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2007 Atlanta NFL Draft Predictions

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You would be ok to bet that the Falcons won't spend their first pick on a defensive back from Virginia Tech for the third time in four years since no Hokie in the Class of 2007 has the credentials for a 10 th overall pick. They might decide on a defensive back from somewhere else, though.

New Head Coach Bobby Petrino is an offensive minded coach and makes the general public believe that the first pick will go on the offensive side of the ball. In reality, General Manager Rich McKay will continue to have final say on draft day. His track record with Atlanta and previously with Tampa Bay says that he will spend his first couple picks on the defensive side of the ball. The problem with that is the fact that Atlanta has its biggest needs on the offensive line and in the backfield.

Mike Zimmer, the new Defensive Coordinator from Dallas, plans to retain the 4-3 defense which means that they can keep the same personnel for this system. He is always on the lookout for defensive ends, especially now that Patrick Kerney did not re-sign and is a Seahawk for 2007.

Lawyer Milloy helped with the run-stop on defense last season, but he will turn 34 during the 2007 season and he and free safety Chris Crocker struggled mightily against the pass. Shifting Jimmy Williams, last year's top pick, to free safety in place of Crocker is a very strong option for this team. That opens the door for Atlanta to select LSU's safety LaRon Landry in the first round for the first time in McKay's career. Florida's Reggie Nelson is not a bad option either, considering the fact that McKay is well-known for taking players in the Sunshine State.

The Falcons have always emphasized the run, but there are many concerns heading into the 2007 season. Warrick Dunn turns 32 and is coming off shoulder surgery and Jerious Norwood, last year's 2nd pick, has yet to prove himself as an every-down back. Petrino has ties with Michael Bush, Louisville's star tailback from last season at Louisville. If he proves that he has recovered from a broken leg suffered in the Cardinals' opener last season, look for Bush to be an attractive option in the second round and beyond.

Amobi Okoye is the best of Petrino's former Louisville studs that will be featured in this year's draft. He impressed in the Senior Bowl and many experts now have him listed as a Top-15 pick. The problem is that defensive tackle is not a position the Falcons need. This hasn't seemed to matter to McKay, who selected Anthony McFarland in the first round, even though Warren Sapp was already entrenched at Tackle in 1999. He never lets a player that is high in the rankings slip through his grasp.

Bobby Petrino has always been known for his pounding rushing attack. This is another reason why Warrick Dunn's days are limited in Atlanta. If Adrian Peterson somehow falls to the #10 pick, there is not a chance that the Falcons will pass up on him. The Falcons are going to go for a bigger offensive line, abandoning their small-quick lineman tendencies from the past. Left tackle Wayne Gandy is 36 and has problems with pass protection. Look for the Falcons to put a little emphasis on the tackle postition to give Michael Vick and company time to throw the ball. They will also be looking for a big-name receiver to help this aspect, even though McKay hasn't fared well drafting the wide-out position. This will make the Falcons a two-dimensional team, putting more focus on the pass in 2007.

Updated April 25th, 2007