Grading Dimitroff’s Previous First Round Picks
By John Buhler
Nov 17, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bobby Rainey (43) gives a stiff-arm to Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Peria Jerry (94) in the third quarter as Tampa Bay beats Atlanta 41-28 at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
2009: DT Peria Jerry, Ole Miss (24th Overall)
Dimitroff went after Ole Miss DT Peria Jerry with the 24th pick in 2009. The interior lineman of the Rebels needed to replace crazy Grady Jackson on the Falcons defensive line. Playing in a tough SEC gave Jerry credibility as the second most coveted DT in the draft behind Boston College’s BJ Raji.
Jerry never had the motor, work ethic, or intensity to live up to being a first round pick. He lost his starting job to rookie DT Corey Peters in 2010 and abruptly retired before last season. We all saw how terribly awkward his retirement conversation was with former HC Mike Smith on HBO’s Hard Knocks.
What makes Dimitroff’s selection of Peria Jerry hurt the most is that Pro Bowlers LB Clay Matthews and CB Vontae Davis went immediately after the Ole Miss DT. Both Matthews and Davis come from strong football families and would anchor the Falcons sub par defense if they were on the Atlanta’s roster.
Grade: 50, F