Impact of Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta

The Falcons acquisition of Tony Gonzalez is a significant move in the grand scheme of things, but the only impact it will have on this weekend is by shaking up a few mock drafts.

Many draftniks had the Falcons selecting Brandon Pettigrew in the 1st round, but in reality that was never a realistic option. The Falcons knew they needed a tight end, but they wanted one that could make a serious impact as a receiver - hence the acquisition of Gonzalez. While at Boston College, Matt Ryan's favorite target was tight end Ryan Purvis. Yet, in Atlanta in 2008 he Falcons simply didn't have anyone capable of making an impact in the passing game. Ben Hartsock is an above average blocking tight end, but offers little as a receiver.

Pettigrew is an adequate receiver, but his impact at the next level will be as a blocker. Had the Gonzalez trade not worked out the Falcons likely would have targeted a player such as Jared Cook or Shawn Nelson in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Bills, Eagles Agree on Jason Peters Trade

In a trade that has been in the works for the past week, the Bills have agreed to send Jason Peters to the Eagles in exchange for three draft picks.

The Bills were left with almost no choice in the matter, but this trade is devastating to their hopes of making a serious playoff run in the near future. Peters, a two-time Pro Bowler, was developing into a truly elite left tackle. And remember, having played tight end in college, he's still perfecting the left tackle positions which he has been playing for just five seasons.

From the Eagles point of view, however, this trade is a steal. They give up a 1st-round pick (28th overall), 4th-round pick (121st overall) and an undisclosed pick in 2010. Its a decent sum, but the fact that they still hold a 1st-round pick this year eases the loss considerably. The Eagles had hoped to land an offensive tackle with one of those picks, which they accomplished. The 21st pick can now be spent on either Brandon Pettigrew or a running back (Knowshon Moreno?).

So where do the Bills go from here? The left side of their line is in shambles. Demetrius Bell (2008 7th-round selection) is their top internal candidate at left tackle. Kirk Chambers is slotted in at left guard for now, filling the hole left by the release of Derrick Dockery.

With one of their two 1st-round picks the Bills must address the offensive line. The most logical selection is to take Michael Oher 11th overall (or Andre Smith if he's available). Defensive end is still a need, put can easily be filled with the 28th pick. Guys like Connor Barwin and Michael Johnson will be realistic options in the late 1st round.

Brandon Pettigrew Postpones Pro Day

Brandon Pettigrew was scheduled to work out on Wednesday, but he postponed his workout because of a pulled hamstring.

Pettigrew's workout is one of the more important ones this offseason. He's clearly the top player at his position, but he also doesn't fit the mold of recent first round tight end selections. He's an elite blocker, with only decent receiving skills.

Despite being the consensus top tight end, its tough to justify taking a blocking tight end in the first round. He'll need to hope he impresses the right team in hopes of sneaking into the late first round.

The Eagles and Falcons would appear to be likely destinations if he does find a place within the first 32 picks.