The Atlanta Falcons have not been known to draft many players from the University of Georgia. Could this be the year that changes? Today, the team sent 11 front office personnel to the school’s Pro Day. General manager Thomas Dimitroff was part of that group, according to a report by Jason Butt at the Athletic.
One of the school’s most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class is cornerback Deandre Baker. He says it would be a dream come true if he could stay in Georgia and play for the Falcons.
As fun as it might be to see Baker in an Atlanta uniform, it’s not likely to happen. While the team needs to replace both Robert Alford outside and Brian Poole in the slot, Baker is projected to be a first-round pick and the Falcons have more pressing needs to address in the trenches before they move on to cornerback.
Also, Baker says he has not met with the team, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Calvin Ridley’s younger brother Riley (who also plays wide receiver) is among Georgia’s other pro-ready prospects, as is Evander Holyfield’s son Elijah, who plays running back.
The Falcons are extremely deep at receiver and Riley is another potential first-or-second-round pick, so he’s also an unlikely choice. Picking a player like Holyfield on Day 3 would be very much on brand for this Atlanta front office, though.
The Falcons have made a habit of finding gems at running back in the middle rounds in recent years. Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith were both fourth-round picks and Tevin Coleman (now with the 49ers) was a third-round pick.
