Every NFL team’s best draft pick of all-time
By Brad Rowland
Atlanta Falcons – Deion Sanders (No. 5 pick, 1989)
For all intents and purposes, this should have been Michael Vick. At the outset of this, we have to point that out, simply because all signs pointed to the number one overall pick being the flagship player for the Atlanta Falcons, and quarterbacks are just worth more than any other position on the NFL roster. Then, all of the fallout took place from Vick’s off-field conduct, and this is now a very easy decision in another direction.
Deion Sanders spent arguably the best years of his career in Atlanta, even if he wasn’t winning championships as a member of the Falcons. He famously went on to win multiple Super Bowl rings with the Cowboys and 49ers, but the young, incredibly speedy version of “Prime Time” was a force in black and red, using his considerable talents to impact the game as a lock-down cornerback and perhaps the most electrifying kick and punt returner in the NFL during his stay.
It does say something about the Falcons organization that Sanders was this easy of a pick, as Atlanta really does not have a ton of fantastic picks to choose from. Jessie Tuggle doesn’t “count” as an undrafted player, and unless you want to take on an offensive lineman or possibly even Matt Ryan in more recent years, it is Deion or bust. I’ll choose Deion.
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