Thurs., April 22 7:30 p.m. 1st Round Fri., April 23 6:30 p.m. 2nd-3rd Rounds Sat., April 24 10:00 a.m. 4th-7th Rounds
THE
THE
HISTORY
HOST
The NFL Draft has been in New York City since 1965 and has had to move into larger digs as the event has gained popularity. Fans from all 32 teams look at the Draft as an insight into the future of their teams. The 2010 Draft is the 75th version and will be held at Radio City Music Hall. This site has hosted the Draft since 2006.
The first professional football draft was held on February 8, 1936, at the RitzCarlton Hotel in Philadelphia. The first player taken was also the first Heisman Trophy winner, Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago. He was selected by Philadelphia who then traded his rights to the Bears. Berwanger never played a down of pro football.
THE
FORMAT
FALCONS
PICKS
The Falcons currently hold eight picks in the 2010 draft and three picks within the first 100 selections. They have the No. 19 pick in the first round, Nos. 19 and Nos. 34 in the third, No. 19 in the fourth, Nos. 18 and 34 in the fifth and Nos. 2 and 20 in the sixth. The two No. 34 picks are compensatory and the No. 2 pick in the sixth round is from Detroit.
There are seven rounds in the Draft. Each team is assigned a selection in each round, with the team with the worst record from the previous year being assigned the first pick in each round. The team that won the Super Bowl the previous year gets the 32nd and final selection. However, trades and compensatory picks can adjust the natural order of the draft.
DRAFT NIGHT
EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE
GET EXCLUSIVE FALCONS PROGRAMMING AT EVERY METRO ATLANTA TACO MAC ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF THE DRAFT
The DirectTV Schedule 8:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. • • • •
Live interview with Falcons Owner and CEO, Arthur Blank Live interview with President of the team, Rich McKay Live interview with former players and media members Online fan interaction
9:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. • • • •
Live coverage of the Falcons’ first-round draft pick Live interview with General Manager Thomas Dimitroff Live phone interview with the first draft pick Online fan interaction
WRITE DOWN THE FALCONS PICKS... First round (No. 19 overall) Third round (No. 83 overall) Third round (No. 98 overall) Fourth round (No. 117 overall) Fifth round (No. 149 overall) Fifth round (No. 165 overall) Sixth round (No. 171 overall) Sixth round (No. 189 overall)
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The 2010 Draft Guide is a joint effort between the Atlanta Falcons and Score Atlanta, a full-service sports marketing company that handles print, web, web video, radio and event activation. The number at the Score office is 404-256-1572. The cover photo was taken by Falcons photographer Jimmy Cribb.
REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE Official dates were not available at press time
HOME GAMES
NFL DRAFT
FALCONS 2010
AWAY GAMES
INSIDE THE
vs. CAROLINA Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
vs. NEW ORLEANS Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
vs. TAMPA BAY Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
vs. ARIZONA Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
vs. SAN FRANCISCO Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
vs. BALTIMORE Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
vs. CINCINNATI Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
vs. GREEN BAY Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA
at CAROLINA Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte, NC
at NEW ORLEANS Superdome New Orleans, LA
at TAMPA BAY Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, FL
at ST. LOUIS Edward Jones Dome St. Louis, MO
at SEATTLE Qwest Field Seattle, WA
The Falcons played the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome in Week 2 of the 2009 season. Matt Ryan threw three touchdown passes in the second half en route to a 28-20 win. It will be a new-look Panthers team as Jake Delhomme and Julius Peppers are gone. The defending Super Bowl champs will make their annual trip to the Dome. It was a back-and-forth affair in Atlanta last year with the Saints winning 26-23. Atlanta was without Matt Ryan and Michael Turner, but Chris Redman played admirably. In last year’s matchup in Atlanta, Chris Redman threw a five-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Roddy White to lead the Falcons past the Buccaneers 20-17. Tampa is still in rebuilding mode under second-year head coach Raheem Morris and will have its share of growing pains. The Falcons faced the Cardinals in the ‘08 playoffs and Kurt Warner was able to lead Arizona past the Falcons, 30-24. Arizona will have a new look on offense because Anquan Boldin and Warner are no longer with the team. Regardless, they are still the favorite in the NFC West. Total domination was the theme of last year’s game between these two teams, as Matt Ryan threw for 329 yards to help the Falcons beat the 49ers 45-10. Under head coach Mike Singletary, the 49ers should be a player in the NFC West but still have some work to do. It wasn’t pretty when the Falcons took on the Ravens in ‘06, as they were beaten 24-10. This is a dangerous team led by QB Joe Flacco which should be in the playoff hunt yet again after qualifying for the postseason in three of the past four years. The Falcons last played the Bengals in ‘06 and came away with a thrilling 29-27 win. Cincinnati will be a favorite to repeat as AFC North champ and is led by the duo of Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco. The Bengals lost to the Jets in the first round last year. It was a coming-out party for Matt Ryan the last time these teams met, as Ryan led the Falcons past Green Bay at Lambeau Field in ‘08. This game will feature Ryan and Aaron Rodgers, two of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL. The Falcons had a rough day at Bank of America Stadium last year as Michael Turner went down with an ankle injury and the Panthers downed the Falcons 28-19. This time around, Turner should be healthy and the rest of the Falcons will look to get revenge on their division rival. Last year, the Falcons played in New Orleans on Monday night and the Saints prevailed 35-27. Both teams rolled up over 400 yards of offense, but combined for seven turnovers. The highlight for Atlanta was a 68-yard TD catch by Roddy White. The Falcons played at Tampa Bay in last year’s season finale and triumphed 20-10 to give the franchise its first back-to-back winning seasons. Jason Snelling rushed for a career-high 147 yards while filling in for an injured Michael Turner. The regular season finale in ‘08 was the last time these two teams met, with Atlanta winning 31-27. The Rams have had their struggles recently, but with the No. 1 pick and players such as Stephen Jackson, the Falcons need to be sharp. The last time the Falcons and Seahawks met was in the final game of ‘07, when Chris Redman led the team to a 44-41 win. New head coach Pete Carroll will look to get Seattle back to its winning ways, but it will be a tough climb in an improved NFC West.
The Falcons will be looking to get some payback, as they fell to the Browns 17-13 in 2006. The Browns have a Cleveland Browns Stadium new president in Mike Holmgren and are currently in the market for a new quarterback. Cleveland got off to a horCleveland, OH rid start last year, but won its final four games.
at CLEVELAND
at PITTSBURGH Heinz Field Pittsburgh, PA
at PHILADELPHIA Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, PA
The last time these two teams played (‘02 and ‘06), both games ended regulation with a tie score. The Steelers took a step back last year after winning the Super Bowl in ‘08, but expect Ben Roethlisberger and company to rise up and take the NFC North crown. The Falcons have not beaten the Eagles since ‘05, losing three times since. Last year, former Falcon Michael Vick scored two touchdowns to give the Eagles a 34-7 win. Despite losing Donovan McNabb, the Eagles could be a contender for the NFC East title.
Falcons looking to upgrade on defense; Graham and Weatherspoon possible Round 1 options eyes on at the position. One player potentialand frame to compete for snaps right away, homas Dimitroff took over the reigns of already tried to address the problem with the and could be a nice find for Atlanta if he ly available is Jared Odrick, a 6-foot-5 304T the Atlanta Falcons’ Personnel signing of cornerback Dunta Robinson. Now, finds his consistency. pound defensive tackle out of Penn State Department in 2008. The new General he figures to look to fill voids at the lineManager immediately made one thing clear — the team he was planning to build would be done principally through the draft. He stuck to his guns, insisting that he be able to make all available picks over his first two full drafts before any selections would be dealt. This year, he is without his second-round pick after the acquisition of Tony Gonzalez before last year’s draft. But, with the No. 19 pick in the first round at his disposal as well as two extra compensatory picks, there is plenty of room to drastically improve the team this year at Radio City Music Hall. Despite the Falcons’ positive finish to the season last year, where they won their final three games to finish 9-7, it was quite evident that there would be plenty of holes to fill over the offseason. In a division that features the defending champion New Orleans Saints and teams that figure to improve in Carolina and Tampa Bay, finding a few key pieces for a team that struggled with various aspects of the game will be crucial. The most glaring weakness last year was on defense. Injuries certainly played their part for a defense that ranked 28th against the pass and 21st in total yards. But the lack of talent was apparent even before a host of key cogs went down. Dimitroff has
backer and defensive line positions.
DEFENSE LOOKS TO BE THE FOCUS … If it is a linebacker that Dimitroff is looking for in the first round, there figures to be several prospects that could fall into his lap. Missouri Tiger Sean Weatherspoon could be the total package after he matched an impressive college career with an equally impressive workout at the NFL Combine and his NFL pro days. Weatherspoon topped out at 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, displaying the speed to make plays against the run or in coverage at the next level. He already has plenty of experience making such plays, as he made well over 100 tackles in each of his final three seasons as a Tiger, including an incredible junior season that saw him make 149 tackles and three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Then there’s Brandon Graham of Michigan, who could play on the outside as a defensive end or outside linebacker in the NFL. While the Wolverine program may have suffered recently, Graham did anything but that in his final two seasons, racking up 26 tackles for a loss, good for first in the nation. Graham doesn’t have the measurables of other top prospects, but his tireless work on the field continued into the scouting process, as he was named team MVP after a fantastic performance in the Senior Bowl. If defensive line is the pick, there are also a few possibilities that Atlanta has its
who could team up with Peria Jerry to form a young nucleus up the middle. Robinson’s acquisition means that Atlanta is unlikely to go with a corner in Round 1. And don’t expect them to go in that direction unless they see a project in the latter rounds. However, safety could be a possibility. William Moore, Erik Coleman and Thomas DeCoud figure to battle it out for playing time, but there are options in the middle rounds with neither of those three having proven themselves in an Atlanta uniform. Two familiar names for SEC fans are Chad Jones of LSU and Reshad Jones of Georgia, who both might be available in the third round.
OFFENSE APPEARS SOLID … The core is in place offensively with Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and Gonzalez leading the way. But the Birds didn’t put up the prolific numbers that many expected last season, so expect Dimitroff to tweak the unit in a variety of areas. There is always room for a few big bodies to fill out the offensive line. Keep an eye on guard Mike Johnson, who was part of a solid Alabama offensive line that keyed their national title run. Atlanta also might want to take a flier on Brandon Carter of Texas Tech, who is one of the biggest players in the draft at 6-6, 329 pounds. Tight end could also be an area where Atlanta looks, with Gonzalez’s career figuring to last for only a few more seasons. Oregon Duck Ed Dickson has the speed
FROM THE GM’S CHAIR … Dimitroff has been known to pluck a few sleepers from the draft during his time in Atlanta and as the Director of College Scouting with the New England Patriots. Maurice Greer was one of the nation’s top running backs coming out of high school, but poor academic performance derailed his college career and he finished out his days at Troy after a junior college stint. Greer has the speed and quickness to be a big-play threat out of the backfield. Alterraun Verner of UCLA was often overlooked as one of the Pac 10’s better corners, and safety Barry Church of Toledo, a three-time first-team allMAC player, could also be an option. With plenty of areas that need improvement, expect Dimitroff to exhaust his picks in a multitude of different areas. But Falcons fans can take solace in the fact that their GM has typically excelled at spotting talent come draft day. If that tradition continues this year, Atlanta will have built a very solid nucleus for itself, one that should contend for championships down the road. Photos courtesy of Boise State University, the University of Southern California, the University of Michigan and the University of Missouri. Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
A LOOK AROUND THE NFL WITH SOUTH Atlanta Falcons Picks - Round 1: 19; R2: None; R3: 19, 34; R4: 19; R5: 18, 34; R6: 2, 20; R7: None The Falcons need help at outside linebacker as well as defensive end. LB Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri is a possible choice to help Atlanta in that area. However, the buzz lately has been that Brandon Graham, DE from Michigan, will be the Falcons’ first pick of the draft.
Carolina Panthers Picks - Round 1: None; R2: 16; R3: 14; R4: 14; R5: None; R6: 6, 33, 35; R7: 16, 42 The Panthers’ offense is talented, but still thin at WR. Steve Smith is the only playmaker there, so Carolina may be looking at a wideout in the second round. John Fox’s team also needs help at DT where they are thin and banged up. And, after cutting Jake Delhomme, depth at QB is a major concern.
New Orleans Saints Picks - Round 1: 32; R2: 32; R3: 31; R4: 32; R5: None; R6: 32; R7: 32 The Saints will come marching in if they pick up Jerry Hughes, OLB from TCU. Hughes not only has run-stopping ability, but he would also bring pass-rushing skills to the New Orleans defense. Also, Sedrick Ellis has been a bit of a disappointment at DT and the Saints may be back in the market at that position.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Picks - Round 1: 3; R2: 3, 10; R3: 3; R4: 3; R5: 22; R6: 3; R7: 3, 10, 25, 46
The Buccaneers are in desperate need of some defensive linemen and hope to fill this need with either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, one of whom should be available at No. 3. The Bucs also need a cornerback to work with Aqib Talib, where Devin McCourty could possibly be their guy.
NORTH Chicago Bears Picks - Round 1: None; R2: None; R3: 11; R4: 11; R5: 10; R6: 12; R7: 11 The Bears running game has been less than stellar lately due to a spotty OL, where Chicago could use help at OG or OT. Chicago can also use a free safety that can cover and tackle. Finally, the Bears need depth at defensive end after Gaines Adams’ unfortunate and untimely passing.
Detroit Lions Picks - Round 1: 2; R2: 2; R3: 2; R4: 2; R5: None; R6: None; R7: 6, 7, 48 The Lions are looking to bulk up their defensive front by adding tackles and ends. They will likely choose either Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska or Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma here at No. 2. Detroit also needs help at DB, where safety Louis Delmas is really the only serviceable player in the entire secondary.
Green Bay Packers Picks - Round 1: 23; R2: 24; R3: 22; R4: 24; R5: 23, 38; R6: 24; R7: 23 The Packers’ No. 1 goal during the offseason is to find a left tackle to protect Aaron Rodgers, as both OTs are nearing their end in the NFL. Green Bay hopes that Charles Brown could be their guy. Age is also becoming a factor at CB, where Charles Woodson and Al Harris are breaking down.
Minnesota Vikings Picks - Round 1: 30; R2: 30; R3: 29; R4: 30; R5: 30, 36; R6: 30; R7: 30 After struggling to run the ball last year, the Vikings could be turning to C/G Maurkice Pouncey for help. Minnesota’s guard and center struggled last year, and it just so happens that Pouncey can play both of those positions. OG Mike Johnson may also be a nice fit here.
WEST Arizona Cardinals
EAST Dallas Cowboys
Picks - Round 1: 26; R2: 26; R3: 24, 25; R4: 25; R5: None; R6: 26; R7: 26
Picks - Round 1: 27; R2: 27; R3: 26; R4: 27; R5: None; R6: 27; R7: 27
Arizona fans everywhere are having a rough offseason as veteran Kurt Warner retired and was replaced by Matt Leinart. The Cardinals need some serious help at OT and could find their answer in Rutgers’ Anthony Davis. The Cards also will look at OLB and TE.
The Cowboys will be looking at either OT or FS for their first-round selection. Two USC products (Charles Brown at OT and Taylor Mays at FS) may be what Jerry Jones is looking for. Beyond the first two rounds, WR is a need for Dallas with questions surrounding Roy Williams’ effectiveness.
San Francisco 49ers Picks - Round 1: 13, 17; R2: 17; R3: 15; R4: 15; R5: 14; R6: 13, 37; R7: 17 Cornerback is a position of need for the 49ers. They might just find what they are looking for in Florida CB Joe Haden. CB Shawntae Spencer had a great year and San Francisco needs to put someone across from him. OT and OLB are also a need for Mike Singletary’s team.
Seattle Seahawks Picks - Round 1: 6,14; R2: 28; R3: None; R4: 6, 29; R5: 8; R6: 7; R7: 2, 38 The Seahawks need a boost on their defensive line. Seattle hopes that Gerald McCoy will fall to No. 6 in the 2010 NFL Draft so that they can snatch him. McCoy, the defensive tackle for Oklahoma, is quite possibly the best player available for them in this department.
St. Louis Rams
New York Giants Picks - Round 1: 15; R2: 14; R3: 12; R4: 17; R5: 16; R6: 15; R7: 14 Alabama LB Rolando McClain may fall to the Giants at No. 15. McClain’s leadership and intensity would be a nice fit in the Giants’ suddenly suspect defense. Another need is on the OL, where guard Mike Iupati from Idaho could be a nice backup selection in case McClain is off the board.
Philadelphia Eagles Picks - Round 1: 24; R2: 5, 23; R3: 6, 23; R4: 7, 23; R5: 6; R6: 31; R7: 36, 37 The Eagles may want to focus on adding cornerback depth at this point, and Boise State CB Kyle Wilson or Alabama’s Kareem Jackson are legitimate options in the first round. Philly may also need a quality QB in case Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick don’t work out.
Washington Redskins
Picks - Round 1: 1; R2: 1; R3: 1; R4: 1; R5: 1, 32; R6: 1; R7: 1, 19, 47
Picks - Round 1: 4; R2: None; R3: None; R4: 5; R5: 4; R6: None; R7: 4
Sam Bradford had an incredible Pro Day and is now said to be the consensus No. 1 draft pick. The Rams have their eye on the Oklahoma quarterback and St. Louis needs a replacement for Marc Bulger, who was recently released by the team. The Rams also need to draft another DT despite their horrible draft history there.
Washington looks like a lock to sign OT Russell Okung at No. 4 to protect new investment Donovan McNabb’s blind side. The Redskins also hope to upgrade their running back position as Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts seem to be struggling with age and injury issues; they will likely look to spend a mid-round pick on the position.
EACH TEAMS’ DRAFT NEEDS SOUTH Houston Texans Picks - Round 1: 20; R2: 19; R3: 17; R4: 20; R5: 19; R6: 18, 28; R7: 20 To win this division, teams need solid pass defense to slow down Peyton Manning and Indy. The Texans may spring for Boise State CB Kyle Wilson or Florida CB Joe Haden at No. 20. Also, Houston’s running game took a dive last season when Steve Slaton went down. The Texans may spring for a RB that can be a workhorse for them.
Indianapolis Colts Picks - Round 1: 31; R2: 31; R3: 30; R4: 31; R5: 31; R6: None; R7: 31, 33, 39 Despite their Super Bowl appearance and consistent success, the Colts have several weaknesses to work on, starting with the defensive side of the ball. Indy may look for DT Jared Odrick or DE Jerry Hughes at No. 31. The offensive line could be improved at left and right tackle, as well as right guard.
Jacksonville Jaguars
NORTH Baltimore Ravens Picks - Round 1: 25; R2: 25; R3: None; R4: None; R5: 25, 26; R6: 25; R7: None WR isn’t the biggest need for the Ravens after their offseason moves, but Georgia Tech’s Demaryius Thomas may be the best player available at No. 25. CBs Kyle Wilson or Devin McCourty would be good picks in the second round, as the Baltimore secondary has had injury problems.
Cincinnati Bengals Picks - Round 1: 21; R2: 22; R3: 20, 32; R4: 22, 33; R5: 21; R6: 22; R7: 21 The Bengals need a downfield threat at TE or WR besides Chad Ochocinco and the team may be looking at Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State or Jermaine Gresham of Oklahoma. USC safety Taylor Mays may be a good fit for DC Mike Zimmer’s scheme, which could use a heavy-hitter at DB.
Cleveland Browns
Picks - Round 1: 10; R2: None; R3: 10; R4: 10; R5: 12; R6: 11, 34; R7: None
Picks - Round 1: 7; R2: 6; R3: 7, 21, 28; R4: None; R5: 3, 15, 29; R6: 8, 17; R7: None
The Jags are lacking defensive linemen and it showed in 2009, when they finished last in the NFL in sacks. Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech’s outstanding defensive end, would be a valuable asset to Jacksonville and help bulk up the pass rush. The Jags could also use help at DT.
Eric Mangini’s team has been having some major problems in the secondary and Tennessee junior Eric Berry would be a great fit if he falls to No. 7. If he isn’t available, Cleveland may go with a big-play threat like WR Dez Bryant or a defensive tackle such as Dan Williams.
Tennessee Titans
Pittsburgh Steelers
WEST Denver Broncos Picks - Round 1: 11; R2: 11, 13; R3: 16; R4: 16; R5: None; R6: 14; R7: 13 Despite the signing of Jamal Williams, nose tackle is a big need for the Broncos due to Williams’ risk of injury. Dan Williams from Tennessee, if available, could go to Denver. Williams’ combine was impressive (5.17 40 at 327 pounds) landing him at the No. 3 defensive tackle in this class.
Kansas City Chiefs Picks - Round 1: 5; R2: 4, 18; R3: 4; R4: 4; R5: 5, 11, 13; R6: None; R7: None Scott Pioli is renowned for his emphasis on positional value over best available pick. The Chiefs cannot afford to have Matt Cassel sacked 42 times again this year. They need someone who won’t cost too much but will also get the job done. Bryan Bulaga, OT from Iowa, would be a great match.
Oakland Raiders Picks - Round 1: 8; R2: 7; R3: 5; R4: 8; R5: 7, 27; R6: None; R7: 8, 44 Oakland has had some suspect drafts in recent years and is in need of some inpact players. Oakland needs to upgrade at defensive tackle and Dan Williams should be available here. Also, OT is a need and Maryland’s Bruce Campbell might be the pick here. Campbell ran a 4.85 at the Combine at 6-6, 314.
San Diego Chargers
Picks - Round 1: 16; R2: None; R3: 13, 33; R4: 13; R5: 17; R6: 16, 38; R7: 15, 34
Picks - Round 1: 18; R2: 20; R3: 18; R4: 18; R5: 20, 24, 33, 35; R6: 19; R7: 18, 35
Picks - Round 1: 28; R2: 8; R3: 27; R4: 28; R5: 28, 37; R6: None; R7: 28
Defensive end is a big need for the Titans and there is a possibility that Carlos Dunlap from Florida could fill that void. His DUI at UF is a bit of a red flag, but his size and speed would help Tennessee out tremendously. The Titans also need help at CB and OLB.
The Steelers are looking to get back to a power running game and, therefore, need to beef up on the interior OL. Maurkice Pouncey from Florida is a prime candidate, as he can play both center and guard. Pittsburgh also needs help in the secondary and at nose guard.
Since letting LaDainian Tomlinson go, the Chargers lack an every-down back. This will be an issue that needs to be addressed early in the draft. Ryan Mathews out of Fresno State could be exactly what the Chargers need. Mathews can also catch the ball out of the backfield and block.
EAST Buffalo Bills Picks - Round 1: 9; R2: 9; R3: 8; R4: 9; R5: 9; R6: 9, 23; R7: 2, 9 The Bills have a need at left tackle, which they missed out on last year by passing up Michael Oher. Oklahoma offensive tackle Trent Williams would be a great pick for Buffalo. He has looked fluid in his drills and at this point the Bills should take the approach of favoring positional value over overall draft stock.
Miami Dolphins Picks - Round 1: 12; R2: None; R3: 9; R4: 12; R5: None; R6: 4, 5, 10; R7: 5, 12, 45 The Dolphins need to improve their pass rush as Cameron Wake is the only guy putting pressure on the quarterback. Jason Pierre-Paul, the young South Florida phenom, would be a great addition to the DL. At 6-5, 270, he has protypical size and it would not be surprising if Bill Parcells went for him.
New England Patriots Picks - Round 1: 22; R2: 12, 15, 21; R3: None; R4: 21; R5: None; R6: 21, 36; R7: 22, 24, 40, 41, 43 The Patriots are seriously lacking tight ends at this point. Jermaine Gresham has seen his stock fall a bit due to a knee injury, but he is still a major prospect. Bill Belichick needs another weapon for Tom Brady to have at his disposal in case Wes Welker is not ready at the start of 2010.
New York Jets Picks - Round 1: 29; R2: 29; R3: None; R4: 26; R5: None; R6: 29; R7: 29 The Jets need to acquire players who can put pressure on quarterbacks, as their defensive ends are aging. Everson Griffen or Jared Odrick are likely choices. New York also needs someone for Mark Sanchez to collaborate with and WR Golden Tate may be available in Round 2.
Focus on defense: seven of eight picks in ‘09 were on that side of the ball made just five tackles and one sack in situaprojected as a fourth- or fifth-round selectional duty, but with added muscle, he could tion. Owens is small — 5-foot-9, 181 pounds be an increasingly dangerous pass-rushing — but runs well and has solid cover skills. threat for Atlanta. Dimitroff entered the draft looking for speed CB WILLIAM MIDDLETON: Middleton and found it in Owens, who progressed nicewas another ly as the season went Despite some unfortunate injuries, c o r n e r b a c k taken ahead of along. The San several of the draftees saw time on his projected Jose State product started the field last year and return in slot by the Falcons, and each of the 2010 looking to make even more of unlike Chris team’s final six Owens, this games, picking an impact on the field. Furman produp 21 tackles uct never and interceptpanned out for the Falcons. At 5-foot-11 and ing a pass in both Weeks 16 and 17. 193 pounds, Middleton boasts decent size DE LAWRENCE SIDBURY: To get a proand speed for the position, but Atlanta went jected second- or third-round pick like in another direction and allowed the Sidbury deep in the fourth round was an Jacksonville Jaguars to claim him off waivers absolute coup for Thomas Dimitroff. before the season began. Middleton played in Sidbury boasts excellent speed off the edge 12 games for Jacksonville, totaling 20 tackles but is on the small side for an every-down in limited action. NFL defensive end at 265 pounds. The OT GARRETT REYNOLDS: Reynolds, a Richmond University product led the Spiders massive 6-foot-7, 317-pound offensive tackle, to an FCS National Championship during his presented great value at this spot in the fifth senior season in which he recorded a teamround. He’s an excellent run high 11.5 sacks. In his blocker, and, with added polrookie year, Sidbury
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homas Dimitroff’s second NFL Draft with the Falcons saw Atlanta spend seven of its eight selections on the defensive side of the ball in an effort to make the defense younger and faster. Despite some unfortunate injuries, several of the draftees saw time on the field last year and return in 2010 looking to make even more of an impact on the field. Here’s a rundown of the Falcons’ 2009 draft: DT PERIA JERRY: Jerry struggled with injuries in college at Ole Miss, and that issue carried over to Atlanta. Coming into the draft, Jerry was known as a penetrating, onegap tackle who could get through the line and disrupt plays in the backfield. Unfortunately, the 6-foot-2, 294-pounder went down with a major knee injury in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers and missed the rest of the season. Atlanta missed his pass-rushing presence in the middle, leaving Jonathan Babineaux and a young supporting cast to occupy blockers and allow John Abraham to get free on the outside. A healthy Jerry surely will bolster the Falcons’ defense in 2010. S WILLIAM MOORE: Not unlike Jerry, Moore suffered through a multitude of injuries during his first season in Atlanta that caused him to miss every game but two. The Hayti, Mo., native racked up 284 tackles and 11 interceptions in his four-year career at Mizzou, but after a first team All-Big 12 junior season, Moore missed two full games and parts of several others his senior season. Luckily for the Falcons, this 6-foot-1, 218pounder should be back in fine form for the start of the 2010 season. Moore played in two games last year for Atlanta, making two tackles. CB CHRIS OWENS: This former first-team All-WAC performer was an interesting selection, as he was drafted in the third round (90th overall) by the Falcons when many scouts had him
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TRIO OF KEEPERS: The Falcons struck gold in the 2009 Draft with LB Spencer Adkins (left) in the fifth round, S William Moore (center) in the second round and CB Chris Owens (right) in the third round. All three made the squad and will look to embrace even more playing time in 2010. Photos courtesy of Jimmy Cribb/Atlanta Falcons.
ish, will continue to be at least a solid backup for the Falcons at either tackle spot. Reynolds saw action in four contests his rookie season. The only issue preventing the former AP second team All-ACC selection at North Carolina from seeing more time on the field are his struggles against the pass rush, as he tends to lumber a bit with his huge frame. OLB SPENCER ADKINS: Purely an upside pick, Adkins is an athletic freak that was mostly a backup for Miami (Fla.) during his four years there. In 31 career games, he totaled 72 tackles and five sacks, so he entered the NFL with very little game experience when compared to other linebackers. Still, the 5-foot-11, 246pounder is a fast, fierce hitter that contributed on special teams his rookie year, picking up three tackles. Adkins ran a sub4.5 40 at his pro day at Miami, likely swaying Dimitroff to gamble on such a raw prospect in the sixth round. If he continues to learn Atlanta’s system, Adkins has the physical tools to keep playing in the NFL. DT VANCE WALKER: Walker turned into a solid producer for the Falcons after being drafted in the seventh round. Thrust into a larger role after Peria Jerry’s injury in Week 2, the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket played in each of the team’s final 10 games and recorded 13 tackles with two pass deflections. He’s strong against the run (a wide body at 307 pounds) and helped hold down a depleted defensive tackle corps. Walker was very productive at Tech, earning firstteam All-ACC honors his junior and senior seasons, and he totaled a team-high 8.5 sacks in 2007. There’s no reason Walker won’t improve and continue to be a solid rotation player for the Falcons. Lander can be reached at flander@scoreatl.com.