In 2007, the Atlanta Falcons had one of the worst records in the NFL. After that season, the Falcons hired a new GM to turn their floundering franchise around. His name was Thomas Dimitroff. He immediately hired Mike Smith as his head coach. One of his other hirings was Dave Caldwell who became his Director of College Scouting. (In 2012 he became Director of Player Personel) In 2008 & 2010, Dimitroff was named Executive of the Year by Sporting News. The Falcons have won more games than any other team in the NFC since 2008. (not counting this year) (also I believe the Jags had the same claim in the AFC after their 1st 4 years in the league) Since his first day on the job, Dimitroff has brought the philosophical approach of building through the draft and supplementing thru free agency. Since 2008, the Falcons rank 2nd in the NFL in draft retention (73.9%). Also, during that time, 39 of the Falcon's 46 selections are active players in the NFL (84.8%). From what I can see, Dave Caldwell must have played an active role in the Falcon's drafting success. As far as management style, I wonder what things he learned from working closely with Dimitroff. In drafting college players, he can sometimes be aggressive. Case in point.....in his first draft(2008) after securing his quarterback (Matt Ryan) with the 3rd overall pick , he moved back into the first round to get LT Sam Baker. In doing so, he gave up his two 2nd round picks and a 4th. Yet again, in the 2011 draft, he moved up from the 27th spot to the 6th spot tq nab Julio Jones. However, it was a very expensive move. In exchange, the Cleveland Browns got the Falcon's 1st, 2nd and 4th round picks......PLUS a 1st and 4th round pick in the following year. I wonder what Caldwell took away from those moves. Will Caldwell be as aggressive as Dimitroff was? Might he surprise everyone and grab Clowney first and then trade back into the 1st round to get the quarterback he covets? I thought Dave's first draft was fairly conservative till he went after Denard in the 5th. That showed a little daring. This makes me think that he could very well take some chances ala Dimitroff. Your thoughts.


Atlanta Overall Standings


2007..........4-12.......Dimitoroff hired

2008.........11-5.........playoffs

2009.........9-7

2010.........13-3........playoffs

2011.........10-6........playoffs

2012.........13-3........playoffs

2013.........2-7

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