Tony Gonzalez traded to Falcons

[Logan]

Draft picks are overvalued, especially at this time of year. Got this from another board. The players picked around Atlanta's current 2nd round slot from 01 to 06:

53 Quincy Carter Cowboys QB Georgia
54 Michael Stone Cardinals DB Memphis
55 Quinton Caver Eagles LB Arkansas
56 Tony Dixon Cowboys DB Alabama
57 Willie Howard Vikings DT Stanford

53 Langston Walker Raiders T California
54 Maurice Morris Seahawks RB Oregon
55 Doug Jolley Raiders TE Brigham Young
56 Ladell Betts Redskins RB Iowa
57 Jon McGraw Jets DB Kansas State

53 Victor Hobson Jets LB Michigan
54 Anquan Boldin Cardinals WR Florida State
55 Bryan Scott Falcons DB Penn State
56 Osi Umenyiora Giants DE Troy State
57 Anthony Adams 49ers DT Penn State

53 Michael Boulware Seahawks LB Florida State
54 Darius Watts Broncos WR Marshall
55 Greg Jones Jaguars RB Florida State
56 Madieu Williams Bengals DB Maryland
57 Antwan Odom Titans DE Alabama

53 Dan Cody Ravens DE Oklahoma
54 Eric Shelton Panthers RB Louisville
55 Roscoe Parrish Bills WR Miami (FL)
56 Darrent Williams Broncos DB Oklahoma State
57 Justin Miller Jets DB Clemson

53 Anthony Fasano Cowboys TE Notre Dame
54 Bernard Pollard Chiefs DB Purdue
55 Andrew Whitworth Bengals T Louisiana State
56 Chris Chester Ravens C Oklahoma
57 Devin Hester Bears WR Miami (FL)

How many would you not trade their entire careers for two years of a Pro Bowl TE? I'd say maybe 5. Obviously the list would change if Atlanta experiences a big drop-off this year, and it doesn't include guys drafted after the 55th pick, but I think any list would show it's still a crapshoot.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Meanwhile the current slug for the online edition of the ajc columnist take on the trade


Note: Spellcheck is not an adequate replacement for actual proofreaders.

Maybe Falcons fans actually shuttered their doors and windows so the stench from GM moves wouldn't waft in the window

SI

[FBPro]

Very good trade, second rounder next yr isn't huge added that ATL will also get some compensatory picks for the FA they lost this yr on "D".

[Icy]

I like Gonzalez a lot (in fact i enjoy more good receiving TE's over WR's) but i think a 2nd rounder might be too much for a 12 years vet going to a non contender. It could make more sense if the team trading for him had more contending chances in 1 or 2 years max.

The main point i guess is offering a good target for a young QB to help his development and self confidence.

[DaddyTorgo]

Gonzalez will be a great safety-valve as the Falcons looks to develop additional receiving targets beyond RODDY WHITE!! for Matty "ROY" Ryan and gel their offensive line

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Fighter of Foo

Jay Glazer from last year:

FOX Sports on MSN - NFL - Gonzalez angered and baffled by non-trade

Certainly doesn't read like Gonzalez was turning down anything.

Any links would be appreciated.

The report was from the trade dead-line last year, and that he only gave two teams he would not go to (the Falcons and the Bills).

[kcchief19]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Yeah, it's kind of odd. Tony refused to get married, so they had a 'parters for life' ceremony. I think he's commitment-phobic in regards to being 'married'.

Meh, he's from California. He caught a lot of footballs, so we didn't worry much about it. He's a good guy.

It always struck me as a Tony's way to not lose half his money when he nails the next hottie that comes along.

Speaking of hotties though, the only reason I hope we keep Brodie Croyle around is for his wife Kelli. October is smokin' but Kelli complete with southern accent is just ... beautiful.
Hard Knocks Hotties: Kelli Croyle vs. October Gonzalez | Arrowhead Addict | A Kansas City Chiefs Sports Blog

[kcchief19]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

He's got the physical numbers, but he's a project right now as a pass catcher. I know that Cottam worked extensively in the off-season on his catching skills. We'll see how that plays out. The difference is that he will likely be the 4th or 5th option in this offense rather than the 1st option like Gonzalez was.

I haven't really seen any evidence of the blocking ability either. Gonzalez was always dismissed as a receiving TE and even some who just said he was a pseudo WR. But his blocking was much better than most gave him credit for. Cottam didn't get much time last year even in blocking situations -- nothing like the playing time Jason Dunn would get. I think Cottam is still a project both ways.

I would roll on the floor in ecstasy if the Chiefs get Chase Coffman. My only concern on him is the foot but he's the closest thing to a Gonzales/Gates-model TE in this draft. Dude catches everything throw to him and is nasty as a blocker/runner.