Falcons take Marist product Middleton in 5th round

Flowery Branch - William Middleton, a cornerback from Marist High and Furman, was selected by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL draft on Sunday.

The Falcons also made a trade in the fifth round with the Dallas Cowboys. They sent the 143rd pick to Dallas for the 156th and picked up the 210th pick, the first pick of the seventh round.

Middleton, 5-10, 193-pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds during his pro day workout in March.

Middleton graduated from Furman with a degree in biology and post-football plans to attend medical school.