Atlanta Falcons NFL Draft WarRoom

by Jon Dove on Jun 7, 2011 9:00 AM EDT

Mocking the Draft wants to introduce you to an new article series taking a closer look at each team's draft workings. The WarRoom articles will give you a glimpse at the recent draft history and the decision-making structure of each NFL team. We will also include our thoughts about the structure and draft history.

Offensive Scheme: The Atlanta Falcons run a very balanced offensive attack. They enjoy lining up in a power formation and letting Michael Turner run for tough yards. However, the emergence of Matt Ryan makes it hard to avoid passing the football. The Falcons also have some good receiving threats with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez and now Julio Jones. The offensive will always be run heavy but expect them to open it up a bit more this season.

Defensive Scheme: Mike Smith and company like to play a simple defensive scheme that relies on the front four to create pressure. They have been fortune enough to get great production out of John Abraham and company. However, there has been a void opposite Abraham for a few years and is an area of concern.

Thoughts: This organization has done a good job of making solid draft selections. The Matt Ryan pick has set the franchise up for years of success. They have worked at adding talent around Ryan and this year's big move to acquire Julio Jones shows how close they feel they are to a championship. Outside of the Jones trade, the Falcons take limited risks in the draft. The Jones trade will have a major impact on the future of this franchise.

Five-year record: 44-36

Coach: Mike Smith

GM: Thomas Dimitroff

Recent Draft History: Click Here to see the complete draft history

Best Pick: Matt Ryan

Worst Pick: Peria Jerry

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Most Falcons fans would call Jamal Anderson the "worst Falcons pick". Peria Jerry can at least point to injuries

by durst on Jun 7, 2011 1:58 PM EDT reply actions

at some point the #2 WR that they traded an entire draft for

will not be worth 5 other players they would’ve gotten to help on defense

by vitzeng on Jun 7, 2011 5:52 PM EDT reply actions

The 5 players we could have gotten to help on defense would not necessarily have been better than the players we already have.

by saipol on Jun 8, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

That was a bad pick is going to set them back.

Goff is a f%^#ing BEAST mutherf*$*r!!!

by jdaking123 on Jun 7, 2011 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

I would hold back on calling Peria Jerry a bad pick

He did well when he wasn’t injured and it’s still early enough in his career to allow him to come back from his injuries. Now, if he doesn’t make an impact this year, then it’s time to worry.

by saipol on Jun 8, 2011 12:42 PM EDT reply actions