Well, the good news is UGA has another top 5 NFL draft pick, the bad news, he has to play for the Bengals, in what is one of the worst run frachises in all pro sports-for now at least. Of course Matt Stafford got drafted by the Lions which is not much above the Bengals, you have to say the Lions are looking up though as they have drafted well in recent years-they just happen to be in a VERY tough division with defending champs Green Bay and Chicago. As for AJ, the question now will become who is going to be throwing the ball to him.Whomever it is, that guy will become the 5th different QB to throw to AJ in the past 5 years, how many players can say that. Of course you go back to his SR in HS, then year one in Athens it was Stafford, year 2 Cox, year 3 Murray and now in the pros, maybe it is Carson Palmer, maybe not. As you might be aware, Palmer has threatened to retire rather than return to the Bengals. Course the Bengals will have a high draft pick in round 2 and there are still in my mind, two very strong QB's left on the board in Andy Dalton from TCU and Ryan Mallet of Arkansas. I would go with Dalton all the way, in fact I think he was more worthy of being a 1st rounder than several that were drafted in round one but what do I know.
The surprise to me was the Falcons indeed moving up to #6 and they TRIED to move up to #4-meaning they really wanted AJ but when Cincy wouldn't do a deal, they took #6 from Cleveland. I personally REALLY like Julio Jones, I have said before I think he very well could be a better pro than AJ because he is just a thicker/stronger more physical WR in my opinion. He is NOT as sure handed and does not run routes like AJ however. I still believe the Falcons gave up WAY WAY too much to get that pick though. Per reports, the Falcons gave up a No. 1, 2 and 4 this year and No. 1 and 4 next year. As I mentioned, the Falcons wanted to move up as far as #2 but couldnt' get that done-they wanted Green first. One thing I will say about the Falcons under Dimitroff, they formulate a plan and stick to it. I personally think adding defense is crucial to this team making that next step-and hopefully they will address a need on D with the pick in the 3rd round of this years draft. But, you have to think that part of the Falcons plan was to get a guy that could make an instant impact and this draft had very few of those type players to be honest. To me AJ, Julio, Peterson are three that really have star impact right out of the gate-and that is the area the Falcons moved to. Again, no one knows what will happen with the CBA, lockout etc, so the Falcons plan was to get the best player NOW and worry about tomorrow later. What I mean is, who knows what will happen with the draft for next year, and if Julio helps you win big this fall-you will be giving up a late 1st round pick in the draft next year. When all this CBA stuff is sorted out, if you feel you have a weakness on your D, you are more likely to find a free agent defensive player to fill your need. The Falcons do have some young D players that hopefully with another year of experience under their belt, will start to play better this upcoming season. That being said, if a good OLB/DE is availabe in the 3rd round that might be my choice-or a solid TE.
Baseball team has a BIG series this weekend against Arkansas in Athens. The Dogs are now 22-20, a series win here would help out in a big way. Suddenly your record moves to 24-21 and conference record improves to 13-8, after this weekend, only one remaining home series and that is against the #1 team or top 5 team in the nation, Vandy. So, in my opinion they must win the next three series and also the two non conference games coming up as well. I feel very confident that a UGA team with a winning overall and conference record, coupled with a very tough strength of schedule will make the regionals. Once in the regionals, this team sets up to do ok with two very solid pitchers. Ideally you would have 3 quality starters but having two that are very consistent is important because you have to think about the what ifs-what if you lose the first game, you have to have quality going in a game 2 losers bracket. Good luck to the Diamond Dogs.
Finally, congrats to coach Fox for getting a pay raise and contract extension. You can read more about it with the link I have provided below. I think it is a very good move and a smart move, show stability in our program and reward a coach for a job well done. I just hope the extra cash will motivate coach Fox to recruit, recruit and recruit more. I also hope he can work some magic with the team this year. Everyone expects us to be done but let me just say this, when Tubby Smith was our coach, he took over a roster that was full of seniors, took that team to the sweet 16. The next year, he had two returning guards that had not played a ton the year before-his son, GG and Ray Harrison and a few other role players and we earned a #3 seed I think it was, maybe #4-my memory stinks. Anyway, my point, no one expected us to have that good a year after losing Pertha Robinson, Carlos Strong, Terrell Bell etc from the year before. Everyone expects a big dip from us but to rule us out at this point is crazy. Coach Fox can coach the game so lets just wait and see.
http://dogbytesonline.com/fox-rewarded-with-raise-extension-45117/
Recruiting update, Dogs picked up another verbal, this one is probably the highest rated verbal to date for the class of 2012. Leonard Floyd is a sure fire 4 star prospect out of Dodge County. He is tall and lean right now but figures to grow into a good looking OLB or DE prospect. Speaking of DL, I ran into Robert Nkemdiche again last night at my sons baseball game, kid is HUGE in person out of pads but in the little interaction I had with him, very polite young man which is refreshing to see in a kid that in about 5 years time will be a millionaire 1st round draft pick (unless he suffers a bad injury).
http://dogbytesonline.com/floyd-sides-with-bulldogs-45123/
One closing note for the weekend, wow, Mark Richt is getting a little fiesty on the Bulldog club tour. Read this article to see how he responded to questioning in Macon. All I can say is, GREAT job coach. I appreciate the man you are in all aspects but I also like the fact that maybe you are coming out of your shell a little bit finally, showing people that under that calm you show at all times, there is a LOT of fire. Everyone have a great weekend and GO DOGS!
http://www.macon.com/2011/04/29/1542331/richt-gets-feisty-at-tour-stop.html
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