The Atlanta Falcons did not brace for their fall from grace in 2013. Around this time 16 months ago, they were the host of the NFC Championship Game. Now, the Falcons look to rebound from a disappointing 4-12 season and reclaim their top form of 2012. With their first two picks, the Falcons immediately addressed two of their greatest needs, offensive and defensive tackle. Six of their final seven draft selections were devoted to the defense as they also try to improve a unit that finished 27th in the league last year.
2014 Atlanta Falcons Draft Picks:
1st Round (6th Overall): Jake Matthews – OT, Texas A&M
2nd Round (37th Overall): Ra’Shede Hageman – DT, Minnesota
3rd Round (68th Overall): Dezmen Southward – FS, Wisconsin
4th Round (103rd Overall): Devonta Freeman – RB, Florida State
4th Round (139th Overall): Prince Shembo – OLB, Notre Dame
5th Round (147th Overall): Ricardo Allen – CB, Purdue
5th Round (168th Overall): Marquis Spruill – ILB, Syracuse
7th Round (253rd Overall): Yawin Smallwood – OLB, Connecticut
7th Round (255th Overall): Tyler Starr – OLB, South Dakota
Falcons Draft Grade: 9/10
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Falcons Draft Review
The Best Player: Normally the most talented and skilled players are selected in their first round. Also, any team’s first selection should be considered their “best” player altogether. This is definitely the case with Jake Matthews. Coming out of Texas A&M, Matthews helped anchor the front line for one the most explosive offenses in College Football. Even though guys like Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans received enormous recognition during their tenures with the Aggies, Matthews’ efforts in replacing last year’s second overall pick, Luke Joeckel, should not be ignored. The departures of veteran linemen Tyson Clabo and Todd McClure prior to the 2013 season heavily affected the Falcons’ offensive line as they allowed Matt Ryan to get hit 100 times (the fifth most in the league). With Matthews becoming the newly-installed foundation, the O-Line is instantly better.
The Best Value Pick: Dezmen Southward gets the slight edge in terms of best or total value. In the pass-happy league the NFL lives by today, it is imperative to have to a stout secondary in order to suppress the production of these high-octane offenses; this is definitely the case in the NFC South with quarterbacks Drew Brees and Cam Newton, who have propelled their respective offensives to high levels. In 2012, Atlanta had a Pro Bowl safety tandem in Thomas DeCoud and William Moore; their decreased production was a key factor in the defense’s demise last season. Now that DeCoud is no longer on the roster, Southward presence will be much needed.
The Head-Scratcher: Since the Falcons had a solid draft by selecting their top needs, there is not really a “head-scratcher” for them.
The Surprise Pick: The Surprise Pick for the Falcons was the picks that were not made at all. The linebacker positions were indeed of high importance, but the abundance of selections in that area remains questionable. It would have been nice to see the Falcons draft another cornerback or even a tight end to replace future Hall-of-Famer Tony Gonzales.
The Steal: Running Back Devonta Freeman will ultimately become the steal of the Falcons’ draft and one of the top steals of the draft overall. Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston received all of the hype during Florida State’s 2013 National Championship campaign, but Freeman was just as productive for the Seminoles. Freeman rushed for 1,016 yards and 14 touchdowns on 173 carries, including scoring at least one touchdown in each of his last ten games. Freeman also became the first FSU running back to eclipse the 1,000-yard barrier since Warrick Dunn in 1996.
Despite having just a 5’8’’, 206-pound frame, Freeman is known for his physical, downhill running; he will be the perfect complement to teammate Jacquizz Rodgers, who is widely considered as a “change-of-pace” back. With Stephen Jackson in the latter stages of his career, Freeman and Rodgers could indeed become a deadly one-two punch in the backfield.
Most Likely to Make an Impact in 2014: Devonta Freeman and Ra’Shede Hageman will definitely become impactful players for Atlanta, but not right away due to depth chart positions at the running back spot and Free Agent acquisitions along the defensive line. Therefore, Dezmen Southward and the linebackers will likely have the larger impacts because they will most likely be asked to start right away.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Camp: Due to his activity on the football field, Ra’Shede Hageman could really generate buzz at Falcons Camp; during his senior season he recorded 38 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, two sacks, one interception and eight passes defended. If he is added in the D-tackle rotation, his energy will only help improve a rush defense that finished second to last in the league in 2013.
Bottom Line: As mentioned before, the Atlanta Falcons earned a 9/10 because they did an excellent job in addressing their top needs. They would have gotten a perfect 10 is they would have drafted another cornerback or tight end. In the end, the Falcons should be proud of their draft selections.
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