Atlanta Falcons 2012 Draft Results: Grading the Day 3 Selections

We already took a look at the Falcons’ opening pick as well as their day-two selection, and now it’s time to see who Atlanta took on the last day of the 2012 NFL draft.  

After taking two offensive linemen to kick off their draft, the Falcons continued their bid to improve at the point of attack on Day 3, picking up two defensive linemen and a hard-nosed fullback with three of their final four picks.

The Falcons had the right idea in mind, but did they make the right decisions?  

Here my grades for the the Atlanta Falcons’ Day 3 picks in this year’s draft.

Fifth Round, 157th Overall

Bradie Ewing, FB, Wisconsin

Wisconsin running back Montee Ball led the NCAA in rushing last year with 1,923 yards, but he wouldn’t have gotten there had it not been for Bradie Ewing leading the way.

One of the top-ranked fullbacks in this year’s draft class, Ewing was a punishing lead blocker for the Badgers. Though he finished the 2012 season without a single carry, Ewing showed his versatility in the passing game with 20 catches for 246 yards.

The 6’0”, 240-pound senior is not the most athletic player on the field, but makes up for that with his leadership skills and football intelligence—two qualities Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff values greatly.

Yet as smart as he may be, Ewing will have to get bigger and stronger if he hopes to secure a starting job in the NFL.

Grade: D+  

Ovie Mughelli looks as good as gone with this pick, which should give Atlanta enough cap space to sign another free agent if that's the plan.

Still, I’m not sure the Falcons should have used a pick on a fullback in this year’s draft, especially with the pass-heavy tendencies of today’s NFL. If anything, Atlanta likely could have found an undrafted free agent to replace Mughelli.   

Fifth Round, 164th Overall

Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy

The Atlanta Falcons waited long to draft their first defensive player in the 2012 draft, but their patience may have been rewarded.  

A mid-round projection, Massaquoi’s draft stock dropped after he wasn’t able to match the same production last season as he did in 2010. Nonetheless, he led the Trojans in tackles for loss in 2011 and had six sacks to his name.

At 6’2” and 264 pounds, Massaquoi figures to be a hybrid pass-rusher at the next level, capable of playing defensive end in a 4-3 defense or outside linebacker in a 3-4.

That versatility gives Massaquoi added value with Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan planning to use multiple schemes this season.

Grade: B+

With his technique needing major improvement, Massaquoi will fight for a backup spot in his rookie season. However, he could make an immediate impact providing situational pressure off the edge—something the Falcons severely lacked in 2011.  

This is a great late-round pick for the Falcons, both in terms of value and need.

Sixth Round, 192nd Overall

Charles Mitchell SS, Mississippi State

A former corner-turned-safety, Mitchell was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs.

Another high-character, football-smart prospect, Mitchell has decent size at 5’11” and 200 pounds.

Mitchell is at his best when he’s in the box, where he provides quick support in the run game and is a solid tackler.

His coverage, though, could use a lot of work. Mitchell doesn’t have great range and has little experience in man-to-man defense.

He isn’t exactly a playmaking ball hawker, either: Mitchell managed just three passes defended and recorded zero picks in 2011.

Grade: C+

The Falcons needed depth at safety, and that’s exactly what they got with this pick.

Mitchell figures to fight for the backup position left open after James Sanders’ departure. He doesn’t look to be anything more than a spot starter, however, and special teams will be his best shot at making the final roster.  

Seventh Round, 249th Overall

Travian Robertson, DT, South Carolina

The Falcons went back to the trenches with their final pick in the 2012 draft.

The 6’4”, 302-pound senior didn’t quite have eye-popping statistics in his five years with the Gamecocks, but did show some flashes and managed to turn some heads at the East-West Shrine game.

Robertson was more of a space-eater at South Carolina, primarily keeping opposing linemen from reaching their second-level assignments in the running game. With a generally slow first step, Robertson lets most plays come to him as he doesn’t have the ability to consistently make plays in the backfield.

Grade: B-

The Falcons bring much-needed depth to their weak defensive tackle rotation, but I would have liked to see the position addressed a little sooner in the draft.

An obvious project player, Robertson will take on Peria Jerry and Vance Walker for the backup spot.