The 2018 NFL Draft is in the books, and our friends down in Hotlanta are celebrating six picks. The team needed to beef up their interior defensive line, but didn’t do so until the third round. They added a couple of real play-makers in the first two rounds, and addressed special teams later in the draft. Only one head-scratcher from me, but for the most part, a solid draft for Thomas Dimitroff and company. Let’s hit my Atlanta Falcons draft grades for 2018.
2018 Atlanta Falcons Draft Grades
Round 1: Alabama WR Calvin Ridley – It wasn’t exactly a pick based off of need, but I suppose you can’t have too many offensive weapons, especially on the Falcons offense. Man, does it have some real teeth or what? Ridley was my #1 WR in this draft, and I was shocked to see him slide as far as he did.
Ridley’s calling card is his route running and ability to run himself open. That could potentially be deadly opposite Julio Jones, who will likely draw double teams. That leaves Ridley one-on-one to exploit matchups. Sounds like a perfect scenario, but if it works, it could reinvigorate this Falcons offense.
Grade: A-
Round 2: Colorado CB Isaiah Oliver – Another luxury pick, Oliver slid into the 2nd round for some reason. The Falcons didn’t really need help at cornerback, but like I said regarding the offense, you just can’t have too many play-makers I suppose. Oliver is that play-maker – elite speed, dynamic athleticism, and could even slide over to special teams and return kicks and punts.
Grade: B+
Round 3: South Florida DT Deadrin Senat – Whether or not we think it was too late to help the interior defensive line, Dan Quinn is going to put Senat into the rotation right away. He projects as a pure, run-stuffing, defensive tackle, and that’s exactly what the Falcons needed the most.
Grade: B+
Round 4: Southern Miss RB Ito Smith – Smith is an awesome all-around back, but Round 4 was way too early. Not to mention, the Falcons are already loaded at running back with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. I can’t help but question this selection.
Grade: C
Round 6: LSU WR Russell Gage – It may say he’s a WR, but make no mistake, Gage was drafted to be a special teams ace. Hard to criticize the pick there, and we shouldn’t entirely discount his experience as a receiver either.
Grade: B-
Round 6: Yale S Foyesade Oluokun – Oluokun says the team is going to use him initially as depth at linebacker, but like Gage, he’s going to get to make his first impression on special teams.
Grade: B-
Overall – This was a pretty damn good roster to begin with. So, it would’ve been hard to make it worse. I love Ridley and Oliver, but waiting until the third round to go defensive tackle was puzzling to me. I understand that you can’t reach for need when elite talent is on the board, but the Falcons had options in the second round at least.
Special teams was an obvious priority for the Falcons, and they added a piece in Ridley that they hope will transform that offense back to 2016 form. I still say they should’ve added a tight end as well. Ultimately, I think this draft class will hinge upon how Senat pans out at the defensive tackle spot.
Grade: B-
For my grades on the Tennessee Titans draft, click here.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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