J.Mike's Missives

For those that stayed awake into Tuesday morning to see if the Falcons could finish off an unlikely comeback and tie the game off an improbable Saints turnover and successful onside kick recovery, here’s what you missed.

In one word.

Effort.

Undying, unbridled, passionate, effort.

This game was more than an NFC South rivalry duel. It was also more than a simple loss, which is what got recorded to the Falcons schedule in New Orleans: 35-27.

Effort manifested itself in a number of ways, including four Saints turnovers forced by the defense, halftime adjustments that resulted in closing a two-score gap to just four points in the final quarter and reserve linebacker Coy Wire coming out of the pile for what could have been a game-changing fumble recovery and exploding from another mass of bodies with the football on what could have been a game-altering onside kick recovery.

All experts polled on ESPN prior to the game picked the Saints. Many thought the contest — pairing one of the league’s top offenses against a young, in many ways unproven defense — would be over quickly.

Not the case.

The Falcons defense played with heart and put pressure on Saints quarterback Drew Brees, even scoring off a sack-forced-fumble combo and intercepting the Pro Bowler to end another scoring chance.

That created opportunities for the offense, led by a resurgent Michael Turner (151 rushing yards and a score).

But it doesn’t take long for a game to take a sudden — and frustrating — turn.

For close to 55 minutes the Falcons (4-3) were in a position to give the Saints their first loss of the 2009 season. But for two brief stretches at inopportune times with unfortunate moments, victory was unraveled.

In the matter of 24 seconds in the second quarter of Monday’s game at New Orleans (7-0) the Birds watched as tie game devolved into a 14-point deficit. That’s what happens when Reggie Bush has an opening for a touchdown run and, two plays from scrimmage later, Matt Ryan throws an interception to Jabari Greer that’s returned for a score.

After solid halftime planning, the Falcons closed the gap to 28-24.

Then, more pieces fell into place.

A Saints turnover. A chance to take a fourth-quarter lead.

But that, too, was vanquished with a tipped pass and goal-line interception. The Saints attempted to put the game to bed with another touchdown, but the Falcons effort does not know quit.

It is ironic that, for the most part, each team did what it set out to do. There will be positive with negative to review on film and plenty learned for when these teams meet again in December.

It wasn’t the shootout experts suggested or the defensive battle that can arise from spirited play.

It was an in-between game between teams with something to prove.

And they did it with effort.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Coy Wire, Drew Brees, Jabari Greer, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Reggie Bush

Compared to last week’s 45-10 thumping of the 49ers, you’d think Sunday’s game against the Bears a bit more tame. Not as many “snapshots of success.”

On the contrary…

How about the image of Thomas DeCoud holding up two, pink-gloved fingers to signify the second of two key interceptions? Coy Wire yanking the ball away from Matt Forte in a fight for a goal-line fumble and emerging from the pile without a helmet but with a gratifying smile?

Then there was Eric Weems scampering through the Bears coverage unit during a 62-yard return to set up the game-winning score? The third-down grab in heavy coverage by Tony Gonzalez that kept the game-winning drive alive?

Maybe you recall Michael Turner flexing his muscles and tossing the ball into the air after said go-ahead score with 3:06 to play? A host of Falcons swarming around Jay Cutler like bees on a hive with less than two minutes to play and John Abraham coming away with a sack?

Or perhaps the side judge — yes, the official — tossing his yellow flag multiple times in the last minute against the Bears, including a false start on fourth-and-1 with 0:34 to play?

I could go on, but you probably want to check out more coverage of the Falcons win. It was a big one, especially when it comes to staying in the hunt in the NFC South behind the still undefeated New Orleans Saints.

Fact of the matter is the Falcons offense was slow out of the gate, but rebounded from a first-downless first quarter to put up the points needed for victory. The defense also got three turnovers — two in the red zone — to help the cause and improve Head Coach Mike Smith’s record at home to a very solid 10-1.

Two straight road games await the Falcons.

Two tests remain.

But the images from this one will certainly last until we tee it up in the Georgia Dome again.

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-BEARS GAME:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete game coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more in the NFL.com Game Center
• FEATURE: Falcons defense stands tall in Sunday night win
• FIRST TAKE: Exclusive postgame videos from AtlantaFalcons.com
• VIDEO: More Falcons-Bears video interviews and highlights
• THE BEAT BLOG: In-game thoughts and stat updates
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts and commentary from the Managing Editor
• GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
• QUOTES: Thoughts from the Falcons postgame locker room | Bears
• INACTIVES: Falcons-Bears inactives and probable starters
• FORUMS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE

J. Michael Moore Gameday Chicago Bears, Coy Wire, Eric Weems, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jay Cutler, John Abraham, Matt Forte, Michael Turner, Thomas DeCoud, Tony Gonzalez

Falcons linebacker Coy Wire went through Russell Falcons Training Camp and the preseason “On the Fringe.” As such, he was featured on NFL Network and NFL.com with other players across the league who overcame hardships or faced an uphill battle to making a roster.

He’s now “Off the Fringe.”

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/153895/153895_2009-09-07-085829.flv

“It never gets old,” Wire told NFL Network’s Steve Wyche about making the 53-man roster. “It never loses any of its excitement. I never take for granted any time I can say I’m part of the NFL… I’m really thankful to be sitting here right now and looking forward to going in on Monday and seeing our team.”

Wire is with the Falcons for a second-straight season, originally signing with the team after his release from the Buffalo Bills. He has 188 career tackles and five sacks (25 starts). In Atlanta, he’ll continue his role as a special teams captain and a key backup at each of the three linebacker positions.

“Part of the reason I’ve been able to have sustainability in the NFL is I have been versatile and make myself a commodity for the football team,” Wire said.

“I know my role and right now that’s the be a solid backup at every linebacker position. If someone goes down, God forbid someone gets hurt, I’ll be able to step in and fill those shoes and fill them well.”

J. Michael Moore NFL Network, News Coy Wire, NFL Network, On the Fringe, Steve Wyche

NFL.com’s Steve Wyche — a friend of the AF.com program — was in Flowery Branch Tuesday working on his ongoing “On the Fringe” feature, which follows the fate of five players fighting for their NFL lives.

Falcons linebacker Coy Wire is among the featured players.

Wyche said fans can expect more of Wire and his teammates on NFL Network toward the end of the week or early next week (the whole Brett Favre to Minnesota story likely pushed back the NFL.com schedule).

But, since Wyche also has a great working knowledge of the Falcons, we hit on some more details of the preseason…

“On the offense, there’s not going to be any problems here as long as they stay healthy,” Wyche said, continuing the predominant chorus that sings the praises of 10-time Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez and returning Pro Bowlers Roddy White and Michael Turner. “They’re going to move the ball; they’re going to score points.”

When it comes to defense, Wyche expects the team to have some growing pains.

“They’ll get there,” he said of the unit which will begin 2009 with five new starters. “They just need to get there before they get to that third or fourth game because the schedule gets really tough.”

Still, the veteran sportswriter and broadcaster said fans shouldn’t panic over the team’s performance in the preseason.

Wyche likes Thomas DeCoud’s range at free safety but said the second-year player must mature quickly if he’s to make an impact, especially if he’s backing up young corners like Brent Grimes or Christopher Owens.

Wyche also said fans should look for a scheme change along the defensive line, where it’s tough to replace the imposing, two-gap player Grady Jackson (especially in size). Rookie Peria Jerry is more of a “”gap penetrator,” according to Wyche and will disrupt more than he holds up linemen at the line of scrimmage.

J. Michael Moore Random, YouTube, training camp Brent Grimes, Christopher Owens, Coy Wire, Grady Jackson, Michael Turner, NFL Network, NFL.com, one-on-one, Peria Jerry, Steve Wyche, Thomas DeCoud, Tony Gonzalez

Just got a look at the media schedule for the first week of training camp and there’s going to be plenty of opportunities to capture some player and coach interviews and tell some stories.

While we like to keep our daily plans as open-ended as possible, you can expect a few things from the AF.com team over the next few weeks.

• Blogs — Look for regular updates from me and others on the team
• Video Interviews — A staple of any AF.com production
• Photos — Team photographer Jimmy Cribb is ready to go
• Transcripts — We’ll get hold of as many Mike Smith and player press gatherings as we can
• Features — Let’s start with stories on expectations and position battles and take it from there
• Video Features — Hoping to get Smith — and others — mic’d up like last season
• Allstate All-Access — Planning a live blog from the scrimmage at Brookwood High School
• Falconcast — Select podcasts with special guests and camp audio

Next… A reporter’s checklist.

Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Falcons’ Wire working hard — and through pain — to keep NFL dream alive, NFL.com
If you’re searching for a player to root for during Russell Falcons Training Camp, look no farther.

Falcons trying to finish the contract drill, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Now we play the waiting game!”

Falcon top pick Jerry remains without a deal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This part of the pre-camp news cycle is formulaic. Draft, mini camp, sign draft picks, camp. Step three of four.

Training Camp Info, NFL.com
Curious to see what NFL.com and team sites do for training camp coverage this year. If you see something you like, let me know.

Falcons waive injured Irons, The Gwinnett Daily Post
Here’s hoping the Gwinnett Co. native gets a shot with another NFL team. He’s an electrifying special teams player.

Fantasy Football Crystal Ball: Matt Ryan, Bleacher Report
Selecting fantasy running backs? Easy. Selecting fantasy quarterbacks? Not so easy. I’ve been keeping up with this since the day my dad selected Warren Moon in an old-school fantasy draft. It’s never simple.

Falcons single-game tickets go on sale Saturday, Gainesville Times
There are several locations to purchase tickets but buying online is easy and quick.

The Falcoholic’s Atlanta Falcon Sleeper: CB Chevis Jackson, The Falcoholic
Jackson looked more at ease on the outside during mini camp and organized team activities. The battle for a cornerback spot is going to be a long and interesting one.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Bleacher Report, Chevis Jackson, Coy Wire, David Irons, fantasy football, Gainesville Times, Matt Ryan, NFL.com, Peria Jerry, Russell Falcons Training Camp, The Falcoholic, tickets, Warren Moon

Every NFL player has a story.

Some include tragedy. Others include uphill battles to triumph.

Coy Wire’s story is one of personal reflection, heart, inspiration, strength and character.

And it’s being told during Russell Falcons Training Camp.

“I’ve never cared whether I was a starter, whether I was a backup… I think that’s what has enabled me to be an asset to the teams I’ve been a part of,” Wire said in an interview with NFL Network’s Steve Wyche.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/131583/131583_2009-07-28-081200.flv

Wire suffered a career-threatening neck injury in 2007. The linebacker, then with the Buffalo Bills, opted for a risky surgery. He fought through rehab and ended up on the Falcons roster during 2008 training camp.

By the end of the year he earned enough respect and regained enough skill to be named a team captain. He also started the team’s playoff game at outside linebacker.

Wyche and NFL.com will document Wire’s journey through this year’s training camp as he works to gain a roster spot and continue his career.

“Through football and the challenges it presents I’ve learned so much about the human mind, about faith, about belief and that we are all more powerful than we know,” Wire said.

“I’m humbled every morning when I wake up that I’m able to play this glorious game.”

J. Michael Moore Feature, News, training camp Buffalo Bills, Coy Wire, NFL Network, NFL.com, Steve Wyche

With emotion in his voice, Falcons linebacker Coy Wire brought a special message to soldiers stationed at Ft. Benning Monday evening.

Attitude is everything.

After thanking the gathering of more than 250 men and women for their service, Wire noted the urge to wilt in the face of adversity but asked everyone to rise above the challenges with a positive attitude.

Wire and 10 of his Falcons teammates flew to Ft. Benning on Army Blackhawk helicopters Monday afternoon to have dinner with soldiers soon to be deployed to Iraq. A group of Falcons Cheerleaders also made the trip and gave a brief performance — their first of the 2009 season.

“We came to show our appreciation,” Wire said. “To show how much respect we have to each and every one of you. We came to represent not only the Atlanta Falcons, not only the city of Atlanta for which we play, but for all the people across this country — strangers you’ve never met — who are thinking of you and praying for you every day.”

Wire said attitude is something people can choose to control and, through a brief anecdote, illustrated the impact of a positive outlook on life.

Everyone goes through tough times.

The secret is in the process.

“We see the world not as it is; we see the world as we are on the inside,” he said.

“There’s a saying that the strongest steel is burned in the hottest coals. Each and every one of you men and women will have to go through something difficult in the next few months or year. It’s going to make you strong. It’s going to refine you and make you ready for anything and everything that you may encounter in your lives.”

Wire said the Falcons plan to dedicate the first game of the 2009 season to the soldiers at Ft. Benning and across the nation.

Members of the brigade the Falcons visited should be deployed in October.

Running back Jerious Norwood, center Brett Romberg, lineman Quinn Ojinnaka, guard Justin Blalock, defensive end Willie Evans, fullback Ovie Mughelli, tight end Justin Peelle, wide receiver Brian Finneran and tackle Will Sviteck also made the trip.

Finneran’s father served in Vietnam, adding special meaning to his trips to military posts.

“It’s awesome, especially the ride in the helicopter,” Finneran said. “We’re here to support our guys, our troops that fight for us.”

The veteran wide receiver said it’s easy to take the joys in life for granted, particularly air conditioning after a hot training camp pracitce.

But he knows none of it’s possible without the daily activity of service men and women around the world.

He joined Wire and his teammates in an expression of gratitude.

“We’re here to say thanks, shake their hands and tell them how much we appreciate all they do.”

Members of the Army thanked the Falcons with a custom, engraved sledge hammer — the symbol of the brigade. Wire proudly carried it the rest of the day and, once practice starts, will find a way to keep it in front of his teammates for motivation.

The Falcons organization is also offering a military-only deal on tickets to the Carolina Panthers game on Sept. 20 (click here for details). Tickets are $30 and include a limited edition, camouflage Falcons hat (pictured).

Click here for more pictures from the Falcons trip and work in the community.

J. Michael Moore Falcons in the Community, Feature, News Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, Brett Romberg, Brian Finneran, community, Coy Wire, Ft. Benning, Jerious Norwood, Justin Blalock, Justin Peelle, Ovie Mughelli, Quinn Ojinnaka, Will Sviteck, Willie Evans

About a week ago I was in my normal seat at a weekly staff meeting when a familiar face caught my eye. Walking up the steps on the other side of the glass wall was Eric Sutulovich.

He was chatting with Head Coach Mike Smith.

At the time I couldn’t remember his name but I knew he was the assistant special teams coach for the Houston Texans when I interned with the team in 2004.

Now’s a good time to mention that 2004 was one of the best years in the team’s young history. Sure that 7-9 record is eclipsed by the team’s back-to-back years at .500, but I like to think some of that magic had to do with me.

So, turns out Sutulovich got a job with the Falcons earlier this week.

I spent some time this morning catching up with him in his new office. He’s excited to be in Atlanta and work with special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong. He didn’t say it, but I could tell he’s eager to coach a team that set an NFL record in fewest punt return yards last season and boast such talents as Jason Elam, Michael Koenen, Coy Wire, Stephen Nicholas and Jason Snelling.

We chatted for about 20 minutes, discussing neighborhoods to live in around Flowery Branch and comparing notes on the organization.

It’s always good to see a familiar face, especially one with great experience.

Sutulovich served as an offensive assistant in Detroit last season but most of his NFL experience came in Houston. Over that four-year span, the Texans ranked first in the league in punts downed inside the 20-yard line (120), fourth in opponent punt return yard average (7.4), sixth in the AFC in kickoff touchbacks (120) and seventh in the conference in kickoff return yard average (22.1).

He coached under one of the best special teams coordinators in the business, Joe Marciano.

It’s rare that I get to swap stories with coaches, so that was an interesting part of the day. I’m sure fans will also give him a warm welcome at Mini Camp, which is open to the public on May 9.

J. Michael Moore News, Random Coy Wire, Detroit Lions, Eric Sutulovich, Houston Texans, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Michael Koenen, Stephen Nicholas

The NFL Draft is just more than two days away and speculation is in high gear.

When I first had the idea to do a series of mock drafts leading up to this epic offseason event I was ignorant to the various opinions held by the Falcons fan base.

You all opened my eyes to more possibilities and I hate I couldn’t get to them all.

I was also a little naive to the amount of research it takes to create a successful mock draft. This was surely easier when the NFL had less than 32 teams and media jabbering and team-by-team smoke screening weren’t part of the draft mystique.

At times I just wanted someone else to do it but I must say the act of research and figuring out scenarios for the first round gave me a better understanding for what may go down Saturday.

It also gives me a new appreciation for the amount of work Falcons personnel men — including Head Coach Mike Smith, General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and their staffs — put in on a daily basis.

Here’s the final mock.

No. 1 — Detroit Lions
QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia (no change)

Apparently, Stafford is telling former teammates he’s going to be a Lion. The Lions say the draft board wasn’t finalized until just a few days ago. We won’t know for sure until contract talks get underway but it seems to me Detroit is going to wait until Saturday to make the official announcement. A lot of analysts think Mark Sanchez is the safe pick at quarterback and Detroit will be better off selecting an offensive tackle at No. 1. It’s hard to argue with that. But it’s also hard to say the Lions don’t need to make a splash in the draft to go along with their new head coach and uniforms.

No. 2 — St. Louis Rams
T Eugene Monroe, Virginia (Previous Pick: Jason Smith)

The top five picks in the NFL Draft are supposed to be easy. Not the case this year. I’ve pushed three players through the No. 2 spot and I’ve decided on the player that’s been here the least. Jason Smith may have more upside. He may even be more athletic. But Monroe is the safe pick among tackles.

No. 3 — Kansas City Chiefs
LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest (no change)

Kansas City must make a choice. Every position of need can be addressed with the No. 3 pick or later in the first round. Trade? I’m thinking it’s a possibility considering the amount of rumored talks involving the Chiefs in recent weeks. Predicting details of trades is an art all it’s own, so I won’t get into it. Assume the Chiefs stay at No. 3. They take the most athletic player available.

No. 4 — Seattle Seahawks
T Jason Smith, Baylor (Previous Pick: B.J. Raji)

Scoring is the key in the NFC West, especially with the Cardinals coming off a division championship and Super Bowl appearance. Raji — or any defensive pick — can help the Seahawks win games but getting the offense on sure footing takes priority here.

No. 5 — Cleveland Browns
DE/LB Brian Orakpo, Texas (no change)

It all starts with a pass rush. Ohio State cornerback/safety Malcom Jenkins meets a need but the desire to get sacks and force opposing quarterbacks into bad decisions drives this pick. Orakpo, like all the hybrid defensive ends, will need to learn a thing or two about playing linebacker in a 3-4 but NFL coaches are spry enough to develop packages to put a good pass rusher to work.

No. 6 — Cincinnati Bengals
DT B.J. Raji, Boston College (Previous Pick: Eugene Monroe)

The Bengals have a lot of picks. Four in the first three rounds. They can address more needs with a pair of third-round selections and Raji is too good a player to pass up at this spot in the draft

No. 7 — Oakland Raiders
WR Michael Crabtree (no change)

The Raiders only have five picks in the draft. That’s what trades will do for you. I was in Oakland when I watched Crabtree and Texas Tech play Texas. I’ll be in Oakland again the next time I watch Crabtree play. It’s time for the Raiders to take a shot at the three-headed monster on offense (Darren McFadden, JaMarcus Russell and Crabtree). I would say the Jaguars would be looking to trade into the spot, but the signing of Torry Holt stops some of the bleeding at that position.

No. 8 — Jacksonville Jaguars
QB Mark Sanchez, USC (no change)

Go ahead and question this pick. David Garrard has put up solid numbers in recent years. But some draft analysts say Sanchez is actually better than Stafford. This situation is too good to pass up if you’re Jacksonville. Consider most successful quarterbacks in the league aren’t asked to start from Day One. Matt Ryan, of course, is the wonderful exception.

No. 9 — Green Bay Packers
DE Aaron Maybin (no change)

Green Bay has four picks in the top 100 and two big holes on a defense that’s going to a pure 3-4. The key to a successful 3-4 defense is along the line, but this is too high for Tyson Jackson and play makers at linebacker will go quickly in this draft. Maybin may not be the best cover linebacker but he’s got skills as a pass rusher.

No. 10 — San Francisco 49ers
T Andre Smith, Alabama (no change)

If Sanchez falls, the dynamic of the 49ers draft changes. If not, the team has a decision to make. Is it a linebacker or is it a guy who can come in and start at right tackle opposite Joe Staley? Smith is an interesting prospect as a left tackle (who wouldn’t be interested in a 332-pound guy protecting a quarterback’s back)? But he may be better suited as a run blocker on the right side.

No. 11 — Buffalo Bills
T Michael Oher, Ole Miss (Previous Pick: Malcom Jenkins)

The Bills now have two picks in the first round and thus have flexibility to move up for a player or get two starters. Trading Jason Peters opens up a hole at left tackle but the team can address it here. I like Oher and he’s got good upside at the position. Buffalo can’t wait for an offensive linemen in the first round, so this is the pick.

No. 12 — Denver Broncos
LB James Laurinaitus, Ohio State (no change)

A lot of things need to go right for the Broncos in this draft. They have the picks to move up and get just about anyone they want, but stockpiling selections helps a team with a lot of needs. The team held a workout for Sanchez, but I’m thinking the experience at quarterback on the roster (Kyle Orton and Chris Simms) makes the decision makers feel better about passing on a signal caller in the first round. Laurinaitus is as solid as they come and 49ers head coach turned Broncos defensive coordinator Mike Nolan knows a thing or two about having good linebackers in his system (see Willis-comma-Patrick).

No. 13 — Washington Redskins
LB Rey Maualuga, USC (Previous Pick: Michael Johnson)

Michael Johnson is falling out of favor again with some draft gurus and, if you’re the Redskins, maybe you think you’re OK with the acquisition of Albert Haynesworth on the defensive line. He’ll free up the linebackers and that’s another area of need in Washington. Maualuga is a tackling machine and can be an anchor on an aging defense.

No. 14 — New Orleans Saints
DB Malcom Jenkins, Ohio State (Previous Pick: Vontae Davis)

I’m not changing my mind on the position, just the player. If Jenkins tumbles the first team that’s looking at cornerback will take him. He still may evolve into a safety in the NFL. Either way, the Saints get an upgrade in the secondary. They’re going to need it long term with Ryan in the division.

No. 15 — Houston Texans
CB Vontae Davis, Illinois (Previous Pick: Darius Butler)

It’s nice to have a big pass rush and the Texans still need someone opposite Mario Williams but in a division that has the high-powered Colts a solid secondary is key. Davis is also athletic enough to mix it up with the Titans power run game. He provides some insurance — and a possible replacement — for Dunta Robinson who has said he’s unhappy about getting the franchise tag.

No. 16 — San Diego Chargers
DE Tyson Jackson, LSU (Previous Pick: Rey Maualuga)

This is where it gets interesting. The Broncos need a defensive end for a 3-4 scheme. So do the Chargers. Jackson fits the mold and Denver and San Diego pick close to each other. Possible fireworks with division rivals? Or, I’m totally wrong on this pick and nothing happens. I’ll figure the odds in my head sometime before Saturday.

No. 17 — New York Jets
QB Josh Freeman, Kansas State (no change)

I don’t want to call any pick a “gimme” but this one just makes too much sense.

No. 18 — Denver Broncos (from Chicago)
DE/LB Larry English, Northern Illinois (Previous Pick: Tyson Jackson)

If you think of English as a linebacker you’ll get confused. With this pick the Broncos get a pass rusher with a little experience in a 3-4 and keep Laurinaitus and D.J. Williams on the inside. Maybe Elvis Dumervil moves to linebacker. A lot of questions, but if that group pans out the Broncos could be in good shape.

No. 19 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DT Peria Jerry, Ole Miss (Previous Pick: Brian Cushing)

The next two flips could flip-flop. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz spent years coaching Haynesworth in Tennessee so he knows what a big lineman can do for a defense. Jerry is a high-motor player that can disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage. But we’re talking about the Bucs. They also need an interior pass rush to make the defense click.

No. 20 — Detroit Lions (from Dallas)
LB Brian Cushing, USC (Previous Pick: Michael Oher)

The Lions could also use a linebacker. Compare Cushing to Keith Bulluck. Also, think about a defense with Ernie Sims playing linebacker opposite this USC standout?

No. 21 — Philadelphia Eagles
RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia (no change)

I almost pulled out the surprise pick and sent Moreno to Denver. That would certainly make some Eagles fans upset.

No. 22 — Minnesota Vikings
WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri (no change)

I’ve seen Maclin go higher in the first round but the run on wide receiver is coming in the bottom 10 picks this season. Maclin was an All-American receiver and return man at Missouri. Maybe he stops the search for a star wideout in Minnesota.

No. 23 — New England Patriots
LB Clay Matthews, USC (no change)

A lot of Falcons fans would love to see Matthews on the board at No. 24. It would be a good story. His father played in Atlanta and he went from walk-on to star at USC. He fits in with the Patriots needs, though, and he gets scooped up just before the Falcons go on the clock.

No. 24 — Atlanta Falcons
CB Darius Butler, Connecticut (Previous Pick: Larry English)

He’s consistent. He’s versatile. He’s a pick that makes sense for the Falcons (at least in this humble blogger’s opinion).

Butler had 10 interceptions over his college career. He was a four-year starter at UCONN and a two-time team captain. His skill set translates to zone or man coverages and he even played a little offense.

You may say the team should look at linebacker, but the re-signing of Coy Wire and addition of Mike Peterson gives the Falcons starting experience at the position. Stephen Nicholas has also patiently waited for his chance and he’ll be given a shot to compete once offseason practices begin.

Defensive tackle? Trey Lewis was a rookie starter and, were it not for an injury, could have played a big role as a run stopper last season. He’s healthy and ready to go.

Safety is a spot that remains up in the air. Thomas DeCoud is a second-year player but has all the skills to come in and play next to Erik Coleman. Jamal Fudge, who started a game for an injured Lawyer Milloy last season, remains on the roster. There are going to be good safeties available in the second round, so it’s OK to be patient.

Tight end is at the status quo and there’s value later in the draft should the Falcons look to add a pass catcher.

As for cornerback… Well, I explained a little more in this YouTube video how you can never have too much competition at the position and how Butler could fit in.

Again, this is all hypothetical.

No. 25 — Miami Dolphins
WR Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina (no change)

Tedd Ginn Jr. is a solid wide receiver and the Dolphins expect him to step up this season. But adding another, all-around pass catcher won’t hurt.

No. 26 — Baltimore Ravens
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland (no change)

I think this is the only pick I’ve had for the Ravens since this started. The defense in Baltimore will be fine. Joe Flacco needs a weapon to strike down field.

No. 27 — Indianapolis Colts
DT Evander Hood, Missouri (no change)

Nicks or Heyward-Bey would be the pick if available. The Colts have no problem drafting for an already stocked offense, especially when there’s a need to replace Marvin Harrsion. But getting a defensive tackle may be the most pressing need.

No. 28 Buffalo Bills (from Carolina via Philadelphia)
TE Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State

Pettigrew would go to the Eagles and I figure he’ll stay in the same spot now that the Bills own the pick. This is about rounding out the offense.

No. 29 — New York Giants
WR Percy Harvin, Florida (no change)

I’m not ruling out the Titans making a run at Harvin but writing in trades to a mock draft is just too confusing. The Giants address a position of need with Harvin and, as an added bonus, get a player that can make some noise on end-arounds and other running plays. I almost put Beanie Wells in this spot but that would be a reach for the Giants who still have a pretty good running game despite free agent departures.

No. 30 — Tennessee Titans
DT Ron Brace, Boston College (no change)

This may be the year the Titans decide to take a wide receiver in the first round. Harvin is the best fit because he can help in the team’s running game. Cornerback is an option but if you’re looking at the team’s defense you have to figure out a way to replace Haynesworth.

No. 31 –Arizona Cardinals
RB Beanie Wells (no change)

The Cardinals have to improve the running game to help Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner. If Wells isn’t a surprise pick by the Broncos or Eagles, he’ll fall into a good situation in Arizona

No. 32 — Pittsburgh Steelers
CB Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest (Previous Pick Eben Britton)

The Steelers lost Bryant McFadden in free agency and have a way of filling spots on the roster before they become too big a need. Smith is an aggressive cornerback that can benefit from the Steelers pass rush.

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BLOGGER’S NOTE: Look for more on Stephen Nicholas and his thoughts on the upcoming season Monday on AtlantaFalcons.com.

Linebacker Stephen Nicholas’ day-by-day approach is contagious.

Talk to him for just a few minutes about his career and you walk away getting a lasting taste of his humility and focus.

Even in times of great opportunity he keeps eyes focused on his next task. In this case, it’s heading to the weight room for another offseason workout.

The opportunity on the table is a chance to compete for a starting job on the Falcons defense.

Michael Boley and Keith Brooking departed via free agency, leaving the team in need of two outside linebackers.

Coaches have spent two years tinkering with ways to get Nicholas on the field.

Is this the chance?

Atlanta signed veteran linebacker Mike Peterson and re-signed Coy Wire at the start of free agency so there are options. But, entering his third year, Nicholas may be the best fit for the weak side post vacated by Brooking.

But you wouldn’t know that from talking to him.

“What’s next for me? The only thing I can control is right now,” Nicholas said when asked about the chance to compete for a starting spot. “It’s kind of hard to talk about what’s next. You’ve got a lot of stuff in front of you. I guess I’ll be ready to answer that next year but, at this point, I need to focus on the upcoming season and try to be better than I was last year.”

The South Florida product took on a starting post in his rookie training camp as weak side linebacker as Demorrio Williams recovered for an injury. He faced the learning curve head on, understanding his college numbers (326 tackles, two interceptions and 20 sacks) wouldn’t hold up in the NFL game. The linebacker took on a reserve role in the regular season, playing in 13 games and registering 37 tackles.

In 2008, Nicholas was a special teams standout. He finished third on the team with 12 special-teams stops. He got on the field mostly in passing situations and got his first career sack in Week 17 against the Rams.

Will Nicholas get looks as a starter like he did in 2007? Too early to tell if history will repeat itself but he’s certainly thankful for his opportunities and doing whatever it takes to secure a meaningful job with his team.

“My goal is to go out and help the team the best I can,” he said. “That’s always been my goal and I’ll stick to that. The best way I can help this team and compete is what I try to do.”

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