Atlanta Falcons 2010 Draft Grade

ATLANTA

1.19 Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
The Falcons went left and we all went right. The consensus picks were Derrick Morgan and Brandon Graham, but both were long gone. Pouncey was scraped up one pick early, and Spoon fills a need perfectly. Only problem? Weakside linebacker is only so important. A defensive end would have seemed like the logical pick, but Spoon’s leadership and excellent active play will go a long way in Atlanta. GRADE:A

3.83 Corey Peters, DT, Kentucky
Peters is a player I like, but this was early for a team that needs a nose tackle, not another under tackle. Peters has a high motor, and plays tough, and I’m thinking Peria Jerry’s recovery must not be going well. GRADE: B

3.98 Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama
Johnson is the interior lineman the Falcons needed for depth and competition. He was a good pickup with the last ticket of day two. He can help at a few interior spots. GRADE: B

3ROUND GRADE: B-

4.117 Joe Hawley, OG, UNLV
Not so sure about Hawley as the guy here, but positionally it makes sense. The Falcons want to keep the ground game going and they need interior help to do that. GRADE: C

5.135 Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma
I don’t like Franks at all, but considering most had him as a second rounder, getting him here is good value. Even with Dunta Robinson, the Falcons needed more corner help. GRADE: B

6.136 Kerry Meier, WR, Kansas
I actually like the Meier pick. He won’t get a lot of credit, but the ex-QB is very smart, has good size, and is very sure-handed. He can be a #2 or #3 WR. GRADE: B

6.171 Shann Schillinger, S, Montana
The Falcons wanted some depth/competition at the safety spot, and Schillinger will contribute on special teams. Still, even for a sixth-rounder, this feels like a reach. GRADE: C-

Best Pick: Sean Weatherspoon
Worst Pick: Shann Schillinger
Sleeper Pick: Kerry Meier

FINAL ANALYSIS
The Falcons got a great leader in Sean Weatherpoon. That’s something they were worried about losing along with Mike Peterson. He’ll come in and start right away at a position of need, even if it’s not a position of importance. Peters is a rugged player that doesn’t mind getting dirty inside, and he could develop into a better nose in this defense than I think, but worst case he’ll add depth to the rotation. Peria Jerry must be hurt. Franks was really good value even though I don’t like him. He’ll help in the return game if asked, and can play some nickel. And Kerry Meier is a very solid possession receiver.

Mike Johnson and Joe Hawley provide some good depth up front, but I question Johnson’s fit in this offense. He’s not a powerful mauler, but he has run-blocking experience in spades. Hawley is a project. I’m not really high on Schillinger, but he does have good upside, and is a forceful tackler.

In the end, Atlanta filled a major need at a position that is becoming less valuable with so many nickel packages, but they filled it with a top player who will bring elite intangibles and energy along with great instincts and production. They got good depth on the O-line, a possible weapon for Matt Ryan, some D line help, and some projects for the secondary. Would have loved to see a DE in there somewhere, but it’s a solid class with little flash and lots of consistency.

FINAL GRADE: B

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