As we our just a week away from the start of the 2020 NFL Draft, Falcons fans are trying to figure out what general manager Thomas Dimitroff has up his sleeve this year.
After going through every pick Dimitroff has made since taking over, today we will look at Atlanta’s draft tendencies by round since 2008.
Round 1: 13 picks
QB: 1 (7.6%)
RB: 0
WR: 2 (15.3%)
TE: 0
OT: 3 (23.1%)
IOL: 1 (7.6%)
DT: 1 (7.6%)
DE: 2 (15.3%)
LB: 1 (7.6%)
CB: 1 (7.6%)
S: 1 (7.6%)
Analysis: The Falcons have selected four offensive linemen in round one. The second-most drafted position by Atlanta in the first round is a tie behind wide receiver and defensive end — with two of each being selected since 2008.
Round 2: 8 picks
QB: 0
RB: 0
WR: 0
TE: 0
OT: 0
IOL: 1 (12.5 %)
DT: 1 (12.5 %)
DE: 0
LB: 2 (25%)
CB: 3 (37.5%)
S: 1 (12.5%)
Analysis: In the second round, the Falcons have taken a corner or safety with half of their picks over the past twelve years. Atlanta hasn’t selected a single wide receiver, running back, tight end or offensive tackle in round two.
Round 3: 13 picks
QB: 0
RB: 1 (7.6%)
WR: 1 (7.6%)
TE: 1 (7.6%)
OT: 1 (7.6%)
IOL: 1 (7.6%)
DT: 2 (15.3%)
DE: 0
LB: 2 (15.3%)
CB: 2 (15.3%)
S: 2 (15.3%)
Analysis: Atlanta’s variation of picks in round three could be indicative of a best player available strategy. The team has drafted almost every position outside of quarterback and defensive end in the third.
Round 4: 12 picks
QB: 0
RB: 2 (16.6%)
WR: 1 (8.3%)
TE: 1 (8.3%)
OT: 0
IOL: 2 (16.6%)
DT: 0
DE: 3 (25%)
LB: 2 (16.6%)
CB: 1 (8.3%)
S: 0
Analysis: The Falcons have drafted three defensive ends, two linebackers, two running backs and one corner in round four. Atlanta has also drafted two interior offensive linemen with its 12 total fourth-round picks since 2008.
Round 5: 18 picks
QB: 0
RB: 4 (22.2%)
WR: 1 (5.5%)
TE: 1 (5.5%)
OT: 0
IOL: 1 (5.5%)
DT: 1 (5.5%)
DE: 1 (5.5%)
LB: 4 (22.2%)
CB: 3 (16.6%)
S: 2 (11.1%)
Analysis: In the fifth, Dimitroff and the Falcons have favored the linebacker and running back positions. The team has also drafted five total defensive backs (three corners, two safeties) in round five.
Round 6: 9 picks
QB: 0
RB: 1 (11.1%)
WR: 2 (22.2%)
TE: 0
OT: 0
IOL: 1 (11.1%)
DT: 0
DE: 0
LB: 2 (22.2%)
CB: 1 (11.1%)
S: 1 (11.1%)
P: 1 (11.1%)
Analysis: The Falcons have only made nine picks in the sixth-round, with linebacker and wide receiver being the only positions drafted more than once. Atlanta also selected the only punter under Dimitroff’s tenure in the sixth-round (Matt Bosher).
Round 7: 14 picks
QB: 1 (7.1%)
RB: 0
WR: 1 (7.1%)
TE: 1 (7.1%)
OT: 2 (14.2 %)
IOL: 0
DT: 2 (14.2 %)
DE: 1 (7.1%)
LB: 2 (14.2 %)
CB: 2 (14.2 %)
S: 2 (14.2%)
Analysis: In the seventh, you can see Atlanta has gone with the best player available with the team’s 14 seventh-rounders since 2008. Dimitroff has drafted two offensive tackles, two defensive tackles, two linebackers, two corners, and two safeties in round seven.
