Gulp! The Falcons are playing with their youngest roster in eons, but that just means more chances for first-year players to make their mark. Here are some predictions on how the Falcons’ top three draft picks will pan out, including the crystal ball analysis on two sleeper contributors. Injuries will change things, but let’s just assume everyone (veterans and rookies) will stay healthy.
QB Matt Ryan
What will happen: Ryan will get the kid-gloves treatment because the Falcons want to be careful with the most expensive rookie in NFL history. He will push Chris Redman for the starting spot, but will ultimately start the season on the sidelines.
What should happen: Ryan should never see the bench for a second. Want proof? YouTube “Matt Ryan vs. Virginia Tech” and decide for yourself. Some players have that “It” factor and Ryan is one of them. The Falcons shouldn’t let that magic sit any longer than necessary, with necessary meaning “never.”
Prediction: Ryan will be the starter by Week 3 vs. Kansas City. He’ll get smacked around, but should finish the season with a 50-percent completion percentage, more touchdowns than picks (12-10) and at least one come-from-behind victory.
OT Sam Baker
What will happen: The USC product will push LT Renardo Foster immediately for the starting spot alongside LG Justin Blalock. Though he needs to bulk up, Baker is already athletic and smart enough to play on a weak Falcons line.
What should happen: Baker should start from Day 1 as well. Why trade up into the first round to have a guy sit? The 6-foot-5, 312-pounder started four years at one of the top programs in college football. The transition will be rough, but Baker should get the chance to experience it from first snap. Indianapolis’s 2007 rookie LT Tony Ugoh did last season. Why can’t Baker?
Prediction: If not immediately at left tackle, Baker will start somewhere on the Falcons’ O-line. He’s versatile enough to feature at right tackle if Todd Weiner’s knee isn’t fully healed, and Baker eventually can work his way to protecting Ryan’s blindside for the next 10+ years.
LB Curtis Lofton
What will happen: The Oklahoma product will get his chance to decapitate his opponents on special teams from opening kick, plus some cameo appearances behind starting ILB Tony Taylor.
What should happen: This one sounds about right. With Michael Boley, Keith Brooking and second-year OLB Stephen Nicholas, the Falcons have one area already loaded with speed and hitting. The three vets will allow Lofton time to mature.
Prediction: The Falcons’ linebackers are a rare area of strength on this team. Even so, Lofton has a chance of breaking into the starting lineup because his deficiencies in coverage can be masked by his veteran help. What he lacks in coverage is balanced by his tenacity in run-support, something that will get Lofton on the field early in short-yardage situations.
DAY 2 SLEEPER: WR Harry Douglas
What will happen: The sure-handed Louisville product will start the season behind Roddy White and Laurent Robinson, but will push Michael Jenkins for the third receiver slot in training camp. He may not snag the job early on, but Douglas will show the hands that made him Brian Brohm’s No. 1 target in college.
What should happen: If he carries over his collegiate play, Douglas should be the perfect slot receiver. He’s not a burner but you can count on him for catching the short slants on third down, something Matt Ryan or Chris Redman will look to when teams bring the rush in long-yardage situations.
Prediction: Douglas has fallen into a perfect situation with the Falcons: a young team with receivers that have yet to provide consistency. In a weak 2008 receiver class, Douglas will lead all rookie receivers in either first-downs or yards after catch.
DAY 2 DEEP SLEEPER: DE/LB Kroy Biermann
What will happen: The 2007 FCS Defensive Player of the Year will quietly take his 15 sacks as a senior at Montana to special teams, impressing coaches with his ability for big tackles and turnovers.
What should happen: Small-college players are getting more chances in the NFL than ever, and Biermann is no exception. His college numbers, however, won’t propel him past Jamaal Anderson and John Abraham. But if one is to go down injured …
Prediction: This could be largely based on the progression of Anderson, because if he doesn’t show that first-round pass rush flare, Biermann will be called on often in blitz packages.
Horne can be reached at ehorne@scoreatl.com.
Loading ...
