Normally a team with the 6th overall pick in the NFL Draft usually has a lot of fixing to do...But that's not the case for the Atlanta Falcons. The offensive and defensive lines both needs some renovating, but the Falcons are still a playoff team and the fact that they did have such a high draft pick, makes them that much more frightening, so Here is my overall summary/assessment of all eight 2014 Atlanta Falcons NFL draft picks
Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M), was the first player selected in the top ten picks by the Falcons since wide receiver Julio Jones was in 2011. He was also the second offensive lineman taken in this year's NFL draft. Although a lot fans expected them to go a different direction and draft Jadeveon Clowney, it looks as if the Falcons made the right decision in drafting Matthews.
Ra'Shede Hageman (DT, Minnesota), who most likely has the best story of the draft, will be an instant fix for the Falcons' run stopping struggles while he is on the field. The pick wasn't necessarily shocking, but the decision not to draft any other lineman on either side of the ball (offensively or defensively) was shocking.
Dezmen Southward (DB, Wisconsin), is exactly what the Falcons need in their secondary. A versatile player, who can line up as a safety as well as a cornerback. Drafted only because of the releasing of Thomas Decoud, Southward is my pick to eventually take the starting free safety job away from either Dwight Lowery or Zeke Motta by the end of the season.
Devonta Freeman (RB, Florida State), is probably the freshest running back in draft considering he only had to carry half the load during his career with the Florida State Seminoles. Freeman helped the Seminoles win a BCS National Championship in his final year, but will likely be the Falcons' third string tail back being Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers.
Prince Shembo (OLB, Notre Dame), was the first of many linebackers selected by the Falcons in their last four picks, but general manager Thomas Dimitroff was actually 'very comfortable' with the selection of Shembo and others.
Ricardo Allen (CB, Purdue), will add more depth to the already diverse Falcons' cornerback corps, joining along side Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Robert McClain, Josh Wilson, and others.
Marquis Spruill (OLB, Syracuse), was selected by the Falcons after they were able to make a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. Spruill's combine/pro day included a 4.53 40-yard dash time (at his pro day), while posted 21 bench press reps, a 9' 9" broad jump, a shuttle run time of 4.46 seconds, and a three cone drill time of 7.33 seconds.
Yawin Smallwood (ILB, UConn), is described as an 'intelligent, instinctive linebacker,' who fits best on the NFL level as an inside linebacker. It's undecided whether the 225th pick will actually make the team or not. Though if he does, Smallwood will likely serve as a special teams specialist in his first year. While he was with the Huskies, Smallwood was a team captain. That won't necessarily carry with him into the NFL as a rookie, but it's good to know that about him.
Tyler Starr (OLB), was the Falcons' 'Mr. Irrelevant,' but is everything but that. Being one of the final draft picks gives you a chip on your shoulder, so we'll see how much motivation that will give him going into training camp while he battles to make the final cut.
Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M), was the first player selected in the top ten picks by the Falcons since wide receiver Julio Jones was in 2011. He was also the second offensive lineman taken in this year's NFL draft. Although a lot fans expected them to go a different direction and draft Jadeveon Clowney, it looks as if the Falcons made the right decision in drafting Matthews.
Ra'Shede Hageman (DT, Minnesota), who most likely has the best story of the draft, will be an instant fix for the Falcons' run stopping struggles while he is on the field. The pick wasn't necessarily shocking, but the decision not to draft any other lineman on either side of the ball (offensively or defensively) was shocking.
Dezmen Southward (DB, Wisconsin), is exactly what the Falcons need in their secondary. A versatile player, who can line up as a safety as well as a cornerback. Drafted only because of the releasing of Thomas Decoud, Southward is my pick to eventually take the starting free safety job away from either Dwight Lowery or Zeke Motta by the end of the season.
Devonta Freeman (RB, Florida State), is probably the freshest running back in draft considering he only had to carry half the load during his career with the Florida State Seminoles. Freeman helped the Seminoles win a BCS National Championship in his final year, but will likely be the Falcons' third string tail back being Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers.
Prince Shembo (OLB, Notre Dame), was the first of many linebackers selected by the Falcons in their last four picks, but general manager Thomas Dimitroff was actually 'very comfortable' with the selection of Shembo and others.
Ricardo Allen (CB, Purdue), will add more depth to the already diverse Falcons' cornerback corps, joining along side Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Robert McClain, Josh Wilson, and others.
Marquis Spruill (OLB, Syracuse), was selected by the Falcons after they were able to make a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. Spruill's combine/pro day included a 4.53 40-yard dash time (at his pro day), while posted 21 bench press reps, a 9' 9" broad jump, a shuttle run time of 4.46 seconds, and a three cone drill time of 7.33 seconds.
Yawin Smallwood (ILB, UConn), is described as an 'intelligent, instinctive linebacker,' who fits best on the NFL level as an inside linebacker. It's undecided whether the 225th pick will actually make the team or not. Though if he does, Smallwood will likely serve as a special teams specialist in his first year. While he was with the Huskies, Smallwood was a team captain. That won't necessarily carry with him into the NFL as a rookie, but it's good to know that about him.
Tyler Starr (OLB), was the Falcons' 'Mr. Irrelevant,' but is everything but that. Being one of the final draft picks gives you a chip on your shoulder, so we'll see how much motivation that will give him going into training camp while he battles to make the final cut.