FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- It doesn't take long for the media to share opinions on how teams fared in the NFL Draft. Below are a few samples of what they're saying about the Atlanta Falcons Draft class, which included two first round picks -- quarterback Matt Ryan and tackle Sam Baker -- and nine overall selections.
Mel Kiper
Special to ESPN.com
Grade: B
"I thought they would take DT Glenn Dorsey, but the Falcons needed a face for the franchise, and had to take QB Matt Ryan. He should be a great starting point; a new era of Falcons football begins. USC OT Sam Baker wasn't healthy in 2007, he struggled in Senior Bowl practices and he has short arms for a left tackle. I like Baker, but I thought it was a bit of a reach moving up to get him. Linebacker Curtis Lofton is a decent second-round pick, but I really like what Atlanta did in the third round, taking WR Harry Douglas, CB Chevis Jackson and safety Thomas DeCoud. Kroy Biermann is a good pass-rusher. Wilrey Fontenot played opposite Antoine Cason at Arizona, although he'll be more of a dime back. RB Thomas Brown is not real big, and he's going to be battling Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood for playing time in the backfield."
Click here for Kiper's thoughts on the entire Draft.
Pete Prisco
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Grade: B
"Best pick: Some questioned their decision to trade back into the first round and get USC tackle Sam Baker, but it was the right move. He was a four-year starter for the Trojans and will be a 10-year starter for the Falcons, beginning as a rookie.
"Questionable move: Taking Matt Ryan third overall. If Dorsey goes on to be a star and Ryan isn't the franchise passer they expect, look out.
"Second-day gem: LSU corner Chevis Jackson, taken in the third round, doesn't run as well as scouts like, but he has everything else needed to be a successful corner on the next level.
"Overall grade: B. I wouldn't have selected Ryan third overall, but they needed a passer. I get it. The rest of the draft was very good. Trading up to get Baker will pay off in a big way. Second-round pick Curtis Lofton is a run-stuffing linebacker and Jackson capped it off."
Click here for Prisco's thoughts from the entire Draft.
John Czarnecki
FOS Sports
Grade: A
"First-year GM (Thomas) Dimitroff favorably compared first pick Matt Ryan to New England's Tom Brady when it comes to taking a team on his shoulders and having the character to not make excuses. There is no question that Ryan is smart and has the arm to throw the out pass. Dimitroff downplayed Ryan's 19 interceptions because he viewed them as Ryan attempting to make plays to help Boston College win. This kid should start by mid-season, if not sooner. To protect Ryan, the Falcons used several picks to return to the first round for USC tackle Sam Baker, whose play last season wasn't worthy of this round. But Baker is a tough kid who should improve. Louisville WR Harry Douglas may be small in stature, but he is nifty getting in and out of breaks. He should develop into a huge target for Ryan. Oklahoma LB Curtis Lofton has a chance to start on the inside where he should be a run stuffer."
Click here for Czarnecki's thoughts from the entire Draft
Larry Weisman
USA Today
Grade: C+
"Everything rides on QB Matt Ryan. His stock climbed as the draft approached. The Falcons desired stability and a new face for the franchise. Not sure the second reason is enough to take Ryan (19 INTs last year) third overall. Traded back into first round for OT Sam Baker, who could well wind up at G, making this a reach. Liking the defensive picks more than the offensive ones, but Ryan ultimately makes or breaks this draft."
Click here for Weisman's thoughts on the entire Draft
Dr. Z
SportsIllustrated.com
From "More drafts I like..."
"Well, yeah, I guess I had to love this draft because I had Matt Ryan on my board, and the guys that had Glenn Dorsey went down in flames. When they traded up for another first-round pick to get tackle Sam Baker to block for him, I thought that was a reach, but far be it for me to criticize the team that gave me a W."
Click here for more thoughts from Dr. Z.
DRAFT NEWS:
- MULTIMEDIA: Click here for all NFL Draft video and audio
- NEWS: Falcons select Ryan third overall | Quotes | Photos
- TRADE: Draft-day trade opens door to select Baker
- NEWS: Birds trade up to land Baker | Quotes | Photos
- NEWS: Falcons select Lofton in third round | Quotes | Photos
- QUOTABLE: Draft Day Presser Part One | Part Two
- QUOTABLE: First Round Introductions
- NEWS: First round picks embrace the A-T-L
- NEWS: LSU's Jackson becomes Falcons third-round pick | Quotes | Photos
- NEWS: Speedy receiver Douglas added in third | Quotes | Photos
- NEWS: Falcons focus on secondary, add hard-hitting safety | Quotes | Photos
- NEWS: Atlanta takes "The Beast" in the fifth round | Photos
- NEWS: Biermann could switch from defensive end | Photos
- NEWS: Georgia Bulldog stays close to home | Quotes | Photos
- NEWS: Birds turn back to cornerback, Draft Fontenot | Photos
- NEWS: Falcons close out 2008 Draft with tight end selection | Photos
- QUOTABLE: Falcons Draft Wrap | Audio
- RELEASE: Falcons draft 11 players in 2008
