Falcons Draft Preview

By Jason Powell April 12, 2007

Wants and Needs: A massive overhaul is underway in Atlanta. New head coach Bobby Petrino is installing a new offense that relies on traditional blocking as opposed to the zone-blocking scheme that was favored by the previous regime. The Falcons have several undersized offensive linemen left over from the Jim Mora Era and they would like to use the draft to beef up. They could also be in the market for running back help given that smallish running backs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood are not great fits in Petrino's offense. On the other side of the ball, the Falcons are still reeling from the loss of defensive end Patrick Kerney to free agency. They also have a developing issue at defensive tackle, as starter Grady Jackson is suing the team over the release of medical information. Jackson has stated that he's open to returning, but team officials are accusing him and his agent of using the lawsuit as leverage for a new contract. Strong safety Lawyer Milloy isn't getting any younger and free safety Chris Crocker was a flop in his first year as a starter for the Falcons.

Potential Selections: The buzz in Hotlanta is that the Falcons are maneuvering to create a space in the secondary for rookie safety LaRon Landry. They intend to feature Crocker as a nickelback, leaving the starting free safety job to Landry. The only problem is that the Cardinals and Vikings, whom pick ahead of the Falcons, are also rumored to have interest in the former LSU Tiger. Keep in mind that Petrino coached defensive tackle Amobi Okoye at Louisville. Okoye and fellow defensive tackle Alan Branch are legitimate candidates if Landry is not available. For that matter, defensive ends Gaines Adams and Jamaal Anderson would be considered as replacements for Kerney, although we expect Adams to be off the board before the Falcons are on the clock. Although we expect the Falcons to focus on defense with the No. 8 overall pick, they could use both of their second-round picks to fill offensive needs. Big Uglies Joe Staley, Ben Grubbs, and Arron Sears might still be available with either the 39th or 44th overall pick. For that matter, running back Michael Bush, another former Louisville Cardinal, will most likely be available if the Falcons choose to grant Petrino's wish for a bigger running back.

Atlanta's Picks:

Round One: 8th overall (from Houston)
Round Two: 39th overall (from Houston) 44th overall
Round Three: 75th overall
Round Four: 109th overall, 121st overall (from Denver), 133rd overall (compensatory)
Round Five: 149th overall
Round Six: 185th overall
Round Seven: 244th overall (compensatory)

While I agree, the Falcons top pick will go to defence, I think at least one of the 2nd rounders should go there (to defence) also and not any 1st day picks should not be wasted on a daymn RB or WR.