Academic aces target of Falcons in draft

In a Q&A with D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constituion, Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he goes after brains because of how complex the game has become.

“Frankly, to play in the NFL today you have to be smart. It’s not just being football smart,” Blank said. “You have to be smart. We look for players that represent the organization well both on the field and off the field. That’s always been an important part of my philosophy and an important part about what this franchise is about. It’s about winning on the field and it’s about winning off the field as well. I’m proud of our players on both accounts.”