FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Falcons turned back to the cornerback position for the second time in the NFL Draft Sunday afternoon by selecting cornerback Wilrey Fontenot from Arizona.
A four-year starter at cornerback, Fontenot lost some of the spotlight to teammate Antoine Cason, who was drafted in the first round by the San Diego Chargers.
Fontenot, thus got attention from opposing offenses. He responded with impressive production -- 174 tackles (130 solo), seven interceptions and 25 pass breakups. He started all 46 games in which he played for Arizona.
"He was guy that caught my attention," said General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, who said he started scouting Fontenot last spring. "He's very feisty. He's a nagging-type corner. He's always on and pestering the receivers."
Fontenot was bothered by a right shoulder injury in 2006, undergoing arthroscopic surgery after the season. His tackle totals fell to a career-low 37 (31 solo), including two stops for losses, as he also deflected eight passes. He continued to man the field cornerback position in his final season, delivering 40 tackles (29 solo) and an interception. He also had seven pass deflections and assisted on a stop for a loss.
MORE ON CORNERBACK WILREY FONTENOT:
- NFL.com: Wilrey Fontenot profile
- NEWS: Birds turn back to cornerback, Draft Fontenot | Photos
- AF.com: Click here for complete NFL Draft coverage
