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Atlanta Falcons News: GM Thomas Dimitroff regrets passing up Clay Matthews in 2009 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts after the Packers made a defensive stop on fourth down against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Packers defeated the Raiders 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts after the Packers made a defensive stop on fourth down against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Packers defeated the Raiders 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Good morning, Falcons fans. It’s officially draft week! In just three days time, the Falcons will begin their journey through the 2016 NFL Draft — a crucial three days for the near future of the franchise. Can the rookie class have elevate an 8-8 team into a playoff contender, or will these players be more focused on the future?

Coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff know the size of the task that awaits, but they will be as prepared as possible for any scenario that ensues on draft day. As you sip your coffee this fine Monday morning, enjoy these articles from the world of the Atlanta Falcons.

Atlanta Falcons GM regrets passing on Clay Matthews — Brian Jones of 247Sports.com

If you want a perfect example of why drafting the best player available is always the best strategy to take, look no further than Thomas Dimitroff’s regret of not going for Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews. Matthews didn’t fix a ‘need’ at the time for Atlanta, yet how much could the defense do with him now? Matthews is one of the best pass rushers in the game. He may not having fixed a need back then, but needs change.

Falcons have little margin for error with five picks in draft — Charles Odum of The Washington Post

With just five selections to work with this week, the Falcons best hit. A swing and miss in the first round could have a long-lasting effect on the roster. Assuming Atlanta don’t trade down, they will need to do what owner Arthur Blank said and bring in three starting caliber players right away. Easier said than done.

Next: Atlanta Falcons: Five players to avoid in draft

Falcons making modern day analytics a priority in 2016 — Andrew Hirsh of AtlantaFalcons.com

Analytics are becoming an even bigger part of sports, and the Falcons are making them a priority moving forward. Even getting a tiny advantage over your rivals is of high importance, and this might be able to help them do that.

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