We’re in the quieter part of the NFL offseason, with training camp still a few weeks away. During this time, players and coaches enjoy their remaining summer days. Meanwhile, those covering the league are finding creative ways to fill the content gap.
Ben Solak, an ESPN national NFL analyst, has taken a unique approach by identifying the best player selected at each draft slot during the modern era. Solak defines “best” as a mix of “most talented and most successful,” and his list is intended as a starting point for discussion among fans.
Solak’s analysis includes seven players from the Atlanta Falcons:
– Pick No. 5: Deion Sanders
– Pick No. 33: Brett Favre
– Pick No. 79: William Andrews
– Pick No. 90: Matt Schaub
– Pick No. 137: Grady Jarrett
– Pick No. 236: Tom Pridemore
– Pick No. 237: Todd McClure
These selections highlight some of the greatest Falcons players, including William Andrews, Grady Jarrett, and Todd McClure.
Regarding Brett Favre’s inclusion on this list, Solak wrote: “The 33rd pick has produced four Hall of Famers, but Isaac Bruce, Fred Dean and Ted Hendricks can’t clear the value of Favre, a three-time MVP and one of the league’s most electric passers ever.”
Notably absent from Solak’s list are more recent Falcons stars like Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. At pick number three overall, Barry Sanders was chosen over Ryan; similarly, Walter Jones was preferred over Julio Jones at pick number six.
Current Falcons such as Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Michael Penix Jr., all drafted eighth overall in various years, have yet to surpass Solak’s choice for that spot—49ers legend Ronnie Lott.
Interestingly enough for Atlanta fans at ninth-overall selection comes Hall-of-Fame tackle Bruce Matthews—father to current Falcon Jake Matthews—but never played for them directly despite representing said pick perfectly well according to many experts alike given his long career spanning nineteen seasons making fourteen Pro Bowl appearances along way justifying son’s own sixth-round placement back when drafted during year two-thousand-fourteen!
Tom Pridemore deserves mention too since he stood out while playing both football professionally eight years within organization intercepting twenty-one passes recovering thirteen fumbles plus simultaneously serving West Virginia House Delegates during same timeframe something rarely seen among athletes today though quite common perhaps decades prior so says Mr.Ben himself now shared through quote above showcasing why people remember him fondly even now post-career having ended sometime ago already gone past memories continue living strong until this day ahead beyond mere statistics alone truly timeless figure forever cherished throughout entire community whom knew loved appreciated everything done achieved once upon distant history past still very much present moment somehow still resonating deeply hearts minds everywhere near far alike thanks largely due amazing stories told retold countless occasions over years since first emerged spotlight shining brightly then brighter than ever before always ensuring legacy remains intact despite passage relentless march forward time itself unyielding yet respectful nodding approvingly acknowledging greatness whenever witnessed firsthand…
An exclusive interview with Ben Solak will appear on the Atlanta Falcons Podcast Network before training camp begins.
