The Atlanta Falcons chose him with the first pick in the 2001 NFL Draft . Vick was selected first in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons . The San Diego Chargers had the number one selection but traded the rights to the first overall choice to the Atlanta Falcons a day before the draft , for which they received the Falcons ' first round pick ( 5th overall ) and third round pick in 2001 .