With the 2011 regular season freshly over it is time to go back and evaluate every team’s draft classes based on performance this year. I will use a formula to grade each pick and calculuate a final grade for each team. Today we look at the Atlanta Falcons who gave up a ton to move up to the 6th overall pick last year.
GRADING SYSTEM
ROUND 1 – graded from a 0-5 scale
ROUND 2 – graded from a 0-4 scale
ROUND 3 – graded from a 0-3 scale
ROUND 4 – graded from a 0-2 scale
ROUND 5 – graded from a 0-1 scale
ROUND 6 & 7 – no scale, point awarded if player was productive
*I reserve the right to award a bonus point to any player who outperformed their draft position.*
FINAL GRADING SCALE
90-100 – A
80-89 - B
70-79 - C
60 – 69 - D
0-59 - F
2011 Draft Class
Round 1: Julio Jones WR, Alabama - 54 Receptions, 959 Receiving Yds, 8 TDs, 56 Rush Yds
Analysis: The Falcons gave up a ton to move up and get Jones, and his expectations were high. I don’t think he exceeded those expecations but he sure as hell met them.
Grade: 5/5
Round 3: Akeem Dent LB, Georgia - 20 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble
Analysis: Dent appeared in all 16 games, earning experience and making the occasional play.
Grade: 1.5/3
Round 5: Jacquizz Rodgers RB, Oregon St. – 205 Rush Yds, 1 TD, 21 Receptions, 181 Receiving Yds, 1 TD
Analysis: Rodgers appeared in third down and passing situations and played well. His role will only increase next season as he provides and excellent compliment to Burner Turner’s physical style.
Grade: 1/1
Round 6: Matt Bosher P, Miami - 2,989 Punt Yds, LG 59
Analysis: Anytime you land a starter with a 6th round pick it’s a home run; even if it’s a punter.
Grade: 1/0
Round 7: Andrew Jackson G, Fresno St. – Cut
Analysis: The Falcons cut the man on the $20 bill.
Grade: 0/0
Round 7: Cliff Matthews DE, – No Stats
Grade: 0/0
TOTAL SCORE 8.5/9
FINAL GRADE: 94% A
Analysis: The Falcons didn’t have a lot of picks this year but got production out of most their early choices. Julio Jones cost them a lot, but he will be a star in this league for years to come. Matt Bosher will be the team’s punter of the future, and Rodgers will continue to see time as a third down/complimentary back. The Falcons added a lot of solid pieces to their team in this class.
Other Grades:
Day 1: Carolina Panthers
Day 2: Denver Broncos
Day 3: Buffalo Bills
Day 4: Cincinnati Bengals
Day 5: Arizona Cardinals
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