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Team needs: While DVD has been quite productive the last few seasons, it’s clear that Atlanta is going to address the future at running back soon. Warrick Dunn is getting on in years and the team isn’t all too pleased with the way TJ Duckett has been performing. Trading for John Abraham took away the need for a defensive end opposite Patrick Kerney, but there is still work to be done on the defensive side of the ball. The depth at defensive end could still be addressed in the middle rounds. The secondary could use some work because while Lawyer Milloy was a good signing, he is not a long-term solution at safety and the only gem out of the defensive back group is DeAngelo Hall. On the offensive side, the Falcons lost starting left tackle Kevin Shaffer in free agency and really the rest of the group could use some work as well. When the offensive line’s job is to protect Michael Vick, you want the group to be as skilled as you can get.
First round breakdown: Atlanta traded its first round pick in order to acquire John Abraham from the New York Jets. The Falcons had owned the 15th selection, and undoubtedly that would have been far too much to pay for a player like Abraham with excessive contract demands. However, they managed to involve Denver in a deal that sent their #15 pick to the Broncos and the Broncos #29 pick to the Jets. In return the Falcons received Abraham along with Denver’s 3rd (this year) and 4th (next year) round picks. This could end up to be a smart move because defensive end was a position that definitely needed to be addressed after the departure of Brady Smith. Abraham is still pretty young and is a multiple time Pro Bowler. The wasn’t going to be anyone close to his talent level at #15 and somebody like Tamba Hali or Mathias Kiwanuka may be a reach at that spot. The 3rd rounder should allow the offensive line to be addressed. As long as the Falcons are willing to shell out the cash to make Abraham happy, it was a nice swap.
Predicted selection – n/a
Overall outlook: Just because they traded away their first round pick doesn’t mean this draft has to be a complete waste for the Falcons. With the depth of quality talent available you never know how things will play out and there could be a standout safety still available like Ko Simpson or Darnell Bing in the middle of the 2nd round. I count 10 quality cornerbacks in this draft as well so that could definitely be an option. The important thing for Falcons’ fans to keep in mind is that just because #47 is your highest pick doesn’t mean that all is lost. Write down John Abraham as Atlanta’s first round pick and I promise it will give you a brighter outlook on this draft. The remaining first day picks are going to still allow the Falcons to address the future in the secondary and at cornerback. After getting Denver’s 3rd rounder in the Abraham trade, the Falcons still have three top 100 picks in a draft that definitely goes 100 deep with quality players. In the later rounds there should still be decent options available to add to the offensive line. This year Atlanta is going to walk away from the draft with a pro-bowl defensive end instead of a first round pick and a first round talent from the second round. Things could definitely be worse.
