For most of the last twenty plus years, many NFL scouting departments have known that picking players from the talent rich University of Georgia Football program, quite often pays great dividends for your team’s roster.
Since the early 2000s, the Bulldogs have produced players such as future Super Bowl winning QB Matthew Stafford, Pro Bowl WR A.J. Green, LB Roquan Smith and many other impact players all throughout the NFL landscape.
Atlanta Falcons fans have wondered for many years, why it seems the Falcons decision makers have almost purposely chosen not to bring any former Bulldogs into locker room in Flowery Branch?
But it appears that the Terry Fontenot-Arthur Smith regime, will have a different approach when it comes to drafting UGA talent.
Although the Falcons decided to pass on highly regarded UGA players Jordan Davis (#13 to PHI) in the 1st round, and Nakobi Dean (#83 to PHI) in the 3rd round, the Falcons did select two players from the 2021 National Championship Bulldog roster.
With the 190th pick overall, the Falcons selected OG Justin Shaffer (6-3, 313lbs), who should challenge immediately for playing time on the Falcons offensive line.
In the sixth round, the Dirty Birds selected TE John FitzPatrick (6’7, 262 lbs) with pick #213.
FitzPatrick has the chance to be yet another big target for the Falcons in red zone territory and is expected to provide even more blocking for the running game and in short yardage situations.
Will the drafting of these two ex-Bulldogs be a sign of more things to come in the Atlanta Falcons future, or just a feel good moment for the combined fan bases?
The 2023 NFL Draft will take place April 27-29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.