55. C Peter Konz A

The Falcons didn’t have a 1^st round pick thanks to the Julio Jones trade (which I still argue was a good move), but they still managed to get a 1^st round caliber player at a position of major need. Unbelievable.

91. OT Lamar Holmes C

I had Holmes in the 5^th round so this is a bit early for him. I don’t know if he address their left tackle needs. He’s more of a right tackle, which they definitely don’t need. They’ll certainly give him every chance to be the blindside protector next season, but I don’t see him ending up as a long term starter they. There could still be looking for a new left tackle next season (and maybe moving Holmes inside to guard?). At least they’ll have a first round pick then.

157. FB Bradie Ewing B

They did need a fullback and Ewing was my top fullback, but I had a 6^th round grade on him and I don’t know that I totally agree with them using the 3^rd pick of the draft on a fullback.

164. DE Johnathan Massaquoi A

They definitely needed a young defensive end and Massaquoi had a 4^th round grade on my book. If they had taken him in the 5^th and gotten Ewing in the 6^th, those probably would have both been A’s.

192. S Charles Mitchell B-

I had Mitchell outside of my top 250, but it’s late so I guess it’s fine. Tight end and linebacker were bigger needs, but whatever.

249. DT Travian Robertson A-

The Falcons take a defensive tackle every year. Robertson fits the range here, but after the Aubrayo Franklin signing, Robertson will have a tough time making the roster.

The Falcons didn’t have a first round pick because of the Julio Jones trade, but I liked that trade so that’s fine. I’ll factor that into the grade. They still ended up with a 1^st round caliber prospect at a position of major need. Lamar Holmes was a reach, but this was a thin left tackle class so I understand it a little. They’ll probably have to draft a left tackle early next year. Their late round selections were fine as they added a starting fullback (and my top rated fullback), a great value on a rotational end, and two guys who will be on the roster bubble in the late rounds. It wasn’t perfect, but overall, given the Konz pick and the Jones trade (essentially A’s on their top two picks), this was a good draft. They’re set up well for the future.

Grade: A-