Football experts say you can't really grade an NFL Draft class until it has played three seasons in the league. Despite this bit of knowledge, some still insist on assigning grades immediately after a Draft is completed, but I guess we all need to be entertained by something in the wake of what has become a very busy three days.
I tend to agree with those who say you need to give a Draft class time before you start doling out grades. USA Today agrees, as well.
Nate Davis of USA Today hit the rewind button to assign some grades to the 2008 NFL Draft class. And if you were paying attention to the Falcons that year, it'll be no surprise to you that the first Draft class of general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith topped Davis' honor roll list.
To remind you of that class, it was the introduction of Matt Ryan to Atlanta, and if I remember correctly, there were a lot of experts calling for the Falcons to take LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey with the No. 3 overall pick that year. They said Ryan's interception total during his senior season at Boston College was too much of a concern, while Dorsey was about as sure as sure gets.
This is precisely the reason you don't go giving grades and judging a Draft class until the players have had a chance to prove themselves. Ryan was certainly the correct pick for Atlanta as he boasts a 33-14 record as a pro, as well as a Pro Bowl selection in his three years with the Falcons.
Also members of that Draft class are: Sam Baker, Curtis Lofton, Thomas DeCoud, Kroy Biermann and Harry Douglas.
How do you grade the Falcons' 2008 Draft?
