Atlanta Falcons best all-time draft picks by round

7th Round – Todd McClure (1999 237th Overall Pick)

Jamal Anderson was drafted in the seventh round by the Falcons in 1995. The Falcons also drafted Michael Haynes in 1988. Both of these players were productive for the Falcons but there is no one that will take the place of Todd McClure. McClure is the best seventh-round draft pick in Falcons history.

McClure was Mr. Iron Man for the Falcons. After he missed his entire rookie season after tearing his ACL, he took over the starting center spot for the Falcons during his second season. Between that game and his retirement in 2012, he only missed one game.

He was the catalyst behind those great offensive lines for the Falcons in the early 2000s that helped protect Michael Vick and open up running lanes for Warrick Dunn and TJ Duckett.

Not only is McClure the greatest seventh-round draft ever for the Falcons, but he could also go down as one of the best linemen in Falcons history.

Honorable Mention

Jeff Van Note (11th Round – 1969) and Elbert Shelley (11th around – 1987)

Once upon a time, the draft was much longer than the seven rounds we are used to today. It wouldn’t be fair if we just forgot about those guys especially since some of them are some of the best players to play for the Falcons.

Jeff Van Note was the first great offensive lineman in Falcon history. It’s a shame that Van Note might not ever see his name in the NFL Hall of Fame due to the lack of success for the Falcons, but during the 79’s, he was easily one of the best offensive linemen in the league.

Six Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams are some pretty serious accolades.

It’s time to show some special teams guys some love. Elbert Shelley player safety and didn’t see much playing time at safety for the Falcons but he did make the Pro Bowl four times as a special teamer.