#27 Atlanta Falcons
What They Need: Though ultimately overwhelmed by the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in the playoffs, Atlanta was the best team in the NFC last regular season. Balance was their biggest strength on offense, and that’s why needs are minimal on that side of the ball. Michael Turner is a bona-fide feature back, and the combo of Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood gives the Falcons tremendous depth at the position. Roddy White emerged as a super star last year, and Tony Gonzalez is still one of the best receiving tight ends in the league. Matt Ryan is rock solid at quarterback; maybe he won’t win a game by himself, but he consistently puts his team in successful positions. The offensive line is a sound unit where no one player is excellent, but all are good NFL starters. Another explosive wide receiver or tight end is the only conceivable offensive draft option for Atlanta. Defensively, Atlanta was good but not great. They're fine at linebacker with young studs Sean Weatherspoon and Curtis Lofton and the solid veteran Mike Peterson. John Abraham is still a very good pass rushing defensive end, but he has had injuries and is aging quickly. Opposite Abraham, Kroy Biermann is a solid but unspectacular player. At tackle, Perria Jerry is still developing, as is second year man Corey Peters. The Falcons' secondary got torched at times last year because Dunta Robinson is their only good cover corner.
Who They Might Pick: I think this is defense all the way with defensive line and corner as the biggest needs. Having some young talent at defensive tackle may prohibit Atlanta from nabbing a guy like Corey Liuget from Illinois or Stephen Paea from Oregon State. At this point there won’t be a top-rated pass rusher available, such a coveted position. Maybe Jabal Sheard, the defensive end from Pittsburgh, could bring the pass rush complement to Abraham. Cameron Heyward might still be on the board, but I think he’s ideally suited for the 3-4. Aaron Williams from Texas will likely be the top cornerback available at this spot, and he could be a nice pick.
My Advice: They need a cover man to take pressure off of Dunta Robinson. Take Aaron Williams from Texas. He’s big and physical with good but not great speed. He’ll be able to combat big possession receivers while Robinson handles the burners on the other side. Atlanta is just one good player away from knocking on the Super Bowl door, and Williams could be that guy.
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| At pick twenty-seven, the Atlanta Falcons take Aaron Williams, CB, Texas. |
#28 New England Patriots
What They Need: Back again, huh? I already gave the Patriots stud running back Mark Ingram from Alabama, so the backfield is all taken care of. The receiving corps is deep, if not overwhelmingly talented, but that’s almost the way New England likes it. They want a group of good route runners that won’t pout if they don’t get the ball. And Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez both flashed big time potential at tight end last year, so I don’t think the Pats want to draft any more pass catchers. The offensive line is talented and sound, but could use an infusion of young talent. Defensively we’ve said New England could use another solid defensive end. The linebacking corps is full of young talent—Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Gary Guyton, Jermaine Cunningham—so I don’t think they’ll spend another high pick on that unit. Patrick Chung and Brandon Meriweather form a young, talented, and athletic safety combination. The corner position is not outstanding, but you have to figure that Devin McCourty will continue to develop, and Darius Butler and Leigh Bodden are certainly no slouches. It’s funny; you think of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and you view this team as old, but in reality they are young at a lot of positions. With no glaring need, this is another luxury pick. Even a possible successor to Brady is a possibility.
Who They Might Pick: I think linebacker is off limits here with all the picks they’ve spent on those positions recently. 3-4 defensive linemen are abundant in this draft, and that matches up with one of New England’s only needs. Cameron Heyward could certainly still be on the board, and maybe JJ Watt or Adrian Clayborn slide down this far. In terms of offensive line, the top tackles should all be gone, but Mike Pouncey could maybe fall to this spot, and if not Baylor guard Danny Watkins would provide a physical presence. Corner could be a thought, and Aaron Williams, Davon House (New Mexico State), Brandon Harris (Miami), or Ras-I Dowling (Virginia) are possibilities.
My Advice: After giving them Ingram, the offense is all set. Defensively their biggest need is another presence on the defensive line. Cameron Heyward could provide just that. Prior to this past college football season, many had Heyward as the best defensive player available, so he has big-time talent. I think in New England’s system he could thrive and should be the pick.
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| With the twenty-eighth pick, the New England Patriots select Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State. |
--from Adam
(images from zimbio.com)
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