The Atlanta Falcons didn't play well in 2007. They actually hit one of their lowest records in history with a 4-12 season finish. Needless to say management was not impressed and before long coach Bobby Petrino resigned and went back to the amateur leagues. Did I say before long? Petrino didn't even finish all 16 games of the season-he resigned after 13 games, leaving Emmitt Thomas as interim coach. Mike Smith was announced the new coach in January of 2008. Though Smith lacks any professional league coaching experience, he has worked in pro football for nearly 30 years and was previously the defensive mastermind behind the Jacksonville Jaguars. What would the new management's strategy be in the 2008 NFL Draft?
The focus would be to continue the rebuilding process of the Atlanta Falcons, as obviously fans and experts agree that the Falcons of old were an endangered species. The draft choices in 2008 would represent the best in quantity and quality, at least as management would define such. Little wonder then that the team chose 11 quality drafts, including two first round picks. The first round choice was quarterback Matt Ryan of Boston College, followed by offensive tackle Sam Baker of the University of Southern California. The second round draft pick belonged to linebacker Curtis Lofton of the University of Oklahoma. There were three third round picks; cornerback Chevis Jackson of Louisiana State University, wide receiver Harry Douglas of the University of Louisville and safety Thomas DeCoud of the University of California. Linebacker needs were addressed by Robert James of Arizona State University and Kroy Biermann of the University of Montana. Thomas Brown from University of Georgia was chosen as a running back in 6th round. Rounding out the list in the 7th round were cornerback Wilrey Fontenot from the University of Arizona and tight end Keith Zinger from Louisiana State University.
How was fan reaction to the NFL 2008 Draft? Matt Ryan was a popular choice and his signing was not a surprise, considering that many experts listed Ryan as the best available quarterback in the entire draft. Ryan could not only prove to be a capable quarterback but also a strong foundation for rebuilding the team. However, experts are still wondering if it is wise to use Ryan as a starting quarterback so soon in his professional career, especially with the team's lacking offense. Baker and Lofton were also popular choices, as both players have shown great athleticism and fit the team's needs for the new season.
More emphasis was put on offense during this draft, leading many to wonder about the Falcons' defense and whether its needs had been met. Obviously with a team in its restructuring phase, one draft season is not going to tighten all of the loose ends. Fans are confident that the 2008 Draft was the beginning of a better era to come. The team has received high praise for Lofton and Ryan who have leadership and starter potential. Other draft selections were described as reaching, but perhaps will be effective, at least a few seasons down the road. Atlanta Falcons fans eagerly wait to see how Mike Smith can turn this once great team around.
No comments:
Post a Comment