Falcons Lose Their Way...

Falcons' general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith have made an awful mistake that could have lasting negative effects. In last night's first round of the NFL draft the Falcons swapped first round picks with the Cleveland Browns to move up 21 spots and select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. Sounds good right, getting a high level wide receiver? Well, add in the fact they also had to give up this year's second and fourth round picks along with next year's first and fourth rounders. AWFUL! Especially considering Julio Jones wasn't who they really wanted. They wanted Georgia wide receiver AJ Green but had to settle for Jones when the typically ignorant Bengals wouldn't bite at four.

An organization that has preached building a foundation just threw that very foundation away. This move goes completely against everything they've done to build long-term success through depth. They, of course, will point to the fact that next year's first round pick should fall in the range of the last 6 picks or so and therefore will not be felt. While doing so, they'll ignore the fact that long-term stability and success in the NFL is built through the draft. However, this fact is not the most egregious aspect of this move. Nope, the Falcons flat out ignored their greatest weakness altogether.

A stroll down memory lane will surely guide Falcons' fans back to the Georgia Dome in January when Aaron Rodgers and crew were torching the Falcons' defense to the tune of humiliation and disgrace. Anyone with taking a breath that can spell football is crystal clear on where the Falcons consistently falter. Unfortunately, the people that matter most, those running the organization, have lost sight of that in order to make a splash and appear to be bold.

If anyone thinks this team is set-up for a deeper run in the playoffs by adding Julio Jones over any number of defensive players is out of their mind. This team, as a Championship contender, is no better today than they were the night the Packers took their pride and soul. Additionally, for those banking on free agency, good luck with that. No one has a clue how this labor situation is going to play out, including those at the highest level in the NFL.

The Falcons desperately needed defensive help; they didn't get it; didn't even try. The Falcons had a pretty good building process in place; they didn't follow it; tossed it to the side. The Falcons accomplished only one thing in last night's first round; they lost their way.