(Sports Network) -
2 - Peter Konz, OG, Wisconsin (6-5, 314); 3 - Lamar Holmes, OT, Southern
Mississippi (6-5, 323); 5 - Bradie Ewing, FB, Wisconsin (6-0, 239); 5 -
Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy (6-2, 264); 6 - Charles Mitchell, S, Mississippi
State (5-11, 202); 7 - Travian Robertson, DT, South Carolina (6-4, 302)
Top Picks Analysis: The Falcons had relinquished their first and fourth-round
picks as part of last year's blockbuster trade-up for wide receiver Julio
Jones, but were able to earmark both second-day choices towards fortifying the
offensive line. Konz was a three-year starter at center for a prolific rushing
attack at Wisconsin who gets high marks for both his smarts and toughness, but
will likely spend his rookie season as Atlanta's starting right guard. He's a
solid run blocker with good size and anticipation, but isn't overly strong and
carries some medical concerns after missing each of the last three seasons
with various injuries. Holmes is a developmental tackle with extremely long
arms who put himself on the draft radar with an impressive combine showing,
but won't be ready to contribute right away. General manager Thomas Dimitroff
went back to Wisconsin in the fifth round to grab Ewing, a traditional lead-
blocking fullback with special-teams experience who may make veteran Ovie
Mughelli expendable.
Best Value Pick: Massaquoi is a promising pass rusher who racked up 19 1/2
sacks over his two seasons at a Troy program that previously produced NFL
standouts DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora. Dimitroff's best decision of the
week, however, was making the trade with Philadelphia for four-time Pro Bowl
cornerback Asante Samuel at the minimal cost of a seventh-round pick.
Questionable Calls: With Tony Gonzalez probably hanging it up after this
season, a tight end with pass-catching skills that can take over afterward
would have been a boon. The same goes for a running back that can eventually
replace the wearing-down Michael Turner. Although the team is high on
diminutive second-year pro Jacquizz Rodgers, he's not built to be a every-down
player.
Summary: Dimitroff was a bit short-handed due to the Jones trade, so it would
have been tough to come up with a class that would make a substantial impact
immediately. Konz should help if he can stay healthy, but that's just one of a
few ifs that this particular haul presents.
FINAL GRADE: C
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