With the NFL Draft now in the books and 11 players added to the Falcons, we take a closer look at the draftees, starting with the Day 1 picks -- Jamaal Anderson, Justin Blalock and Chris Houston -- information and some interesting stories, blog links and video. Tuesday, we will take a look at the seven players added on Day 2 of the Draft.
Jamaal Anderson, DE -- Arkansas
6-5, 288 pounds - 4.76 40-yard dash
Called by Scouts Inc.'s experts as "...a relentless pass-rusher who has good closing speed and can deliver the big hits when he gets to the quarterback," Anderson should help give the Falcons defensive line a bigger push to close in on opposing quarterbacks as his 13.5 sacks for Arkansas last year will attest to. He will also help the Falcons stop the run due to his upper-body strength and ability to clear traffic to get to the ball-carrier. Some players lose quickness when they get bigger physically, but his 3-cone drill time at the Combine was tremendous for a defensive lineman.
Blog References
- Draft Academy -- They consider Anderson the best available DE in the NFL Draft
- NFL Draft University -- They think his selection was solid as he can stay at his natural LDE position
- 103.7 The Buzz -- Arkansas blog says that the state is 100 percent behind Anderson
Articles
- N.Y. Newsday -- "Prospect's father knew best" 4/26/07
- USA Today -- "Anderson takes lead from deaf educator dad" 4/22/07
- Memphis Commercial Appeal -- "Position change turns Hog into hot prospect" 4/25/07
Justin Blalock, T -- Texas
6-3, 320 pounds - 5.20 40-yard dash
Called by Vic Carucci of NFL.com as "...the steal of the draft seven picks into the second round, 39th overall, with the choice they acquired as part of the trade that sent backup quarterback Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans. Blalock is polished enough to be an instant starter and should prove to be an outstanding player for many years to come." Blalock is compared to Saints T Jammal Brown for their shared athleticism. His big number was that he did not allow a quarterback sack at Texas over his final 27 games. In the new offensive scheme put in place by Bobby Petrino, pocket protection is a key to give Michael Vick the time to find open receivers and with the power run game, his strength will help open the holes needed for steady yardage gains.
Blog References
- The Recycle Bin -- Falcons picks not sexy, but several needs were filled
- BevoSports -- Falcons lucky to see Blalock fall to them in second round
- Chris Kuykendall -- Georgia fan happy with the Falcons first day choices, including Blalock
Articles
- News8 Austin -- "Falcons take Justin Blalock" 4/28/07
- Savannah Morning News -- "Falcons bulk up with 11 picks" 4/30/07
- NFL.com -- "Blalock coaching himself, others to success" 4/26/07
Chris Houston, CB -- Arkansas
5-9, 185 pounds - 4.32 40-yard dash
According to Scouts, Inc., Houston is a player who "...the Falcons should be confident in his ability to start because he faced some of the best receivers in the nation at the collegiate and never backed down. Of course, his speed and ability to change directions quickly are reason to be hopeful." Regarded as a fluid defender who really likes to compete against the best players, Houston will bolster the Falcons secondary with his work ethic and ability to make tackles in open areas.
Blog References
- War Room Report -- Stealing Houston helps Falcons draft grade
- The Bulldawg Blog -- Says Falcons got first round talent in Houston
- Heartbroke Falcon -- Houston another steal for Falcons
Video
Articles
- Scout.com -- "Houston On The Rise" 4/25/07
- The Morning News -- "Hectic Draft day for Hogs" 4/29/07
- Press-Enterprise -- "Arkansas CB Houston has faced many tests" 4/19/07
- Scout.com -- "7 Points With Chris Houston" 4/4/07
Laurent Robinson , WR -- Illinois State
6-2, 199 pounds - 4.41 40-yard dash
According to NFLDraftScout.com, Robinson is a player who "...possesses the speed to challenge the deep secondary who picks up plays quickly and is alert to coverages." He was regarded by the ISU coaching staff as their most trustworthy player who works hard as his craft in the weight room, film study and on the field. According to Scouts, Inc., "There is a lot to like about his big-play ability and he's capable of turning the limited touches he'll likely see with the Falcons during his rookies season into decent production." Also, Peter Schrager of FOXSports.com said that Robinson, "...is arguably the most intriguing small school product in the entire draft."
Blog References
- The Sports Outlaw -- Robinson part of good first day grade for Falcons
- NFL Draft Guys -- Robinson is a ultra-talented small school WR
- The Wire -- Robinson is a good vertical threat
Articles
- Bloomington Pantagraph.com -- "Falcons add Redbirds WR Robinson" 4/29/07
- FOXSports.com -- "Breaking down the 2007 NFL Draft" 4/30/07
- Florida Today-- "Robinson relaxed as draft day approaches" 4/28/07
- Daily Vidette-- "NFL Draft should be a day of fun for ISU fans" 4/26/07
