Falcons Cap 2011 NFL Draft With Defensive End Cliff Matthews

Draft grades for all our picks.

So we have two 6’4 260 plus South Carolina DE alums. Let’s hope Cliff Mathews performs like his fellow Gamecock Abraham.

Still wanted Romeus—-I say we need elite talent on the Falcons to get us to the next level. Falcons took elite talent by trading up for Julio, I just believe they passed up some excellent value that dropped to later rounds. But the team will be more exciting next year and one more draft we’ll have our defensive pieces secure. For Mathews, he’ll only be a stop-gap,.

Still believe we missed big not taking Romeus at any point in draft, but here are the Grades…

GRADES
Atlanta Falcons: B

The Atlanta Falcons put all of their eggs in Julio Jones’ basket. They traded five picks total, three in this year’s draft, to acquire the Alabama product.

The biggest problem with the Falcons draft was their inability to address their needs on the defensive line, so they should look to do that in free agency.

Their best value pick was likely RB Jacquizz Rodgers who can be the change of pace back they expected Jerius Norwood to become.

Carolina Panthers: C-

The Carolina Panthers started the draft off by taking the biggest gamble of any team by selecting Cam Newton. He is an elite prospect, but he is also the furthest away of any first round QB from being ready to lead an NFL team.

The selection of Newton was understandable, however, the rest of the Panthers draft was mediocre at best.

The only player they selected outside of Newton who will likely make an impact early in his career is South Florida DL Terrell McClain.

Their worst pick was DL Sione Fua, who had no right being selected on Day Two.

Read More: Draft Grades From First Three Rounds

New Orleans Saints: A

The New Orleans Saints had a tremendous day on Thursday, as they brought in RB Mark Ingram and DL Cameron Jordan.

Both of those players will be contributors from day one and should make a huge impact with their new team.

They also made some great value picks later in the draft by selecting ILB Martez Wilson and CB Johnny Patrick, while also bringing in a player who may be a steal in DE Greg Romeus.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A

Tampa has again had another excellent draft. They may have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL next season, as they added Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers.

Bowers could be the steal of the draft if his knee can hold up, as he would be easily have been a top ten pick if completely healthy.

Tampa also made some quality value picks later in the draft as Mason Foster has been one of the best LBs in the Pac-10 for the past few seasons. They also addes SS Ahmad Black who was a very productive college player, but may not be athletic enough to be successful in the NFL.

We cut him when he was injured in the offseason… but he seems to have promise at this level.

And our family is pretty damned stoked about 5’6" Jac Rodgers.

He also came from S Caronina That had a W and TE not Picked that had pretty good Size.
As far as Kicker the one that Falcons picked Probably is a real good Kick offs.That was probably why Atlanta Didn’t Choose Kai Forbath and or Chas Henry, Who went unpicked.As did Deandre Mcdaniel Deron Johnson Nate Williams all SS Will HillFS Jarrand WAx FS
or DB Kenrick Burney, M. Butler Devin Torrence, Vince Cliff, Joe Lefeged, David Sims,Issac Reed