Falcons Draft Analysis
Instead of boring you with full blown draft analysis, I’m only going to concentrate on the Falcons. Because that’s the only NFL team I really care about. Plus, you can get total draft analysis at ESPN, SI, etc.
With the 3rd pick in the draft, the Falcons selected QB Matt Ryan. I’m torn on this pick. On the one hand, he reminds a lot of Ryan Leaf, in that he had one really good year and is suddenly the top QB in the draft. Plus, it’s really hard to pass up Glenn Dorsey. Imagine a line featuring Jamaal Anderson, Glenn Dorsey and John Abrahm. That would be an immediate improvement for the Falcons D. But, on the other hand, if things go well for the Falcons this year, they won’t be drafting at #3 in the next draft and there really aren’t any franchise type QB’s coming out next year (at least not yet). So they had to take Ryan because you just can’t win with Joey Harrington, DJ Shockley and Chris Redman as your QB. I just hope that they don’t rush Ryan into service. It’s going to take several years to rebuild the Falcons, so they should give Ryan plenty of time to adjust and not throw him right into the fire.
The Falcons traded up into the last half of the 1st round to make thier second pick, OT Sam Baker. They needed a lineman badly. It would have been great if they could have traded up a little higher and taken Otah or Williams, but Baker will be solid. His stock dropped a bit due to an injury this past season. So the Falcons at least got some value at that pick. And you really can’t understate how badly the Falcons needed a good OL.
The next two picks filled needs for the team: ILB Curtis Lofton and CB Chevis Jackson. Outside of Keith Brooking and Micahel Boley, the Falcons don’t have any play-makers at LB. Lofton should give them some depth and playmaking. Lofton will be one of the CB’s used to replace DeAngelo Hall. He’s solid, but not spectacular. He’ll likely be used in Nickel and Dime situations to start.
Harry Douglas adds depth to the WR corp. He’s going to be more of a possession receiver and you’ll likely see him going across the middle as opposed to stretching the field. Thomas Decoud (safety), Robert James (OLB), Kroy Biermann (OLB), and Wilrey Fontenot (CB) all add depth to a depleted defense.
Thomas Brown adds depth at the RB position. He may get a few carries but will start the season no better than 3rd on the depth chart. Keith Zinger will join the rest of the Falcons TE’s in the unenviable task of making the fans forget the production that Alge Crumpler provided.
Overall, I think the Falcons did well in the draft. Again, it will take years to get the Falcons back to legitimate play-off contender, but the draft has me excited about the prospects of this team.
Filed under: NFL Draft
Tags: alge crumpler, atlanta falcons, chevis jackson, chris redman, chris williams, curtis lofton, deangelo hall, dj shockley, espn, glenn dorsey, harry douglas, jamaal anderson, jeff otah, joey harrington, john abrahm, keith zinger, kroy biermann, matt ryan, NFL Draft, robert james, ryan leaf, sam baker, si, thomas brown, thomas decoud, wilrey fontenot
