Now that the 2007 NFL Draft is in the books, we take a look at what the national media had to say about the Falcons’ 11–player draft class.
- Rick Gosselin, Dallas Morning News: Grade –– B: "The Falcons had the best sixth round, landing an All–Big Ten blocker (Datish) and an All–SEC cover man (Irons). Atlanta had the best quantity draft, selecting 11 players and six potential starters."
- Vic Carucci, NFL.com: "The Falcons made perhaps the steal of the draft by getting former Texas guard Justin Blalock seven picks into the second round, 39th overall, with the choice they acquired as part of the trade that sent backup quarterback Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans. Blalock is polished enough to be an instant starter and should prove to be an outstanding player for many years to come. The Falcons also picked up tremendous value with their selection of former Arkansas cornerback Chris Houston, one of the top players at his position and someone capable of making an immediate contribution, two picks later (using a choice they acquired from the Minnesota Vikings). In addition, they did wonders for their depth by picking up former Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson with the eighth overall selection, which they acquired from the Texans."
- Paul Zimmeman, Sports Illustrated: Grade –– B+: "DEs who go 6–5 1/2. 288 and can rush the passer, as top draft Jamaal Anderson can, are a rare breed. No. 2 pick, G Justin Blalock (40 reps on the bench press) is the kind of guy you want around if your car goes in a ditch. Pure, blazing speed mark their next two picks, CB Chris Houston, a first rounder who somehow dropped to round No. 2, and WR Laurent Robinson, one of the stars of the combine."
- Don Pierson, Chicago Tribune: Grade –– A: "New coach Bobby Petrino passed up Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye to take end Jamaal Anderson, figuring he fit the need better. Anderson had 15 sacks at Arkansas. Justin Blalock can play anywhere on an offensive line in need. Cornerback Chris Houston should start opposite DeAngelo Hall. Laurent Robinson from Illinois State should give Michael Vick one less excuse not to fulfill his potential. The Falcons also added Joe Horn and fullback Ovie Mughelli to the offense."
Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN: Grade –– B: "Defensive end Jamaal Anderson was really the only option with Joe Thomas and Levi Brown gone. Plus, Anderson fills a need on defense. Justin Blalock is a big body up front and can play either guard or tackle. Cornerback Chris Houston would have been a risky pick in the in first round, but he presents good value in the second round. WR Laurent Robinson has a lot of talent, but is raw and needs to show he can make the tough catch in traffic. I thought taking him in the third round was a little high, but he does have ability. I really liked what Atlanta did Sunday. Stephen Nicholas has a very good shot to be a productive linebacker. I also liked the pick of TE Martrez Milner in the fourth round. He needs to work on his pass–catching skills, but he is a very good blocker. David Irons, at best, is a reserve defensive back; center Doug Datish could have gone in the third round, and he will provide some versatility, and Daren Stone is a developmental safety and special–teams player.
- Todd McShay, Scouts, Inc.: "Best pick: Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas. Houston needs to become more physical versus the run and do a better job of finding the ball in the air. But the Falcons got a first–round value in the second round with Houston, who has outstanding man–to–man coverage skills."
- Jason Cole and Charles Robinson, Yahoo Sports: Grade –– A: "Fantastic overall value for this class with 11 bodies. Atlanta addressed a lot of needs, and might have gotten three immediate starters in defensive end Jamaal Anderson, offensive tackle Justin Blalock and cornerback Chris Houston. The fast and feisty Houston might end up being the steal of this class, and he should pair well with DeAngelo Hall. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas should be a quality special teams player and improve the depth at the linebacker spot with his versatility. Wideout Laurent Robinson has the raw skill to be a playmaker."
- USA Today: Grade –– Three Stars: "Defensive end was a major need, and the Falcons got an excellent one in Southeastern Conference sack leader Jamaal Anderson. At 6–3, 320 pounds, G Justin Blalock brings size to one of the NFL’s smallest offensive lines. DB Chris Houston helps a weak pass defense."
- Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times: Jamaal Anderson –– "Rookie Coach Bobby Petrino may have an offensive background but he understands the Falcons’ problems on defense. Anderson may be a project but he has tremendous upside and will take over for departed veteran Patrick Kerney."
- John Czarnecki, FOXSports.com: Grade –– A+ "Most of their NFC South opponents thought the Falcons really helped themselves. After losing defensive end Patrick Kerney, Arkansas’ Jamaal Anderson made perfect sense in the first round. He was considered the second–best pass rusher after Gaines Adams. Second–round selections Texas guard Justin Blalock and Arkansas cornerback Chris Houston both have a chance to become starters. Blalock is powerful and quick while Houston is excellent in single coverage; he dominated USC’s Dwayne Jarrett in their game this season. Houston is fearless. Receiver Laurent Robinson was hampered by an ankle injury in senior season at Illinois State, but did manage 3,007 receiving yards and 29 TDs in 37 career starts. South Florida OLB Stephen Nicholas could end up being a surprise because he played multiple positions in college. The Falcons also got some quality in the sixth round with Auburn CB David Irons and Ohio State center Doug Datish, who started 35 games for the Buckeyes, including 21 games at left tackle and guard."
- Pete Prisco, CBSSportsline.com: Grade –– A: "Best pick: They got the best defensive player in the first round when they took defensive end Jamaal Anderson. He will be a star. Second–day gem: Sixth–round pick David Irons, a corner from Auburn, is one of those feisty players who will find his way onto the roster. Overall grade: They got three quality players in the first three rounds in Anderson, Justin Blalock and Chris Houston. They had a nice first day."
- Charlie Casserly, CBSSportsline.com: "They worked on addressing their needs. When they let Patrick Kerney leave, they knew there would be options in the draft. Jamaal Anderson should step in and start at the left DE position. That being said, I believe he will be a good starting player in the NFL and should be productive versus the run and in time, with better technique, improve his pass–rushing ability. Justin Blalock was a good pick in the second round and an important one because he gives the Falcons a better physical presence in the OL, which fits in with their new running game. Chris Houston is an interesting pick. He has speed and athletic ability to play CB. The question is whether he can convert to an off–corner when necessary as opposed to just a press–corner. The Falcons believe he can, but there is some risk in projecting that transition. He also needs to make more plays on the ball. Their next two picks are viewed by scouts I talked with around the NFL as good picks at that point in the draft: WR Laurent Robinson (3rd round) –– good hands and combine workout; LB Stephen Nicholas (fourth round) –– pass–rush ability."
