Blogging Dirty
FanSided

Atlanta Falcons: Grading the past four first-round draft picks

By Freddie Boston

Aug 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) walks through the tunnel before their game against the Miami Dolphins at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) walks through the tunnel before their game against the Miami Dolphins at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
May 9, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manger Thomas Dimitroff and first round draft pick tackle Jake Matthews (with jersey) shown during a press conference at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manger Thomas Dimitroff and first round draft pick tackle Jake Matthews (with jersey) shown during a press conference at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall

The Falcons have had varying success in the draft under Dimitroff, but his best moves have come in the first round.

Julio Jones and Desmond Trufant were home run picks. Jones required a gutsy trade which could have seen Dimitroff fall flat on his face, but it paid off and the Falcons now boast one of the league’s premier wideouts. Trufant didn’t require the high risk, but he’s grown into an outstanding cornerback who is a critical piece on defense.

Jake Matthews is an ascending player and one to watch out for in his third year. If he can make more strides, he could become one of the league’s best tackles. Keeping Matt Ryan upright with time in the pocket will help him put aside his struggles with protecting the football.

The jury is still out on Vic Beasley, but he flashed enough potential in 2015 to believe he will be the guy the Falcons expected when taking him eighth overall. If Beasley can stay healthy and make strides in Dan Quinn’s defense, the Falcons’ pass rush will be significantly better next season.

Grade: A-

Next: Should the Falcons draft a tight end?

Be sure to stay tuned to Blogging Dirty for news and analysis on the Falcons’ free agency moves, and follow us on Twitter (@BloggingDirty) for live updates by clicking here.

Home/Atlanta Falcons News