Survivor I - Atlanta Falcons Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Positives - The Atlanta Falcons led the NFL in sacks in 2004 with 48. They also had 29 turnovers and 5 special teams and defensive touchdowns. The addition of Edgerton Hartwell to play alongside Keith Brooking should make a solid core for the Falcons to attack on defense.

Negatives - Their schedule is tougher this season due to winning the NFC South this past season. The Falcons ran the ball 55% of the time last season, and their success in rushing the ball led to less time on the field for the defense to make plays. They only held opponents to 10 points or less 4 times last year.

Draft Strategy - There are no points for yardage and unless a team throws a shutout, points against count very little as well. The scoring system dictates that turnovers and sacks are where the points come from, and this is what the Falcons do well. I like the additions the Falcons have made on defense and wanted to pick my 1st defense before the runs started. Three more defenses were selected in the 10 picks after mine.