Falcons draft picks - by the numbers

Atlanta Falcons

Through nearly 50 NFL Drafts the Atlanta Falcons have taken more defensive ends with their first pick, more running backs than any other position and only on Hall of Famer.

The Falcons like the Sooners. Since 1966, Atlanta has drafted more players from Oklahoma than any other school. Most notable was nose tackle Tony Casillas, whom the Falcons selected 2nd overall in the 1986 NFL Draft. Casillas spent five years in Atlanta, accumulating 478 tackles - the most ever by any Falcons defensive lineman.

In 1970 and 1974 the Falcons used five of their 17 draft choices on running backs. The first of those 10 running backs selected was Art Malone (2nd round, 13th pick in 1970), who played five seasons for the Falcons.

Matt Bosher (6th round, 192 overall, 2011) is one of five punters selected by the Falcons in an NFL Draft.

Since 1966, the Atlanta Falcons have drafted more running backs (75) than any other position on the field. Only five times have the Falcons selected a running back with their first pick in the draft. Among the few was Gerald Riggs, who was drafted 9th overall by Atlanta. Riggs played seven years with the Falcons, rushing for 6,631 yards - a franchise record.

Atlanta has selected nine players from Georgia since 1966. Among the notable selections was quarterback D.J. Shockley, who was taken in the seventh round (223 overall) in 2006. Shockley served as the Falcons backup quarterback for nearly four seasons.

The Falcons have drafted six players from Georgia Tech. Among the notable selections was linebacker Keith Brooking (56), who the Falcons selected 12th overall in the 1998 draft. Brooking made five straight Pro Bowls as a Falcon, and is one of a few Falcons to have 200 tackles in a season.

In nearly 50 NFL drafts, the Falcons have selected one player that has been elected to the Football Hall of Fame. Cornerback Deion Sanders was the 4th overall draft pick in 1989. During five years in Atlanta, Sanders intercepted 24 passes (including a career high 7 in 1993), three of which he returned for touchdowns. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Through 48 NFL drafts, Atlanta has selected 34 players who have gone to be Pro Bowl selections. Among the notable picks is quarterback Matt Ryan, an NFL Rookie of the Year who has been to the Pro Bowl twice (2010, 2012).

The Atlanta Falcons drafted quarterback Brett Favre 33rd overall in the 1991 draft. After two disappointing seasons in Atlanta, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers where he went on to have a Hall of Famer career and was voted league MVP three seasons in a row (1995-97).

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The Falcons like the Sooners. Since 1966, Atlanta has drafted more players from Oklahoma than any other school. Most notable was nose tackle Tony Casillas, whom the Falcons selected 2nd overall in the 1986 NFL Draft. Casillas spent five years in Atlanta, accumulating 478 tackles - the most ever by any Falcons defensive lineman.

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