Atlanta Falcons Draft, Part 1: DE Jamaal Anderson Heads Solid Class

By selecting defensive end Jamaal Anderson and a host of other talented players, the Atlanta Falcons hope to improve upon a mediocre 2006 season. 

Here, the Bleacher Report's Lee Wilson breaks down which Falcons picks will have an immediate impact—and which picks will need some work before they can contribute.

In part one, Wilson evaluates Atlanta's first four draft picks.

The NFL draft is one of the events this time of the year that receives absolutely ridiculous media coverage (even I am writing about it).

 

Every year, there are always several picks that everyone cares about.  These are known as the sexy picks—these are the players that people in New York cheer and boo for. In the past, the Atlanta Falcons have made a few of these sexy picks, most notably in the form of Michael Vick...

Don't get me started.

In order to analyze their draft in 2007, it is important to note that the Falcons didn't make any sexy picks this year.  However, that might be exactly what made this such a solid draft for the team. 

It's easy to draft your needs, as the Falcons did, when you theoretically need everything. Last year, the Falcons were very disappointing for the entire city. 

Aside from the draft, they have also had a productive offseason. Look for Bobby Petrino to lead them out of the state of mediocrity that they have been in since...well...forever.

Either way, to really set the tone for the season, Petrino and Co. needed a solid draft. And they delivered.

Here is my pick-by-pick analysis:

Round One (8th overall):  Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas

 

This was a great pick for the Falcons. After losing Patrick Kerney via an insane contract offer from the Seattle Seahawks, the Falcons knew that they would have to find an adequate replacement beyond the likes of just Paul Carrington. Anderson could prove to be just that guy.

Anderson led the SEC in sacks last season at Arkansas'the receiver-turned-D-end is very quick off the line and can put pressure on the quarterback. Beyond that, the versatile Anderson is also very good behind the line of scrimmage and will provide much needed help in stopping the run.

Let's also remember that John Abraham is almost guaranteed to miss at least half of the season.

I was very pleased with Petrino and general manager Rich McKay's first pick, as it addressed a big need for the team. 

 

Round Two: Justin Blalock, OT, Texas & Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas

Blalock was another terrific pick up for the Falcons. Aside from their defensive issues in the secondary and elsewhere, the offensive line needs help. By getting the 6'3", 320-pound guard from Texas, the Falcons took a big step towards delivering it.

Blalock will likely see action fairly quickly in Atlanta, as they have not retained guard Matt Lehr (that's a good thing, Falcons fans). Lehr struggled to do anything right during his time in Atlanta, and the big Blalock will be ready to be much more effective than his predecessor. 

Blalock is also durable. He set a record for Texas by starting 51 consecutive games, and was also a finalist for the Lombardi Trophy (nation's top player) and the Outland Trophy (nation's top lineman). Needless to say, Blalock should be more than an adequate replacement.      

With their second pick of the second round, the Falcons got a steal in Chris Houston. The Arkansas cornerback moved to the position permanently to become one of the SEC's top corners.

Houston started 27 of his 33 games at Arkansas and recorded 86 tackles (69 solo) with five stops for losses. He caused three fumbles and batted down 22 passes and intercepted three others for 129 yards in returns.

With all of the questions at the corner position, the Falcons need Houston to step up and fill that role. Assuming that he can, the Falcons are ready to give Jimmy Williams a shot at safety.

Round Three: Laurent Robinson, WR, Illinois State

Of all of the great things the Falcons did on draft day '07, this was the one move that left me scratching my head.

Robinson, an Illinois native out of Illinois State University, is considered to be one of the highest rated offensive prospects to come out of Division I-AA this season.

That may be fine, but this pick reminds me a little too much of Michael Jenkins or Roddy White.

However, I think the Falcons are trying to catch lightning in a bottle here. They addressed their receiver gap by signing veteran Joe Horn, so they won't have to rely too heavily on guys like Robinson. Not to mention: Some good receivers have come out of Division I-AA, like Rod Smith and Jerry Rice.