Atlanta Falcons 2010 Draft Review

Many in the media have given negative feed back on the Falcons draft based on the fact that they did not select a pass rusher early. There was definitely not a selection worthy at 19, and Sean Weatherspoon was a good selection at that point. The Falcons didn't have a second round pick due to the Tony Gonzales trade last year, and they could not select a pass rusher of value in the third round. The Falcons simply moved on and filled other needs. Corey Peters, Mike Johnson, and Joe Hawley are the types of players who can play contributing roles immediately at their positions. Dominique Franks was a good value pick. The Falcons had a good draft based on their circumstances.


Round 1, Pick 19

Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

Ht: 6’ 1 ¼” Wt: 239

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Weatherspoon is a lightning-fast outside linebacker whose specialty is pass defense.  Atlanta was in need of speed on their defense and Weatherspoon will provide plenty of that.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: An intense, fast-flowing, productive, search-and-flow weak-side ’backer with first-round measurables, Weatherspoon is not universally liked amongst scouts. Is viewed by some decision makers as a potential locker-room toxin because he talks too much and carries a prima donna attitude. Is not for everybody and would be best served landing in a strong, veteran locker room where teammates hold him accountable.

NFL projection: First-round pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Weatherspoon is a player that did not initially jump off the film at me, but with every good play he made he grew on me and combined with his athleticism made it clear that he has all the physical talent to be a very productive starting middle/inside linebacker in the NFL.  While he lacks the ideal height at basically 6’1, he is very well built and definitely has the strength to be a force at the POA vs blockers and as a tackler when he keeps his knees bent and plays aggressively.  I am always concerned about defends who lack great instincts as it usually comes with a lack of consistent production, but at least Weatherspoon is consistently around the ball making tackles vs the run and in coverage.  An added bonus is that Weatherspoon has been a productive player on all four of Missouri’s primary special teams units, which will help him make an impact as a rookie while he develops as a linebacker.  Overall, Weatherspoon has moved up draft boards higher than I have him rated because he impressed with his athleticism at the Combine and at his Personal Workout, but he does not make as many game changing, impact plays as 1^st round linebackers do.  He would be a very good choice in the 2^nd round and would be best suited to go to a team that asks their inside linebackers to be very strong in coverage and are not as concerned about their willingness to be physical players at the POA.  He will be a solid, productive, starting linebacker in the NFL given a season or two as a backup.  He has the combination of playing strength, athleticism and competitiveness to be a productive linebacker in any defensive scheme. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Not all scouts are convinced Weatherspoon can be an elite linebacker at the next level.  He has only adequate size and tends to run around blocks.  But Weather spoon’s speed and productivity will convince a team to pick him in the top 50. 

Round 3, Pick 83

Corey Peters, DT, Kentucky

Ht: 6’ 3 ¼” Wt: 300

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another player whose heart out weighs his physical gifts, Peters can contribute to an NFL team as a rotational player.  The Falcons continue to build along their defense and look to improve on their two straight winning seasons.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Elevated his standing with a solid senior season, but is not overly strong or athletic and does not have outstanding traits. Could warrant interest as a developmental backup three-technique.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Scouts would like to see more consistency out of Peters, but his athleticism, size and durability are unquestionable.  In a draft not as blessed with talent along the defensive line, Peters would have earned much more attention.  As it stands, he may be among the more unknown middle-round talents at defensive tackle in the country. 

Round 3, Pick 98

Mike Johnson, G, Alabama

Ht: 6’ 5 ¼” Wt: 312

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Johnson was brought into the Falcons with the intention of being a versatile back up on the offensive line.  Though his physical talent won't overwhelm anyone, Johnson can play either guard or tackle position and can fill in for an injured starter.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Short-armed, short-area, bump- and-steer blocker with a core strength deficiency and natural leverage disadvantage that makes him most ideally suited for a swing backup role in a slide-zone protection scheme.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Versatility is the name of the game for Johnson.  His 41 consecutive starts (and school-record 54 games played) have been split between all four exterior line positions, with the majority coming at left guard (24) and right tackle (10).  His great size, underrated athleticism and dependability are certain to make him one of the more coveted interior offensive linemen available. 

117.)  Atlanta Falcons
Joe Hawley, OG, UNLV
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 297

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another tough lunch pail type player, Hawley can contribute to the Falcons offensive line immediately as a reserve and could contribute as a blocker on special teams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   A smart, tough, competitive, short- area blocker, Hawley is capable of backing up all three interior positions and could compete for a starting job down the line. Versatility and foot- ball smarts add to value.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick

135.)  Atlanta Falcons 

Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 194

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Franks is an instant impact player on special teams and could develop into a nickel or dime corner but provides excellent value because of his versatility.  He doesn't have the physical skills or numbers that one might desire but is a solid football player, none the less. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Bucked the trend that has seen underclassmen return to OU for their senior seasons and would have benefitted from another year of seasoning. Tape résumé is less than appetizing and did not light up the Combine. Brings value as a return man, but timid football temperament, overall inconsistency and mental deficiencies cannot be overlooked. Will bring the most value as a returner.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick. 

165.)  Atlanta Falcons

Kerry Meier, WR, Kansas
Ht: 6' 2" Wt:  224

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A smart player with good size, Meier lacks the explosiveness to be an outside receiver but Atlanta doesn't have an overwhelming need for that skill.  Someone who can play in the slot or help with blocking the run from the wide receiver position, Meier could find a spot on the Falcons.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Moved from quarterback to receiver during his sophomore season, Meier’s experience under center shows in his understanding of what defenses are trying to do.  He has the potential as a third or fourth receiver, but lacks good speed and will be considered as an H-back candidate if he bulks up.

171.)  Atlanta Falcons
Shann Schillinger, S, Montana
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 199

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Schillinger fits the mold of the over-achiever that the Falcons have made their theme for this 2010 Draft.  A free safety, who lead his team in tackles last season, Schillinger will try to latch on to the Falcons' roster as a special teams contributor.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332 

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