![Matt Ryan was named the league's MVP for the 2016 season. [Source: Flickr | Brook Ward]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/3/24/660x290/b_502x220x82/matt-ryan-was-named-the-leagues-mvp-for-the-2016-season-image-source-flickr-brook-ward_2234091.jpg "Matt Ryan was named the league's MVP for the 2016 season. [Source: Flickr | Brook Ward]")
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.
Roddy White, WR - 1st round, 27th overall (2005); time with Falcons: 2005-2015
Before Julio Jones, White was known as the best receiver in Falcons history. He was named to the Pro Bowl four straight seasons (2008-2011) and caught 808 passes for 10,863 yards and 63 touchdowns for his career.
Michael Vick, QB - 1st round, 1st overall (2001); time with Falcons: 2001-2006
Arguably the most dominant two-way quarterback that the NFL has ever seen, Vick threw for 11,505 yards and ran for another 3,859 in six seasons with Atlanta. He made three Pro Bowls with the team and was 38-28-1 as their starting quarterback.
Alge Crumpler, TE - 2nd round, 35th overall (2001); time with Falcons: 2001-2007
Named to four straight Pro Bowls (2003-2006), Crumpler was one of the more-prolific tight ends during his playing days. He caught 35 touchdown passes with Atlanta.
Devonta Freeman, RB - 4th round, 103rd overall (2014); time with Falcons: 2014-present
Freeman's two best seasons came in 2015 and 2016, both of which he was named to the Pro Bowl. In those two years, he combined for 2,135 rushing yards, 1,040 receiving yards, and 27 total touchdowns.
Jake Matthews, OT - 1st round, 6th overall (2014); time with Falcons: 2014-present
After missing one game as a rookie, Matthews hasn't missed a game in each of the last four seasons. Helping protect Matt Ryan's blindside, the left tackle was named to his first Pro Bowl last season.
Thomas DeCoud, S - 3rd round, 98th overall (2008); time with Falcons: 2008-2013
DeCoud was named a Pro Bowler in 2012 when he intercepted six passes. He started 78 games for Atlanta in six seasons and picked off the opposing quarterback 14 times altogether.
DeAngelo Hall, CB - 1st round, 8th overall (2004); time with Falcons: 2004-2007
While he only played four seasons with the Falcons before being traded, Hall was one of the better cornerbacks in the league during that time. He made two Pro Bowls, intercepted 17 passes, and had four defensive touchdowns.
Jonathan Babineaux, DT - 2nd round, 59th overall (2005); time with Falcons: 2005-2016
Playing all 12 of his NFL seasons with Atlanta, Babineaux ranks fifth in franchise history with 185 games played. He started 133 of those and sacked the opposing quarterback 27 times.
