Atlanta Falcons 2008 NFL Draft Needs
Written April 17, 2008 by Jack Jones
The Falcons had high hopes after the 2006 season, but everything took a bad turn when Michael Vick got in legal trouble and found himself in jail during the 2007 NFL season. The team didn’t have much time to prepare for an event like this and their 4-12 record was proof. The team has still yet to find a starting quarterback half of what Vick was, and is has many gaping holes to fill all over the field. The team did make a splash at running back by signing Michael Turner from San Diego, but lost stars CB DeAngelo Hall, TE Alge Crumpler, and long time Falcon RB Warrick Dunn. The team has the 3rd pick in this year’s draft and will have plenty of options on what it wants to do with the pick. Here is a look at the top 5 positions we feel the Falcons need to address in the draft.
1. Quarterback
There is no question about this one; as of right now the only quarterbacks on the team’s roster are Chris Redman, Joey Harrington, and D.J. Shockley. So you can see why this team needs some help here quick. The team could very well have a starting QB fall to them in Matt Ryan with the 3rd pick in the first round. If he is somehow not on the board look for them to take one of many guys left on the board in the 2nd round.
2. Offensive Tackle
If the team plans on keeping any quarterback healthy they need to upgrade the o-line. Though it’s unclear when they will feel this hole in the draft. If Michigan’s Jake Long falls to them, it would be hard to leave him on the board. The team could also take a look at a guy like USC’s Sam Baker in round 2.
3. Cornerback
With the loss of DeAngelo Hall, the team is going to need to take a corner early in the draft. This could wind up being just as important as grabbing an offensive tackle. We wouldn’t be surprised to see the team use their second round pick on a guy like Virginia Tech’s Brandon Flowers or Auburn’s Patrick Lee. There has also been talk of the team trading their second round pick to grab one of the higher end corners in the first round.
4. Defensive Tackle
The team needs a guy to shut down the running game and be a force in the middle of the line. They could very well have their choice of LSU’s Glen Dorsey with the 3rd pick, it will just be a matter of do they feel they can answer the other top needs later in the draft.
5. Wide Receiver
The only guy the team has coming back that was really a threat is Rodey White. The team still has Joe Horn, but he is nearing the end of his career. This might be a bigger need than it might seem with the loss of Crumpler at tight end. Crumpler was a big part of the passing game, and his shoes will need to be filled.
Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.