Grading Dimitroff’s Previous First Round Picks
By John Buhler
2010: LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri (19th Overall)
Sean Weatherspoon was a fan favorite of the Atlanta Falcons. The LB product out of Mizzou wore the green dot for the team’s defense for many seasons. His versatility and pleasant personality was both a great scheme and character fit for Atlanta. Dimitroff made a wise move in drafting ‘Spoon 19th overall in 2010.
Nov 17, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Every time the Falcons front seven player made a play at the Georgia Dome, the home crowd would erupt. His consistently strong performances at linebacker nearly got him to a Pro Bowl. I will always remember the pick six he had at Lambeau Field in 2013. The play best encapsulates why Atlanta loved ‘Spoon so much.
We all may look back and wonder at what could have been for Sean Weatherspoon in a Falcons uniform. Injuries limited him to only 47 games played in four seasons with the Dirty Birds. After missing the entire 2014 season with a torn Achilles tendon, Weatherspoon left Atlanta via free agency to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.
He certainly could have been the next great Falcons LB but ended up with a bittersweet taste in our mouths.
Grade: 82, B-