Draft Grade: Atlanta Falcons
Notable Picks
6th Overall: OT Jake Matthews (Texas A&M)
Even though OT Greg Robinson has more potential, Matthews should make more of an immediate impact. This is necessary for the Falcons, as it’s a waste to have a quarterback as talented and efficient as Matt Ryan play under such constant pressure as he did in 2013.
Matthews is a technician at the tackle position, who plays smart and knows how to leverage his body best to defend against pass rushers. He will be an immediate upgrade over the often-injured and just not that good Sam Baker. Matty Ice must have breathed a deep sigh of relief when he heard this pick was made.
37th Overall: DT Ra’Shede Hageman (Minnesota)
The Falcons’ found a good mix of value and need here. Hageman could have gone in the bottom half of the first round with no one batting an eye, and Atlanta needs talent on the d-line nearly as much as they need it on the o-line. The 6’ 6” and 310 lb. Hageman will be a force in the middle, but Atlanta still needs some high quality edge rushers.
103rd Overall: HB Devonta Freeman (Florida State)
Steven Jackson is just a shell of the player he was when he played for the Rams, so it was no surprise to see the Falcons address the running back position early in the 4th round. Freeman displayed excellent vision at FSU, finding his blocks well and showing the change of direction and start/stop agility to make defenders look silly.
As an added bonus, at 5’ 8” his low center of gravity makes him especially hard to tackle. He can contribute as a receiver and pass protector as well. Don’t be surprised if Freeman takes the starting role away from Jackson at some point in 2014.
139th Overall: OLB Prince Shembo (Notre Dame)
Don’t let Shembo’s low sack count fool you (5.5 in 2013); he produced 17 quarterback hurries last year, an excellent number which is the most of any Fighting Irish player since 2004. He is an outstanding tackler and he has the ability to beat blockers with both power (26 reps in the 225 bench) and speed (4.66 s forty). His technique could use some work and he commits too many unnecessary penalties, so expect Shembo to be an effective starter in a year or two after he cleans these problems up.
Final Grade: A
2013 was the worst season the Falcons had since Mike Smith and Matt Ryan took over, breaking a streak of 5 consecutive winning seasons. A healthy Julio Jones and this draft, which helped shore up Atlanta’s depleted lines with the additions of instant starters in Matthews and Hageman, put the Falcons in a position to make the playoffs once again.
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