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They had a bruiser in Duckett and didn't use him but rather traded him.
They woud have, but he was taken at 4.01. Atlanta had 3 4th round picks, and I'm sure they were hoping he'd fall to 4.10.Story of their draft, Brown/Landry would have been perfect, both got taken. I fully expected them to grab Bush in the 4th (because of the extra picks) but the Raiders jumped him.
Seems to me Atlanta must not have wanted him all that much because he was projected to go in the 2nd or 3rd round. If they wanted him they pretty much knew that had to take him with that 3.10.
I don't know, with 3 4th round picks, nothing was stopping them from trading up.
The writing is on the wall: JWood = StudThe nasayers just don't get it.
I would agree with this.Excuses are being made why he cannot be the starter in due time or this year- Iam just not sure if they are valid.I like Norwood and think in Petrino's offense - he could be a top ten or twenty fantasy back - especially without Warrick Dunn.
Actually Blank stays out of the way. It's McKay who makes the picks with input from the Coach & Scouting Dept.
OK, I'll bite. What happens to Dunn? I understand that it's not entirely out of the question that they would cut him altogether, but if Dunn is around does he just not play?Say what you want about Dunn's size or his age, but over the past 3 seasons he ranks:- 9th in rushing attempts- 7th in rushing yards- 6th in ypc (minimum 600 rushing attempts)- Has not missed a game the past 3 seasons- Had a career high in carries last year- Had a career high in rushing yards the season beforeI'm not saying Norwood is not talented and does not deserve more opportunities, but why the sudden urge to completely ditch Dunn? Sometimes I wonder if people confuse what they want to happen in fantasy football with the way things generally operate in the NFL. I would find it strange if the Falcons were to simply bench Dunn and go full throttle with Norwood unless Dunn has a major injury that keeps him off the field (see Holmes or Martin as examples) or if his performace really tanked (like a 3.0 ypc) over an extended period.Also, Dunn is a huge humanitarian and won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for community service. He's done a ton of stuff in the community and I'm not sure the fan base would be all that keen on kicking him to the curb. I know the new regime has no loyalty to any of the existing players, but I don't see Norwood as a clear starter this year (barring injury) and at this point I would still consider Dunn the starter (although it certainly is not a very clear situation right now). Maybe they go with more of a split workload, but I don't see Norwood with the workload right now to be a fantsy force this season.
Talk? Maybe. Rumors? Yes. But that was in the pre-draft timeframe when all the focus was on the Falcons taking a RB early in the draft and they since took no one (and did not sign anyone either). IMO, if they feel that Dunn is getting too much money, they can always ask him to renegotiate and I've not heard a peep about them even asking him to do that. He carries a $3.25 million salary for this season, which to me is not excessive. FWIW, the President and GM of the team said a few months ago that Dunn would be back with the team this year. Also, I have not heard much from the team on the situation and most of the info I've seen has been supposition by the media. I generally believe what coaches and GMs say over what writers think should happen . . . not that either is a lock to be true.
I won't dispute that Norwood did exceptionally well last year when given the chance, but it's not like Dunn was not productive. I agree that the two guys will probably share the workload this year. Both should see more receptions out of the backfield. If I were to guess, myabe a 60/40 split for Dunn with Norwood seeing more later in the year once he learns schemes/pass protection and Dunn rides off into the sunset. So maybe 200-225 for Dunn and 150-175 for Norwood if both are healthy or one does leaps and bounds better than the other. Norwood certainly is primed to be in a good position if he were to become a clear starter, but IMO we are not at a stage where Atlanta starting RB = Jerious Norwood . . . at least not as I see it. My concern is that come fantasy draft day someone will want to grab Norwood about 3 rounds sooner than I would even think about looking at him so I doubt I'll have him on my teams. However, others may ignore Dunn and he could freefall into a decent backup fantasy RB for pretty cheap. As discussed in other threads, Norwood has a sweet last month of the season schedule wise, so he may be someone to try to acquire for later in the season, especially if Week One Dunn gets 20 carries and Norwood gets 6. Depending upon how things shape up and what draft slot people may have, trying to get a Dunn?Norwood tandem might be doable and then you may end up with a decent guy early in the year and a decent guy late in the year. Just food for thought . . .
Great posts and I really wish more people would realize this. Petrino is not making personnel decisions in Atlanta. McKay is. Norwood is McKay's guy and he, Norwood, will get a chance to shine before another draft pick is spent on a RB. The Falcons really pound the SEC area in terms of scouting and, while Norwood might be a new name to many in FF, McKay knew who he was drafting. My understanding is that McKay and the scouting department make the picks and Petrino coaches football. I'd say Petrino has his hands full right as a new coach. Throw in the Vick situation and, well, Petrino is probably dealing with much more than he had expected. He has very limited NFL experience. Conversely, McKay has a lifetime of NFL player personnel knowledge. Blank is a very smart business man. Seriously, why would Blank or McKay let Petrino make choices on draft picks? For recent examples of college coaches not knowing what they do not know see the Browns, Dolphins and Redskins. McKay is damn good at what he does and both he and Blank know better. As far as Dunn getting cut, Blank is smarter than that. Dunn is everything right about a professional athlete or being a man. He is what Vick is not. Right now that means a great deal to that team. Cutting Dunn would be a HUGE PR fiasco.
Our draft is over and our league is really cool
Incorrect. Jason Snelling was drafted in the 7th round and has the attributes that Petrino likes in his RB's (large and a good receiver).jwb said:
What does what the previous regime did have to do with Norwood?
what
What does what the previous regime did have to do with Norwood?
Wow I was hoping that all of the Norwood is the next stud RB hopfuls would overlook the fact that they drafted Snelling to come in and be the Power back, cats out of the bag. I like Norwood but he has no punch up the middle, dunn will be gone soon and Norwood will continue spot duties. I think it is a reasonable to at least expect Norwood to be the Willie Parker of the NFC with Snelling used as the Bettes type back. Same problem for Parker, super fast but his feet stop at the line.
from the articileSo has massive fullback Ovie Mughelli, who not only can run for the tough yards, but can clear a path
Parker scored 16 TDs last year. What are you talking about?Same problem for Parker, super fast but his feet stop at the line.
He's got a chance & certainly did well in College, but I think he just might be too slow for the NFL - 4.56 in the 40-yard dash
Not that I think the guy will be successful but his 40 time is hardly bad enough to discount him.Frank Gore -- 4.66
huh?
Ability to read down?
gferrell20 said:
You mean the guy with 12 career rushing attempts in four seasons? That Ovie Mughelli?BTW, he's had 24 career receptions to go along with his 12 rushes, and he also has 2 fumbles. I'm not seeing a profile on a guy who I'd want carrying the ball a whole lot.KellysHeroes said:
that's why measurables and a .1 difference in the 40 is irrelevant IMO. Give me a guy that can play football over a track star anyday.DocT said:Never realized Westy timed so slow.
Yep, guess I need to rethink the "just might be too slow for the NFL". Some pretty good RB's right there & if Petrino wants a banger, he could certainly fill that role.DocT said:
Just quotin the above statement made by the coach of the team Bud
where did you guys get 4.56 from? Everything I have says he ran a 4.79Yep, guess I need to rethink the "just might be too slow for the NFL". Some pretty good RB's right there & if Petrino wants a banger, he could certainly fill that role.DocT said:4.56 certainly won't gain him the "FJS" monicker, but it's not slow either. It's certainly fast enough for an inside the tackles runner.
Its in the link you quoted. I just quoted it too.but, here it is anyway:where did you guys get 4.56 from? Everything I have says he ran a 4.79Yep, guess I need to rethink the "just might be too slow for the NFL". Some pretty good RB's right there & if Petrino wants a banger, he could certainly fill that role.DocT said:
Okay its a campus time, because i know i watched the combine and saw him run a 4.79. He's also a fullback right?Its in the link you quoted. I just quoted it too.but, here it is anyway:where did you guys get 4.56 from? Everything I have says he ran a 4.79Yep, guess I need to rethink the "just might be too slow for the NFL". Some pretty good RB's right there & if Petrino wants a banger, he could certainly fill that role.DocT said:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/snelling_jason
I have drafted Parker the last two years and think he is stud, however inside running is not where he gets it done. He runs to the outside and makes great cuts, most of his scoring came from running to the perimeter. As long as he stays fast Willie I will look to draft him each year. Pit needs a goal line back. I'm not knoking the guy just pointing out he aint no power runner. He wont come close to scoring 16 this year.Parker scored 16 TDs last year. What are you talking about?Same problem for Parker, super fast but his feet stop at the line.
