Atlanta Falcons: B-
Top needs: OT, DE/OLB, TE, S
Needs: C
Value: B
Summary: I was a big fan of the Jake Matthews pick when it happened, and I'm not changing my tune now. Big need, good player and you add the bonus of his versatility. The Falcons also got a pretty good safety prospect in Dez Southward, hitting another need. But there were also a couple areas I think they missed, and maybe it had to do with the way the board was breaking. For instance, they really need pass-rush help, and Demarcus Lawrence could have been an option at No. 37, but Dallas moved up and grabbed him. Atlanta ends up with a high-upside talent in Ra'Shede Hageman, but he ran really hot and cold at Minnesota. Devonta Freeman gives them an underrated running back, which is something they need, and maybe Prince Shembo can provide some value as a pass-rusher. Ricardo Allen is a solid player and gives them added depth at CB. Tyler Starr is also a sleeper as a pass-rushing addition. The question for me is whether they did enough to really help the pass rush, which was a big need, and I also think a tight end made sense given the departure at that position. Not bad, overall. Matthews will be good.
2014 draft picks
Rd Pk Pos Player College
(1) 6 T Jake Matthews Texas A&M
(2) 37 DT Ra'Shede Hageman Minnesota
(3) 68 DB Dez Southward Wisconsin
(4) 103 RB Devonta Freeman Florida State
(4) 139 OLB Prince Shembo Notre Dame
(5) 147 DB Ricardo Allen Purdue
(5) 168 LB Marquis Spruill Syracuse
(7) 253 OLB Yawin Smallwood UConn
(7) 255 LB Tyler Starr South Dakota