Atlanta Falcons Draft Day Guide 2014

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ATLANTA FALCONS DRAFT DAY 2014

Miami and Atlanta have met in the preseason 12 times with each team taking six games. It will be the fourth time in the past five seasons the franchises have played during the preseason. The Dolphins scored 17 of the game’s final 20 points including the game-winning pass from Ryan Tannehill to Dion Sims to edge Atlanta in the 2013 regular season.

AUG 8 DOLPHINS7:00 PMEDT

Georgia Dome

One of the most memorable and important wins in Falcons history came in the 1998 season when the Birds beat Minnesota in the NFC Champion-ship game 30-27 in overtime on a Morten Andersen field goal. Atlanta trails the series 15-10, but has won five of the last eight meetings. The last game between the two came in 2011, a 24-14 win by the Falcons.

SEP 28 VIKINGS4:25 PMEDT

TCF Bank Stadium

Like the rest of the AFC North, the Falcons have not played the Browns since 2010. Atlanta won the last meeting 20-10 as the Falcons out-scored their hosts 14-3 in the second half. Kroy Biermann took an in-terception 31 yards to seal the victory. Cleveland took the last game played in Atlanta 17-13 in 2006 after gaining an early 14-0 lead.

NOV 23 BROWNS1:00 PMEST

Georgia Dome

NFC South rivals since 2002, the Falcons and Bucs have had a back-and-forth relationship throughout their rivalry. While Tampa took six straight from 1997 to 2003, Atlanta has won eight of the last 11. The series is knot-ted at 12 since 2002. The teams split two meetings in each of the past three seasons while Atlanta swept the series in 2009 and 2010.

SEP 18 BUCCANEERS8:25 PMEDT

Georgia Dome

Atlanta will not play Carolina until the Falcons have already faced other division rivals Tampa Bay twice and New Orleans once. Despite losing three straight in this series, the Falcons have won seven of 11 and lead the all-time series 23-15. The Birds and Panthers have split the past eight meetings in Charlotte with Carolina taking the past two.

NOV 16 PANTHERS1:00 PMEST

Bank of America Stadium

This preseason meeting will be the first between the two franchises. Atlanta has met the Texans just three times in the regular season with Houston winning both games that were played in Reliant Stadium. The Texans triumphed in 2011 17-10 after Marietta native T.J. Yates led Houston to the game-winning score with just over six minutes left.

AUG 16 TEXANS8:00 PMEDT

Reliant Stadium

The Falcons skunked the G-Men 34-0 in 2012, the teams’ last meet-ing. The teams are tied 11-11 all time although Atlanta has won five of the last seven on the road and seven of 10 all time on the Giants’ home fields. In the last game between these two, Atlanta’s defense held Eli Manning to just 161 passing yards and nabbed two interceptions.

OCT 5 GIANTS1:00 PMEDT

MetLife Stadium

For the third year in a row, the Falcons will take on Arizona. The Cardinals took last year’s Battle of the Birds 27-13 in Glendale but Atlanta has taken two of three and six of nine. Arizona leads the se-ries 9-8 since moving from St. Louis and carries a 16-12 edge in the all-time series. The Falcons have won the past two played in Atlanta.

NOV 30 CARDINALS4:05 PMEST

Georgia Dome

Atlanta has played the Titans franchise a total of eight times, a num-ber that includes two games when the club was known as the Houston Oilers. The Falcons have met Tennessee six times in preseason action since it relocated to Nashville. The franchises split those six games. Atlanta is 1-3 in four regular-season meetings with the Titans.

AUG 23 TITANS7:00 PMEDT

Georgia Dome

The Falcons will play Chicago for the first time since 2011 and the first time in Atlanta since 2009. Despite trailing the series 13-12, Atlanta has won two of the past three including the past two at home. The Falcons are 7-5 all time against the Bears in Atlanta. A 5-yard run by Michael Turner was the difference in the 2009 game, a 21-14 affair.

OCT 12 BEARS1:00 PMEDT

Georgia Dome

Atlanta will travel to the Frozen Tundra late in the season for the second year in a row after dropping a 22-21 decision last year on Dec. 8. The Packers are one of the Falcons’ most-played non-divisional opponents in recent years, as this is the teams’ sixth meeting since 2008. Atlanta lost its first five meetings to Green Bay, but has won 13 of the past 24.

DEC 8 PACKERS8:30 PMEST

Lambeau Field

Regular combatants in the preseason, the Falcons have faced the Jags 10 times. This marks the fifth straight season the teams have played in the preseason. In 10 preseason meetings, the Jags hold a 7-3 edge. In regular-season action, the Falcons have won two of five meetings, including a 41-14 demolition of Jacksonville late in the 2011 campaign.

AUG 28 JAGUARS6:00 PMEDT

EverBank Field

Despite being in existence since 1996, the Ravens have played Atlanta just four times with each team taking two. The Falcons won the last meeting 26-21 in 2010 as Roddy White hauled in a 33-yard pass from Matt Ryan with just 20 seconds left. This will be the first time Atlan-ta’s faced the Ravens without legendary linebacker Ray Lewis.

OCT 19 RAVENS1:00 PMEDT

M&T Bank Stadium

After losing nine straight to Pittsburgh from 1974 to 1999, the Falcons have lost just once in the past three meetings. Atlanta beat Pittsburgh in 2006 in the Georgia Dome, a 41-38 shootout. The teams fought to a draw in the 2002 classic in the Steel City and Pittsburgh took the 2010 season-opener 15-9 at Heinz Field in the teams’ last meeting.

DEC 14 STEELERS1:00 PMEST

Georgia Dome

The Falcons will open the season at home against New Orleans for the first time since 1981, when Atlanta triumphed 27-0. It is also the first time Atlanta has opened the season at home since 2009. The Falcons lead the all-time series with their arch-rivals 46-43. The franchises have played each other more than any other opponent.

SEP 7 SAINTS1:00 PMEDT

Georgia Dome

A regular non-division opponent for many years, the Falcons have played Detroit more times (35) than any other foe that has never shared the same division. Atlanta has won six of nine games, including a 31-18 victory in 2012 in the Motor City. This year’s game will be the first meeting in Atlanta since the 2008 season-opener, a 34-21 Falcons win.

OCT 26 LIONS9:30AMEDT

Georgia Dome

The Falcons travel to New Orleans almost four months after playing the Saints to open the season. Nine of the past 11 games between these two ancient rivals have been decided by eight points or less, in-cluding both of last year’s games. Four of the past five and six of the last 10 NFC South champions have been either the Falcons or Saints.

DEC 21 SAINTS1:00 PMEST

Mercedes-Benz Superdome

The Falcons have won three straight games and four of six in this series. The Birds will play in Cincinnati for the first time since 2006, a 29-27 victory. Atlanta has faced the Bengals in the Buckeye State six times in its history and has won twice. The Falcons trail in the all-time series 7-5, but have not lost to the Bengals since 1996.

SEP 14 BENGALS1:00 PMEDT

Paul Brown Stadium

The Falcons have won three of the past five in Tampa Bay, including a memorable 20-10 victory in the regular-season finale of the 2009 season. The victory clinched a winning record for the Falcons and back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. Running back Jason Snelling was key that day, with 147 rushing yards.

NOV 9 BUCCANEERS1:00 PMEST

Raymond James Stadium

The Falcons have beaten Carolina in six of the last seven games in At-lanta, although the past two meetings (each team won one) have been decided by a total of three points. In the 2012 game in the Georgia Dome, Ryan led the Falcons on a 77-yard drive from the one-yard line to set up a Matt Bryant game-winning field goal with five seconds left.

DEC 28 PANTHERS1:00 PMEST

Georgia Dome

2014 Atlanta Falcons ScheduleBy Stephen Black

4 | WWW.ATLANTAFALCONS.COM


When Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff met with the media on

April 30, numerous scenarios were brought up in terms of what the team would do with its first pick. The draft was still about one week away and fans are still wondering where they could go. So the question now becomes, what are the Falcons going to do? We do know that this team needs to do two things better in 2014, protect Matt Ryan and get to the other team’s quarterback. The Falcons sit currently in the No. 6 spot in Thursday’s first round. Dimitroff likes what he sees in the first few picks. “We’re excited to be in that top 10,” Dimi-troff said. “There are pass rushers, pass protec-tors, receivers and there are linebackers. It’s a very accomplished top 10.”

Many have speculated that the Falcons could try and trade up to get a player like South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Dim-itroff says he’s been on the phone with numer-ous teams, talking many different scenarios. “You’re getting an idea of what compensa-tion would be if in fact something did come to fruition during the draft,” Dimitroff said. “That’s how we did it back in ’11. I think that’s an important thing whether you travel down that road or not.”

HAGGLING FOR JULIO … In that trade back in 2011, the Falcons picked up the sixth overall pick from the Cleve-land Browns. In turn, they went on to select Julio Jones. Going back to Cleveland, the Falcons sent their first-, second- and fourth-round picks from

that draft. Plus, Cleveland got Atlanta’s first- and fourth-round picks in the 2012 draft. Needless to say, that pick-up worked well for the Falcons and now could make people wonder if they might try to do the same thing in this year’s draft. Dimitroff was asked about whether this team would be in position to take a gamble like that again this year. “There are a number of really good football players that we would consider,” Dimitroff said. “We always go through that scenario and dis-cuss what truly is worth moving up for to give up picks.” Dimtroff did mention during his press con-ference that relationships built with different organizations could play into the chances that a draft-night deal could be pulled off. In that regard, the Falcons do have a great relationship with St. Louis Rams general manager Les Snead and Jacksonville Jaguars GM David Caldwell. The Rams sit at No. 2 overall and the Jaguars are at No. 3. Both teams’ GM’s were members of the Falcons’ personnel department prior taking over these teams. That being the case, the Falcons’ GM does admit the sixth pick in the draft doesn’t neces-sarily mean they’ll only consider moving up on Thursday night.

“It allows us to think about the ability to move back as well,” Dimitroff said. “There are some really potentially good opportunities to move back and pick up some picks as well.” One other scenario to look at during this year’s draft is what the team will do to address its overall toughness. “Bigger and stronger is always better,” Dimitroff said. “I feel we have a tough football team here and we’ll continue to stress the add-ing and ramping up of our ruggedness here. That’s something I’m excited about as well.” The Falcons have already added defen-sive line help in end Tyson Jackson and tackle Paul Soliai through free agency. They have also added offensive line help in the forms of tackle Gabe Carimi and guard Jon Asamoah. Not to be forgotten are the secondary additions of safety Dwight Lowery and cornerbacks Javier Arenas and Josh Wilson and return specialist Devin Hester. These moves have given the Falcons the ability to play around with depth a little bit be-fore draft night. That could mean another draft night trade could be on the horizon, but moving up three or four spots remains in play. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

The Falcons’ re-emergence after the anomaly that was the 2013 season starts with the

NFL Draft when the Falcons and the rest of the NFL teams get together to rebuild for the up-coming season. The Falcons are in prime position at No. 6 to make a splash in the first round. That means the Falcons have a chance to get an impact play-er that can make a difference right away. Based on the Falcons’ needs, they can go a number of different directions when it comes to what player/position they want to draft. But what-ever they do with their picks, they have to make sure they select the right players that can help them get back to the top of the NFC standings.

PROTECTION NEEDED … Offensive line is one of the Falcons’ biggest

needs heading into the offseason and there will be a number of good ones to choose from with the No. 6 pick. Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews might be the best of the bunch. Matthews could be the next great left tackle and would give the offensive line a much-needed boost. Auburn’s Greg Robinson would not be a bad choice, either. Robinson is a big, strong left tackle that still has some growing to do. Like Matthews, Robinson has what it takes to be a dominant left tackle in the NFL according to many draft experts and talent evaluators. Michigan’s Taylor Lewan is another offen-sive tackle that could be on the Falcons’ radar. Lewan has a lot of experience and has the length and agility to be a left tackle in the NFL for sev-eral years.

If the Falcons want to wait and get an of-fensive lineman in the second or third round, Virginia’s Morgan Moses could be a good fit. He has been described as a “dancing bear” with his large frame and nimble feet. With Tony Gonzalez retired, the Falcons may look to draft a tight end in the later rounds. Iowa’s C.J. Fiedorowicz, a 6-foot-7, 265-pound beast, could be available in the fourth round. He’s great as a blocker and is a solid receiver. The Falcons could go local for Georgia’s Ar-thur Lynch, who should be available in the later rounds. Lynch is not an elite receiver, but he’s good at running routes and should be able to fit right in Dirk Koetter’s vertical passing attack.

FEEL THE RUSH … The Falcons can improve on the defensive side of the ball with help on the defensive line as well as in the secondary. The one player that could change the whole complexity of the de-fense is South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney. He has the size, speed and explosiveness to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL, which is something the Falcons need. However, Buffalo’s Khalil Mack is an out-side linebacker that most likely fits into what

the Falcons want to do on defense. Mack is a durable player that can play either linebacker or defensive end. If the Falcons decide to go defense with their No. 1 pick, Auburn’s Dee Ford would be a good pick in the second round. The defensive end has great burst and underrated strength. He could be the best pass-rushing defensive end in the draft. Atlanta may want to use a selection for help at free safety. If the Falcons want to take a safety in the earlier rounds of the draft, Jim-mie Ward from Northern Illinois and Ed Reyn-olds from Stanford should be available. Or if the Falcons want to wait and get a safety with one of their two fourth-round picks, Ahmad Dixon from Baylor and Terrence Brooks from Florida State would be good choices as well. The Falcons drafted two stout cornerbacks last year in Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford. But they could draft another cornerback just to add depth. With a fifth- or sixth-round pick, the Falcons could select a player such as Chris Davis from Auburn or Nevin Dawson from Utah State. Photo courtesy of Glen Johnson/Texas A&M.

DIMITROFF ON THE DRAFT

GETTING STRONGER

DIMON CLUB

BY DAN MATHEWS | [email protected]

BY BRIAN JONES | [email protected]

FALCONS GM DISCUSSES TEAM’S OPTIONS

LINEMEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF FALCONS’ DRAFT PROJECTIONS

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The first day of free agency was a positively epic one in Atlanta. How impressive it was

in terms of quality obviously remains to be seen, but the quantity of work done by general man-ager Thomas Dimitroff was second to none. The trio of newcomers he inked right away on March 11 featured guard Jon Asamoah, defensive end Tyson Jackson and defensive tackle Paul Soliai. Those signings have to be attributed at least in part to assistant general manager Scott Pioli, former general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, who was hired by the Falcons in Novem-ber. Pioli and Dimitroff wasted no time raiding his former team, as both Asamoah and Jackson came from Kansas City. The Chiefs selected Asamoah in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. In four seasons, the University of Illinois product made 41 starts at right guard and last year he helped the Chiefs average 337.3 yards per game (128.5 on the ground). Jackson’s stock was at its peak in 2009, when the former LSU Tiger went off the board third overall to Kansas City. Although he never entirely lived up to expectations there, Jackson started 55 of his 74 games during five seasons with the Chiefs. Soliai also came from the AFC, having spent the first seven seasons of his career in Miami—including two years and one Pro Bowl appearance with current Atlanta defensive co-ordinator Mike Nolan at the helm of the Dol-phins’ defense. A hulking presence at 6-foot-4 and 345 pounds, the Samoan attended the University of Utah before being selected by the

ganization before testing the open market. De-fensive tackle Corey Peters signed a one-year contract extension earlier in the month before the Falcons’ March 11 frenzy began. Only a few hours before they would have become unre-stricted free agents at a 4:00 p.m. deadline, defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and center Joe Hawley re-signed with Atlanta. Retaining Babineaux was especially criti-cal for the Falcons, who still need address their defensive line in the draft even after bringing back Babineaux. Selected in the second round of the 2005 draft, the former University of Iowa standout has made 108 starts—including all 32 in each of the last two regular seasons. He made 37 solo tackles in 2013 in addition to a sack and two fumble recoveries. “I started my NFL career nine years ago as an Atlanta Falcon and I am happy to announce that I am continuing as a proud member of the Atlanta Falcons family,” read a statement re-leased by Babineaux. “Remaining an Atlanta Falcon and in Atlanta as my home were the best decisions for me and my family. Thanks to my family, friends, fans, the press for your support. See you at camp and the games soon!” Given what the Falcons have done in free agency, their favorable position in the upcom-ing NFL Draft (No. 6 overall) and their expecta-tions to have dynamic receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White back at 100 percent next season, Babineaux cannot be the only one looking for-ward to training camp and the start of the 2014 campaign. It could be filled with a whole lot of excitement and, more importantly, a whole lot of winning. Photos courtesy of the Associated Press.

Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2007 draft. Soliai has made 62 starts in his 99-game profes-sional career. “We were focused on adding pieces along our offensive and defensive lines and I feel we were able to accomplish that,” Dimitroff said. “We believe that Paul and Tyson will add stout-ness and grittiness to our defensive front and will help in the run game. Jon is a solid offensive lineman that will bring some ruggedness to our offensive front.”

FLASHY PLAYER … Ruggedness may be one of the top priori-ties for the Falcons this offseason, but it has not stopped them from pursuing other avenues. One week into free agency, they made their most high-profile splash with a player of a much different ilk. Atlanta signed special-teams leg-end Devin Hester, without a doubt one of the most electrifying kick returners in the history of the NFL. Drafted by Chicago in the second round in 2006, Hester now finds himself as the record-holder for most punt return touchdowns in NFL history with 13. Last year, he tied the record for most return touchdowns (punt and kickoff com-bined) with his 19th such score. The University of Miami alum is the only player in NFL history to return the opening kickoff of a Super Bowl for a touchdown (XLI vs. Indianapolis). Hester also lined up on offense for the Bears, recording 217 receptions for 2,807 yards and 14 touchdowns.

He could on occasion be featured in any number of formations to give the Falcons’ offensive at-tack an extra dimension. “Atlanta, at the end of the day, was the team that showed the most interest,” Hester said in a Q&A with the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter. “It’s a winning program. I looked at them as a team that I know is going to have a good season. Last year was a little down-fall for these guys because injuries occurred. This is a playoff team without any injuries.” Hester added that 2014 is “a big chance for us” and he plans on “making the playoffs and hopefully competing for the Super Bowl.” A big step would be taken in that direc-tion if the Falcons can get improved play in the secondary. In that effort, Dimitroff’s two April transactions saw him add safety Dwight Lowery and cornerback Josh Wilson. Lowery, a sixth-year pro after being selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2008 draft, start-ed three games last season with Jacksonville before being placed on injured reserve due to a concussion. Wilson, a second-round pick by Se-attle in 2006, has a knack for the game-chang-ing play. At just 5-foot-9, he has 14 intercep-tions, 11 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and five sacks during a career that includes 102 games and 81 starts. Last year in Washington, he started all 16 games and posted a career-high 93 tackles to go along with two sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.

HANGING AROUND … Perhaps just as important as the new ad-ditions, a trio of Falcons re-upped with the or-

FREE AGENTS

BY RICKY DIMON | [email protected]

FALCONS USE OFFSEASON TO ADD TOUGHNESS AND A LITTLE FLAIR



The Falcons selected William An-drews in the third round (79th

pick) of the 1979 NFL Draft. Andrews earned four Pro Bowl selections dur-ing his career with Atlanta. He led the Falcons in rushing from 1979-83 and is in second place all-time in Falcons history with 5,986 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. Over a four-year span (1979-83), Andrews led all NFL running backs with 8,382 total rushing yards. In 1981, Williams joined Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Wilbert Montgomery and O.J. Simpson in the record books as he eclipsed 2,000 yards from scrimmage in a single season with 2,036. Two years later, Williams tallied 2,176 yards and joined Simpson as the sec-ond player in NFL history to have two 2,000-yard (total yards from scrimmage) seasons in a career. Williams earned an induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1996 and was among the inaugu-ral members of the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor in 2004. The third-round pick’s career was cut short by injury, but he proved to be an all-time great in just five seasons.

With the No. 1 pick of the 1975 Draft, the Falcons selected

California quarterback Steve Bart-kowski. The 6-foot-4 passer earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors during the 1975 season and went on to lead the Falcons for 11 sea-sons. The Iowa native made two Pro Bowls with Atlanta and led the League in passing touchdowns in 1980 with 31. Bartkowski is currently on the Falcons’ Board of Directors and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Bartkowski was the Falcons’ record-holder for most passing yards in a career with 23,470 and most passes completed in a career with 1,871 until Matt Ryan surpassed those marks this past season. Bartkowski started in 127 games during his career and helped lead Atlanta to its first-ever 12-win season in 1980 with a career-high 31 touchdowns. In 1983, Bartkowski threw an efficient 22 touchdowns and only five inter-ceptions and finished the season with a 97.6 QBR. Bartkowski joined the Ring of Honor in the inaugural 2004 class.

Claude Humphrey was selected with the No. 3 pick of the 1968

NFL Draft out of Tennessee State. The 6-foot-4, 252-pound defen-sive end earned Rookie of the Year honors and set multiple franchise records during his career in Atlanta. Humphrey retired with five first-team All-Pro selections and tied the Falcons’ record for the most Pro Bowl appearances with six. Hum-phrey owns Atlanta’s franchise sack record with 94.5. In 1976, Humphrey came back strong after missing all of 1975 with a knee injury to record 15.5 sacks. He ended his career with the Eagles (1979-1981) and retired with 126.5 career sacks in 171 career games. After being a finalist in the 2009 Hall of Fame, Humphrey will finally join the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. He will join Deion Sanders as the second Falcons’ draft pick to reach the Hall. Humphrey is a member of the At-lanta Falcons Ring of Honor, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

The Falcons grabbed Jeff Van Note in the 11th round of the

1969 NFL Draft. The University of Kentucky product was drafted as a linebacker by the Falcons, but was eventually moved to center by Falcons head coach Norm Van Brocklin. Despite Van Note’s lack of experience, he quickly grasped the position and transformed into one of the NFL’s best centers. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder played his way to five Pro Bowls (1974, 1975, 1980, 1981, 1982) and earned sec-ond-team All-Pro honors in 1979 and 1982. Van Note played in 246 games over his 18-year career, including 226 starts. Van Note’s 18-year ca-reer is one of the 25 longest in NFL history and is the second longest in League history with the same team. Falcons fans voted Van Note into the Ring of Honor and he was in-ducted on Oct. 1, 2006. Van Note joined the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and he was voted by the fans as their favorite player dur-ing the 1991 season.

With the No. 27 pick in the 2005 Draft, Atlanta drafted wide re-

ceiver Roddy White, who continues to be one of the most productive and consistent wide receivers in the NFL. White has accumulated 9,436 receiving yards on 685 receptions and has 55 touchdowns in his nine seasons in Atlanta. He led the NFL in receptions in 2010 with 115 and set the pace in the NFC with 1,389 receiving yards. His 5,158 receiv-ing yards are more than any other wideout in the League since 2007. White’s career marks are matched with his ability to produce big numbers and prolific perfor-mances in games. He set the Fal-cons’ record for receiving yards in a half with 185 and most receiving yards in a game with 210. White’s six 1,000-yard seasons are the most in franchise history. White played in 133 consecutive games before get-ting injured last season. He finished 2013 strong with 20 receptions for 232 yards and two touchdowns in Atlanta’s final two games last sea-son. White is two receiving touch-downs away from Terance Mathis’ franchise record of 57.

THE

BES

T10 DRAFT PICKSWILLIAM STEVE CLAUDE JEFF RODDYANDREWS BARTKOWSKI HUMPHREY VAN NOTE WHITE



The Falcons’ first-ever draft pick was a great one. With the top

pick of the 1966 NFL Draft, the newly-formed Falcons selected linebacker Tommy Nobis out of Texas. The 1965 Outland Trophy and Maxwell Award winner earned Defensive Rookie of the Year hon-ors in 1966 and followed it up with a first-team All-Pro selection in his second season. Nobis was selected to five Pro Bowls during his career (1966, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1972) and is a mem-ber of the NFL’s 1960’s All-Decade Team. Nobis recorded 294 combined tackles his rookie season, which still stands today as a seemingly impos-sible-to-reach Falcons single-season record. He is a member of the Fal-cons’ Ring of Honor and his jersey number was the first to be retired by the team. He is the only Falcons player to have ever worn that num-ber. Nobis has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, Geor-gia Sports Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame and his number is also retired at the University of Texas. “Mr. Falcon” played a total of 11 seasons with the franchise.

After a difficult 2007 season, the Falcons looked for stability and

leadership in the 2008 Draft. With the No. 3 pick, they selected Matt Ryan out of Boston College. Ryan’s first pass went for a 62-yard touch-down in the 2008 season-opener, and he has been the face of the fran-chise since. He earned AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and has continued to set franchise records and put the team on his shoulders in pressure situations. His 23 game-winning drives in his first five sea-sons is a franchise record. In 2012, Ryan led Atlanta to a franchise-best 8-0 start and its first-ever home NFC Championship game. He posted a career high by completing 422 of 615 passes (68.6 percent) and 4,719 yards. His 422 completions in 2012 is a franchise record and he enters his seventh NFL season with a career comple-tion percentage of 63.7 and a fran-chise record with 23,472 yards passing. Ryan has started 94 of 96 games since coming into the League and his toughness in the pocket and perseverance has inspired some of the most thrilling comebacks and finishes in franchise history.

The Falcons selected athletically-gifted cornerback and return spe-

cialist Deion Sanders with the No. 5 pick of the 1989 Draft. The former Florida State Seminole played his first five NFL seasons with the Fal-cons and became the first Atlanta Falcons draft pick to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. “Prime Time” played 16 NFL seasons and also played profes-sional baseball for the Braves, Yank-ess, Reds and Giants. In his rookie season with the Falcons, he became the first player in history to score a touchdown and hit a Major League home run in the same week. Sanders sits alone as the only athlete to play in a World Series and a Super Bowl. He returned his first career punt return for a touchdown and in-tercepted 24 passes during his five seasons with Atlanta. In 1993, the electrifying cornerback intercepted seven passes and returned three of them for touchdowns. During five seasons with the Falcons, Sanders scored 10 touchdowns (three de-fensive, three kick returns, two punt returns and two receptions). The 8-time All-Pro is one of nine mem-bers in the Falcons Ring of Honor and is a member of the NFL 1990’s All-Decade Team.

When the Gerald Riggs was tak-en with the No. 9 pick in the

1982 NFL Draft, he began a career in Atlanta that would earn him a spot as the ninth member of the presti-gious Falcons Ring of Honor. In seven seasons in Atlanta, Riggs rushed for a franchise-record 6,631 yards and posted four consecutive 1000-yard seasons, including a 1,986-yard ef-fort in 1985. Riggs’ ended his career with the Redskins and rushed for a pair of touchdowns in a 37-24 Super Bowl XXVI victory over the Buffalo Bills, Riggs’ final NFL game. Riggs’ induction to the Falcons Ring of Honor came during Week 5 of the 2013 season when Atlanta hosted the Jets on Monday Night Football. Riggs had an ability to make decisions in a small area that was uncommon for a big, physical runner. The combination of skills and the toughness needed to excel in short yardage and goal-line plays was tailor-made for Riggs’ style and he still stands as the only player in NFL history to rush for 11 touch-downs in fewer than 80 attempts in a single season. He also holds the Falcons’ franchise mark for 397 car-ries in a single season.

Center Todd McClure was the 237th pick (Round 7) in the

1999 NFL Draft and held down the Falcons’ starting center position for 13 seasons. McClure played under a series of coaching staffs and the line around him constantly changed, but he was the heart and soul that kept it together. McClure retired after the 2012 season and missed just four games in his entire career. He served as center for Matt Ryan in each of Ry-an’s first five seasons and led an of-fensive line with the fewest penalties in the NFL over that five-year span. McClure broke Keith Brooking’s franchise record with 148 consecu-tive starts. The former LSU Tiger’s first season with Atlanta resulted in a torn ACL in training camp, but he grabbed the starting role the next season and never let it go. One of the best late-round picks in NFL history, he helped lead an offensive line that set the fourth-highest single-game rush-ing total in postseason history against St. Louis in 2004.

IN FALCONS

HISTORYDRAFT PICKS Since their inaugural season in 1966, the Falcons have selected play-ers in the NFL Draft to build tradition and take the franchise to new

heights. Tommy Nobis set the standard as Atlanta’s first-ever draft pick in 1966 and Hall of Famers, Pro-Bowlers and fan favorites have been selected since. Each season when the Atlanta Falcons bring in a new class of draftees, they stand in the same shoes as the Falcons’ all-time greats that did it before them. There are draft picks that have a lasting and, in some cases, living legacy with the Falcons and they set the bar high for every incoming rookie to strive for. Here are the Falcons’ top 10 draft picks of all time. BY

CRAI

G SA

GER

II

TOMMY MATT DEION GERALD TODDNOBIS RYAN SANDERS RIGGS MCCLURE

* In order to qualify for this list, a player has to have played five NFL seasons or more.


NFC TEAM DRAFT NEEDS

Draft experts have said the Falcons will likely pick an offensive tackle and a defen-sive end early on in this year’s draft. Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews have been pro-jected by some to be drafted by Atlanta at No. 6. The Falcons will also look to draft a defensive back.

Chicago’s secondary must be addressed as it needs immediate help at safety and long-term solutions at cornerback. In a division with at least two pass-happy of-fenses, the Bears simply have to get better at those positions. At No. 14, they should be in perfect position to snag one of the two best safeties in the class.

Arizona missed out on the playoffs de-spite an outstanding 10-win season in 2013. Defensive ends Darnell Dockett and John Abraham are veterans heading towards the end of their careers and, with the 20th pick of the draft, the Cardinals could find a young pass rusher to make an impact on their aggressive defense.

Was the Cowboys’ secondary as bad as it looked last season or was it the victim of an inept pass rush that allowed opposing quar-terbacks too much time in the pocket? More than likely it was both, in which case Jerry Jones would add a safety and either a defen-sive end or an outside linebacker to his roster.

With Jordan Gross retired, the Panthers are in need of an offensive tackle and they should be able to find a good one with the 28th overall pick in the draft. The loss of Steve Smith hurts and the Panthers are also in desperate need of a playmaker at wide receiver for Cam Newton to throw to.

The Lions are famous for their epic col-lapse in 2013 and also for drafting receivers, but the latter will not be the case this time around. Other than maybe an extra offen-sive lineman, Detroit covets defense. While the interior defensive line is strong, defensive end and cornerback are significant needs.

The 49ers have made three straight NFC Championship games, but will need to take advantage of their 11 draft picks to help take that final step to a Lombardi Tro-phy. Defensive back Carlos Rogers joined Oakland this offseason and San Francisco also needs a third option at receiver.

Ideally, the Giants would snag a pass-catch-ing tight end who can also block. Eli Manning did not have enough weapons in 2013 and he also spent way too much time on the ground. On that note, New York also needs an offen-sive lineman or two after some disastrous play at the tackle position last season.

The defense made some strides last season, but still has work to do in order to hang with the offense. With Jabari Greer gone and Patrick Robinson recovering from season-ending surgery, the Saints are in need of a cornerback. The Saints also need an offen-sive tackle to help protect Drew Brees.

Aaron Rodgers can never have too many weapons at his disposal and right now he may not have enough. Green Bay can upgrade at tight end or draft one to team up with Andrew Quarless in a two-tight end set. The Packers could also use a slot receiver following the de-parture of James Jones to Oakland.

It is time for the Super Bowl-champion Seahawks to build their offense around third-year star quarterback Russell Wil-son. The team lost wide receiver Golden Tate this offseason and will need another go-to receiver to step in. Protecting Wil-son is another priority and Seattle will likely shop for offensive linemen this year.

DeSean Jackson is gone (Washington) and Jason Avant has departed (Carolina). Nick Foles now needs some immediate help to replace those weapons. The Ea-gles also have to upgrade their pass rush, which could come either in the form of a defensive lineman or an outside lineback-er in Philadelphia’s 3-4 scheme.

With new head coach Lovie Smith, the Bucs will have a defensive focus in the draft. It starts with the defensive line and they will look to draft linemen to comple-ment Gerald McCoy. Tampa also needs to add depth to the offensive line as well as a receiver that can stretch the field.

Once again, the Vikings are in need of a quarterback. As expected, Christian Pon-der’s fifth-year option was not exercised by the team. As dire as that is, Minnesota will not overlook a glaring hole on defense. Jared Allen’s departure to division-rival Chicago means adding a pass-rusher at either defen-sive end or outside linebacker is necessary.

The Rams can build for the future with their 12 picks, including the No. 2 and No. 13 overall selections. They’ll be looking for capable starters at offensive tackle and guard. Also, playmaker Tavon Austin was a spark in 2013 and the Rams can add more speed to complement his game.

Washington has a decent defense, but safety is a considerable need both in the present and especially in the future. The Redskins have no first-round picks due to their massive 2012 trade for Robert Grif-fin III, but plenty of solid safeties should be available in the second. The ‘Skins also must upgrade their offensive line.

ATLANTA FALCONS

CHICAGO BEARS

ARIZONA CARDINALS

DALLAS COWBOYS

CAROLINAPANTHERS

DETROITLIONS

SAN FRANCISCO49ERS

NEW YORKGIANTS

NEW ORLEANSSAINTS

GREEN BAYPACKERS

SEATTLESEAHAWKS

PHILADELPHIAEAGLES

TAMPA BAYBUCCANEERS

MINNESOTAVIKINGS

ST. LOUISRAMS

WASHINGTONREDSKINS

NEEDS: OL, DL, DB NEEDS: DB, DT, LB NEEDS: DL, LB, QB NEEDS: DB, DL, WR

NEEDS: OL, WR/TE, DB NEEDS: DB, OL, DL NEEDS: WR, DL, OL NEEDS: WR/TE, OL, DL

NEEDS: DB, OL, LB NEEDS: WR/TE, DB, OL NEEDS: WR, OL, TE NEEDS: WR, DL, DB

NEEDS: DL, OL, WR/TE NEEDS: QB, LB, DB NEEDS: OL, DB, WR NEEDS: DB, OL, LB

SOUTH WESTNORTH EAST


AFC TEAM DRAFT NEEDS

The Texans had major issues scoring in 2013 and the offense will be addressed in a major way. Look for Houston to draft a quarterback with one of its picks this week. From there, they will look to get stronger on the offensive line. Adding a running back to complement Arian Foster would be beneficial.

Baltimore needs to replace offensive tackle Michael Oher, who is now with the Titans. The Ravens also need a safety to start alongside Matt Elam, last year’s first-round pick. As it stands the Ravens have just one tight end on the roster, so they are a threat to add players at that position.

Adding Aqib Talib and DeMarcus Ware to the defense will boost the unit, but Denver needs to find a capable inside linebacker in the draft. On offense, running back Know-shon Moreno signed with Miami this off-season and the Broncos need to find an all-purpose back to team up with Montee Ball.

The Bills need a tackle opposite budding star Cordy Glenn, a former Georgia Bull-dog. However, Buffalo may jump at the chance to select play-making wide receiver Sammy Watkins with the ninth pick. A stud linebacker is missing from the Bills’ depth chart and remains a position of need.

Andrew Luck has progressed each year, and for him to continue to get better, he will need another playmaker on the out-side to make the offense more dangerous. But the Colts need to get better on the de-fensive line and also need to find a safety to replace Antoine Bethea.

The Bengals lost defensive end Michael Johnson and offensive tackle Anthony Col-lins off last year’s squad and need help at strongside linebacker as well. Multiple ex-perts have projected that the Bengals will take a cornerback in the first round. A dark-horse first-round pick may be a quarterback, as Andy Dalton has been inconsistent.

Alex Smith had a great first year with new Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, but he needs help at wideout. On defense, Kan-sas City allowed just 19 points per game but was torched in the first round of the playoffs by Andrew Luck. This year’s draft could provide help for safety Eric Berry.

The Dolphins don’t really have a star at run-ning back, and that remains a distinct need for coach Joe Philbin’s team. Miami could also stand to upgrade at offensive tackle and add depth at the guard position. Some draft projections also have the Fins taking an inside linebacker with their No. 19 pick.

The Jaguars need a quarterback because Chad Henne is not the long-term answer and Blaine Gabbert has not lived up to ex-pectations. Many experts think the Jags will choose a quarterback with their first pick. Jacksonville is also in need of a defensive end as they have not drafted one since 2010.

With Brian Hoyer currently slated as the Browns’ starting quarterback, this posi-tion is definitely a top priority. Cleveland could also stand to grab some young tal-ent at running back after shockingly trad-ing 2012 No. 3 overall pick Trent Richard-son to the Colts. The Browns will also look to bolster their offensive line.

Oakland is missing a No. 1 wide receiver and, with the No. 5 pick in the draft, Clem-son’s Sammy Watkins and Texas A&M’s Mike Evans are worthy options. Oakland could find its quarterback of the future af-ter the first round with LSU’s Zach Metten-berger, a prototypical pocket passer.

Vince Wilfork has been a rock in the mid-dle of the defensive line for the Patriots, but recovery from his Achilles’ heel injury remains a concern. While Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola are solid posses-sion wide receivers, the Pats could use a deep threat at that position.

Tennessee got off to a 3-1 start last season, but after quarterback Jake Locker went down with a knee injury, the Titans finished 4-8 and missed the playoffs for the third straight season. Look for the Titans to add a pass rusher and a quarterback to back up and potentially replace Locker.

The Steelers have gone 8-8 the past two seasons and need something to revital-ize them. A playmaker at wide receiver would be nice, as Pittsburgh has struggled to replace Hines Ward, Mike Wallace and Santonio Holmes in recent years. Some projections also have the Steelers taking an offensive tackle in the first round.

Mike McCoy had a great first year as the Chargers’ head coach and the team should look for a wideout to add to Phillip Rivers’ arsenal. Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews would be a great fit. Peyton Manning exposed the Chargers’ secondary this season and finding some young talent at the position is a priority.

The Jets need a cover cornerback badly and many draft experts have them taking some-one at that position with their No. 18 pick. New York added Eric Decker at wide receiver, but need another productive option at that position. Like many teams, the Jets could stand to add depth on the offensive line.

HOUSTON TEXANS

BALTIMORE RAVENS

DENVER BRONCOS

BUFFALO BILLS

INDIANAPOLISCOLTS

CINCINNATIBENGALS

KANSAS CITYCHIEFS

MIAMIDOLPHINS

JACKSONVILLEJAGUARS

CLEVELANDBROWNS

OAKLANDRAIDERS

NEW ENGLANDPATRIOTS

TENNESSEETITANS

PITTSBURGHSTEELERS

SAN DIEGOCHARGERS

NEW YORKJETS

NEEDS: QB, OL RB NEEDS: OL, DB, WR/TE NEEDS: RB, OL, LB NEEDS: OL, WR, LB

NEEDS: WR, DB, DL NEEDS: CB, DL, OL NEEDS: DB, WR, DL NEEDS: RB, OL, WR/TE

NEEDS: QB, OL, DL NEEDS: QB, OL, RB NEEDS: WR, QB, DL NEEDS: DL, WR, OL

NEEDS: DL, OL, QB NEEDS: DB, WR, OL NEEDS: DB, DT, WR NEEDS: DB, WR, OL

SOUTH WESTNORTH EAST



Fantasy can sometimes resemble reality. And some of the Atlanta Falcons players, admin-

istrators, their majority owner and some very lucky fans found that out on March 31 in Atlantic Station. The movie “Draft Day,” a parody on life behind the scenes in an NFL front office, opened April 11 nationwide. As one of the chosen few able to see an advance showing, I was able to take in the film with some of the Falcons. Most, if not all, saw similarities to the real thing. “It’s very realistic,” head Falcon Arthur Blank told me after the screening. “I’ve seen (Falcons general manager) Thomas (Dimitroff) go through days like that or some version of days like that.” When Blank says “days like that,” well, you’ll have to see the movie to understand ex-actly what he means. In simple terms and with-out spoiling the film, I can tell you that one draft day can mean a lifetime to those involved in the process. The relationships between owner and GM, GM and coach, GM and potential draftee and GM to rival GM could each be a movie, or novel, within itself.

SILVER SCREEN REALISM … While fans can be fooled about how accu-rate a sports movie is, players, administrators and the top brass cannot. They live it day-to-day. However, the gaggle of Falcons personnel at the showing was quite complimentary of the latest Ivan Reitman-directed movie.

shows filmed here in recent years to the point that businesses whose only function is to pro-vide extras for filming have sprung up in the area. The city certainly has its share of major celebs in its midst, and the Falcons are no ex-ception. “I wouldn’t say it’s up-and-coming with movies, they’re doing everything here,” said Weatherspoon after the sneak peak. “There are a lot of opportunities. Hopefully, some day I’ll get a call to be in one of those movies.” The city has hosted filming of movies like Hall Pass, the Hunger Games, Anchorman, Bo-rat and Drumline among many others in recent years. Movie stars such as Woody Harrelson, Tyler Perry, Owen Wilson, Jennifer Lawrence and Donald Sutherland have been spotted in metro Atlanta. In the near future, sequels to the sci-fi thriller Divergent will be filmed in the area. As one of the more magnetic and charis-matic personalities on the team, going into the movie industry seems like a natural path for Weatherspoon in the future. “I don’t know, man, I think I could do it,” he said. “I could remember my lines and act it out. That’d be pretty cool.” Peters, who said he likes to live more in the behind-the-scenes world, will probably skip a career on the silver screen. “I’ve been invited to some things, but I’ve always turned it down,” said the former Kentucky Wildcat. “(Holly-wood) is not really my style.” While Falcons players differ on their futures on the silver screen, fans, players and owners alike can agree that “Draft Day” is a winner. Photos courtesy of Jimmy Cribb/Atlanta Falcons.

“NFL fans want to get an insight into the game,” Blank said. “As far as what happens on draft day and some of the nuances and the pressures that the organizations, franchises, general manag-ers and coaches are under, it’s pretty realistic.” Falcons defensive lineman Corey Peters was entertained by the film, which received a ton of cooperation not only by the NFL, but also by multiple franchises. “I thought it was pretty good,” said Peters. “Very entertaining. It’s good to see the other side of things and have some good interaction between front office and some of the players and that sort of thing. I think that’s a great view-point that not a lot of people get to see.” Without spoiling any of the storylines, I can tell you that character comes to play in how Kev-in Costner’s character (the Browns’ GM) makes decisions on draft day. Not many people know what actually is said in behind-the-scenes draft day phone calls, but no movie prior to “Draft Day” has been quite as accurate in displaying just how crucial character is in draft analysis. “(Character) is always very important,” said Blank. “The culture is what underlines the franchise, and that’s true with our front office, it’s true with our coaches, it’s true with our play-ers, it’s true in every part of our locker room. It’s true throughout. We pay a lot of attention to character off the field, character on the field and, obviously, ability.” Another part of the movie centered around

a potential draftee sitting at home with family, waiting for the call that would change his life. Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon saw similarities in that portion of the film. “That brought back memories just being with your family and everybody is excited,” said Spoon. “It kind of took me back to when I got the call from the Falcons. It was pretty cool.” The Missouri product was the Falcons’ first-round selection in 2010 and, ironically, had a few things in common with one of the main characters in “Draft Day”. Vontae Mack, played by Chadwick Boseman, is one of the players the Browns are considering taking in the first round. Mack, however, would not be in New York for the draft. Spoon wasn’t on his draft day either. “It’s pretty busy,” said Spoon of his draft day. “I was actually back home in Jasper (Texas) and I wanted to go to New York, but it didn’t work out… We just stayed at home. We had cameras there and stuff. My family was there.” “I got a call and it was Les Snead (former Falcons director of player personnel). Les was like, ‘We’re going to call you right back. If noth-ing changes we’re going to (draft you).’ Sure enough, the Falcons took the 6-foot-2, 244-pound tackling machine. Chaos ensued at the Weatherspoon household, as it did at the Mack’s in Draft Day. “That part, when Mack got the call and he was on his couch, and he was just in shock that he got drafted,” Spoon said of the scene, which reminded him of his own draft day. “It was sur-real and something I’d always dreamed of.”

THE NEW HOLLYWOOD … Atlanta has seen its share of movies and

DRAFT DAY

BY STEPHEN BLACK | [email protected]

BLANK, FALCONS DISCUSS NFL DRAFT MOVIE



1966 Tommy Nobis No. 1, Round 11967 Leo Carroll No. 31, Round 21968 Claude Humphrey No. 3, Round 11969 George Kunz No. 2, Round 11970 John Small No. 12, Round 11971 Joe Profit No. 7, Round 11972 Clarence Ellis No. 15, Round 11973 Greg Marx No. 39, Round 21974 Gerald Tinker No. 44, Round 21975 Steve Bartkowski No. 1, Round 11976 Bubba Bean No. 9, Round 11977 Warren Bryant No. 6, Round 11978 Mike Kenn No. 13, Round 11979 Don Smith No. 17, Round 11980 Junior Miller No. 7, Round 11981 Bobby Butler No. 25, Round 1

1982 Gerald Riggs No. 9, Round 11983 Mike Pitts No. 16, Round 11984 Rick Bryan No. 9, Round 11985 Bill Fralic No. 2, Round 11986 Tony Casillas No. 2, Round 11987 Chris Miller No. 13, Round 11988 Aundray Bruce No. 1, Round 11989 Deion Sanders No. 5, Round 11990 Steve Broussard No. 20, Round 11991 Bruce Pickens No. 3, Round 11992 Bob Whitfield No. 8, Round 11993 Lincoln Kennedy No. 9, Round 11994 Bert Emanuel No. 45, Round 21995 Devin Bush No. 26, Round 11996 Shannon Brown No. 84, Round 31997 Michael Booker No. 11, Round 1

1998 Keith Brooking No. 12, Round 11999 Patrick Kerney No. 30, Round 12000 Travis Claridge No. 37, Round 22001 Michael Vick No. 1, Round 12002 T.J. Duckett No. 18, Round 12003 Bryan Scott No. 55, Round 22004 DeAngelo Hall No. 8, Round 12005 Roddy White No. 27, Round 12006 Jimmy Williams No. 37, Round 22007 Jamaal Anderson No. 8, Round 12008 Matt Ryan No. 3, Round 12009 Peria Jerry No. 24, Round 12010 Sean Weatherspoon No. 19, Round 12011 Julio Jones No. 6, Round 12012 Peter Konz No. 55, Round 22013 Desmond Trufant No. 22, Round 1

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