Re: BF Mock Draft: 2009
With pick #24 the Atlanta Falcons select:
Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU
6-5 290lbs.
With basically everybody I was hoping for off the board already I've gone with one of the last remaining 5 star rated prospects from Scout.com. Ideally if the draft comes out like it has here I would suspect the Falcons might entertain the notion of trading down and grabbing an extra pick or two.
Most mocks have us taking Pettigrew here but I believe that our defense is a MUCH greater need than a TE at the moment and while Pettigrew is regarded as the best in the nation I believe we can get good production out of our current TE's and/or just pick up a veteran in FA to help at the position. (GM Thomas Dimitroff has said that a pass catching TE will be picked up either through the draft or free agency.)
Onto Tyson Jackson. This is Scout.com's quick take on him:
Jackson is a versatile defender who can play inside or outside on the defensive line. He has outstanding size and a quick burst off the line. He’s strong at the point of attack and sheds blocks cleanly to make plays in the backfield. He has the quickness to beat the opposition off the edge or to dominate with his strength and technique. - Chris Steuber, Scout.com
With our top draft pick of two years ago Jamaal Anderson still continuing to struggle, Jackson will provide valuable insurance at the DE spot if Anderson cannot get it together. Also provides an extra body to rotate through the DT position, another area that is very thin with the departure of Grady Jackson to Detroit, and if the plan to move Jamaal Anderson inside to DT at times this season (he is actually pretty good against the run) eventuates, Jackson can then be moved into his natural DE position.
Other players considered: Larry English (this was the guy I was targetting here, damn you Jem ) Clint Sintim-LB Virginia, DJ Moore-CB Vanderbilt
With pick #24 the Atlanta Falcons select:
Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU
6-5 290lbs.
With basically everybody I was hoping for off the board already I've gone with one of the last remaining 5 star rated prospects from Scout.com. Ideally if the draft comes out like it has here I would suspect the Falcons might entertain the notion of trading down and grabbing an extra pick or two.
Most mocks have us taking Pettigrew here but I believe that our defense is a MUCH greater need than a TE at the moment and while Pettigrew is regarded as the best in the nation I believe we can get good production out of our current TE's and/or just pick up a veteran in FA to help at the position. (GM Thomas Dimitroff has said that a pass catching TE will be picked up either through the draft or free agency.)
Onto Tyson Jackson. This is Scout.com's quick take on him:
Jackson is a versatile defender who can play inside or outside on the defensive line. He has outstanding size and a quick burst off the line. He’s strong at the point of attack and sheds blocks cleanly to make plays in the backfield. He has the quickness to beat the opposition off the edge or to dominate with his strength and technique. - Chris Steuber, Scout.com
With our top draft pick of two years ago Jamaal Anderson still continuing to struggle, Jackson will provide valuable insurance at the DE spot if Anderson cannot get it together. Also provides an extra body to rotate through the DT position, another area that is very thin with the departure of Grady Jackson to Detroit, and if the plan to move Jamaal Anderson inside to DT at times this season (he is actually pretty good against the run) eventuates, Jackson can then be moved into his natural DE position.
Other players considered: Larry English (this was the guy I was targetting here, damn you Jem ) Clint Sintim-LB Virginia, DJ Moore-CB Vanderbilt