This article is part of a series that looks at each NFL team’s recent draft history, with the hope of extracting information about the way they think and the players they value. The analysis is limited to the past five drafts in the interest of relevance, and the first three rounds because that’s where most impact players are taken.

This entry will focus on the Atlanta Falcons.

DRAFT HISTORY

In the past five years, the Falcons have taken the following players in the early rounds. Their positions and the rounds in which they were drafted are listed next to their names.

2006:   Jimmy F. Williams, CB (2)

            Jerious Norwood, RB (3)

2007:   Jamaal Anderson, DE (1)

            Justin Blalock, G (2)

            Chris Houston, CB (2)

            Laurent Robinson, WR (3)

2008:   Matt Ryan, QB (1)

            Sam Baker, OT (1)

            Curtis Lofton, LB (2)

            Chevis Jackson, CB (3)

            Harry Douglas, WR (3)

            Thomas DeCoud, S (3)

2009:   Peria Jerry, DT (1)

            William Moore, S (2)

            Christopher Owens, CB (3)

2010:   Sean Weatherspoon, LB (1)

            Corey Peters, DT (3)

            Mike Johnson, G (3)

BREAKDOWN BY POSITION

Here is the number of players the Falcons have drafted for each position:

Cornerback: 4

Defensive tackle: 2

Guard: 2

Linebacker: 2

Safety: 2

Wide receiver: 2

Defensive end: 1

Offensive tackle: 1

Quarterback: 1

Running back: 1

IMPACT

Jerious Norwood is one of the league’s best third down backs. Jamaal Anderson has been a disappointment as a pass rusher but provides some pretty respectable run defense. Matt Ryan is one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. Curtis Lofton and Sean Weatherspoon are very good linebackers.

Overall, the team has rebounded nicely from the Michael Vick fiasco and should contend for years to come.

TRENDS

The Falcons have invested no fewer than six early picks on defensive backs, including four on cornerbacks. That’s because the position was one of dire need, as evidenced by the overinflated contract they handed out to lure Dunta Robinson away from the Texans. Ironically, the team finally found its true number one corner in Brent Grimes, an undrafted free agent.

The team has also paid attention to the middle of its front seven, picking up two players apiece at DT and LB. However, they’ve only spent one draft pick on a defensive end. Perhaps Jamaal Anderson’s struggles have discouraged them from taking pass rushers early.

The offensive tackles have also gone largely neglected, which is surprising for a team with a young franchise quarterback. However, they’ve gotten pretty good mileage out of some lesser known names and the line has not been a major liability.

Other than taking Matt Ryan third overall, Atlanta has been a little gun shy with offensive skill players. They have taken a running back and a pair of receivers, but all three were third rounders.

2011 OUTLOOK

While going one and done was disappointing the Falcons have to feel good about finishing as the top seed in the NFC. Their young squad is clearly on the rise. However, they still need a few pieces to help put them over the top.

 

First, Matt Ryan needs more targets. Roddy White really emerged as an elite receiver this year, but the Falcons’ rotation of number two wideouts is very questionable. On top of that, tight end Tony Gonzalez appears to be on his last legs. With their first rounder, the Falcons will look at WRs Jonathan Baldwin (Pittsburgh), Torrey Smith (Maryland), and Leonard Hankerson (Miami). If they’re not sold on any of those guys being worth it, then tight end Kyle Rudolph (Notre Dame) could be a real steal.

 

The Falcons also need to think about bringing in another defensive end. John Abraham is still playing at a high leve, but he’s 32. Jamaal Anderson hasn’t cut it as a pass rusher. New blood is needed.

 

Last, they need to infuse the offensive line with some young talent. The line isn’t bad, as the sum appears to be greater than the individual parts. But tackle Tyson Clabo is an impending free agent and they could use some upgrades. They should be able to grab solid interior linemen late in the draft. They can also pick a tackle like Joseph Barksdale (LSU) in the third.

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