falcons land underrated DT in third round who many were targeting, according to CBS

[abstract]

The Atlanta Falcons struck gold a few years ago with the selection of undersized linebacker Curtis Lofton in the second round. They went back to the Big 12 for another speedy playmaker with Sean Weatherspoon in the first. Expected to take over the weak-side position, Weatherspoon is ideal in Atlanta’s cover-two scheme, as is third-round pick Corey Peters, an underrated defensive tackle who several teams were targeting. Offensive guard Mike Johnson and center Joe Hawley provide solid depth. Cornerback Dominique Franks slipped to the fifth round, but has the length and straight-line speed to be effective in this scheme.

-Rob Rang, CBS Sports

Analysis: Weatherspoon was hardly a surprising selection for Atlanta, as Mike Smith was looking to upgrade the front seven. Weatherspoon can play MLB, but will probably begin his career on the outside. With the first of their two third-round picks, the Falcons got a player in Peters who will add some immediate depth on the interior d-line. Peters could have a chance to start. With the final pick of the third-round, Atlanta targeted Johnson, who could offer some long-term depth. Hawley, who can also play guard, was a similar-type pick in Round 4. Franks is an undersized corner, who may add most of his value as a special-teamer. Meier is a converted quarterback who could be the heir apparent to long-time, versatile Falcon Brian Finneran. Schillinger, a special teams possibility, will join another ex-Montana Grizzly, Kroy Biermann, on the Atlanta roster.

Bottom Line: Really good draft for the Falcons, who wisely spent their top picks to enhance defensive front seven and offensive line.

Grade: A-

-Football Wires

See I can use google to find opinions of people that aren't involved with the falcons at all, too.

[SetzerFalcon]

I don't care about the grade one way or the other, but this guy seems to at least "get" what the Falcons were trying to do. That he likes what the Falcons did just makes it that much better

[youngbloodz]

Franks is almost 6 feet tall and 200lbs. He isn't undersized at all.

[sporkdevil]

I'm really warming up to the pick, because it's clear how much we wanted him. Perfect size, and no question will improve our defensive rotation.

Edited April 26, 2010 by sporkdevil

[Falcons 'til Death]

Mayock really liked the Franks pick as well according to his tweet. He spent most of day 3 twittering after he lost is voice on T.V.

[A-TowN.-]

200 isn't bad. He can tack on about 5 and look stout. How much does Owens and shrimp Grimes weigh?

[Abe]

We have really made our lines a priority and that is a true sign of a smart franchise. We have drafted smart not flashy and I feel like we have a huge payoff coming. We did the right thing in our drafts and free agency and it is about time to give our front office credit.

[MagnusXXIII]

big for a CB. Lofton also not undersized.

[Ric Roc]

Everything starts up front... once our front lines are fortified, then we may have the luxury of going flashy b/c that's when you feel you may only be one/two players away.