DEL.ICIO.USThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/28/08
Flowery Branch — Curtis Lofton, the Falcons' second-round draft pick, is the heir apparent to Keith Brooking at middle linebacker.
"He's another guy that brings leadership to the program," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "He has athletic drive. He's rangy. He's going to sure up the inside."
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| Falcons project former Oklahoma linebacker Curtis Lofton, the Big 12 defensive player of year, to be aable back up Keith Brooking at middle linebacker or Michael Boley at strongside. | ||
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Lofton, the 37th player taken in the NFL draft, played the strongside linebacker position for most of his career at Oklahoma. He was eventually moved to middle linebacker.
"After my visit, I talked with my linebacker coach and discovered that he'd talked to Thomas Dimitroff," Lofton said. "At first, I was a little unsure if they'd pick me, but overall, I think it was awesome."
Lofton has a reputation for stopping the run and can deliver big hits. He was projected to be a first-round selection before he ran a 4.77 in the 40-yard dash at February's NFL scouting combine. He improved to a 4.63 at Oklahoma's pro day on March 11.
"As a freshman, I came into Oklahoma as a middle linebacker and also played during my sophomore year," Lofton said. "They had a guy go down at the strong-side linebacker position and I was up for a job as a linebacker, so they switched me over.
"I started at that position for five games and it felt really good. At the start of my junior year, my linebacker coach moved me back to middle linebacker, and I've been there ever since."
The Falcons also could use Lofton to backup Michael Boley at strongside linebacker.
"I feel comfortable anywhere," Lofton said. "I definitely feel comfortable playing the middle position, but I also feel comfortable playing outside, too."
Lofton fits the mold of players the Falcons are attempting to amass.
"Our plan all along has been to add tough, physical football players," Falcons coach Mike Smith said.
The Falcons got a good recommendation from Lofton's coach.
"Bob Stoops, the head coach there at Oklahoma, stated that he's probably the best linebacker that has come out of that program and they've had some great linebackers through the years there at the University of Oklahoma," Smith said.
Lofton, the Big 12 defensive player of year, entered the draft after his junior season.
Last season, he averaged 11.2 tackles per game to ranked seventh in nation. He also had a sack, 10.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles.
His 157 total tackles were the most by an Oklahoma player since George Cumby had 160 tackles in 1979. Lofton started 19 games for the Sooners, and played in 39.
Lofton was the second linebacker taken in the draft. Cincinnati selected Southern California's Keith Rivers with the ninth overall pick.
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