09-07-2014, 12:01 AM
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#2
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Rookie
OVR: 4
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Atlanta
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Re: RISE UP - The Official Atlanta Falcons Team Page
Atlanta Falcons 2014 NFL Draft
Round 1: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
Matt Ryan was tied for 3rd in the league for sacks last year. The line was really the heart of all the offensive struggles last year. Matthews was called the most pro ready prospect and with all the NFL blood he has, its no surprise. After protecting Johnny Manziel's blind side this past season at A&M he will likely be slotted into the right tackle position assuming Sam Baker is healthy on the left side. Matthews should also provide an instant boost to the worst run game in the league.
Round 2: Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota
Atlanta also struggled on the defensive line as has been harped upon. The 3rd least amount of sacks in the league confirms this. Hageman will likely see snaps as a 3-4 DE or a 4-3 DT depending on the play. While raw he has shown tremendous athletic ability and upside and with proper coaching could develop into a solid 3 down defender by the end of the year. Word out of camp is that he is turning heads so watch him as he develops in the coming year.
Round 3: Dezmen Southward, FS, Wisconsin
The release of DeCoud left a gap at FS. This pick was a reach as Southward has shown struggles in coverage while at Wisconsin. However this was a need-based pick and the Falcons had a desperate need here. Southward is lightning fast and has the potential to be an interception machine with his closing speed, however he has a long way to come before he can be considered a threat. He likely wont see many snaps at the beginning of the year but may transition into a more important role as the year goes on.
Round 4: Devonta Freeman, RB, Florida State
Freeman was never a 3 down back at FSU however this did not stop him from producing while there. Freeman is a good blocker and has great speed so with a proper time to acclimate could become a real steal. Don't be surprised if he pushes Jacquizz "Jizz Rod" Rodgers for the number 2 role.
Round 4: Prince Shembo, OLB, Notre Dame
Shembo had great sophomore season helping the Fighting Irish to the title game followed by a solid junior season before being limited to 5 games in 2013 due to an ankle injury. He doesn't jump out on game tape, but he is a consistent tackler. He is strong also and will see most if not all of his snaps as a 3-4 OLB. He could be a Week 1 starter given the Falcons' LB situation.
Round 5: Ricardo Allen, CB, Purdue
Allen was a 4 year starter for Purdue and was a solid contributor on a bad defense. This is a depth pick pure and simple although he may see some snaps as a nickel slot corner as the year goes on. He is good in coverage but has had his issues tackling in the past which is a problem the Falcons have continued to have in recent years.
Round 5: Marquis Spruill, ILB, Syracuse
Look at that another linebacker. This is another depth pick and Spruill will likely see most of his playing time on special teams as he develops. The Falcons may insert him into an ILB role if injuries once again set in on this team.
Round 7: Yawin Smallwood, OLB, Connecticut
At this point in the draft it becomes kind of a tossup as to how players will be and Smallwood is no exception. While at UConn he did a great job of wrapping up players and bringing them down, a trait lacking in previous Falcons defenses. I wouldn't be surprised to see him see some playing time in run situations midway through the year depending on how he does.
Round 7: Tyler Starr, OLB, South Dakota
Early word from Flowery Branch is that this guy has a great motor. While still raw in his pass rushing skills he has shown a knack for finding the gap and pushing through it. The coaches have been impressed at how quickly he has absorbed knowledge and will likely see some significant playing time at some point during the season given the LB situation.
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Last edited by trendsetter09; 09-07-2014 at 12:07 AM.
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