The Atlanta Falcons Team Mock Draft
By Greg Nelson
The Atlanta Falcons finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, the best in the NFC. They also earned a first round bye in the playoffs, only to be out- matched by the current Super Bowl champions, Green Bay Packers. The Falcons were far from perfect and some offseason moves could be on the way to get the Falcons over that next step and into a Super Bowl. Although the Falcons were bounced out of the playoffs in the second round, they can take a lot from what they have learned this past season. In this draft they could be eyeing several different options to take the next step toward a Super Bowl appearance.
Lets get started with some offseason needs:
WR– The Falcons will need to address the wide receiver position this offseason. We all know that Roddy White has been a stud the last two or three years, but the Falcons have no one opposite of him. Michael Jenkins is just not doing it for them at the second wideout position. I can see maybe the Falcons looking for some help for Matt Ryan in the 3rd or 4th rounds.
OT-Sam Baker just did not look comfortable at the LT position last season, so I could see the Falcons using a 1st rounder on maybe an LT to protect Matt Ryan’s blindside. Baker is a natural RT, and struggled to protect the franchise that is Matty Ice.
OG– With both of the guards for the Falcons being up for free agency, the number one priority should be to re-sign either one or both of there starting OG’s. Harvey Dahl has been a stable lineman for the Falcons as has the other starting OG Justin Blalock. These guys are paramount for Michael Turner to do what he does and that is to grind on defenses until they break.
DE– With John Abraham turning 33 before the start of next season, the Falcons will need to figure out a way to get some pressure on the opposing QB’s. They may use a 2nd or 3rd rounder on a guy who can flat out get after the passer.
RB-In order for the Atlanta Falcons to have success they must be able to run the ball. They have no problem with that right now, but with the amount of carries that Michael Turner is getting per year he may not have too many years left. The running back position has taken a beating for those who decide to run the ball in the NFL.
My mock draft picks for the Falcons:
27-Danny Watkins, OG-Baylor
59-Jaabal Sheard, DE-Pittsburgh
91-DeMarco Murray, RB-Oklahoma
123-Joe Barksdale, OT-LSU
155-Gregory Salas, WR-Hawaii
187-Ross Homan, LB-Ohio State
219-Austin Pettis, WR-Bosie State
220-Davon Morgan, SS-Virginia Tech