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Revisiting the Atlanta Falcons 2008 NFL Draft

By Justin Winters

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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FLOWERY BRANCH, GA – CIRCA 2010: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Chevis Jackson of the Atlanta Falcons poses for his NFL headshot circa 2010 at the Falcons Football Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images)
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA – CIRCA 2010: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Chevis Jackson of the Atlanta Falcons poses for his NFL headshot circa 2010 at the Falcons Football Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images) /

The Falcons ended up making three picks in the third round; Were they the right choices?

The pick: Chevis Jackson, Cornerback, 68th overall

Their impact: Jackson started three games for the Falcons during two years with the team.

He recorded 56 tackles, one interception, and one sack while with Atlanta.

Jackson was cut before the 2010 season and ended up retiring a year later.

Who else was available that round?: The most notable pick in the third round was running back Jamaal Charles, who went 73rd overall.

Charles ended up playing nine years in Kansas City and was a juggernaut out of the backfield.

He racked up five 1,000 yard seasons and was extremely effective as a receiver.

Charles might not make the Hall of Fame, but he was a special player who set numerous Chiefs records.

Would they switch the pick?: Definitely. Any team would have loved to have Charles on their roster.

Although the Falcons had Michael Turner as their starter, Charles would have been a great fit for the team.

His short-term and long-term impact would have completely changed the Falcons offense.

For anyone who remembers Steven Jackson as the starting running back in 2013, wouldn’t you have preferred Charles?

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