Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has done a solid job of building his team through the NFL draft. While injuries derailed the team in 2018, it remains a strong and well-rounded roster that should remain competitive for several years, at least.
In last year’s draft, Dimitroff added a few more players who are likely to be serious contributors or at least long-term starters. Calvin Ridley is the star of the group, but Deadrin Senat, Foye Oluokun and Ito Smith all showed some promise, as well. Over at NFL.com, Jeremy Bergman has given the Falcons a “B” grade for the draft class.
“The Falcons reaped solid contributors in Oluokun, Senat, Oliver and Smith, the last of whom filled in nicely for injured RB Devonta Freeman and perhaps won a part-time gig in Atlanta’s backfield next season. Ridley, Senat and Oluokun could be starters in 2019, but that depends on how the Falcons attack the market.”
Oliver should also be projected to start at cornerback opposite Desmond Trufant now that Robert Alford is out of the picture.
Getting four or five potential starters in one draft class is an excellent haul. Hats off to Dimitroff for another good year.
