2009 Falcons Draft

The draft is already a hot topic for 30 teams in the NFL. For the Falcons, defense has been the topic of greatest attention. There have been several reports on what the Falcons will do, including the well-respected Mel Kiper's first Mock Draft of 2009: http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/insider/news/story?id=3849927 . He projects the Falcons taking an OLB/DE in Larry English from Northern Illinois.

One Atlanta Journal Constitution report has the D as the main focus and cites Dimitroff as the source for this information: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/printedition/2009/01/22/bradley0122.html?cxntlid=inform_artr

My concern, however, is the offensive line. Some believe that the O-line was exposed in the playoffs by Arizona and even referred to Atlanta's success in the run game and pass protection as "smoke and mirrors." This need will be addressed, I believe, but perhaps not in the first round. Let's face it, the Falcons will not have a sexy draft. QB's, RB's, and WR's are sexy. Defensive Tackles, Outside Linebackers, and Safeties, are not. Neither are Centers. Aside from Ryan, Ovie, Turner, and Lofton on Defense, look for Atlanta to adress the middle of both sides of the ball. They inched into this territory last year with DeCoud and in 2007 with Datish from Ohio State. Decoud is not quite like the head hunting run-stuffing Milloy, and Datish was cut. Grady Jackson is 35 and 375, and McClure, though still very effective, will be entering his 14th year.

We cannot go through another year with the same talent on the O-line and expect to get away with it - nor can we expect to ride the backs of 35 + year old players. Dimitroff is a fantastic GM and talent evaluator, and Coach Smith is a great mind who knows what he needs for his game plan, thus, the Falcons will be in great shape after the draft, just don't expect it to be sexy.