Falcons Draft Grades

1st round (6th overall): Jake Matthews OT Texas A&M

Grade: A+

This was probably the safest pick in the entire draft. Matthews will be a big help towards fixing the Falcons offensive line. Expect him to protect Matt Ryan for years.

2nd round (37th overall): Ra'Shede Hageman DT Minnesota

Grade: A

This was a great pick. Atlanta needs help at defensive line. They got got a 1st round DT in the second round with this pick. Hageman should be a starter or at least be in the rotation. 

3rd round (68th overall): Dezmen Southward FS Wisconsin

Grade C- 

I don't think this was a very good pick. He is injury prone and isn't going to be a day one starter as he is a work in progress. I think the Falcons should have taken a TE here or even a different safety. On the bright side Southward is fast and has lots upside. 

4th round (103 overall): Devonta Freeman RB FSU

Grade B+

Freeman is fast and has good pass catching skills. He will split carries with Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers. Eventually he could be the starter. I think this was a great pick.

4th round (139 overall): Prince Shembo OLB Notre Dame

Grade C+

Shembo will add much needed depth to the Falcons defense. He will also contribute on special teams. Shembo has off the field questions and like Southward he needs time to develop.

5th round (147th overall): Ricardo Allen CB Purdue

Grade C

Allen is undersized but very physical. He will compete for a backup spot and could play on special teams.

5th round (168th overall): Marquis Spruill ILB Syracuse

Grade C

Spruill probably isn't going to be a starter, but he has upside and has a good shot at making the team. He is very fast and hits hard. The Falcons traded their 6th round pick and a 7th round pick to move up and draft Spruill. This pick gets a C because they probably didn't need to trade up to draft him.

7th round (253 overall): Yawin Smallwood OLB Connecticut
Grade B

Great pick for the 7th round. Some analysts said he would be a 4-5th round pick. He will add depth to the Falcons and could play on special teams.

7th round (255th overall): Tyler Starr OLB South Dakota
Grade C

Nothing special about this pick but Starr will add depth to Atlanta's defense.

Overall grade (not an average): B-

The Falcons got a franchise OT, a solid pass rusher, a RB who could potentially start and added secondary and linebacker depth. Some of the picks were questionable. They did a good job of addressing their needs for the most part but I can't figure out why they didn't get a TE at some point. Overall a solid draft.