Atlanta Falcons NFL Draft: Day three draft grades

The Atlanta Falcons finished out the 2016 NFL Draft and added three more players. The raw but physically imposing linebacker De'Vondre Campbell, the unknown OL Wes Schweitzer, and the speedy WR/KR Devin Fuller. All three picks make a lot of sense for the team, and help fill out a few remaining roster holes.

On that note, it is time for the way too early draft grades. We found some instant analysis at a few different websites, and brought them to you.

LB De'Vondre Campbell

Here is Walter Football's grade:

C-
I don't think I can get behind De'Vondre Campbell in the fourth round. Campbell, who was probably a sixth-round prospect, maintains below-average athleticism and put together mediocre film from his time in Minnesota. He's a project for sure, and he'll be relegated to special teams. The Falcons could've done better.

That is an odd opinion, as Fuller was one of the fastest linebackers in the draft. He has great size, and plenty of frame to add on weight. NFL.com had him as a 5th or 6th round selection, so I don't think a mid-4th round pick is all that far off.

Mike Tanier of Bleacher Report gave Campbell his best grade:

B

A pure pass-rusher type with great athleticism. Dan Quinn may see Campbell in a situational role. You can really see the Falcons reshaping their defense into something smaller, quicker, less traditional and more explosive.

I wonder if the Falcons give Campbell a shot at pass rusher. His size allowed him to play a number of different positions in high school and college. At the very least, you can see the athletic potential in this selection.

CBS Sports:

C

Has good speed though slowly diagnoses plays and likely will need to contribute on special teams as he develops.

He should play some special teams, but I think he will get a great shot in what looks to be a training camp battle to settle the linebacker situation. I love his upside and intelligence.

OL Wes Schweitzer

C-
It's a good thing that the Falcons added some offensive line depth, but I didn't have Wes Schweitzer ranked in my top 400 players. From the confusion going around with him, I'm guessing most people didn't think he'd be drafted. Schweitzer projects as a fit for Atlanta's blocking scheme, but he probably could've been obtained as a UDFA.

Fair enough. I think the 6th round is when we typically see guys expected to be UDFAs drafted every year. I haven't heard of Schweitzer, but he was previously coached by our assistant offensive line coach. I will assume he will be a solid scheme fit.

B

There's little depth behind Andy Levitre and Chris Chester.

That is true, and Schweitzer played tackle and guard in college. He should provide decent depth early on.

D+

Had 36 straight starts for San Jose State. A decent athlete for the position and provides depth at OL for the Bucs.

CBS Sports is struggling to get the team name right (great analysis!), but they are also dishing out a ton of very negative grades. Are they expecting day one starters in the 6th round? Also, this is seriously only good things about Schweitzer. Why is this grade a D+? Nothing about this makes sense.

WR/KR Devin Fuller

D-

A 4.39 speed demon whose return ability will likely be his best chance to make the Falcons roster.

We are starting to see the dangers of instant draft grades. Fuller was one of, if not the top, returner in this draft. He was poorly used at UCLA, and dealt with a rookie quarterback after he got healthy and had a chance. There is some good upside here, but Fuller will let the Falcons get rid of Devin Hester and his expensive salary. I love this pick for Atlanta.

Mike Tanier liked it as well.

B

The Falcons’ receiving corps, in it’s entirety:
Julio Jones: Hey, no complaints here.
Mohamed Sanu: Career #3 receiver now making #2 receiver money.
Justin Hardy: Second-year mid-tier prospect. What few passes thrown to him last year had a habit of getting dropped or intercepted.
Eric Weems: Special teams gunner.
Devin Hester: One of history’s best kick returners. Does not like playing offense and is not good at it.
Nick Williams: Wes Welker impersonator plucked off Washington practice squad.
C.J. Goodwin, Jordan Leslie and Aldrick Robinson: More practice squad refugees.

There appear to be some opportunities for an upgrade here, don’t you think?

The team has desperately needed talent and speed at wide receiver for years. Fuller is not a complete player yet, but never got a great chance in college.

Walter Football is still updating his draft grades, but if I were to guess, he will drop a C- grade to remain consistent.

How do you feel about these day three grades?