There's never a dull moment when AtlantaFalcons.com managing editor Jay Adams and TheFalcoholic.com creator Dave Choate get together and talk. The two share a love of the Falcons and a unique sense of humor. The two Internet mavens decided to let Falcons fans in on their instant message conversations in a new Draft weekly series called On the Clock
Jay Adams: Dave, we're officially a month away from the draft and I've got a slight issue. I have no idea what to wear. Do I go formal? Casual? Business casual? It's too difficult to decide.
Dave Choate: Cocktail dresses and heels are always classy. But I can't promise you won't get a few whistles.
JA: I don't think I can pull that look off.
DC: That's really a shame.
DC: Personally, I'm going with the top hat and monocle combo. It lends a touch of class to the fourth round.
JA: I was definitely thinking of something with tails and a gigantic collar, preferably made of polyester.
DC: Egads!
DC: You're a time traveler, Mr. Adams.
DC: A time traveler with the taste of the 70's.
JA: Well, let's New York Hustle our way into today's draft conversation.
DC: I know just "wear" to start.
DC: Given that I've heard the word about Jabaal Sheard.
DC: Have you an opinion on that august Pittsburgh defensive end?
JA: You know what? I saw him first mentioned this week and I have to admit, I did a double-take. I had to take a moment and think about who he was.
DC: He's suddenly materialized on draft boards, like some sort of materializing materializer.
DC: Or something.
JA: When I have a materializing materializer problem, I generally use one parts bleach to 10 parts water and scrub generously.
JA: But this is a kid you definitely don't want to disappear from our draft board. After doing some research on him, I like what I see.
DC: I'm not sure Sheard would appreciate that, but I do, too.
DC: I was watching a little film last night to research a post and I came away extremely impressed by how aware he is. He's always there as plays develop, like a roll of film.
JA: I'm hearing comparisons to some pretty big name defensive ends who are either in the league or who have already left their mark, but it begs the question: Where has this kid been?
DC: I think it's the vagaries of the NFL Draft. Guys pick up momentum and lose it for the silliest reasons.
DC: And Sheard simply hasn't been on the radar for a lot of draft pundits. Myself very much included.
JA: Well, about 48 hours ago, I didn't even know he existed, so count me among the guilty. But you're right, when you're talking about the Draft, you're talking about hundreds of potential players to keep track of. It's amazing Mel Kiper has been able to keep his hair so fluffy and, well, atop his head.
DC: He's no mere mortal. But even he loses track of players.
DC: I believe Corey Peters was a surprise to him in 2010. And at least three teams, the Falcons included, were in love with the guy.
DC: I think people forgot about Sheard a little, woke up with a jolt on Monday and were like "Oh noes! Jabaal Sheard!"
JA: Did they "lolz" during that thought?
DC: I don't believe draft analysts know how to lol.
DC: Their lol drills were weak, to say the least. Very few roflcopters among them.
JA: Be that as it may, I think there's one defensive end we've been leaving out of the equation lately.
JA: Miami's Allen Bailey.
JA: And I'm not talking first round here. I think he's a second round guy who will be there when the Falcons pick.
DC: <>
DC: That may be a little strong.
DC: If the Falcons can get Allen Bailey in the second. I fully support going in a different direction in the first round. I'm a huge believer in his talent.
JA: I am, too. I wrote a little about this earlier in the week, and he's an extremely moldable player. He has experience at linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle, but he's definitely not what you'd characterize as a "tweener." I just think it's a case of him being that versatile.
DC: He's extremely versatile.
DC: And when you look at him, he's all like ALLEN BAILEY SMASH!
DC: I'm not worried about him not having the size to play end in a 4-3, that's for sure.
JA: No, not at all. I have a little history with Bailey since I covered him in high school. Did you know, Dave, that Mr. Bailey once killed an alligator... with a shovel?
DC: I heard he actually did it with a box of Cheez-Its.
DC: And afterwards. He threw the Cheez-Its in the bayou and ate the alligator.
DC: But that might be a myth.
DC: Seriously, though, that's the kind of thing that defines toughness.
JA: I wouldn't think a box of Cheez-its would have the strength to accomplish something like that.
DC: They don't.
DC: But Allen Bailey does.
JA: I feel a Chuck Norris joke coming on...
DC: Allen Bailey once took a trip from Georgia to France... on foot.
DC: And when he got there, he killed an alligator with a shovel.
DC: Even though there are no alligators in Europe.
JA: I was thinking something more along the lines of, "Allen Bailey doesn't get wet. Water gets Allen Bailey."
DC: I do like that one.
DC: I would also accept "Jesus walked on water. Allen Bailey swims through land."
JA: Wouldn't surprise me. You can do those things with less than 8 percent body fat. I wouldn't know firsthand, however.
DC: Me neither, Jay.
DC: Me neither.
DC: But here's a little riddle for you: If the Falcons are sold on a second round defensive end, where do they go in the first?
JA: I think the answer to that question is easy. Offensive tackle. The offensive line may be in flux this year, and I think you have to prepare for a scenario where you'll need a few extra hands on deck when it comes to the offensive line.
DC: Is the pick still honey badger Gabe Carimi, or someone else?
JA: For me, it is. I've got tunnel vision on this guy. He says he's the best tackle available in the draft, and I believe him.
JA: Although, there's a part of me that hopes Anthony Castonzo falls so that we can use George Costanza quotes in every mention of him.
DC: Believe it or not, Anthony Castonzo is the pick...please put a hat on his head.
DC: There's also the BC connection for Matt Ryan there.
JA: "The sea was angry that day, my friends — like an old man trying to send back soup at a deli."
DC: Oh, so much comic fodder.
DC: But I do think Carimi is the pick, so we'll have to invent quotes for him.
JA: You mean I'll have to table this one? "I'll tell you what. I wish there were pigmen. You get a few of these pigmen walking around, suddenly I look a lot better."
DC: Useful for when we're playing the Redskins, what with their hog nickname.
DC: And Albert Haynesworth.
JA: I'll keep that one in the hopper then.
DC: Please do.
JA: Please convince me though, Dave, that the Falcons will select a cornerback in the first round. I just don't see what other people are.
DC: Every year since the beginning of time, man has aspired to see the Falcons draft a cornerback.
DC: For some reason, no matter how many picks the team invests, pundits think that's the most urgent need.
DC: I chalk it up to never, ever watching the Falcons. Ever.
JA: Ok, phew. I'm glad I'm not the only one scoffing at the idea of taking one in the first round. But as I wrote the other day, Jimmy Smith is an intriguing athlete because of his size.
DC: He is.
DC: You are taking an enormous gamble with him because of character concerns, but the physical talent is there.
DC: I just can't see the team taking a corner before the fourth round, which may be because I need glasses.
JA: I agree, and I generally call Mike Smith the Riverboat Gambler because of his intestinal fortitude when it comes to fourth downs, but I don't think Smitty gambles on character.
DC: Not so much, which is a discussion in its own right, I think.
DC: What I do like is that the Falcons have nine picks, which gives our good friend Thomas Dimitroff some wiggle room in the later rounds.
JA: Yes, definitely. I've seen some people get down about getting two extra seventh rounders, but I have to caution folks that there could be some talent found in the seventh round.
DC: There could be.
DC: Or the Falcons could package them to move up and get someone they really want, which is also a plus.
DC: I like flexibility.
DC: And lamp.
JA: I've been meaning to tell you, Dave, you might want to lay low for a while.
JA: But seriously, look at some of these names: Bo Jackson, Jamal Anderson, Leon Lett, Marques Colston, TJ Whosyourmomma and Shannon Sharpe. What do they have in common? All seventh round picks.
DC: Coincidence? I think not.
DC: I really think Vidal Hazelton has a chance to be a Falcon. He's such a sleeper I call him Nyquil.
JA: I'm not totally sold on him. The lack of an invite to the Combine doesn't sit well with me, but I could see the Falcons taking a shot on Ricardo Lockette with one of those seventh round selections.
DC: I think it depends on where the team goes earlier in the draft. If it's a need for speed, it's Lockette.
DC: If they've already drafted a guy like Edmond Gates, I could see them taking a shot on Hazelton. He's a little more polished, in my mind.
JA: And let's not forget that you and I will likely still be on the board in the seventh.
DC: I am 5'11, 165 pounds of pass-dropping fury.
JA: Not to worry. I'd struggle breaking six seconds getting water for someone.
DC: Don't worry, I hear lots of places are looking for a pair of writers with no discernible football skills.
JA: If that's the case, I'm going to stay right in my current position, which includes chatting with you and researching YouTube clips of George Costanza.
DC: I can't imagine a better way to spend an afternoon, unless it involves alligator hunting with Allen Bailey.
JA: Count me in for that.
