Atlanta Falcons Potential First Round Pick: Cody Ford

A key task for the Atlanta Falcons front office is to strengthen the line of scrimmage this offseason. Part two of our draft preview series looks at Oklahoma offensive lineman Cody Ford.

The cat is our of the bag. In order to return to prominence as a Super Bowl contender, the Atlanta Falcons must boost their talent in the trenches. A major part of the trenches is protecting the quarterback, as well as opening holes for the running game.

The need up front makes Oklahoma offensive lineman Cody Ford a prime candidate to be drafted by the Dirty Birds in the first round. The 6’4, 338 pound behemoth has the ability to play both the guard and tackle positions in the trenches.

Ford is originally from Pineville, Louisiana. He was a three star player coming out of High School. He first committed to TCU, before Oklahoma came calling causing Ford to change allegiances.

Cody Ford sat out his first year at Oklahoma with a red shirt. The next season he earned the starting job as a red shirt freshman. Unfortunately for Cody injuries struck. He suffered a broken leg against Ohio State, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2016 season.

Cody Ford returned in 2017 to play in 12 games, but he started only four. All four of his starts came at left guard. He battled nagging injuries throughout the season, but managed to avoid a major setback to his previously injured leg.

This past season Cody Ford won the starting right guard job. He seized the opportunity and elevated his play to the next level. Ford started all 14 of his team’s games at right tackle. He was named to the Second Team AP All Big 12 Team. Ford was also named to the Third Team AP All American Team.