Draft Analysis: Atlanta Falcons
Posted: Sunday June 07, 1998 08:56 PM
Keith
Brooking 1st round, 12th overall
Linebacker,
Georgia Tech
Comments: Will have immediate impact on suspect
linebacker unit. Will likely be middle linebacker in future, but with
veteran Jessie Tuggle
being only productive guy in unit, he may start his career as starter at
strong-side linebacker. Bob
Hallen 2nd round, 53rd overall
Center, Kent
Comments: Highly regarded center going into the draft ...
would fit Atlanta better at tackle than center but he lacks tackle size,
although he has some experience playing there. Good pass-protection guy
that will probably get a look at both positions in training camp ... would
be good addition to offensive line where ever he ends up. Jammi
German 3rd round, 74th overall
Receiver, Miami
Comments: Could be a risky pick here, as German had to sit
out all of last season because of off the field problems. If it's all
behind him, he has chance to use excellent speed to become go-to receiver.
Omar
Brown 4th round, 103rd overall
Safety, North
Carolina
Comments: Great intangibles-type guy with only
average measurables and athletic ability ... versatility is best asset and
he gets in good position ... if he has enough athletic ability, will be
groomed as backup free safety in hopes he can eventually develop into
starter. Tim Dwight
4th round, 114th overall
Receiver, Iowa
Comments: Will likely handle all of the punt-return duties as a
rookie. Loss of star receiver Bert Emanuel means he may
also have to contribute as No. 3 receiver. Has deceptive speed, can take
you on deep ... great special-teams guy. Elijah
Williams 6th round, 166th overall
Cornerback,
Florida
Comments: Three-year running back at UF before
moving to cornerback ... good athletic ability and fairly natural at
cornerback for lack of experience ... lack of height will hinder him in red
zone ... developmental guy that could possibly contribute as nickel
cornerback. Ephraim
Salaam 7th round, 199th overall
Tackle, San Diego
State
Comments: Underachiever in college, but has a lot of
potential. Has quick feet, but needs to get a lot tougher. Falcons don't
have much at right tackle, will compete for open spot -- effort and
attitude are question marks, Ken
Oxendine 7th round, 201st overall
Running back,
Virginia Tech
Comments: Strange pick, with already crowded
backfield for Falcons. Lacks great speed and explosion but solid and
productive guy with good power ... will have tough time making this
squad. Henry
Slay 7th round, 203rd overall
Defensive tackle, W.
Virginia
Comments: Not a real exciting guy but solid and
productive player. May have shot at backup tackle spot unless last year's
pick Nathan Davis decides
he wants to play ... gets by on hard work and effort, but has only average
skills ... may wind up on practice squad if Falcons see any developmental
qualities.
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