Grading Dimitroff’s 2nd and 3rd Round Picks
By John Buhler
2014: DT Ra’Shede Hageman, Minnesota (37th Overall)
When Thomas Dimitroff selected DT Ra’Shede Hageman 37th overall out of Minnesota, we knew that this was a work in progress pick. The Golden Gopher is very raw, but promising. He initially played TE and only has a few seasons under his belt on the defensive line. Fortunately for Ra’Shede, his DL coach Bryan Cox is an excellent teacher. Cox played a nasty brand of football in a lengthy NFL career. If Hageman listens to Cox and improves considerably in year two, look out NFC South. The Sleeping Giant has awoken from his slumber!
Grade: 75, C
2014: S Dezmen Southward, Wisconsin (68th Overall)
A year later, I still don’t know what Dimitroff was thinking with this pick. Reaching to take Southward in the third round was highly questionable as he could have easily been available in round four. He played sparingly his rookie season for the Falcons. With a new coaching staff coming in and Southward entering year two in the NFL, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. If he fails to improve this year, Dimitroff may need to stop drafting guys out of Wisconsin. I’m afraid of taking Heisman Finalist Melvin Gordon now just because he played for the Badgers.
Grade: 70, C-
Overall, Thomas Dimitroff has been hit or miss on day two of the draft in his seven years as Falcons GM. It will be crucial for TD to get this year’s selections right if he wants to stay in Atlanta long-term. Look for Dan Quinn to injects his two-cents from his experience with the best front office in the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks.