Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

The Falcons had a lot of draft picks and addressed their most pressing needs.  While Baker was a bit of a reach from a talent/probability perspective, if he develops into a quality starting left tackle he will be well worth what the Falcons gave up to draft him earlier than expected in round one.  On day two, running back Thomas Brown was great value in round six.  He was available there because of the tremendous depth at running back in this draft.  Atlanta also grabbed two players off my underrated list (Jackson and DeCoud), although I believe Jackson is better in cover-two scheme than in man-to-man.  Atlanta has done nothing major in college street free agency as of this write-up.

DRAFT PICKS

Ryan was everyone's top-rated quarterback in this draft including mine.  At worst he will be an above-average starting quarterback.  At best he will be a very good starting quarterback.  Atlanta will take either outcome.  Ryan was the right choice at this spot even with Dorsey still available. 

The way the draft fell Atlanta had to trade up to grab Baker if they wanted to take a shot with a player who could settle in effectively to left tackle right away.  Draft position is all about probability for draft analysts, but need enters the picture for NFL teams.  If Baker becomes a quality starting left tackle than drafting him here was a bargain.  If not, then they would have paid too much to get him regardless of what they gave up.  Baker does have a chance to be a solid left tackle.  Of course, he could also have to kick inside to guard to be an effective starter.  Time will tell.  

Lofton was an interesting pick in round two.  On tape he looks like a very good 4-3 middle linebacker, something the Falcons need (Brooking is a better WILL).  However his measurables make him look more like a 3-4 inside linebacker because of his lack of quickness and quick change-of-direction skills.  But, this is a player where I'll go with the tape over the workout.  I believe Lofton is quicker and sharper-cutting when chasing down a ball carrier than he is on the track.  Lofton should be a long term starter for the Falcons.

Jackson is a player I like a lot.  He is quick, has excellent cover skills, and is a tremendous athlete.  The only thing he lacks is top long speed which is why I believed he'd be a great fit for a cover two team.  However, his quickness and athleticism should allow him to play the nickel right away.  And if Atlanta can generate a pass rush, he could be a very good starting corner.  If not, he'll be a good corner who could get beat deep on occasion.

Douglas is a slot receiver with more quickness than speed.  I like the potential of Hawkins and Caldwell more than Douglas.  However, as a third or fourth wideout, Douglas should be fine.

DeCoud will challenge Williams to start at free safety from day one.  He is a smart player who is faster, quicker, and more athletic than he appears.  While a sure tackler, DeCoud is not a monster hitter.  Atlanta got a nice building block for their defense in DeCoud.

James is an active linebacker with the strength and ability to be a backup SAM and play special teams.  If Boley's sudden off field issues flare up, I don't believe James is ready to be an above average replacement starter.   Although he was a valuable player for Arizona State.

Biermann was a player I thought would go to a 3-4 team as an outside linebacker.  He is very strong and a good pass rusher, but a bit too small to be a 4-3 end.  However, upon analyzing things a bit deeper, Biermann certainly has the physical skills to play SAM in a 4-3.  Look for him to be a pass rushing specialist and special teams contributor while learning to play SAM.  With back-to-back picks of James and Biermann it was almost like Atlanta knew something was brewing with Boley.

Falcon fans are going to love Thomas Brown.  Brown is a short man, not a small man, something Atlanta fans are used to with Warrick Dunn on the roster up until this year.  Brown is very strong, fast, quick, and runs very well inside despite his size.  He wasn't used much as a receiver in college so he'll start off as a change-of-pace back more than a third-down back.  Atlanta now has three solid running backs.

Fontenot is a short corner with excellent strength and speed, who likes to hit.  He is more fast than quick and is better served covering outside than in the slot.  He will be a terrific special teams player and could offer the Falcons an option of moving Jackson inside and playing Fontenot outside in the nickel.

Zinger is a blocking tight end who was not on my radar.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Sharpe played at a big time program when he was able to play.  He is a good athlete and has a chance to stick on Atlanta's practice squad.

Wolfe looked to have an above average skill set for a strong safety and then lifted the bar only 9 times.  I believe that is why he fell out of the draft.  Luckily, strength can be addressed.  If Wolfe makes an effort to get stronger, he could be a pleasant surprise for the Falcons down the line.