Best and Worst NFL Draft Picks for Each Team in the Past Decade

Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons

Best Pick – Matt Ryan, QB, 3rd Overall in 2008

Even though the Falcons have struggled to attain postseason success in the Matt Ryan era, there is no denying that Ryan has developed into a top-flight NFL quarterback. Ryan has passed for over 4,000 yards each of the past four seasons, while maintaining a completion percentage of at least 66% over the past three seasons. One has to wonder how the Falcons would fair if they fielded a competent defense, but maybe Dan Quinn will be able to fix those issues.

Other selections considered:

DeAngelo Hall, CB, 8th Overall in 2004

Roddy White, WR, 27th Overall in 2005

Harry Douglas, WR, 84th Overall in 2008

Sean Weatherspoon, LB, 19th Overall in 2010

Julio Jones, WR, 6th Overall in 2011

Desmond Trufant, CB, 22nd Overall in 2013

Worst Pick – Jamaal Anderson, DE, 8th Overall in 2007

The Falcons’ worst pick in the last decade comes just a year before their best pick. Jamaal Anderson came into the league as a big defensive end with very good athleticism for the position. It never panned out for Anderson on the field however. He didn’t register a sack during his rookie season, and it took him until mid-October in 2008 to record his first career sack. He was released by the Falcons in the 2011 offseason, after just three seasons with the team.

Other selections considered:

Peria Jerry, DT, 24th Overall in 2009

Peter Konz, OG, 55th Overall in 2012