Falcons Take Fresno State Guard Jackson In 7th Round

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA – The Atlanta Falcons picked Fresno State guard Andrew Jackson in the seventh round of the NFL draft on Saturday.

Jackson gives the Falcons some roster security if Harvey Dahl and Justin Blalock, the team’s tandem of starting guards since Mike Smith’s first season as coach in 2008, become free agents when the NFL lockout is lifted.

The 6-foot-5, 297-pound Jackson missed nine games last year with an ankle injury, but as a junior he was an All-Western Athletic Conference selection and helped Fresno State running back Ryan Matthews lead the nation in rushing.

Jackson, who was redshirted as a freshman, will be a 26-year-old NFL rookie.