Atlanta Falcons Draft Review: How 2012 Draftees Will Impact in 2012 and Beyond

The Falcons went into the draft with the mission of increasing depth on the team and reloading the offensive and defensive lines with talent. The Falcons have wanted to bring in some guys to take over at left tackle and right guard and while they have publicly backed Sam Baker, left tackle was a need.

The Falcons drafted the following players this year:

Second-Round Pick, No. 55 Overall

Guard Peter Konz, Wisconsin; 6'5", 315 lbs

Third-Round Pick, No. 91 Overall

Tackle Lamar Holmes, Southern Mississippi; 6'6", 333 lbs

Fifth-Round Pick, No. 157 Overall

Fullback Bradie Ewing, Wisconsin; 5'11", 239 lbs

Fifth-Round Pick, No. 164 Overall

Defensive End Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy; 6'2", 264 lbs

Sixth-Round Pick, No. 192 Overall

Safety Charles Mitchell, Mississippi State; 5'11", 202 lbs

Seventh-Round Pick, No. 249 Overall

Defensive Tackle Travian Robertson, South Carolina; 6'4", 302 lbs

Second Round: Guard Peter Konz

Peter Konz was a true steal as a lot of draft analysts and teams had first-round grades on him. Konz played center at Wisconsin and has the versatility to play any position on the interior of the offensive line. He should be a good fit for the Falcons' new blocking style.

Impact in 2012

Peter Konz is going to be an instant starter on the Falcons' offensive line. There are rumors that the team loves him as a right guard in the Harvey Dahl style mold. Konz is a guy who will always get good leverage and push, and that is needed at the right guard spot.

Impact in 2013 and Beyond

More of the same here. Konz should be the instant starter at right guard, and as a 6'5" 315 pound monster, he should be able to bring back the power to the offensive line that was missing when Dahl left after the 2010 season.

Best Case Scenario: Marshall Yanda

Worst Case Scenario: Harvey Dahl

Third Round: Tackle Lamar Holmes

Lamar Holmes is the ideal Dimitroff-era Falcons draft pick. He's a hard worker, team captain and three-year starter with no arrests or suspensions. He fits in well for the Falcons' line, where he is more of a mauler than a finesse guy.

Impact in 2012

Lamar Holmes should compete with Sam Baker and Will Svitek for the starting job at left tackle, which he may not win initially, but should be the starter by the tenth game of the year unless Svitek or Baker is somehow a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle.

Impact in 2013 and Beyond

Holmes has the long-term potential to be the franchise starting left tackle. He's already got the nimble feet and long arms needed to be the franchise pass-blocker. His only real need is to work on technique, which he will be able to master under Pat Hill's tutelage.

Best Case Scenario: Andrew Whitworth

Worst Case Scenario: Sam Baker part II

Fifth Round: Fullback Bradie Ewing

Bradie Ewing is a good blocker and a solid receiver and rusher. He's got the ability to come right in and start at fullback for the Falcons tomorrow and was a top notch blocker in a high-ratio run offense. He was a natural blocker and can only get better as a receiver and rusher.

Impact in 2012

Unless Ovie Mughelli is cut due to injury reasons, Ewing will be a special teams and backup in the 2012 season. He will be the kind of player who is used more for run blocking when he is in, but if Mughelli does get cut, expect Ewing to be the starting fullback.

Impact in 2013 and Beyond

Mughelli will only be in Atlanta for one more year as his deal is only one more year long. Ewing is brought in as the long-term replacement for Mughelli, who is already 32 and going to be coming back from ACL and MCL tears.

Best Case Scenario: John Kuhn

Worst Case Scenario: Lousaka Polite

Fifth Round: Defensive End Jonathan Massaquoi

Jonathan Massaquoi was a great pass-rusher in the college ranks but has issues going against the run. In Atlanta, his primary role will be to go after a quarterback in multiple formation sets. Massaquoi can play the right or left side as well and could end up as a long-term replacement for Abraham.

Impact in 2012

Massaquoi is a very good pass-rusher who may not be at an ideal weight at 265. His best fit is likely around 250, and he will be spending 2012 as a rotational pass-rusher who will likely come in on third downs.

Impact in 2013 and Beyond

After this year, it wouldn't be surprising to see him end up as a long-term third-down pass-rusher. He's not built to be a run stopper and has an explosive first step. He has the potential to be a 10-to-15 sack guy though.

Best Case Scenario: Osi Umenyiora

Worst Case Scenario: Lawrence Sidbury

Sixth Round: Safety Charles Mitchell

Charles Mitchell is an interesting safety for the Falcons to draft. He's got good coverage skills and is a solid tackler but isn't going to wow you athletically. He is the kind of guy who will come right in and provide depth but isn't a long-term starter.

Impact in 2012

He's going to be the third safety in 2012 as Decoud and Moore are firmly entrenched into their roles. He should be an instant upgrade in special teams, though, and will look good in tandem with Shann Schillinger running down the field.

Impact in 2013 and Beyond

At most, Mitchell could end up as a starter for a year or two and then take a back seat again as the third safety. He's a guy who will remind of Erik Coleman as he can play both spots and will be a long-term option for a reserve safety and special teamer.

Best Case Scenario: Erik Coleman

Worst Case Scenario: Shann Schillinger

Seventh Round: Defensive Tackle Travian Robertson

Travian Robertson is a defensive tackle known more for his penetrating than for his space eating. He's a 6'4" 308-pounder who is electric firing off the ball into the offensive line and the gap. His issue in the draft is that there is better talent at his position in run stuffing.

Impact in 2012

Robertson in 2012 would be lucky to make the roster and should be on the practice squad. He is likely brought in to compete with Jerry for the final roster spot at defensive tackle. Robertson, if he does make the roster, will be the fourth best defensive tackle in the rotation.

Impact in 2013 and Beyond

After spending the year on the practice squad in 2012, it would not be surprising to see Atlanta let Jerry walk and have Robertson and Walker compete for the spot as the third defensive tackle in the rotation. 

Best Case Scenario: Jonathan Babineaux

Worst Case Scenario: Vance Walker