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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Atlanta Falcons "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (1-24) Peria Jerry, DT (Mississippi): Still flying high off their pre-draft heist of Tony Gonzalez, the Falcons addressed another critical position as they continue to build a true contender. Perry may be the quickest defensive tackle in this draft, capable of beating blockers off the snap and knifing through to make plays in the backfield against the run and the pass. He is instinctive and a solid tackler. He fell to the Falcons because of his lack of durability and the fact he will be 25-years old by time the season rolls around.
(2-55) William Moore, S (Missouri): The Falcons came away with an athletic ball-hawk in their effort to rebuild a defense with glaring holes. Moore is a bit injury prone and is coming off a disappointing senior campaign, but at the NFL Scouting Combine he proved he is indeed a defensive back. No one can question his size/speed combo, ball skills, or ability to lay the wood. He does need some coaching up to fulfill his potential.
(3-90) Christopher Owens, CB (San Jose State): Owens really came on during the draft process and generated a ton of interest. He has great instincts and awareness coupled with good ball skills and hands. Owens is not afraid to get into the run defense and while he isn’t as tall or big as you’d like, he is very durable and can take a pounding. He also has a ton of experience and shouldn’t struggle with the transition to the NFL.
(4-125) Lawrence Sidbury Jr., DE (Richmond): Sidbury worked hard to get the word out that he was a guy to count on, hitting both the Shrine Game and Senior Bowl. He has a quick burst and can be a force off the edge. He also brings some nice intangibles to the table in terms of leadership and work ethic. He’s a little undersized, can get caught up by blocks, and while his timed speed was nice, he doesn’t always play to it. Sidbury may take some time to develop but has a ton of upside. He will be tough for opponents to handle coming off the edge, especially on the carpet of the Georgia Dome—a real day two bargain.
(5-138) William Middleton, CB (Furman): A very athletic, strong corner who likes to hit, can shed receiver blocks to get to a runner, but is also able to make plays by adjusting to thrown balls and has the hands and skills to pull down interceptions. He has trouble wrapping up his tackles and recovering when beaten, and while he can get his hands in to press, he doesn’t often knock receivers off routes. Still, Middleton could come in and challenge early for a spot. (Pick From St. Louis)
 (5-156) Garrett Reynolds, OT (North Carolina): A project tackle, Reynolds has lots of experience, a great motor, and a huge frame with long arms. While he gets a nice, violent initial punch, he doesn’t always use proper leverage, isn’t very athletic overall and has problems protecting the edge against speed rushers. He will need to work hard to get better but has the intangibles to do so over time. He’s not a left tackle and down the road may shift inside. (Pick From Dallas)
(6-176) Spencer Adkins, LB (Miami): He has very good speed for the linebacker position and is a good, physical hitter. Adkins has problems finding the ball, sometimes leaves his position of responsibility, and is a bit of a tweener. He’ll probably be on special teams for a while as he trains up. He was the first Hurricane off the board. (Pick From St. Louis)
(7-210) Vance Walker, DT (Georgia Tech): Walker slipped a bit in part because he did not have a good Combine or Senior Bowl. Those two things allowed teams to focus on his flaws—his average size, inability to stay stout at the point of attack, and limited pass rush toolbox. What they might have missed are his great speed and quickness, sharp instincts, and ability to penetrate the line and make plays in the backfield. This was mostly a depth pick but with plenty of upside; nice value in the seventh round. (Pick From Detroit via Dallas)
Team Needs: LB, DE, DT, S, CB, OL
Needs Filled: Six of six.
Bible’s Take: The team focused on defense after adding a ton of talent for the offensive side in last year’s draft and the addition of Tony Gonzalez this off-season. There is plenty to like about the Falcon’s draft as both first day picks were solid and they kept the momentum going with Chris Owens on day two. It feels as though many of the picks they made throughout the weekend were sound ones with plenty of upside. Even some of the second-day players could contribute early in their career on special teams, or by challenging for a piece of the pie at a position. Atlanta is playoff team that addressed its needs and outside of maybe William Moore, there were no reaches. Their first four picks could all end up as defensive starters.
Grade: B+
Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, College Press Box (UNC)
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