FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. _ The Falcons traded back into the first round and drafted Washington offensive tackle Kaleb McGary on Thursday.
The Falcons sent their second- and third-round picks to the Rams to acquire the pick at No. 31.
McGary was a projected second-round pick who made a top-30 visit with the Falcons, according to NFL media.
"Fifth-year senior took over as a starter in the middle of his redshirt freshman season," writes Bob McGinn of BobMcGinnFootball.com.
"Ton of love for him," said one scout. "He's a right tackle and a guard. He's like a big (expletive) ogre. He's a better athlete than you want to give him credit for."
"At right tackle I'd take him over (Andre) Dillard," a second scout said. "At left tackle, no. He comes from a farm right out of nowhere (Fife, Wash.). He's not a city kid." Ran well (5.05) at the combine but arm length (32 ~) and bench-press reps (23) didn't inspire confidence.
"Strictly a right tackle," a third scout said. "But he is one tough sucker and he's an athlete." Vertical jump of 33 { was extraordinary."
