NFL Draft

Draft Analysis: Atlanta Falcons Team Needs

April 15, 2008 @ 11:46:46

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Herija C. Green

2007 Finish: 4-12 (NFC South - 4th Place), Non-Playoff team

2008 Draft Pick: 3rd Overall

Key Positional Needs: QB, WR, TE, OT, DE, DT, CB

Head Coach: Mike Smith

Offensive Coordinator: Mike Mularkey

Defensive Coordinator: Brian VanGorder

Key Losses: CB DeAngelo Hall (traded - Oakland Raiders), QB Byron Leftwich (released), RB Warrick Dunn (released - Tampa Bay Buccaneers), TE Dwayne Blakley (UFA - Tennessee Titans), TE Alge Crumpler (released - Titans), PK Morten Andersen (UFA), OT Wayne Gandy (released), C Tim Lindsey (UFA - Seattle Seahawks), DL Rod Coleman (released), LB Marcus Wilkins (released), LB Demorrio Williams (UFA - Kansas City Chiefs), CB Lewis Sanders (released - signed with New England Patriots), FS Chris Crocker (UFA - Miami Dolphins), HC Bobby Petrino (resigned), OC Hue Jackson (fired), DC Mike Zimmer (fired)

Key Additions: RB Michael Turner (signed - San Diego Chargers), TE Ben Hartsock (signed - Titans), PK Jason Elam (signed - Denver Broncos), C Alex Stepanovich (signed - Cincinnati Bengals), DL Simon Fraser (signed - Cleveland Browns), DL Rashad Moore (signed - Patriots), DL Kindal Moorehead (signed - Carolina Panthers), CB Von Hutchins (signed - Houston Texans), FS Erik Coleman (signed - New York Jets)

Key Offensive Positions Needed

Quarterback

The team is still haunted by the loss of quarterback Michael Vick and needs a new face to their franchise. The Joey Harrington-experiment did not work last year and the team lacks a project to build around. Both Harrington and Chris Redman are no more than backup quarterbacks in the league. Look for them to address this early in the draft, possibly in the first round if Boston College's Matt Ryan is still available with the third overall pick.

Running Back

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Wide Receiver

The Falcons have Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and Joe Horn on roster, but while White developed into a 1,000-yard receiver last season, Jenkins hasn't lived up his first-round billing and Horn is getting up their in age. They may want to add another solid receiving threat to help develop along with a new quarterback.

Tight End

The Falcons cut Alge Crumpler and also lost primary reserve Dwayne Blakley, leaving them with new addition Ben Hartsock and a list of names even the most ardent Falcons fan would have trouble reciting. With six picks in the first three rounds, expect the team to spend one of them on a tight end.

Offensive Tackle

The team has serious concerns on the edges of their offensive line that they are likely to try to address in this draft. Following the release of veteran Wayne Gandy, they will likely be looking to pick up a pair of offensive tackles to both protect the quarterback and help bolster the team's running game, which figures to be the higher priority as the Falcons are expected to be a run-first team in 2008. Look for them to address this position early in the draft.

Offensive Guard

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Center

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Key Defensive Positions Needed

Defensive End

The Falcons have targeted several defensive linemen this offseason as they would like to build good depth at the position, but they are still likely interested in stockpiling more talent on the interior of their defensive line. Someone that can occupy multiple blockers and stand up at the point of attack could be high on their list. Louisiana State University's Glenn Dorsey could fit the bill.

Defensive Tackle/Nose Tackle

The team could be in the market for a young pass rusher off the edge with John Abraham turning 30 years old before the start of the season.

Linebacker

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Cornerback

The team traded away their top cornerback DeAngelo Hall this offseason. This could be addition by subtraction as he was often a distraction both on- and off-the-field. The team likes Chris Houston at one spot, and they think last year's sixth-round pick David Irons should be able to contribute it at least a nickel role this season. Still, they could look to add another corner to the mix through the draft.

Free Safety

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Strong Safety

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Key Special Teams Positions Needed

Place Kicker

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Punter

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Return Specialist

The team doesn't figure to significantly address the position.

Author Bio

Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.