Atlanta Falcons 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fits
By Ben Natan
Dec 31, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive linesman Jake Matthews (75) sets to pass block Duke Blue Devils defensive end Kenny Anunike (84) during the second quarter in the 2013 Chick-fil-a Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Matthews , Texas A&M
6’5″, 308
The Player
Matthews is the best pass blocker in this draft. He is a smooth athlete who uses his hands very well in pass protection and has quick feet when coming down in the run game. There is concern about his functional strength, but I don’t think it is so bad that he can’t fix it.
The Pick
A top ten talent and a huge need. Great pick. Plain and simple.
The Fit
Matthews is an immediate upgrade on that offensive line wherever he starts and make Matt Ryan a very happy man from day one. If Matthews can improve his strength, he can be a perennial All-Pro for the Falcons.
Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
6’6″, 310 lbs.
The Player
Hageman is an incredibly powerful player who, at times, can flash dominance in all facets of defensive line play. That being said, he has a tendency to play with bad pad level and a worse motor. If he can become more consistent, he is a dominant player.
The Pick
For a player who has flashed the dominance that Hageman has, it is pretty shocking he fell this far.
The Fit
In a transition to more three man fronts in Atlanta, it is very possible that Hageman could be the day one starter at 5 Tech. If the Falcons coaching staff can get him to play more consistently, we are talking about a JJ Watt like player.
Dezmen Southward, S, Wisconsin
6′, 211 lbs
The Player
Though he is a tremendous athlete and flies around the field, the bottom line is that Southward can’t cover and he can’t tackle. He is a huge project player.
The Pick
This was a huge reach from a team looking for answers at a position of need.
The Fit
Southward is needed to start, but I am not sure if he can hold up as a starter. He likely will end up on special teams.
Devonta Freeman, RB, FSU
5’8″, 206 lbs.
The Player
Freeman is a quick twitch runner who has great acceleration and open field moves. He runs with very good power for a man his size, but he does need to improve his vision at the line.
The Pick
I am a big fan of Freeman and I thought this was very good value for him.
The Fit
Freeman is likely going to be the second back and split carries with Steven Jackson. However, I think Freeman’s receiving ability should translate well to a very good third down back.
Prince Shembo, OLB, Notre Dame
6’1″, 251 lbs.
The Player
Despite playing with great strength and a high motor, Shembo is not a very good athlete and his size hurts him quite a bit. Also, there are pretty significant character concerns which made this pick even more strange.
The Pick
Huge reach for a mediocre player with huge character issues.
The Fit
The Falcons are thin on the edges of their defense so it is possible Shembo sees some starting time, but he is likely a special teams payer.
Ricardo Allen, CB, Purdue
5’9″, 187 lbs.
The Player
Allen is a feisty slot corner who, despite size and middling athletic ability, is very good in both man and zone coverage. His size can hurt him against bigger players and his long speed is not very good, but he is an ideal player to play in the slot.
The Pick
Allen can be a good player and the Falcons got good value for him here.
The Fit
I have enough confidence in Allen that I believe he will be the starting slot corner at some point this season. Perfect spot for him.
Nov 30, 2013; Bloomington, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers cornerback Ricardo Allen (21) intercepts a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter of the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Indiana won 56-36. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Marquis Spruill, LB, Syracuse
6’1″, 231 lbs.
The Player
Spruill is a fiery player who is smart and will fly around to the ball. However, he is not a very good athlete and size and strength really hurt him when playing.
The Pick
Spruill is a guy I viewed as a free agent and there is no tangible upside with him. Strange pick.
The Fit
Despite the state of the Falcons linebackers, I don’t think Spruill will see many snaps. Special teams player.
Yawin Smallwood, LB, UConn
6’2″, 246 lbs.
The Player
Smallwood is a very instinctive player who flies around to the ball and does a good job of impacting the run game. He is not a great athlete, but he displays good movement and instincts in coverage and is always around the ball.
The Pick
Someone I had a top 40 grade on, this is an absolute steal.
The Fit
The Falcons linebackers are not very good and Yawin has a legitimate chance to claim a starting role as one of the inside linebackers.
August 30, 2012; East Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies linebacker Yawin Smallwood (33) celebrates after sacking Massachusetts Minuteman quarterback Mike Wegzyn (11) during the first quarter at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-US Presswire
Tyler Starr, LB, South Dakota
6’4″, 250 lbs.
The Player
Starr is a very raw athlete, but displays his tools in coverage and disrupting at the line of scrimmage. If he can develop hand usage and add some more strength, he has potential as a pass rusher or maybe an off ball linebacker.
The Pick
I love Starr’s ability and his playing speed. Very good pick late in the draft.
The Fit
I doubt Starr sees the field much his rookie year while he develops, but he could be one hell of a special teamer.