Mocking The Draft: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:



Who's to blame for the Phillies' struggles? Bar-right-arrows



SBNation NFL Mock Draft, Pick 48: The Atlanta Falcons Select...


No. 48
Pick by The Falcoholic

Tracy Porter
Cornerback
Indiana

The Atlanta Falcons traded star CB DeAngelo Hall to the Oakland Raiders this off-season - part of the reason why they've made so many picks in this mock draft - so, in order to replace Hall, the Falcons have used their fourth selection in the top 50 to take Indiana CB Tracy Porter.  Dave the Falconer, the busiest GM by far in this draft, joins us once again to explain his selection of Porter:

  Small school, big talent. Tracy Porter has flown under the radar in this draft despite an excellent career and impressive numbers at the combine. You might not have known, for example, that he put up at 4.37 40 at the combine, or that he has 16 interceptions in his career. The lack of press for Indiana football hasn't helped him in that regard, but I'm thrilled he's still on the board for the Falcons.

Though I like some of the young guys in our corps, the loss of DeAngelo Hall increases the need for a capable young corner. Porter's major knock is pure coverage skills, something he'll have plenty of time to hone as a nickel or dime back in his first year in the NFL. A rebuilding team can afford to take on a high-potential, ballhawk corner like Porter and let him learn by exposure.

With this pick, the Falcons have now hit their most critical positions of need in four picks. Moving into the later rounds, I would look hard at safety and tight end while still eyeing the needy offensive line.  Through two rounds, however, this team is on the right track.
 
Matt Miller, host of this site as well as owner of New Era Scouting, provides his analysis below:

If a person were building a new team from scratch, the three positions that most would fill are left tackle, quarterback and then either defensive tackle or cornerback. Atlanta has grabbed the best OT in the class, a very good QB with tons of potential and now an underrated corner who can start as a rookie. He has speed, enough size and enough toughness to compete right away.

Grade: A  ::  Tracy Porter Scouting Report - New Era Scouting :: Matt Miller's Top Five Prospects Remaining: 1.  LB Shawn Crable, 2.  RB Jamaal Charles, 3.  WR Earl Bennett, 4.  TE Fred Davis, 5.  QB Chad Henne

Moving on!  The Philadelphia Eagles, represented by Bleeding Green Nation, are now on the clock.

Poll
Can Porter Help Replace DeAngelo Hall
  • Yes, A good athlete and better yet, a solid locker room guy.
  • No way you can replace D'Hall with a 4th rounder from Indiana!!!

  64 votes | Results

0 recs | Comment 4 comments

Read Related

Story-email Email | Print |

Comments

Display:

"Small school?

Since when did Indiana University become a small school?

by bigblueshoe on Apr 18, 2008 11:50 AM EDT   0 recs

Um

Since never. I meant less recognized, but that's what I get for not proofreading.

by Dave the Falconer on Apr 18, 2008 11:56 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Re: Matt's comments

If a person were building a new team from scratch, the three positions that most would fill are left tackle, quarterback and then either defensive tackle or cornerback. Atlanta has grabbed the best OT in the class, a very good QB with tons of potential and now an underrated corner who can start as a rookie.

Don't forget that the Falcons nabbed Balmer in this draft as well.  So they hit on all of the areas you mentioned.  It's probably because he had four picks in the first two rounds, but Atlanta has by far had the best mock draft this year, in my humble opinion.

www.buffalorumblings.com

by Brian Galliford on Apr 18, 2008 1:18 PM EDT   0 recs

I'm flattered

With this many picks, it would've been hard to completely screw up. If our new GM got this bounty on draft day, I'd be doing cartwheels.

by Dave the Falconer on Apr 19, 2008 12:00 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Mocking the Draft provides detailed information, scouting reports, mock drafts and rumors surrounding the NFL Draft.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

G_small
Where is Tommy Blake???
Thefantasysportsforum_logo_small
NY Jets Fantasy Depth Chart
Hester_small
Question for outsiders?
Small
Los Angeles Football Stadium
Zaofuneralofgod_small
A Debate - The Greater Secondary Poll PLEASE VOTE
Bob-sanders-081107_small
The best drafting team (1996-2005) is....
Zaofuneralofgod_small
Updated 09 Mock Draft
Small
2009 Mock? Sure, Why Not.
Zaofuneralofgod_small
My 2009 Mock Draft
Capt
An idea

Post_icon New FanPost All FanPosts Carrot-mini


Director of Scouting

Mattforweb_small MattMiller

Editors

Untitled_small Dave Gardner

Regional Scouts

Boba_small Brian Galliford

Milehighreport_small TheSportsGuru

ad

Site Meter