Falcons: Draft Grades Are Coming In

[RFlagg]

So far, we have:

From SI:

Quote:Without a first-round pick because of the move up for Julio Jones last year, the Falcons struck gold when Peter Konz fell to them at 55. It was mostly downhill from there, a slide started by the reach for OT Lamar Holmes, a major project, at 94. Troy DE Jonathan Massaquoi (164) might bump this group up down the line. Grade: C

From ESPN:

Quote:Kiper graded the Falcons with a C. I think the Falcons did a nice job of addressing needs, particularly with Wisconsin’s Peter Konz in the second round. He should solidify the interior of the offensive line. Grade: C

From FoxSports:

Quote:They traded away their first-rounder in order to get receiver Julio Jones last season, and that's a plus. When you consider they also traded for Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel, they helped their defense big time. General manager Thomas Dimitroff then used his picks to upgrade his offensive line with Wisconsin guard-center Peter Konz and Southern Miss offensive tackle Lamar Holmes, who has long arms and figures to go beyond his 325 pounds. Both of these guys are mean and bring a lot of tenacity. ... Love the pick of Wisconsin fullback Bradie Ewing, who should help in goal-line situations and in pass protection. Grade: C

From Yahoo Sports:

Quote:The trade last year for Julio Jones left the Falcons without a first-round pick. Jones was solid last season but hardly good enough to justify giving Atlanta a great grade. However, the selection of Konz, who some people projected as a first-rounder, is a nice pickup, and Holmes is a solid prospect for the right side of the line. Still, the real impact of this draft will be measured by whether Jones becomes the star the Falcons expect. The trend is good, but the Falcons still didn't advance in the playoffs last season, so there was no net gain. Grade: B-

From CBSSports:

Quote:Best pick: Landing center Peter Konz it the second round fills a need with Todd McClure getting up in years. Konz can also battle for the right guard spot.

Questionable move: Taking Lamar Holmes in the third round. Yes, he has some athletic ability, but there were some more polished options on the board.

Third-day gem: Fifth-round pick Jonathan Massaquoi has speed off the edge. He might take some adjusting coming from Troy, but that's the same school that produced DeMarcus Ware.

Analysis: They traded their first-round pick to get Julio Jones last year. That forced them to wait until the second round to pick. Give them credit for addressing their line needs. Jones is the key to this draft. He has to be a star to make the trade worthwhile.

Grade: C

Seems like a pretty solid consensus of pundits give our draft a C. Personally, I'd give it either a B+ or an A-, but then again, I'm biased.