations.' There's always information that that gambler wants to extract from that official."
Again, whether you fully believe Donaghy or not, he does provide a fascinating perspective into the world of refereeing that simply no one else can provide.
..................................
maybe he is just talking
could this be NFL refs also
sports wagering can be a very complicated arena
Tim Donaghy says 100 percent of referees gamble - 'The Herd'
Whether you believe all his claims or not, few (if any) know the inner workings of the NBA and the role referees play in determining outcomes of games better than Tim Donaghy does. The disgraced former ref worked in the NBA for 13 seasons, until an FBI investigation revealed that he had bet on games where he had refereed.
Donaghy spent 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to two charges in the case, but out free now, there are few people who can provide more insight into the state of NBA refereeing than Donaghy can, after a wild ending to Game 2 of the Western Conference semis between the Thunder and Spurs.
He joined Colin Cowherd Wednesday afternoon, and had a fascinating answer when asked what percentage of NBA referees gamble, not necessarily on basketball games, but just in general:
"One-hundred percent," Donaghy said without hesitation.
When Cowherd repeated the number, Donaghy didn't hesitate.
"Absolutely (it's 100 percent). When I was there, (and) David Stern did his investigation, he said 'Legal gambling will cost you your job, illegal gambling will cost you your freedom. Then they did an investigation and found out that 58 out of the 60 referees gambled in some way, shape or form. And they changed the rules. Now basically they're allowed to gamble."
When asked he believed if any referees gamble on the NBA, Donaghy gave an interesting response.
"No, I can't say that I know for a fact. But I do think when you're at a party and you're discussing the NBA, you're always going to have that guy that comes up to you and is going to try and come up to you and pump you for information on, you know, 'who is going to win a series,' or 'who, the league wants to crack down in certain situations.' There's always information that that gambler wants to extract from that official."
Again, whether you fully believe Donaghy or not, he does provide a fascinating perspective into the world of refereeing that simply no one else can provide.
..................................
maybe he is just talking
could this be NFL refs also
sports wagering can be a very complicated arena
