2013 NFL Draft primer: Atlanta Falcons
Houston defensive back D.J. Hayden stand on the field during the first half of the TicketCity Bowl against Penn State. (Jan. 2, 2012) Credit: AP
The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft kicks off on April 25, and every team will look to build for both present and future. This is the 28th in a two-a-day, 30-part series that looks at each team and which potential first-round picks would be a good fit.
2012 record: 13-3
Atlanta signed only two new players this offseason. But those two players -- Osi Umenyiora and Steven Jackson -- kept the Falcons in the discussion for best team in the NFC.
Both Umenyiora and Jackson filled holes left by cap casualties John Abraham and Michael Turner. That leaves only one big hole remaining on the roster -- cornerback. Three prospects could be available at No. 30, and each one has their own skill set.
Houston's D.J. Hayden may be the most interesting option (as well as the one with the highest upside). Hayden has the overall skill sets to succeed, demonstrating good speed and hands in his four seasons with the Cougars. But a freak injury during his senior season tore his inferior vena cava, a major blood vessel, and left him in a fight for his life. He was cleared by doctors and posted a blazing 4.33 in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. His injury may have scared some teams out of drafting him, but he might be a great value at this stage in the draft.
There's also Boise State's Jamar Taylor. The 5-11 Taylor has a nice combination of speed (4.39) and strength to get physical with his man (his 22 bench press reps at the Combine were tied for the most among cornerbacks). He needs to work on his tackling and his ability to recognize play-action but his athleticism should be enough to warrant Day 1 consideration.
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