Falcons 09 Draft (Day two)

On the 2nd day of the NFL draft defense remained the name of the game. It saw the falcons pick up 2 more defensive backs a DE, another DT and the lone player on offense an OT.

Round 3

Chris Owens CB (San Jose St)

Owens relies on his above average awareness...He is very aggressive and surprisingly strong for his size. Owens will step up against the run and is a solid tackler for the Falcons. He is under sized at 5 feet 10 inches, which could be a risk when facing taller recivers in the pro leagues. He did not face elite talent at San Jose so expect a learning curve for Owens to face his first couple of years in the league.

Round 4

Lawrence Sidbury DE ( Richmond)

An absolute stud at the BowlSubdivision level (All CAA his last two years), Sidbury recorded 56 total tackles, 20 TFLs and 11.5 sacks in his senoir year earning a first team All American. Siidbury then anchored the Richmond defense in the National Championship amassing four sacks, leading them to a title. Sidbury is solidy built and shows and amazing burst off the line. Overall he is a little undersized and again there is also the learning curve problem he faces coming from a small school. Expect him to compete with Jamal Anderson for the starting job.

Round 5
William Middleton CB (Furman)
The 2nd conerback in the draft selected by Atlanta and the second player in a row taken from the Bowl Sub Division. Middleton has excellent NFL calibur speed and had success pressing the line at Furman and can make the open field tackler. Shows problems leaping for the ball and when he gets beat has trouble closing the gap.

Garrett Reynolds OT (North Carolina)
2nd team All ACC, Garrett Reynolds finished the season on the Lombardi Award watch list. Not expected to start for the Falcons but the depth he brings to the Oline is invaluable and should the injury bug hit look for Reynolds to get a shot at the starting position.

Round 6
Spencer Adkins LB (Miami)
Solid Tackler and speedster has trouble getting seperation when locked ina block. Also while a solid talent he never really secured a starting linebacker spot while playing for the canes. This is a depth adding pick for the Falcons but with the lack of talent still at the Linebacking position he could get into some games.

Round 7
Vance Walker DT ( Ga Tech)
First team ACC in both 2007 and 2008, Started 29-of-49 career games, recording 110 total tackles, 26.5 TFLs and 13 sacks. A tremoundous athelete and quick off the snap. Lacks size and could use some better technique. Will probally earn a spot behind Jerry.