Atlanta Falcons 2008 NFL Draft Needs


June 6, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a lost season and face perhaps the biggest rebuilding project in the NFL heading into the 2008 season. Out is coach Bobby Petrino and team president Rich McKay to get all new management in to run the show. Management can only do so much as the Falcons need a complete overhaul and a strong showing in the free agent market. The 2008 NFL Draft will be essential if the Falcons are going to be a respectable football team this season.

2008 Atlanta Falcons Team Needs:

1.) Quarterback

Atlanta has the daunting task of trying to fill the void left by their previous franchise quarterback in Michael Vick. Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich and Chris Redman each got their shot at one time or another last season. None of the three is a long-term fix for the Falcons’ No. 1 team need. The Falcons will likely have a shot to be the first team to select a quarterback in the draft and Boston College’s Matt Ryan could be the new face of the organization.

2.) Offensive Left Tackle

A free-agent left tackle carries with them one of the highest price tags in the league. With no free agents available at the position, the Falcons will likely spend one of their first two draft picks to address the position. Wayne Gandy suffered a season-ending knee injury last season at the starting left tackle position. Gandy was the first of three OT’s to end their year on the injured reserve with knee problems for the Falcons. This was a big reason why Atlanta’s quarterback took such a beating last year.

3.) Running Back

Warrick Dunn is likely going to be with a different team in 2008. The Falcons have to find way to create salary cap flexibility and getting rid of Dunn’s contract will surely do that. Jerious Norwood showed his breakaway ability in his second season, but lacks the power and durability to be an every-down back.

4.) Offensive Right Guard

OLG Justin Blalock had a very promising rookie season, but the Falcons lack dpth on the right side of the line. Their new GM will look to add another young player on the right side. Kynan Forney started 14 games at ORG last season, but his contract is up after the year after being a 7th round steal in the 2001 NFL Draft. Forney did not do his job last season and a youth movement has to be in store on the offensive line.

5.) Middle Linebacker

MLB Keith Brooking is nearing the end of a very strong career after 10 productive seasons with Atlanta. He’s a five-time Pro Bowl selection, but his age of 32-years-old makes him now out of position in the middle. The middle linebackers of this area have to show the speed that can eat up a lot of ground by getting from sideline to sideline. Brooking would be a much better fit on the weak side, where the team will certainly have a vacancy if they do not re-sign Demorrio Williams. The MLB position is not really high on the team’s priority list, but to ignore this position in the 2008 NFL Draft would be very unwise.

2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit offensive scheme:

The Falcons first-year offensive coordinator in Mike Mularkey brings a smash mouth style to Atlanta and strongly favors a power running attack. He loves multi-dimensional players that can do it all. He has Norwood as his speed back, but now he needs a power back to compliment. RB Ray Rice would be the perfect fit in the second round for the Falcons. OT Gosder Cherilus of Boston College, QB Chadd Henne of Michigan, OT Mike McGlynn of Pittsburgh, RB Thomas Brown of Georgia and OT Mike Gibson of Cal could be a few names you see the Falcons pick up in the 2008 NFL Draft.

2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit defensive scheme:

Mike Smith takes over as the head coach in Atlanta and brings over with him the 4-3 scheme he used to make Jacksonville’s defense one of the best in the league. He will look to install two bulky DT’s in the middle, just as the Jaguars had to be key run stoppers. DT Glenn Dorsey of LSU could be where they spend their first round pick. LB Dan Connor of Penn State, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of Tennessee State, DT Frank Okam of Texas, ILB Spencer Larsen of Arizona and CB Chevis Jackson of LSU could be a few names you here Atlanta calling in the 2008 NFL Draft to help them on the defensive side of the ball.

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