2008 Atlanta Falcons NFL Draft Needs

2007 was a season to forget for the Atlanta Falcons. Finishing 4-12 wasn't half as bad as the negative publicity surrounding this franchise following Michael Vick's media circus. While I have listed Atlanta's top five needs below, know that the team needs help at basically every spot, especially quarterback. Find out what the first steps are to getting this franchise back on track in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Atlanta Falcons NFL draft needs article.

#1 Quarterback

Without a doubt, the Falcons need to land a QB of the future. The question, then, is if this player is even in this year's draft. Chris Redman did improve down the stretch last season and may have done enough to be named the started, but the dirty birds need a QB in training. If they don't have an opportunity to pick Andre' Woodson, Brian Brohm, or Matt Ryan, they should get a shot several of the following prospects: Joe Flacco, Chad Henne, Erik Ainge, John David Booty, and Colt Brennan.

#2 Offensive Tackle

Don't be surprised if Atlanta uses its first overall pick to grab Michigan's Jake Long if they are confident enough that several of their QB prospects will slide. Last year's starting tackles Todd Weiner and Wayne Gandy both went down with season ending injuries and the Falcons may just decide to rebuild this position. If the Falcons decide to pass on Long early, look for them to try to come back with Clemson's Barry Richardson in the second or third round.

#3 Defensive Tackle

If my mock draft, I have the Falcons taking defensive end Chris Long. While defensive end is not Atlanta's biggest need, insiders say that Atlanta won't be able to pass him up. This guy possesses the character that Owner Arthur Blank is looking for and he also has an NFL pedigree.

#4 Running Back

The Falcons' running game has been its strong suit as Vick has rarely shown the ability to beat teams through the air during his stint at QB. If Atlanta doesn't feel any of the top QB prospects are franchise-caliber players, it may elect to take a top notch running back. Without question, Arkansas' Darren McFadden would be the target. Atlanta may also hope that guys like Michigan's Mike Hart or Georgia Tech's Tashard Choice slip so that they can nab them later.

#5 Safety

This is a spot that must be addressed at some point on draft day. The Falcons took Daren Stone in the sixth round last season because of his athletic ability, but he still needs more time to mature. A big hitter such as Notre Dame's Tom Zbikowksi or LSU's Craig Steltz would both be good fits. Both players are intelligent athletes capable of leading a defense.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

March 24th, 2008