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ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 10: John Rade #59 of the Atlanta Falcons in position during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 10, 1991 at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta , Georgia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Falcons only have five picks this year, and none before the middle of the second round. That means we’re going to be waiting a while to see who they pick, and we have time to let our thoughts wander to topics like…who they picked the last time they had these selections.
As I do every year, I’m answering that question. This year’s set of five draft pick numbers feature a mix of really good Falcons acquired with non-premium picks and guys you have never, ever heard of. Let’s get to it.
#48
End Phil Sheridan, 1966
Sheridan, a Notre Dame product, was a third round pick for the Falcons in their initial draft class but never played in an NFL game.
#79
RB William Andrews, 1979
RB Jerious Norwood, 2011
This seems to be a good spot to get a running back. Andrews is the all-time franchise record holder for receptions by a running back and is third in rushing yards, and might have made a real push for a Hall of Fame career if not for injuries.
Norwood wasn’t that good, but was a productive addition to the backfield over five seasons in Atlanta and a mighty fun player when he was allowed to flash his wheels.
#122
DB Von Mansfield, 1982
The Wisconsin product appeared in 10 NFL games—none for the Falcons, seven in 1982, and three in 1987—with one career interception. Just getting on the field five years after your initial NFL action is kind of impressive, though.
#215
WR Bobby Moten, 1967
WR Alvin Griffin, 1971
LB John Rade, 1983
LB Ronnie Washington, 1985
DB Corey Hall, 2001
Moten, Griffin, and Hall combined to appear in just six NFL games, but the other two picks were more productive. Washington had a half sack in 16 games with Atlanta and appeared in four games with two other teams.
Rade, meanwhile, is a forgotten but underrated linebacker. He appeared in 122 games (112 starts) over nine seasons in Atlanta, with 10.5 sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. He was a 1983 All-Rookie selection and led the team in tackles in 1987 and 1988. Not bad for a late pick!
#231
G Jim Vining, 1966
Another pick from the very first draft class who never got on the field for Atlanta.
