Rookie class contributes early in team’s fast start

While quarterback Matt Ryan gets his share of credit for the Falcons’ 4-2 start, the rest of the rookie class has helped out immensely.

“Not only a rookie quarterback, but a rookie left tackle, a rookie middle linebacker, a rookie slot receiver and a rookie nickel back,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Those five guys have made tremendous contributions to our football team in these first six games.”

The coaches stressed that the best players would play. The depth chart would not be based on seniority. That opened the door for the rookies to earn playing time.

“It also speaks strongly of our coaching staff to get that many rookies prepared to start in Game 1 of the National Football League season,” Smith said. “I think we’ve been able to identify what our players can and cannot do. We’ve tried to emphasize the strengths of our players.”

A look at how the 2008 draft class has performed:

> First-round pick (third overall), Matt Ryan, QB: Starter. In six starts, has completed 93 of 161 passes for 1,164 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions for 82.9 passer rating. Has been unflappable and shown an ability to throw deep, with touchdown passes of 62 and 70 yards.

> First round (21st), Sam Baker, LT: Starter. Has made five starts and is holding his own. Returned after being out with a concussion.

“He’s been credited with just giving up half of sack, by the official stats by Elias,” Smith said. “There were some times watching the tape [of the Bears game] that Sam did some things that look liked he’s been in this league for a long time.”

> Second round (37th), Curtis Lofton, MLB: Starter. Comes out on passing downs. Has 39 tackles.

“He’s done an outstanding job running to the football,” Smith said. “He’s a stuff-and-shed linebacker that makes a lot of plays in the run game.”

> Third round (68th), Chevis Jackson, CB: Nickel back. Tackling well.

“Chevis Jackson continues to progress as a nickel back,” Smith said. “That’s one of the most difficult positions because things happen so fast in the slot where he lines up the majority of time.”

> Third round (84th), Harry Douglas, WR: Third receiver in the slot. Had five catches for 96 yards against the Bears and a heads-up kickoff return to set up the game-winning drive.

“Harry did a very good job of getting as many yards as he could and then getting down on the ground,” Smith said. “For him to get down and allow us enough time to throw that timing route was a big play, especially for a rookie.”

> Third round (98th), Thomas DeCoud, FS: Played on special teams in four games. Has not made a contribution from scrimmage. Was inactive for the Chicago game.

> Fifth round (138th), Robert James, LB: Suffered head injury in training camp. Is on injured reserve.

> Fifth round (154th), Kroy Biermann, DE: In defensive-line rotation. Plays 12 to 25 snaps a game.

“He’s progressing well,” Smith said. “He’s got some quarterback pressures and hurries.”

> Sixth round (172nd), Thomas Brown, RB: Injured in preseason. Is on injured reserve.

> Seventh round (212th), Wilrey Fontenot, CB: Released. Is on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad.

> Seventh round (232nd), Keith Zinger, TE: Released. Re-signed to practice squad. Is working on his blocking.

NEXT FOR FALCONS

> Who: at Eagles

> When: 1 p.m. Oct. 26

> TV; radio: Fox; 92.9 FM