2011 Atlanta Falcons Draft Needs

Written by Steve Janus

The Atlanta Falcons won the NFC South with a 13-3 record in 2010. It was the first time they captured the division crown since going 11-5 in 2004. The regular season success didn’t result in a great postseason. The Falcons were crushed in their first game by the Green Bay Packers 48-21. The offense was efficient all season, but the defense ranked 27th i yards allowed per play and per rushing attempt. For Atlanta to make a run at the Super Bowl in 2011 they have to get better on that side of the ball.

In the 2010 draft the Falcons used their first round pick on linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. His rookie season was limited by a knee injury, but he figures to be a starter alongside Curtis Lofton for years to come. Atlanta got solid contributions out of third round defensive tackle Corey Peters, but for this draft class to be a success they need guard Mike Johnson and center Joe Hawley to develop into starters.

Atlanta holds the 27th pick in the first round. Here is a look at the five positions I feel they will target in the draft this year. Find out who we have the Falcons taking in the first round in our 2011 NFL Mock draft.

Defensive End: The Falcons have one of the elite pass rushers in John Abraham, who finished fifth in the league with 13 sacks last season. Abraham however is 33 and entering his 13 season in the league. The Falcons not only need someone to fill in for Abraham when he is finished, but they could also use an upgrade over Kroy Biermann. The Falcons will likely look for a defensive end with their first round pick.

Wide Receiver: Wide out Roddy White led the NFL with 115 catches and was second in yards with 1,389, but he is the only real option on the outside for quarterback Matt Ryan. Atlanta needs to try and find someone who can step in and help out the offense right away. Pittsburgh’s Joe Baldwin and Boise State’s Titus Young both figure to be on the board when the Falcons are up in the second round.

Strong Safety: The Falcons secondary was torched in their playoff loss to the Packers, and a big reason for that was their poor play at safety. Look for the Falcons to try and add someone who can help out in the draft. If they feel like they can find a wide receiver with their third or fourth round picks, look for them to target Clemson’s DeAndre McDaniel or Florida’s Ahmad Black in the second round.

Offensive Line: Right tackle Tyson Clabo and right guard Harvey Dahl are both potential free agents. Atlanta is hoping their draft picks from a year ago will be able to step in and help this unit out, but I think it would be wise if they added some more depth up front.

Tight End: Tony Gonzalez has been a nice fit in Atlanta, but his best days are far behind him. Gonzalez has confirmed he is coming back for next season, but it’s hard telling if he will be back after that. The Falcons could surprise everyone and take Notre Dame’s Kyle Rudolph with their first round pick.

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