(Sports Network) -

1 - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College (6-5, 228); 1 - Sam Baker, T, USC (6-5, 309); 2 - Curtis Lofton, LB, Oklahoma (6-0, 243); 3 - Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU (6-0, 192); 3 - Harry Douglas, WR, Louisville (5-11, 177); 3 - Thomas DeCoud, S, California (6-1, 207); 5 - Robert James, LB, Arizona State (5-11, 226); 5 - Kroy Biermann, OLB, Montana (6-3, 246); 6 - Thomas Brown, RB, Georgia (5-8, 201); 7 - Wilrey Fontenot, CB, Arizona (5-9, 179); 7 - Keith Zinger, TE, LSU (6-4, 270)

Analysis: The Falcons turned the page on the Michael Vick era in choosing Ryan, a great leader who will command the respect of his teammates. Look for Ryan to start from day one. Atlanta traded up to the No. 21 spot and reached for Baker, who has struggled with injuries and is more of a pass blocker than a run blocker. Lofton, viewed by some as the best inside linebacker in the Draft, rounded out the Falcons' first day picks. Of the eight remaining selections for Atlanta, three were from the secondary and two the linebacking corps, a tip-off of the manner in which new head coach Mike Smith will revamp the defense. Douglas is slight of build and could have trouble cracking the wideout corps, while local favorite Brown is a No. 3 running back candidate behind Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. Zinger was a reach who was likely surprised to be drafted.

Bottom Line: Club made two terrific picks in Ryan and Lofton, and was otherwise a little hit-or-miss the rest of the way.

Grade: B-