Atlanta Falcons: Scott Pioli’s Resignation Is Concerning

Progress In Recent Drafts

The jury is still out on Takk McKinley, who was drafted in round one of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has shown signs of dominance and the team is expecting a breakout year from McKinley, in which he improves his consistency. The light has yet to come on for linebacker Duke Riley, who was selected in round three. He is looking like a potential bust unfortunately. The Falcons did grab yet their fourth diamond in the rough however, by selecting Damontae Kazee in round five of the 2017 draft. Kazee is expected to start in the nickel cornerback spot this year. Last season he tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions. Now that’s what I call exceptional value for a fifth round pick!

Calvin Ridley was drafted in round one of the 2018 draft and made a huge impact. He scored ten touchdowns as a rookie and kept the Falcons streak of successfully picking skill position players in tact. Drafting well in the secondary continued for Atlanta also. Isaiah Oliver was taken in round two and is scheduled to be the starter opposite Desmond Trufant at cornerback. He graded very well at coverage, in limited snaps as rookie last season. Deadrin Senat was taken in round three and showed great flashes, as a defensive tackle who can shoot through gaps and slice his way into the backfield quickly. He is expected to see an expanded role this coming season and the Atlanta Falcons are counting on him to produce in a major way. Round six of the 2018 draft, saw Atlanta find yet another good ball player on day three. This time it was linebacker Foyesade Oluokun from Yale. Oluokun outplayed Duke Riley and is now the team’s starting weak side linebacker in base sets.