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Atlanta Falcons: NFL Draft and Offseason Report Card

By George Stockburger

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Takkarist McKinley (UCLA) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he holds a photo of his grandmother as he is selected as the number 26 overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Takkarist McKinley (UCLA) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he holds a photo of his grandmother as he is selected as the number 26 overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta looked to overcome a monstrous loss in the Super Bowl to New England this NFL offseason with moves to keep their offense sharp and their defense tough.

The Falcons swung and missed on the first tier free agents but made up for it with stopgaps such as Dontari Poe and Jack Crawford on their front seven. Returning tight end Levine Toiolo was an underrated move, as was the signing of Andre Roberts. The former Lion replaces Eric Weems and Aldrick Robinson, both of whom departed in free agency.

Paul Worrilow and Tom Compton aren’t to be considered monumental losses, especially since Thomas Dimitroff replenished their positions in the draft.

Free Agency Grade: B

Trading up for Takk McKinley was a major gamble for Atlanta considering the questions surrounding whether his game could translate to the NFL. His passion showed on the draft stage, and fans in Atlanta will love seeing that on the football field this fall.

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Sep 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Damontae Kazee (23) defends a pass to California Golden Bears wide receiver Demetris Robertson (8) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Brooks Reed may enter camp as the starter, but look for McKinley to give the elder lineman a run for his money.

  1. Takk McKinley, DE
  2. Duke Riley, LB
  3. Sean Harlow, OL
  4. Damontae Kazee, CB
  5. Brian Hill, RB
  6. Eric Saubert, TE

Riley was an interesting add in the third round, giving coach Dan Quinn another young linebacker to mold. After that I have questions regarding the selections of Hill and Saubert, especially considering the depth Atlanta had at those positions.

Kazee will be my wild card based on his potential, but he looked like a pass interference penalty waiting to happen for San Diego State. If he can refine his technique the class grade will be much higher.

NFL Draft Grade: C-

Next: Breakout Players for 2017

Final Grade: B

Atlanta has built one of the strongest front sevens in the NFL with the additions of Poe and McKinley. I still wonder if they have enough in their secondary to stay in the conference championship hunt, but they did enough to remain favorites in the division.

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