Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Rate the Falcons’ 2018 NFL Draft

Calvin Ridley (26th): Wide receiver caught at least one pass in all 44 games of his career at Alabama. Isaiah Oliver (58th): Defensive back had 32 passes defensed, 10th in school history, in three-year career at Colorado. Deadrin Senat (90th): Defensive tackle had 178 tackles, 23.5 for a loss, and seven sacks, in four years at South Florida. Ito Smith (126th): Running back led team in rushing in each of this four seasons at Southern Miss. Russell Gage (194th): Wide receiver had 347 receiving yards and 232
By AJC Sports
April 30, 2018

The Atlanta Falcons used four of its six picks in the 2018 NFL Draft this weekend on deep south products.

First-round wide receiver Calvin Ridley and third-round defensive tackle Deadrin Senat hail from Florida. Fourth-round running back Ito Smith is from Alabama. Sixth-round special teams ace Russell Gage is from Louisiana.

Do you like who the Falcons picked on draft weekend? What grade would you give the Falcons’ draft? Make your selections below.

About the Author

AJC Sports
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (right) shakes hands with Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (left) after the Carolina Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime 30-27 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Cousins, defense and more: 5 things we learned in the Falcons’ loss to Panthers

The Falcons, with injuries mounting, will have to rely more on backups, beginning Sunday at New Orleans.

OPINION

Falcons’ Plan B is Kirk Cousins, which isn’t the most hopeful plan

With Michael Penix Jr. sidelined for at least four games, Atlanta's outlook for the rest of the season is grim based on Cousins’ performances in 2025.

Falcons’ Morris on losing Penix to injury: ‘It’s just heartbreaking’

As Atlanta waits for a second opinion on its quarterback's knee, coach Raheem Morris turns team's focus to ending a five-game losing streak.

The Latest

Falcons coach Raheem Morris (center) has a discussion with referees during the second half against the Panthers on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons’ Morris on losing Penix to injury: ‘It’s just heartbreaking’

OPINION

Falcons’ Plan B is Kirk Cousins, which isn’t the most hopeful plan

Cousins, defense and more: 5 things we learned in the Falcons’ loss to Panthers

Featured

Travelers wait in Concourse F, the international terminal, at Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Why cell service, Wi-Fi have been spotty at ATL’s international terminal

There are several reasons why it has been tough to get reliable cell service and Wi-Fi access at Concourse F and the international terminal. A completed fix is coming soon.

POLITICALLY GEORGIA

Georgia’s top Republican US Senate candidates now back release of Epstein files

U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter, Mike Collins and Derek Dooley say they back a bill in the U.S. House that to force the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019.

Falcons put Penix on injured reserve; he’ll miss at least 4 games.

Kirk Cousins will be the starting QB after taking the reins in third quarter of Sunday’s loss.