Atlanta Falcons 2015 NFL Draft Grades

Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (50)in action against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Day 3, 4th-7th Rounds

WR Justin Hardy, East Carolina (4th Round, 107th Overall)

Nov 22, 2014; Greenville, NC, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Justin Hardy (2) catches a 1st quarter pass in front of Tulane Green Wave defensive back Parry Nickerson (17) at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

This was another outstanding selection made by the Atlanta Falcons.  The Atlanta receiving corps got better with the fourth round selection of ECU’s Justin Hardy.  Hardy was excellent at moving the chains for the Pirates in the AAC and bolstered QB Shane Carden’s Heisman consideration during the early part of the season.  70% of Hardy’s catches went for first downs during his final season with the East Carolina Pirates.

Atlanta needed a steady pair of hands to replace excellent slot receiver Harry Douglas who now plays for the Tennessee Titans.  With the addition of Justin Hardy, the Atlanta Falcons made their already elite receiving corps even better.  Matt Ryan must feel excited about the new weapon Dimitroff and Quinn got for him in the fourth round.

Grade: 95, A

NT Grady Jarrett, Clemson (Fifth Round, 137th Overall)

I liked Atlanta’s decision to move up to the top pick of the fifth round to select Clemson’s Grady Jarrett.  It looks like the trade up the draft board only cost Atlanta its sixth round pick.  That’s fine since the Falcons already had two seventh rounds selections waiting in the wing.  Jarrett was a third-team All-American nose tackle for the Clemson Tigers and a first-team All-ACC selection as well.  Grady fits Quinn’s scheme perfectly as an interior pass rusher.

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Although he is a bit undersized for an interior lineman, Jarrett comes from a talented football family.  His father is none other than Falcons Legend Jessie Tuggle.  He considers one of the all-time greats Ray Lewis as an uncle.  It has been a tumultuous last few days for Grady’s family as his home burned down Thursday night.  Falcons Owner Arthur Blank has made it a priority to make sure Jarrett and his family are alright in this transitional period for Falcons newest defensive lineman.

Grade: 93, A

OT Jake Rodgers, Eastern Washington (7th Round, 225th Overall)

Coach Quinn couldn’t help himself on getting this long offensive lineman from the Pacific Northwest.  Jake Rodgers initially played for the Washington State Cougars but transferred to EW early in his collegiate career.  Rodgers prides himself on his work ethic and hand placement.  He believes that he can compete for a swing tackle position on the Falcons 53-man roster.

Grade: 80, B-

Nov 29, 2013; San José, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs wide receiver Davante Adams (15) catches a touchdown pass in front of San José State Spartans cornerback Akeem King (25) in the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

DB Akeem King, San José State (7th Round, 249th Overall)

King brings high football intelligence to the Falcons secondary.  For the Spartans, Akeem played WR, S, and CB.  I’m intrigued by all the positions he played at San José State.  He competed both with and against NFL QB David Fales on the practice field.  His size, length, and versatility looks like a good fit for Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme.

Grade: 83, B

Day 3 Overall Grade: 87.75, B+

Final Grade for the Atlanta Falcons 2015 NFL Draft

This was an outstanding draft for the Atlanta Falcons top to bottom.  Dimitroff and Quinn were able to find value with each of their selections.  The Atlanta Falcons should feel very pleased with how their 2015 NFL Draft turned out.  I wouldn’t be surprised if this goes down as one of the best drafts in Falcons history.  Right now, it looks like it’s right up there with 2008.

Final Grade: 91.916, A-