In each of the last three NFL drafts, the Falcons have selected a player from the University of Georgia.
In 2006, quarterback D.J. Shockley was selected in the seventh round with the 223rd pick overall.
In 2007, tight end Martrez Milner was selected in the fourth round with the 133rd pick overall.
Last season, running back Thomas Brown was selected in the sixth round with the 172nd overall pick.
Before Shockley was picked, the franchise had stayed away from Georgia players for more than a decade. They had taken Mitch Davis in the fourth round (118 overall) of the 1994 draft.
The Falcons brain trust was out in full force for Georgia's pro day.
The team was represented by general manager Thomas Dimitroff, head coach Mike Smith, director of player personnel Les Snead, assistant director of player personnel Lionel Vital, director of college scouting David Caldwell and scout Taylor Smith.
There was extremely heavy interest league-wide because Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford did not throw at the NFL scouting combine in February. Stafford was hoping to impress the Detroit Lions, who have the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, which will be held on April 25 and 26.
"I think it would be all right to be picked No. 1," Stafford said. "Also, I want to get a chance to turn something around. It would be a heck of a place for me to go."
The Falcons will not be in the hunt for Stafford or Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno, who figure to be long gone by the 24th pick. They also resolved those positions last season by drafting quarterback Matt Ryan and signing running back Michael Turner in free agency.
However, there are some other Bulldogs who might entice Dimitroff and the rest of the personnel department.
Cornerback Asher Allen, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, defensive tackle Corvey Irvin, wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, fullback Brannan Southerland and defensive end Jarious Wynn all participated in the NFL scouting combine.
Safety C.J. Byrd and wide receiver Demiko Goodman had fine showings at the team's pro day an may earn late round or free agency considerations.
Allen fills and need and Ellerbe could help re-stock a depleted linebacking unit.
