The Ten Biggest Draft Busts in Atlanta Falcons History

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Number Ten: Sam Baker

Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) is defended by Atlanta Falcons tackle Sam Baker (72) at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) is defended by Atlanta Falcons tackle Sam Baker (72) at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

In the 2008 draft, the Falcons took Matt Ryan, who is definitely not a bust, but this is about a guy they traded back into the first round to nab: Sam Baker. The Falcons traded two second round picks (34, 48) and its fourth round pick (103) for Washington’s first (21) third (84) and fifth round pick (154) to acquire Baker.

Sam Baker didn’t seem like such a bad pick at the time. However, he was plagued by injuries and just never got his feet set under him. His short arms earned him the nickname T-Rex from some Falcons fans and prevented him from being an effective force in the trenches. Given the fact that Duane Brown, Carl Nicks, and Josh Sitton (though the last two ended up moving to guard) were drafted after him, it’s easy to see that Baker was an unfortunate miss in the 2008 draft.

– Jeremy Riggs