Atlanta Falcons: Looking back at second round picks since 2008

The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the better organizations at drafting during Thomas Dimitroff’s tenure as general manager. Dimitroff has made some mistakes as general manager but has also made some really good picks. We are going to look back at all of Thomas Dimitroff’s second round picks.

In 2008, the Atlanta Falcons selected LB Curtis Lofton from Oklahoma with the 37th overall selection. Many fans have mixed reviews about Lofton but he was a successful pick by Thomas Dimitroff. Lofton ended up playing eight seasons in the NFL, four of those with the Falcons, three with the Saints, and one with the Raiders.

During his eight seasons, Lofton never had injuries and started/played in all sixteen games in every season he played. Lofton thrived in the run game reading plays and shedding blocks. The area he lacked in the most was pass coverage which is why the Falcons let him walk during the 2012 off-season and allowed him to sign with the Saints. In his four seasons with the Falcons Lofton was the starting MLB with 352 total tackles, three interceptions, and four sacks. Given Lofton’s production with the team he was considered a successful draft pick for the Falcons.

In 2009 the Falcons selected S William Moore from Missouri with the 55th overall selection. This was another successful pick for Thomas Dimitroff as he spent seven seasons with the team and making the Pro Bowl in 2012. Moore racked up 16 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and 277 total tackles during his career. The knock on him was his ability to stay on the field.

Moore was constantly injured and only had two seasons where he played more than 13 games. However, when he was on the field he was able to make plays. The most memorable part of William Moore’s career was his hit on Rams TE Mike McNeil.