Falcons do well in the draft, with three picks, three starters

The Atlanta Falcons draft grades are in, and Rich McKay's work is being admired around NFL circles. Most insiders are calling it a "job well done."

Vic Carucci, who's covered the NFL for 28 years and is now National Editor at NFL.com, told us on the Buck & Kincade Show that the Falcons were among the "winners on draft day." According to most, McKay was able to address needs "without reaching, so they got great value."

Most of the Falcons draft day grades were of the B-plus to A variety.

Up top, McKay grabbed defensive end Jamaal Anderson, who has tremendous upside. That means, in a couple of years, this guy has the talent to emerge as an impact player. One of those dudes that opposing offensive coordinators must scheme and account for. Of course, he's got to play now, with the Kerney exit.

At the top of the second round, the Falcons used their Matt Schaub trade pick on the top offensive guard in the draft. Justin Blaylock has already been penciled in as the starter at left guard. The mountain of a man from Texas is a powerful, punishing run blocker. He protected Vince Young, and now he is set to protect Mike Vick.

Falcons fans have been screaming for O-Line help. Vick was probably so thrilled about this pick that he immediately called Blaylock to welcome him aboard, right? Ah, no. Blaylock is still waiting on that call.

McKay also got Coach Mike Zimmer some secondary help. Chris Houston is a cover corner that is fast and strong. Plug him in too. He will play immediately.

Three picks, three starters.

Stephen Nicholas, a fourth-round selection from South Florida, might also emerge as a starter in his rookie season. Bobby Petrino has great respect for this guy because of the way he performed against his Louisville offense. Nicholas always seemed to know what play was coming and always seemed to be in the right place to make the play.

With Demorrio Williams now out for an extended period with an injury, look for Nicholas to take over at the weakside linebacker spot. Go get 'm, kid.

Georgia tight end Martrez Milner and Auburn's David Irons have a shot to make the club too. Nice of McKay to recognize some local talent, too.

There was only one black cloud for the Falcons over the draft weekend. And this late news really hurts this team.

Rod Coleman, the Falcons All-Pro defensive tackle, called up McKay just as the draft was ending Sunday evening to tell him he'd been injured on a local lake. Surgery on a torn quad will keep him out 3-5 months.

What a bummer. Had McKay received that bad news phone call a little earlier he could have taken a defensive tackle before the sixth round. A local tryout might be the only way to find help now.