2009 NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons

What a difference a year can make. The Atlanta Falcons found their way out of the NFC South cellar and into the playoffs in just a year’s time with an 11-5 regular season record. Much of the quick turnaround can be credited to a very good draft. When the Falcons made QB Matt Ryan their first round selection, the team wasn’t even sure if he would play as a rookie. Not only did Ryan play, but he played well enough to make fans forget about Michael Vick. Jimmy Boyd takes a look at the Falcons biggest draft needs, likely day 1 targets, and their recent draft track record in the 2009 NFL draft preview.

Biggest Draft Needs – The offensive line can still stand to get better. Offensive tackle Tyson Clabo is serviceable at best and tackle Sam Baker is coming off an injury-filled season and is still developing. Also, on the offensive side of the ball, look for the Falcons to go after a tight end. Defensively, Atlanta still needs an upgrade at cornerback. Chris Houston doesn’t appear to be a No. 1 corner and Dominique Foxworth is no longer in town. The Falcons will be looking at defensive ends as well in the early rounds.

Likely Day 1 Targets – A potential shutdown corner like Utah’s Sean Smith or Wake Forest’s Alphonso Smith would make sense with the 24th overall pick, but the Falcons will have a hard time passing if Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew is still on the board. Pettigrew looks like a star in the making as he can do it all. He would be an exceptional possession receiver for the Falcons at 6′6”, 260 pounds with excellent hands, and he is an outstanding blocker, almost serving as a third tackle.

If the Falcons elect to go with Pettigrew in round one, they could potentially get a cornerback like Vanderbilt’s D.J. Moore in round two. Moore looks like he could be a steal slipping to the second round. He is a pure cover corner with great speed and can also be a valuable return man. He racked up 12 interceptions the last two years at Vandy.

The Falcons could also go with a defensive end prospect in round two like Lawrence Sidbury Jr. from Richmond. His stock has continued to rise as NFL scouts have been impressed with his workouts. He has the size and the athleticism, but the NFL will be a big jump from the FCS.

Recent Draft Track Record – The Falcons arguably had the best draft of any team in 2008. In QB Matt Ryan, they found a gem. He took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors while throwing for 3,440 yards. He has also already earned the respect of his teammates enough to be voted as team captain for the 2009 season. Linebacker Curtis Lofton was brilliant as well with 87 tackles at middle linebacker in his rookie campaign. Cornerback Chevis Jackson and wide receiver Harry Douglas were strong contributors as well.

Do your NFL betting on Jimmy Boyd’s NFL picks this season for the most winners in the industry against the NFL odds.

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