A closer look at the Day 2 draftees for the Falcons

With the NFL Draft now in the books and 11 players added to the Falcons, we take a closer look at the draftees on Day 2 -- with information and some interesting stories, blog links and video.

Stephen Nicholas, LB -- South Florida

Called by NFLDraftCountdown as "...a real solid tackler ... versatile and could project to the weakside or strongside (LB positions) ... plays with a nasty deameanor," Nicholas is described as a high-motor type of player who makes tackles in bunches. A more collision-type tackler, Nicholas gets to the ball quickly to make stops. According to ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr., Nicholas "has a very good shot to be a productive linebacker," while Yahoo Sports said, "(Nicholas) should be a quality special teams player and improve the depth at the linebacker spot with his versatility," and FOXSports.com said, "South Florida OLB Stephen Nicholas could end up being a surprise because he played multiple positions in college."

Blog References

• The Wire -- Nicholas drafted in Round 4
• Oracle Sports Blog -- Three Bulls in NFL
• TampaBay.com -- Falcons take Nicholas in fourth round

Articles

• Tampa Tribune -- "Prospect's father knew best" 4/29/07
• Tampa Tribune -- "Nicholas has look, tools of NFL linebacker" 4/28/07
• St. Pete Times -- "Got a minute? Stephen Nicholas, LB" 9/15/04

Martrez Milner, TE -- Georgia

Kiper said about Milner, "I also liked the pick of TE Martrez Milner in the fourth round. He needs to work on his pass-catching skills, but he is a very good blocker." Milner led the Bulldogs with 30 receptions for 425 yards and two touchdowns. He is described as a player who has outstanding body control and balance and runs crisp routes. The West Hall (Oakwood, Ga.) graduate was a tight end and defensive end in high school before becoming an exclusive offensive player at UGA.

Blog References

• The Wire -- Falcons pick TE Milner in fourth

Articles

• Ledger-Enquirer.com -- "Milner excited to reunite with Falcons' Shockley " 4/29/07
• Savannah Morning News -- "Milner hopes to get benefit of the doubt" 4/25/07
• Gainesville (Ga.) Times -- "Running down a dream" 4/22/07

Trey Lewis, DT -- Washburn

According to NFLDraftScout.com, Lewis "can physically dominate the action in the trenches ... can generate a sudden short-area explosion and burst to push back the offensive lineman into the pocket." He was rated as a sleeper at defensive tackle in pre-draft rankings by Yahoo Sports. The MIAA's Defensive Most Valuable Player in 2006, Lewis had 62 tackles and four sacks for the Ichabods.

Blog References

• The Wire-- Falcons bulk up with Lewis in sixth

Video

• Trey Lewis drafted

Articles

• Washburn Review -- "Ichabods host first-ever Pro Day" 4/9/07
• Topeka Capital-- Lewis looking to be second day pick 4/28/07
• Press-Enterprise -- "Arkansas CB Houston has faced many tests" 4/19/07
• WUSports.com -- "Lews receives All-Star Bowl invite" 1/12/07

David Irons, CB -- Auburn

According to NFLDraftScout.com, Irons "won't back down from the bigger blockers and competes until the whistle blows." He started all 13 games at left cornerback at Auburn in 2006 and had two interceptions to go with his 42 total tackles for the Tigers. According to FOXSports.com, Irons was part of a group of four players who gave the Falcons quality in the sixth round and Pete Prisco of CBSSportsline.com said that Irons, "...is one of those feisty players who will find his way onto the roster." David's brother, Kenny - who is a running back - was selected by Cincinnati with the 49th overall selection in the second round.

Blog References

• The Business of the NFL -- David Irons among draft day steals
• CoryKessler.com -- NFL Draft: Brothers on cusp of history

Articles

• Gwinnett Daily Post -- "David Irons drafted on day two" 4/29/07
• LedgerEnquirer.com -- "Irons ready for draft" 4/28/07
• Gwinnett Daily Post -- "Irons brothers ready to keep family's NFL tradition alive" 5/1/07
• Huntsville Times -- "Big day for Irons brothers" 4/27/07

Doug Datish, C -- Ohio State

NFLDraftScout.com said that Datish fits the mold of recent Ohio State offensive linemen who have entered the NFL - versatile, strong and agressive. Datish played every position on the Buckeyes offensive line during his career and started at three of the spots in multiple games. He did not allow a sack or a quarterback pressure in 2006 and was a All-Big Ten first teamer. He is quick off the ball, athletic in front-line traffic and his knowledge of every posiition on the line gives him a leadership quality due to his knowledge of blocking schemes across the board. Mel Kiper, Jr., said that Datish will add versatility to the Falcons offensive line overall.

Blog References

• The Wire -- Falcons pick Datish
• Buckeye John -- Ohio State vs. Michigan: the NFL Draft

Articles

• About.com -- "Big winners in '07 Draft" 5/1/07
• Columbus Dispatch-- "Feeling a draft" 4/28/07

Daren Stone, S -- Maine

Clark Judge of CBSSportsline said of Stone, "He has size. He can run. And he's a reliable tackler. So what does he lack? Not much, except that he hasn't played that much football. He can play free safety or cornerback in an emergency, and he can play either adequately." He is a punishing tackler from all accounts and had 173 total tackles (111 solo) at Maine, including 10 interceptions and five sacks. His jumping ability is legendary as he had a 11-feet, 5-inch broad jump at his Pro Day workout -- plus he jumps cars (see video links below).

Blog References

• A Simple Paragraph -- A player with a 39-inch vertical
• The Wire -- Falcons get Stone

Video

• Daren Stone Pro Day Broad Jump
• Daren Stone Highlight Reel
• Jumping Cars: (Part 1 | Part 2)

Articles

• CBSSportsline.com -- "Top 5 Safeties" 4/10/07
• Niagara Gazette -- "Stone taken by Falcons" 4/28/07 /
• NFL.com -- "Looking for this draft's Marques Colston" 4/5/07

Jason Snelling, RB -- Virginia

Snelling was a versatile back for the Cavaliers as he played at both tailback and fullback at UVa. His size and body type allow him to drag defenders along for the ride and his acceleration as a potential lead blocker makes him a threat to open holes for the running back to follow through. He also was an excellent special teams player in college - especially as a coverage defender.He described himself in one interview as an "offensive player playing defense out there".

Blog References

• The Wire -- Snelling is picked in seventh

Video

• Countdown to Draft Day: Jason Snelling

Articles

• Scout.com -- "Draft Snapshot: Jason Snelling" 4/10/07
• The Cavalier Daily-- "Snelling adds new dimension to offense" 4/28/07
• TheACCcom -- "Plugged In: Snelling is 'back' where he belongs" 10/26/06