Revisiting the Atlanta Falcons 2010 NFL Draft

The Falcons didn’t have a second round pick in 2010. Did they hit on round 3?

The pick: Corey Peters, Defensive Tackle, 83rd overall

Their impact: Peters appeared in 71 games for the Falcons over a five year period.

He racked up over 100 tackles, 11 sacks, and 55 starts.

Although he made a decent amount of starts, he was never an overly disruptive player for Atlanta.

Who else was available that round?: Navarro Bowman, Eric Decker, AND Jimmy Graham.

Decker has over 5,000 receiving yards, 53 touchdowns, and 439 receptions during his career.

He has been a consistent player during stints with the Broncos and Jets since being drafted.

Bowman is a four-time All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowler.

He has nearly 800 career tackles, which is crazy considering he missed the entire 2014 season.

At one point, he was one of the best defenders in the NFL but hasn’t been the same since tearing his Achilles.

Jimmy Graham has brought in 69 touchdowns, 6,800 receiving yards, and over 550 receptions since being drafted.

His sophomore season is easily one of the most dominant years ever seen by a tight end.

Featured as the centerpiece of the Saints offense, he caught 99 passes for 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The fact he had a similarly dominant season in 2013 speaks to how special Graham has been.

He has four seasons with double-digit touchdowns and four seasons with over 80 receptions.

Would they switch the pick?: Yes.

Graham has to be the pick here. Nobody else is even close.

Bowman has obviously been dominant, but tackle numbers can be deceiving.

Paul Worrilow had two 100-tackle seasons, so it’s pretty easy for a linebacker to get there.

Graham was one of the most dominant tight ends we’ve seen in the last 20 years.

His ability to score touchdowns would have given the Falcons one of the best offenses ever.