Dirty Bird Daily: Julio Jones becomes Atlanta Falcons’ priority
Good morning, Atlanta Falcons fans. As you get up and sip your morning coffee, we bring you up to date with everything going on in the world of the Falcons.
Welcome to The Dirty Bird Daily.
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs against Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
How did Falcons grade?
The Falcons had a great draft, but how did it compare to their NFC South rivals? Bryan Fischer of NFL.com takes a look at each team’s draft.
"“Hard to find a better convergence of team need and good player than the Falcons’ pick of Beasley, who was a great draft value at pick No. 8. Time will tell if they regret passing on local star Todd Gurley, but this is just the kind of player new coach Dan Quinn could develop into a star.”"
Attention should turn to Julio Jones contract
With the 2015 NFL Draft in the books, the Falcons can turn their attention to Julio Jones, who is set to hit free agency after the 2015 season. They will want to lock him long term, and it’s best to do it sooner rather than later. Vaughn McClure of ESPN writes:
"“It is fair to wonder if the Falcons have any reservations about signing Jones to a lucrative deal because of concerns about his previously injured right foot. Jones suffered a fifth metatarsal fracture in the foot in Week 5 of the 2013 campaign and missed the rest of the season. He fractured the same foot prior to the 2011 NFL draft.”"
Post Draft NFL Power Rankings
Where does every team rank after the 2015 NFL Draft? Mike Tanier of Bleacher Report gives us his view.
"“We all know the Patriots rank above the Jaguars. Even hard-core 49ers fans are braced to see their team slip in the preseason rankings. The Dolphins certainly look a little better than they did last season. The Packers have not changed much, but how much did they really have to change?”"
As ever, there is plenty of content right here at Blogging Dirty:
- Here are our full Falcons draft grades.
- Stay tuned, as the latest Blogging Dirty podcast will be going live soon, as well as plenty more draft reaction.