Falcons rewind: Top draft picks of the 1980s

Sports

Falcons rewind: Top draft picks of the 1980s

With the 2017 NFL Draft approaching, let's take a look back at some Falcons draft history with their top picks of the 1980s.

With the 2017 NFL Draft approaching, let's revisit Falcons draft picks of years gone by -- including the franchise's top picks of the 1980s.

The Falcons' final No. 1 pick of the 1980s was arguably their best -- 1989 top draft pick Deion Sanders of Florida State.

Deion Sanders played five seasons with the Falcons and was inducted into the franchise's Ring of Fame in 2010.

The Falcons top pick in 1988 -- and the top pick of the draft as shown here with NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle -- was Auburn's Aundray Bruce.

Aundray Bruce tries to stay warm on the sidelines during a game at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.

Oregon quarterback Chris Miller was the Falcons' top pick in the 1987 draft.

Oklahoma's Tony Casillas was the Falcons' top pick in the 1986 NFL Draft.

The Falcons used their top pick in the 1985 NFL Draft to select Pitt offensive lineman Bill Fralic.

The top pick in 1984 was used to select Oklahoma's Rick Bryan.

The Falcons selected running back Gerald Riggs with their top pick in 1982. (Not pictured -- 1983 top pick Mike Pitts).

Florida State cornerback Bobby Butler was the franchise's top draft pick in 1981.

The Falcons used the No. 8 pick in the 1980 draft to select North Carolina linebacker Buddy Curry, but their top pick that year -- the No. 7 pick in the draft -- was Nebraska tight end Junior Miller (not pictured).

1/12

With the 2017 NFL Draft approaching, let's revisit Falcons draft picks of years gone by -- including the franchise's top picks of the 1980s.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Pelicans vs Hawks game

PHOTOS: Hawks defeat Pelicans

Pelicans vs Hawks game

PHOTOS: Trae Young reportedly traded to Wizards

aajc 010626 tech syracuse basketball

PHOTOS: Georgia Tech's comeback falls short in loss to Syracuse in ACC basketball

Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints

PHOTOS: Falcons defeat Saints to win season finale

More Galleries

Sugar Bowl Game

PHOTOS: Georgia upset by Ole Miss in Sugar Bowl

Sugar Bowl Game

PHOTOS: Georgia prepares for Sugar Bowl

123125 sugar bowl parade

PHOTOS: Sugar Bowl Parade

aajc 123025 team media day sugar bowl

Photos: Georgia football players, coaches during Sugar Bowl team media day