Adding to the Flock

The Atlanta Falcons drafted 11 new players via the NFL Draft. Unfortunately or perhaps fortunately, depending on your feelings about the draft, I missed the entire event because I was in the Cream City visiting Swamps, Miguel Lebanon, and lobbying for a new job. It was somewhat cold in the Cream City, around 40 degrees, which was disheartening as the Carpet Capital was 80 degrees when I left, but I made do until the Cream City temperature warmed up.

As the temperature rose, I was able to hang out with the recently relocated Miguel Lebanon in the Windy City. Miguel Lebanon and I are lifelong residents of the surrounding A-Town community, so it was sort of surreal having him give the guided tour of the Windy City. In addition to seeing Miguel Lebanon, I reconnected with my long-lost cousin Gizmo. It has been about 10 years since we ran together, so it was good seeing and hanging out with him, and I was happy to learn that he resides 45 minutes outside the Windy City.

Only after visiting with Miguel Lebanon and Gizmo did I learn of the Falcons draft choices. Most critics’ rate the Falcons draft as an A, as the team filled most needs and typically took safe draft picks. Now I hope the guys live up to their expectations, as recent draftees have not. Introducing the new Birds in their draft order:

Jamaal Anderson: 6’5, 288, Arkansas, Defensive End, 1st Round. I remember the 98-99 season when the Dirty Birds danced their way to the Super Bowl on the back of Mr. Dirty Bird himself – Jamaal Anderson the running back. Unfortunately, this isn’t the same “Jamaal Anderson”, but hopefully the new “Jamaal Anderson” will have an equally successful career with the Falcons. Many scouts predict that he’ll make an immediate impact.

Justin Blalock: 6’3, 320, Texas, Offensive Tackle, 2nd Round. Fun Bobby wanted the team’s offensive and defensive lines to get bigger, and with the addition of Blalock, they’ll do just that. Many scouts predict that he’ll make an immediate impact.

Chris Houston: 5’9, 185, Arkansas, Cornerback, 2nd Round. The Birds secondary struggled last year. Even Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall looked ordinary at times, but with addition of Houston, who is both fast and feisty, they should regain some lost glory. Many scouts predict that he’ll make an immediate impact.

Laurent Robinson: 6’2, 199, Illinois State, Wide Receiver, 3rd Round. Scouts say Robinson has the raw skills to be a playmaker in the NFL, but wonder if he has consistent hands and the ability to run clean and crisp routes.

Stephen Nicholas: 6’1, 232, South Florida, Linebacker, 4th Round. Nicolas is considered by many to be a utility player and his physical abilities should earn him special teams playing time and reserve time as a linebacker.

Martrez Milner: 6’3, 252, Georgia, Tight End, 4th Round. Drafting Milner at tight end is surprising as the Birds have a depth at the position, but Milner has the size and the ability to make the big play; however, he was plagued by inconsistency and dropped passes.

Trey Lewis: 6’3, 318, Washburn, Defensive Tackle, 6th Round. Scouts say he’s a small school player with a big school heart. He never missed a college game which suggests that he’s durable and has a good work ethic.

David Irons: 5’10, 190, Auburn, Cornerback, 6th Round. Irons draft stock fail prior to the draft, but he has shown great ability in covering marquee SEC wideouts and he should earn playing time by midseason.

Doug Datish: 6’4, 302, Ohio State, Center, 6th Round. Datish is considered versatile, strong, aggressive, and he’s played every offensive line position while in college. He’ll be a solid reserve.

Daren Stone: 6’3, 218, Maine, Safety, 6th Round. Stone is known as a punishing tackler and hopefully he’ll help show the current Falcons how to hits some people, as our defense lacks a punishing hitter.

Jason Snelling: 5’11, 230, Virginia, Running Back. Snelling is known as an excellent backfield receiver and a lead blocker as fullback.