Atlanta Falcons 2012 NFL Draft Preview
By Zac Snyder
Preview provided by Greg Huseth. Head to Blogging Dirty for more on the Atlanta Falcons
What are the team needs for the Falcons heading into the draft?
Defensive linemen, tight end, and a left tackle. The Falcons need a dominant pass-rushing defensive end, but it is unlikely that they will be able to find that outside of the first round. However there are players who will be on the board at number 55 overall that can provide depth and play a role on the defensive line alongside the veteran talent that is already present on the roster. With Tony Gonzalez retiring after this season, a new TE that Gonzalez could bring along and then take over in 2013 is needed, but TE is not a dire or desperate need. Left tackle is another story. There is not a great LT on our roster. We drafted on in the 1st round in 2008, but Sam Baker hasn’t panned out, and Will Svitek is nothing more than a very solid backup. There was nobody of any significance that we could have signed in free-agency, so the Falcons are almost completely out of luck at the position in the 2012 draft. There are no elite, franchise left tackles past the top-10 picks, and the Falcons are way out of that range. Perhaps a project player could be drafted, but nobody who could start immediately.
Who are some prospects you’d like to see end up with the Falcons?
Offensive Tackles Donald Stephenson of Oklahoma, both Zebrie Sanders and Andrew Datko of Florida State, and Matt McCants of Alabama-Birmingham. All of these players have the right size and skill set to play LT. They would all also fall into the late rounds, or out of the draft all together where they would be steals. Also DE Vinny Curry of Marshall and TE Ladarius Green of Louisiana Lafayette.
What would represent a successful draft in your opinion?
A successful draft for the Falcons would be if they were able to answer questions of depth on both lines and the defensive secondary. I’m not expecting to reap any immediate star players out of this draft, but I am looking for solid contributors who play the game the right way. Not reaching for players and taking the best player available would also make this draft a success.
Give us a bold prediction for your team.
with the new Offensive and Defensive coordinators, the Falcons will realize the talent they have on the roster, go 12-4, and advance to the NFC Championship game.