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FLOWERY BRANCH – Here's the five things we learned from the Falcons pre-draft press conference today.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
1. Peterson discussions: The Falcons are not interested in Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson. "I think anytime you're dealing with the draft, your dealing with negotiations, there is going to be discussions about it," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "Our focus has been on this year's draft class, not on free agents at this point. We're ready to move on from that discussion."
2. Falcons are fielding calls about moving up and back in the draft: "There is a lot of discussion already about moving move ways with a lot of our peers in the league," Dimitroff said.
3. Shane Ray will be ready: The Falcons believe that Missouri outside linebacker Shane Ray will be medically cleared and ready to start the season.
4. Toddy Gurley update: The Falcons believe that Georgia running back Todd Gurley could be ready to play at the start of the season, too. "I'm not a physician, but I've been led to believe that he'll be ready somewhere doing the early parts (of the season) and, again, he's another guy that's going to have a sort of interesting influence on this draft given his talent along with the concerns on if he will back early or not," Dimitroff said.
5. Quinn on personnel: Falcons coach Dan Quinn on preparing for his first draft as a head coach: "It's been awesome. The fact that we got a chance to visit more prospects from a bigger area. Connecting with those guys all over has been great. For me, the biggest challenge was working with Thomas on maybe some of the offensive skill players, the receivers, quarterbacks and running backs. I tried to gain and learn as much as I could this offseason as I could. That part has been awesome."
CLICK HERE FOR LATEST VIDEO: D. Led: Dante Fowler Jr. Fits Falcons
FALCONS DRAFT BOARD
5 questions with Nebraska's Randy Gregory
5 questions with Kentucky's Bud Dupree
5 questions with Missouri's Shane Ray
5 questions with Clemson's Vic Beasley
5 questions with Alabama safety Landon Collins
5 questions with Alabama quarterback Blake Sims
5 questions with Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr.
5 questions with Oregoan DL Arik Armstead
5 questions with Miami inside linebacker Denzel Perryman
Falcons go to check out several Miami Hurricanes
Some of the attendees to the Falcons locals day
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ATLANTA FALCONS 2015 DRAFT PICKS
First round: 8th overall selection
Second round: 42nd overall selection
Third round: 73rd overall selection
Fourth round: 107th overall selection
Fifth round: 146th overall selection
Sixth round: 185th overall selection
Seventh round: 225th overall selection
Seventh round: 249th overall selection*
*Pick is from New England through St. Louis
POSITION-BY-POSITION FOR 2015 NFL DRAFT
Wednesday: Top 5 Inside Linebackers
Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman ,
Thursday: Top 5 defensive tackles
(Leonard Williams' Rugby skill will become handy in the NFL)
Friday: Top 5 defensive backs
Alabama's Landon Collins is the top safety prospect
Saturday: Top 5 special teamers
Dorsett, Alford could be top returners
Sunday: Top 5 edge rushers (defensive ends/outside linebackers).
Big Chuck Smith breaks down the top pass-rush prospects
Monday: Top 5 Offensive line
Georgia Tech's Shaquille Mason trying to convert to center for NFL
Tuesday: Top 5 Wide receivers
Georgia's Chris Conley now projects as a fourth-rounder
Wednesday, April 22: Top 5 Running backs
With clean bill of health, Gurley top running back in the draft
Thursday, April 23: Top 5 Quarterbacks
NFL must handle Winston, Mariota with care. Both need seasoning
Friday, April 24: Top 5 Tight ends
South Carolina's Rory "Buster" Anderson hopes to get his NFL shot
ICYMI: Here's a link to last year's Position-by-Position series.
