The NFL's Top 50 Draft Classes of the Decade: No. 47 Atlanta Falcons, 2008

47. Atlanta Falcons, 2008
Notable Selections: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College (No. 3), Sam Baker, T, USC (No. 21), Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma (No. 37), Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU (No. 68), Harry Douglas, WR, Louisville (No. 84), Thomas DeCoud, DB, California (No. 98), Kroy Biermann, LB, Montana (No.154).
* Atlanta traded the No. 34, No. 48, and No. 103 pick to Washington for the No. 21, No. 84, and No. 154 picks.
Team Achievements: 20-12, 2008 Wild Card berth.
Class Accolades: Matt Ryan - Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008, 38 career touchdowns and 25 interceptions, 20-10 as Falcons' starter.
Sam Baker - 19 starts as a Falcon.
Curtis Lofton - 2-year Falcons' starter, 218 total tackles, No. 6 in tackles in 2009 (133).
Chevis Jackson - 60 total tackles and 7 pass deflections in 2 seasons.
Harry Douglas - 23 catches and 320 yards in 2008.
Thomas DeCoud - Started all 16 games in 2009, compiling 68 tackles and 3 interceptions.
Kroy Biermann - 70 tackles and 7 sacks in 2 seasons with Atlanta.

Overall Draft Analysis: Ryan's impressive first two NFL seasons certainly merit the Falcons' No. 3 overall selection in 2008. As Offensive Rookie of the Year, Ryan (and free-agent addition Michael Turner) led Atlanta to the postseason, an impressive feat considering the team recorded only 4 wins in 2007. Ryan served as a rare exception to the typical rookie quarterback "learning curve." If Ryan remains healthy and the team builds upon a solid nucleus of rising stars, expect Pro Bowls and regular playoff berths in Atlanta's immediate future. Ultimately, top-flight quarterback play generally correlates to sustained success in the NFL. The subsequent performance of the league's latest aspiring quarterbacks, such as Ryan, Henne, Flacco, Young, Cutler, Stafford, Freeman and Sanchez, will ultimately differentiate draft classes in the future.

Offensive tackle Sam Baker should continue to improve as a fixture on the Falcons' line. In retrospect, Atlanta's trade with Washington may appear a slight reach on the surface, but the trade was ultimately necessary due to a thin class of available offensive tackles. Remarkably, zero teams drafted an offensive tackle in the entire second round. Undersized run-stuffer Curtis Lofton excelled during his sophomore season manning the middle, already ranking as the Falcons' best defensive player. DeCoud and Biermann have emerged as pleasant defensive surprises for the for Atlanta's defense, considering how deep in the draft the team selected the duo. Jackson's limited production and Douglas' season-ending injury, suffered during last year's training camp, serve as rare disappointments from the Falcons' 2008 exceptional draft class.

The Falcons' "Perfect Draft" in Retrospect
(Keeping actual trades, only players of same position are eligible)
No. 3 - QB Matt Ryan, No. 21 - OT Duane Baker, No. 37 - LB Curtis Lofton, No. 68 - CB Dwight Lowery, No. 84 - WR Mario Manningham, No. 98 - S Tvyon Branch, No. 138 - LB Kroy Biermann, No. 154 - LB Geno Hayes, No. 172 - RB Justin Forsett, No. 212 - CB Chris Horton, No. 232 - TE Joey Haynos (Undrafted).

References:
All stats, draft results, and biographical information as referenced from http://www.pro-football-reference.com.