Lofton, picks make the Fan Grade
by J. Michael Moore
Managing Editor, AtlantaFalcons.com
life.atlantafalcons.com/jmike811/blog
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- For nearly a month before the first pick of the 2008 NFL Draft fans made their opinions known. More than 140 players were graded at MyFalconsDraft.com based on the collective desire to see them in a Falcons uniform.
Five of Atlanta's 11 Draft picks were graded, finishing with an average score of 7.85. As of the morning after the Draft, Curtis Lofton carried the highest grade overall (8.62).
Offensive tackle Sam Baker -- a first-round pick -- finished with the second-highest Fan Grade (8.40). Cornerback Chevis Jackson also finished with a high mark (8.21).
Entering the NFL Draft early worked out well for Lofton .
The Falcons picked the Oklahoma star with the 37th overall pick.
One of only two early-entry linebackers ranked among the top-15 prospects according to NFLDraftScout.com, Lofton overcame rough pre-Draft workouts with a history of big hits and play making.
Last season he became a full-time starter at the strong side and started 10 straight games before moving to the middle. He put up career highs in tackles (94 solo) and moved into seventh place on the school's single-season list.
His average of 11.2 tackles per game ranked seventh in the nation. He also had one sack, more than 10 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. That was good enough to earn Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
"I would say I'm explosive; I'm a big hitter," Lofton said last month when asked about his game. "I make big plays, great tackler and I drop good in coverage."
In 39 games at Oklahoma, Lofton started 19 times, including four starts at middle linebacker. He recorded 197 tackles (117 solo) with a two-yard sack and 16 stops for losses of 33 yards. He caused five fumbles and recovered two others, returning one 12 yards for a score. He gained 71 yards on three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown and batted down two other throws. He also gained 16 yards on a pair of onside kickoff returns.
“Curtis Lofton is a tackling machine," said Head Coach Mike Smith, himself a former linebacker. "He’s a guy that made a lot of tackles. There’s been a number of outstanding linebackers to play at the University if Oklahoma over the last few years. Coach (Bob) Stoops said that Curtis may the best one he’s had. He’s got versatility, he played (strong side) linebacker early in his career and was moved to the (middle linebacker) linebacker position this year. He’s a guy that can make plays all over the field.”
For more info on all the Falcons' picks and the NFL Draft, visit Draft Central at AtlantaFalcons.com.
