2012 NFL Draft: Grading the Atlanta Falcons Selections

After three days and 255 picks later, the 2012 NFL draft has concluded, headlined by several first-round trades.

The Falcons did not select in that round and had only six picks in the entire seven-round draft.

Here's a look at some of the positives (solidifying the offensive line) and negatives (lack of picks) for the Falcons in the 2012 NFL draft with an overall grade finishing out the article.

Negatives: Lack of Quantity and Quality of Picks

The Falcons did not have a first-round pick in this year's draft, severely handicapping the team's potential for finding top-notch draft picks.

The monster draft-day trade with the Cleveland Browns last year cost the Falcons dearly.

In that trade, Atlanta also lost their fourth-round pick this year, meaning the team had just two picks in the top 150 and none in the top 50. The Falcons had a strong season at 11-5, so their picks were primarily at the end of the rounds. 

Players drafted late in the draft have an exponentially smaller chance of making the 53-man roster than the early rounders. The odds for players drafted during the third day being significant contributors to the team are not good.

While some players, such as Tom Brady, were late-round success stories, more likely than not, the late-round selection turns out to be a no name. 

Positives: Added Depth to Offensive Line 

Center Todd McClure is aging and the offensive line underwhelmed in the 2011 season.

The Falcons couldn't run the football when they needed to in the playoffs, and the selections of Wisconsin center Peter Konz in the second round and Southern Miss offensive tackle Lamar Holmes in the third round should bring depth to the line. 

Even if neither wins a starting spot in 2012, both should receive significant playing time.

This is McClure's last season in the NFL, meaning Konz has one year to learn and become Atlanta's future center. Konz has good size at 6'5'' and 314 pounds, but his 18 bench press reps at the combine puts into question is strength.

Holmes also provides ideal measurements at 6'5'' and 323 pounds.

Overall: C+

The Falcons first pick came at No. 55 overall, meaning a whole team full of NFL players were selected before the Falcons' first choice.

Atlanta did draft players according to positional needs (drafting Konz) who will take over for McClure once he retires in the near future.

Despite drafting their team needs, the franchise only had six selections overall and were not able to draft any exceptional players.

Instead, the Falcons improved their team by signing linebacker Lofa Tatupu and traded for Asante Samuel.