By: Carrington Caul
Atlanta Falcons (Record: 13-3) (Playoff Appearance: 2nd rd L vs. Green Bay (48-21)
The Falcons didn’t really come into this draft with a lot of needs and that’s a great thing for an organization that just means that either you had a good season or nothing was too bad and certain position needs depth. That can basically sum up the Falcons season, when you’re 13-3 and you win your conference championship, get a first week bye in the playoffs, and have the 2nd best record out of the whole league. The only thing the Falcons really needed improvement on; was Defense but it wasn’t a glaring need mostly just needing depth.
1)Julio Jones (WR, Alabama)
When your 13-3 you can afford to make the moves that the Falcons made to get Jones, giving up your 1st, 2nd, 4th round picks of this year draft and your 1st and 4th in next year draft to get your #2 receiver. Julio Jones to me was the best WR in this year draft even though most scouts had him behind A.J. Green. I think this is the 2nd best move of the 1st round behind Nick Fairley in Detroit. When it comes to this position there is more to it than running up the field and catching a ball, you have to be good at run blocking I mean let’s be honest you not going to touch the ball every play. Julio is the best receiver when it comes to blocking the only thing you can ask from his to work on running cleaner routes and catching the ball with his hands. He has the tendency to let the ball hit him in the chest before he grabs it with his hands. Coming to the Falcons with Roddy White and Matt Ryan is only going to prove to others that he is the best receiver in this year class. (Personal Grade: A+)
2)Akeem Dent (LB, Georgia)
Dent is an athletic player but he doesn’t match up well in man-to-man coverage but he is a monster in the run defense. Dent won’t let a ball runner get past him, he knows how to wrap up players and bring them down. Gives 110% every time he touches the field; can be a solid back up behind the starter and will eventually move him into a starting role. (Personal Grade: A-)
3)Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, Oregon State)
Rodgers is an excellent complimentary to Michael Turner almost like Peanut Butter & Jelly. Rodgers is an explosive quick short guy that can hit the holes or hit the outside, once he gets through it’s hard to catch him and bring him down. You have to love his work ethic, even though he’s 5’5 he plays with the heart of a 6’5 player. Expect him to be used in special teams, trick plays and game changing plays. (Personal Grade: B+)
4)Matt Boshel (P, Miami)
Bosher has the skill sets and versatility to contribute as a punter but he can also be used a place kicker or kickoff specialist. (Personal Grade: B-)
5)Andrew Jackson (OG, Fresno State)
Jackson durability is a question coming into the league, he will probably either become a practice squad player or a reserved played who can come off the bench and add depth to the offensive line that protects one of the best QB in the league. (Personal Grade: B-)
6)Cliff Matthews (DE, South Carolina)
Matthews was projected to be a 4th or 5th rd pick and to slip to the Falcons in the 7th round is an excellent steal and value pick. Matthews is a player who has tremendous upper body strength and active and quick hands that can see him in the backfield a lot. He also adds depths to a position that is important in this league. Expect him to grow into a solid starting DE. (Personal Grade: B+)
Atlanta did a great job in this draft picking up starters, key contributors, and depth players. This draft can only help a team that only lost 3 games last season, expect the Falcons to contend for a Super Bowl run this season. This is a deadly team that just got better.
OVERALL GRADE: A-
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