The Bow Tie Chronicles: Falcons looking to add three starters from the 2020 draft

2008, Round 1, Pick 3: Matt Ryan, quarterback, became the starter as a rookie and has set franchise marks for yards and touchdowns. Where is he now? Ryan signed a record-setting, five-year contract extension in July 2013. He is the only remaining member of Dimitroff's first draft class still on the active roster.

2008, Round 1, Pick 21: Sam Baker, offensive tackle, made 61 starts in 75 games with the Falcons. No Pro Bowl selections. Where is he now? Baker was released by Atlanta in June 2015. He has not resigned with another team.

2008, Round 2, Pick 37: Curtis Lofton, linebacker, started in 63 of 64 games over four years with the Falcons. Had his most productive year in 2011 when he had 147 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 2 interceptions. He signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent in 2012. Where is he now? After two seasons with the Saints Lofton joined the Oakland Raiders. He was released March 2016.

2008, Round 3, Pick 68: Chevis Jackson, defensive back, made three starts in 31 games for the Falcons. Where is he now? Jackson was last on the Panthers' squad in 2011. Before that he was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos.

2008, Round 3, Pick 84: Harry Douglas, wide receiver, had 258 catches for 3,130 yards in 91 games over six seasons with the Falcons. No Pro Bowl selections. Where is he now? Douglas was released by the Falcons in February 2015 and is entering his second season with the Tennessee Titans.

2008, Round 3, Pick 98: Thomas DeCoud, defensive back, appared in 89 games, making 78 starts with the Falcons. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2012. He was released from the Falcons March 2014. Where is he now? He palyed one season with the Carolina Panthers, but remains a free agent.

2008, Round 5, Pick 138: Robert James, linebacker, played sporadically for the Falcons - primarily on special teams - before he was released before the 2013 season. Where is he now? James, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, has been a free agent since 2014.

2008, Round 5, Pick 154: Kroy Biermann, linebacker, has started in 37 of 98 games in Atlanta. No Pro Bowl selections. Where is he now? Married to reality star Kim Zolciak, Biermann is an unrestricted free agent.

2008, Round 6, Pick 172: Thomas Brown, running back, was injured in a preseason game in his rookie season and waived before the next season start. He signed with Cleveland, but never played in a game. Where is he now? Brown is co-offensive coordinator under his college coach, Mark Richt, at the University of Miami.

2008, Round 7, Pick 212: Wilrey Fontenot, defensive back, was a member of the Falcons' practice squad for one season. Where is he now? He was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals and was on their practice squad teams for two years. He has not played in the NFL since.

2008, Round 7, Pick 232: Keith Zinger, tight end, played in 15 games, starting in just two. Where is he now? Zinger had a short stint with the New York Jets in 2011 after leaving the Falcons.

2009, Round 1, Pick 24: Peria Jerry, defensive tackle, started in 29 of 64 games, registering 67 tackles and 5.5 sacks in five seasons. Where is he now? Jerry retired in 2014 with one year left on his contract.

2009, Round 2, Pick 55: William Moore, defensive back, made 61 starts with Atlanta. Moore, who was a Pro Bowl selection in 2012, had 365 tackles, 3 sacks and 16 interceptions in seven seasons with the Falcons. Where is he now? Moore, who signed a five-year, $32 million contract to stay with the Falcons in 2013, was released in February 2016. He is a free agent.

2009, Round 3, Pick 90: Chris Owens, defensive back, made six starts his rookie season. He would appear in 59 total games with Atlanta. Where is he now? Following his departure from the Falcons in 2013, Owens signed with the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions. He spent last season the New Orleans Saints.

2009, Round 4, Pick 125: Lawrence Sidbury, defensive end, spent three seasons with the Falcons, appearing in 48 games. Where is he now? Sidbruy signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2013 and has been a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the past two seasons.

2009, Round 5, Pick 138: William Middleton, defensive back, was waived before the season start in 2009. Middleton had two stints on the Falcons' practice squad. Where is he now? Middleton enjoyed three seasons on the Jacksonville Jaguars where he recorded 125 tackles and 2 interceptions. He has been a free agent since 2013, when he was a member of the San Diego Chargers.

2009, Round 5, Pick 156: Garrett Reynolds, offensive guard, made 23 starts with the Falcons. Where is he now? Reynolds spent a season with the Detriot Lions before signing with the Rams. He will be with the team when they move to Los Angeles.

2009, Round 6, Pick 176: Spencer Adkins, linebacker, appeared in 24 games, starting one, over two seasons with the Falcons, registering 12 tackles. Where is he now? Adkins was signed to the practice squads of the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants. He has been a free agent since 2014.

2009, Round 7, Pick 210: Vance Walker, defensive tackle, was a member of the Falcons for three seasons, making 11 starts in 58 games. Where is he now? Walker left Atlanta for the Oakland Raiders in 2013. He was a member of the Denver Broncos when they won Super Bowl 50.

2010, Round 1, Pick 19: Sean Weatherspoon, linebacker, made 41 starts in 47 games for the Falcons. He made 290 tackles and 8 sacks in four seasons. Weatherspoon missed the 2014 season with an injury and signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals for the 2015 season. Where is he now? The Falcons re-signed Weatherspoon to a one-year deal in March 2016.

2010, Round 3, Pick 83: Corey Peters, defensive tackle, played six seasons with the Falcons, starting in 55 of 71 games. Peters had 146 tackles and 11 sacks through 2014. Where is he now? Peters signed a three-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015. He sat out the 2015 season with an injury.

2010, Round 3, Pick 98: Mike Johnson, offensive guard, made one start in 18 games over four seasons for Atlanta. He played as at guard and blocking tight end. Where is he now? Johnson, who missed a his final year with a fractured fibula he suffered during the preseason, has not played for an NFL team since 2014.

2010, Round 4, Pick 117: Joe Hawley, center, played in 57 games, including 23 starts, on the Falcons' offensive line. He was released September 2015. Where is he now? Hawley, who was trying to come back from a double ligament knee surgery, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season.

2010, Round 5, Pick 135: Dominique Franks, defensive back, played in 48 games in three seasons for the Falcons, making 30 tackles and three interceptions. Where is he now? Franks signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2014 as a free agent, but appeared in just four games. He now plays for the Hudson Valley Fort of the Fall Experimental Football League.

Wide receiver Kerry Meier was selected in the fifth round in 2010 (165th overall). He spent the 2010 season on injury reserve. Meier appeared in 12 games in 2011 without recording a reception. The Falcons cut Meier prior to the 2012 season.

2010, Round 6, Pick 171: Shann Schillinger, defensive back, appeared in 37 games over three seasons with the Falcons, finishing with 19 tackles. He was released midway through the 2013 season. What happened next? Schillinger was claimed by the Tennessee Titans, playing in one game. Schillinger coaches safeties at the University of Minnesota football team.

2011, Round 3, Pick 91: Akeem Dent, linebacker, started in 20 of 47 games in Atlanta, making 136 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Dent was traded in 2014 to the Houston Texans for quarterback T.J. Yates. What happened next? Dent spent three seasons with the Texans, making 67 tackles with 1 sack in 43 games.

2011, Round 5, Pick 145: Jacquizz Rodgers, running back, had 305 carries for 1,116 yards an 5 touchdowns in a primarily back up role over 63 games in four seasons with Atlanta. What happened next? Rodgers signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears in the 2015 season where he saw limited action. He rushed for 560 yards and 2 touchdowns as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2016.

2011, Round 6, Pick 192: Matt Bosher, kicker, has made 321 punts, averaging 45.9 punts per yard, in 64 games for Atlanta. Where is he now? Bosher is signed through the 2019 season.

2011, Round 7, Pick 210: Andrew Jackson, offensive guard, did not appear in a game with the Falcons. What happened next? Jackson attempted to make the Buffalo Bills roster in 2012, but never played a down in the regular season.

2011, Round 7, Pick 230: Cliff Matthews, defensive end, appeared in 32 games for Atlanta, making 28 tackles and zero sacks. He was released by the Falcons in September 2015. What happened next? Matthews signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February 2016.

2012, Round 2, Pick 55: Peter Konz, center, started 28 games over his three seasons with the Falcons. Konz struggled during his first two years in the league. He tore his ACL last year. He was released in September 2015. What happened next? He remains a free agent.

2012, Round 3, Pick 91: Lamar Holmes, offensive tackle, appeared in 21 games over three seasons with the Falcons. He made 15 starts at both left and right tackle during the 2013 season. He was released by the Falcons during the 2015 season. What happened next? Holmes signed with the Detroit Lions in 2016, but did not make the roster.

2012, Round 5, Pick 157: Bradie Ewing, fullback, suffered an injury that sidelined him for his rookie year. He started in just two games the following with the Falcons before sidelined again by injury. He was waived in 2014. What happened next? Ewing signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014. He retired from the league in 2015.

2012, Round 5, Pick 164: Jonathan Massaquoi, defensive end, appeared in 40 games - making 7 starts - with the Falcons, making 70 tackles and 6 sacks. He was waived by the Falcons in February 2015. What happenednext? The Tennessee Titans claimed Massaquoi off waivers, but did not play for them in 2015. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2016.

2012, Round 6, Pick 192: Charles Mitchell, defensive back, appeared in 10 games, making 1 tackle, in his rookie season. He was release by the Falcons that year. What happened next? Mitchell signed a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos in 2014, but did not play a game.

2012, Round 7, Pick 249: Travian Robertson, defensive tackle, made 5 tackles in 13 games over two seasons with the Falcons. He was on the Falcons' practice squad in 2014, when he was signed by the Seattle Seahawks. Where is he now?Waived by the Seahawks, Robertson joined the Washington Redskins in the 2014 offseason and waived before the 2015 season. He is a free agent..

2013, Round 1, Pick 22: Desmond Trufant, defensive back, made his first Pro Bowl in 2015. In three seasons, Trufant has 173 tackles,1 sack and 6 interceptions -- 1 returned for a touchdown. Where is he now? Trufant, whose brothers Marcus and Isaiah also played in the NFL, agreed to a five-year extension with the Falcons worth $69 million in 2017.

2013, Round 2, Pick 60: Robert Alford, defensive back, has appeared in 57 games, making 144 tackles and 9 interceptions in four seasons with the Falcons. He returned an interception for a touchdown in the 2017 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. What happened next? Alford signed a four-year, $38 million contract extension with the Falcons in 2017.

2013, Round 4, Pick 127: Malliciah Goodman, defensive end, appeared in 36 games, making 11 starts, for the Falcons. He had 29 tackles -- 1 coming in two games in 2016. What happened next? Goodman played one game for the Seattle Seahawks after he was waived by the Falcons. The Falcons reacquired Goodman in 2016. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2017 season.

2013, Round 4, Pick 133: Levine Toilolo, tight end, has made 45 starts in 64 games with the Falcons. He has made 62 catches for 601 yards and 6 touchdowns. What happened next? Toilolo, used primarily as a blocker for most years, agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract extension with the Falcons in 2017.

2013, Round 5, Pick 153: Stansly Maponga, defensive end, appeared in 24 games, making 8 tackles, for the Falcons over two years. What happened next? The New York Giants claimed Maponga off the Falcons' practice squad in 2015. He appeared in two games with New York.

2013, Round 7, Pick 244: Zeke Motta, defensive back, appeared in 10 games, making 16 tackles his rookie season. He missed the entire 2014 season with a neck injury. He was released by the Falcons in 2015 after he failed a physical. What happened next? He has not play in the NFL.

September 18, 2014 Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kemal Ishmael (36) runs for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half during the first half in their NFL football game on Thursday, September 18, 2014. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

2013, Round 7, Pick 249: Sean Renfree, quarterback, had all of 11 passing yards in four seasons as a backup to Matt Ryan. What happened next? The Falcons waived Renfree after the 2016 season. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The stats say Falcons rookie tackle Jake Matthews has struggled, but the Falcons think he’s coming into his own. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM

2014, Round 2, Pick 37: Ra'Shede Hageman, defensive tackle, made 15 starts in 44 games over three seasons. He had 18 tackles in 12 games in 2016. What happened next? Hageman and a defensive line coach famously scuffled on the sidelines during a game in 2015. His role diminished, he is expected to continue to be a contributor on defense.

2014, Round 3, Pick 68: Dezmen Southward, defensive back, had 24 tackles, a sack and 1 interception in 18 games over two seasons. What happened next? The Falcons waived Southward in 2015. He signed on to the practice squads of the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers.

2014, Round 4, Pick 139: Prince Shembo, linebacker, appeared in 16 games - with three starts - his rookie season, contributing 59 tackles. What happened next? The Falcons released Shembo in May 2015 after he was arrested on an animal cruelty charge. He cleared waivers and remains a free agent.

2014, Round 5, Pick 147: Ricardo Allen, defensive back, made his mark in his sophomore season. Allen made 14 starts (68 total tackles, 1 sack, 3 INTs), but it was the finish in the season opener against the Eagles when he ran back an interception with 1:11 remaining to give the Falcons the upset win that left the biggest impression. What happened next? He made 16 starts in 2016, grabbing 2 interceptions. He is signed through the 2017 season.

2014, Round 5, Pick 168: Marquis Spruill, linebacker, suffered an ACL tear during training camp and did not play his rookie year. He failed to impress during preseason camp the following year and was waived. What happened next? He played one season with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts.

2014, Round 7, Pick 253: Yawin Smallwood, linebacker, did not survive roster cuts before his rookie season started and was waived. What happened next? Smallwood signed in November 2014 to the Tennessee Titans practice squad where he spent two seasons.

2014, Round 7, Pick 255: Tyler Starr, linebacker, spent his rookie season on the Falcons' practice squad and appeared in one game in 2015, contributing one tackle, with the Falcons. What happened next? Starr was on the second year of a two-year deal. He is a restricted free agent following the 2016 season.

2015, Round 2, Pick 42: Jalen Collins, defensive back, appeared in 16 games his rookie season, making 17 solo tackles. What happened next? Collins was suspended for the first four games in 2016 for using performance enhancing drugs. He had 32 tackles and 2 interceptions in 8 games.

2015, Round 3, Pick 73: Tevin Coleman, running back, entered his rookie season as the Falcons' featured back while Devonta Freeman nursed injuries. His carries dwindled, but managed 392 yards on 87 carries and one touchdown. What happened next? In year two, Coleman rushed for 520 yards on 118 carries and 8 touchdowns behind Freeman.

2015, Round 4, Pick 107: Justin Hardy, wide receiver, was targeted 36 times and had 21 catches for 194 yards in nine games his rookie year. What happened next? After spending summer working with Matt Ryan, Hardy had 21 catches for 203 yards and 4 touchdowns.

2015, Round 7, Pick 225: Jake Rodgers, offensive lineman, was waived before the season start. What happened next? Rodgers was signed by the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers to their practice squad.

2015, Round 7, Pick 249: Akeem King, defensive back, spent the first eight weeks of the season as a member of the Falcons' practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster in November, but he did not appear in a game. What happened next? King did not play in 2016 as was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons forces Willie Snead #83 of the New Orleans Saints to fumble during the second half at the Georgia Dome on January 1, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

January 14, 2017, Atlanta: Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in the final minutes of the fourth quarter to seal a 36-20 victory in a NFL football NFC divisional playoff game on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Falcons linebacker De’Vondre Campbell looks to make a tackle during training camp on Friday, July 29, 2016, in Flowery Branch.Curtis Compton /ccompton@ajc.com

2016, Round 6, Pick 195: Wes Schweitzer, offensive guard, did not play a snap his rookie season behind veteran right guard Christ Chester. What happened next? With Chester retiring, Schweitzer is expected to compete for the starting job in 2017.

2016, Round 7, Pick 238: Devin Fuller, wide receiver, spent his rookie season on injured reserve after he hurt his shoulder during an exhibition game. What happened next? Fuller gives the Falcons a deep threat. He had five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in his three preseason appearances a year ago. He also has potential as a kick returner.

Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Duke Riley (42) yells from the sidelines, during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Damontae Kazee (27) tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant (19), during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 31: Brian Hill #38 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

No. 85 -- Eric Saubert, tight end. The Falcons drafted Saubert in the fifth round of the 2017 draft out of Drake. Last Falcons to wear it: Leonard Hankerson, wide receiver.

2011, Round 1, Pick 6: Julio Jones, wide receiver, is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, starting in 94 games for the Falcons. What happened next? In 2015, Jones signed a five-year, $71.5 million extension with the Falcons. He set the Falcons' single season record for receiving yards (1,871) that season.

Atlanta Falcons' Devonta Freeman warms up before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Philadelphia.

FEBRUARY 5, 2017 HOUSTON TX Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (81) scores a touchdown in the second quarter as the Atlanta Falcons meet the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX, Sunday, February 5, 2017. Curtis Compton/AJC

2017, Round 1, Pick 26: Takk McKinley, defensive end, played in all 16 regular season games and the playoffs, recording 6 sacks and 15 tackles. What happened next? He is entering the second year of a four-year, $10.21 million contract.

2017, Round 4, Pick 136: Sean Harlow, offensive guard, spent the season in the Falcons’ developmental program. What happened next? Harlow is expected to compete for a roster spot in 2018.

Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins catches a pass for a touchdown against free safety Isaiah Oliver #20 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at FedExField on November 4, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

October 14, 2018 Atlanta: Atlanta Falcons defender Deadrin Senat levels Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston on a quarterback keeper during the second quarter in a NFL football game on Sunday, Oct 14, 2018, in Atlanta. The Falcons beat the Buccaneers 34-29. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 11: Ito Smith #25 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball in the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

12/16/2018 -- Atlanta, Georgia -- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage (83) completes a catch for a first down during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Sunday, December 16, 2018. The Atlanta Falcons beat the Arizona Cardinals, 40-14. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)

May 22, 2018 Flowery Branch: Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun runs a drill during organized team activities on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, in Flowery Branch. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom blocks New York Jets defensive lineman Kyle Phillips on a touchdown run by Ito Smith. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary loosens up for the second practice at training camp on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, in Flowery Branch.

Falcons' Kendall Sheffield goes down with an injury during an exhibition game against the New York Jets Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, at Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta.

John Cominsky #50 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after a sack in the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium on August 1, 2019 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Falcons rookie running back Qadree Ollison (30) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown - the first of his NFL career - against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Falcons' Jordan Miller (28) knocks the Rams' Nick Scott (33) out of bounds during the first half Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Injured Atlanta Falcons seventh round draft pick running back Marcus Green, who has a hamstring, watches over rookie minicamp practice Saturday, May 11, 2019, in Flowery Branch.

1/86

2008, Round 1, Pick 3: Matt Ryan, quarterback, became the starter as a rookie and has set franchise marks for yards and touchdowns. Where is he now? Ryan signed a record-setting, five-year contract extension in July 2013. He is the only remaining member of Dimitroff's first draft class still on the active roster.

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

Jan 22, 2020

In the 177th episode of The Bow Tie Chronicles podcast from the Senior Bowl, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff stops by to discuss the game and its importance to the pre-draft process. Also, Liberty wide receiver Antonio Golden-Gandy (Paulding High), Lenoir-Rhyne safety Kyle Dugger (Whitewater) and S.C. State tackle Alex Taylor discuss being a small college guy with something to prove in the Senior Bowl.

» MORE: Review all Thomas Dimitroff's draft picks

Subscribe to "The Bow Tie Chronicles" podcast with the AJC's D. Orlando Ledbetter on iTunes or on the new AJC sports podcasts page.

About the Author

D. Orlando Ledbetter

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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