After looking at the best recent draft picks, for teams that currently occupy the first 13 selections of April’s draft, it’s time to look at the Falcons who have the 14th pick. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has them selecting edge rusher Rashan Gary out of Michigan with that pick in his latest mock draft.
Atlanta has made the postseason eight times since 2000 and twice finished with a 13-3 record in the 2010 and 2012 seasons. They have been a mildly successful franchise in the past two decades, and they have seen multiple players play important roles that were drafted by them.
Note: Only time with the Falcons is considered for the list. Where they were drafted makes a difference - meaning this isn’t exactly a top-ten players drafted by Atlanta since 2000 list. Some late-round picks that didn’t quite make the list but had solid careers with the team include Kynan Forney (seventh round, 2001), Kevin Shaffer (seventh round, 2002), Michael Boley (fifth round, 2005), Ricardo Allen (fifth round, 2014), De’Vondre Campbell (fourth round, 2016), and Wes Schweitzer (sixth round, 2016).
Matt Ryan, QB - 1st round, 3rd overall (2008); time with Falcons: 2008-present
The NFL MVP in 2016, Ryan has a 102-72 record as Atlanta's starting quarterback. He continues to move up the all-time rankings as the four-time Pro Bowler has 46,720 passing yards and 295 passing touchdowns so far in his career.
Julio Jones, WR - 1st round, 6th overall (2011); time with Falcons: 2011-present
In just eight seasons, Jones has already accumulated 698 receptions for 10,731 yards and 51 touchdowns. He has been named to six Pro Bowls, twice has been a First Team All-Pro, and twice has led the league in receiving yards. CBS Sports has reported he is on the verge of signing an extension to make him the league's highest-paid receiver.