Falcons select corner Chris Owens in 3rd round

Flowery Branch - Chris Owens, a cornerback from San Jose State, was selected by the Falcons in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft on Sunday.

Owens was the 90th player taken overall. The Falcons needed to address the position after Domonique Foxworth, the team’s top cornerback last season, signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

Owens, 5-foot-9 and 181 pounds, has six interceptions as a junior. Teams elected not to throw to his side of the field last season.

“The first four or five games, no passes came my way,” Owens said. “You can watch the tape of the San Diego State game and not one pass came my way the whole entire game.”

Owens started 38 of 48 games at San Jose State, including his final 37 games at right cornerback. Chris Houston is the Falcons starting right cornerback.

San Jose State plays in the Western Athletic Conference, but Owens has faced some pro level competition.

He used to practice against Green Bay wide receiver James Jones, who also went to San Jose State. He said that Green Bay’s Jordy Nelson was tough to defend in college.

“I picked off Josh Freeman when we played Kansas State,” Owens said. “I played well against Nelson.”

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff worked out Owens. The Falcons have been actively scouting Owens since last spring.

“I told my brother the night before that I felt good about the Falcons,” Owens said. “They showed a lot of interest. I was hoping and praying that they drafted me.”

Falcons coach Mike Smith was impressed with Owens’ man-to-man coverage skills.

“He knew from watching the tape and even in high school, all I did was play man to man,” Owens said. “I’m skilled at that technique.”

Owens’ height is likely what kept him from being drafted higher. At times, he struggled against bigger receivers.

He tries to use his speed and quickness to make up for any size disadvantage.

“It’s all about positioning,” said Owens, who has a 35 1/2-inch vertical jump. “If I’m in position I can compete for the ball at the highest point. I’ve been playing against bigger wideouts. That’s been a knock on me in the past, but I’m ready for that right now.”