Birds Take Tech Lineman in Seventh
A familiar face — at least to many Atlanta sports fans — will be staying close for the start of his NFL career.
The Falcons drafted Georgia Tech defensive tackle Vance Walker with the 210th pick in the NFL Draft (seventh round).
The selection was obtained via a trade with the Dallas Cowboys earlier in the draft, giving the Falcons a total of eight selections.
Thus ended the selection process for the Birds.
Walker, 6-foot-2, 304 lbs., was a third-team All-American in 2008 and a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award as a junior. He was an All-ACC selection as a senior.
He had solid numbers at the Combine, particularly in the 40-yard dash, bench press and vertical jump.
In the matter of one draft the Falcons went from a need at defensive tackle to healthy depth.
Paired with first-round pick Peria Jerry, Walker joins third-year player Trey Lewis, returning starter Jonathan Babineaux and 2008 free agent acquisition Kindal Moorehead as notable players at the position.
MORE ON VANCE WALKER:
- AJC: Falcons stay close to home with Walker pick
- PHOTOS: Images of Vance Walker at Tech
- FORUMS: Talk about the selection with other fans
- AJC: Falcons continue defensive focus in Day Two
- NEWS: Thoughts on seventh-round players (The Sporting News)
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don’t know much about this guy but i trust td so hopefuly he’ll do ok and we’ll be able to rotate our other d-tackles and keep everybody fresh
The falcons already have a lot of teams scared. Since we now know what our offense can do now this year our defense has to step up and give us a chance at a super bowl. We drafted a bunch of young talent on the defensive side of the ball so that we can take the pressure off of matt ryan and our offense. We have to stop the run and continue to get better in the secondary. That was our only issues last year. This is our year as long as we stay healthy and stay out of trouble off the field.
The Birds did what they needed to in this draft congratulations to our organization for the great job.Our defense just got immediately better as well as our offense lets get ready for some football.
Many hours of research and efforts by the Falcon Staff have attempted to
fill the team needs! Quite an accomplishment!
I for one, am really looking forward to the coming year !!!
I think Vance is the steal of the draft. I just have a feeling. Outstanding draft TD, MS and all. I am still waiting for the (Beep) lovers to rise up and bash this draft class simply because they blame our birds for their hero’s stupidity. They are rapidly depleting their supply of already ignorant “rationalizations”
I agree that Walker is a steal in the 7th round. I mean, how does an All-American get taken 210, behind all of these no-name guys who, in my opinion, haven’t proven themselves to be elite college football players. If someone hasn’t proven themselves on the college level, how can you expect them to produce in the NFL??? But overall I think that we did well on draft day… I could’ve gone with a WR in the 2nd round but that’s just the breaks. It wasn’t completely neccessary, I just felt like the more big targets for Ryan to throw at the better.
@don
This fool is not one of the fastest d-lineman in the draft. He ran a 5.5 in the 40. LOL. Way to sell the pick to the public. O well we got him last. Not a big deal. He will probably be on the practice squad.
From what I see I like the players we picked up. Perry can hopefully be disruptive, I like the size n speed of the saftey in the 2nd round. The corner Owens has a nice build even though not that tall n also picked up the fastest DE which I would hope does better than Anderson has. Most of the picks seem to be good ones but i dunno bout that slow T n undersized LB?? good draft overall cant wait to seem em on the field..
I Think that we did ok in getting him. I also think that he is the steal of the draft. I am very proud ot mike smitty for all of his research on all the player that we selected in this year draft. Go FALCONSSSSSSSSSSSS I think we will have a nother winning season. It is time to change things in ATL. back to back winning seasons.
We all agree on 1 thing draft was’nt bad GO falcon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m very impressed with our draft and although it was graded at an overall “B” on another site I think we were an “A” all the way. I think Perry is the overall best DT because the Boston College DT had popped for steroids calling into question how much of his performance was really him and how much was the juice. The SS pick definitely adds depth and provides a buffer to a questionable secondary. The steal of the day was the DE and Owens from San Jose State. The DB’s in WAC are top notch because it’s such a passing conference (much like RB’s and DL and LB’s are always talented in the SEC). We have a very intelligent coach and GM and by adding smart players with high morale character will pay dividends for the next several years.
Vance had a hurt foot at the combine and still worked out. If you wacthed any Tech games the kids got a good motor and a nasty streak. And besides its the 10yrd that counts with the fat boys.
i wanted jack follett with this pick
:[
Did anybody notice we have only 1 full back on the roster ( Ovie Mughelli ) HEY FALCONS, Brannan Southerland Fullback from Georgia
6ft&240lbs is still there, call him ASAP. Overall, nice job on the
draft.
Vance Walker has a ton of upside. The D-Line at Tech was feared across the ACC. I really hope he makes the final roster.
Vance walker was the biggest steal in the 7th round that the falcons have had in the last decade. His foot was hurt at the combine and a 5.4 is fine for a guy that size playing up the middle anyway. Trust me he will make the team and if he doesn’t start he will definately be in the rotation. He’s going to help clog up the middle and also provide some heavily appreciated sacks