1st rd: I think we need to build for the future along our O and D lines. I think drafting Terrence Cody (DT) out of Bama would be a great start.
2nd rd: Go after Dannell Ellerbe (ILB) in the 2nd round. Brooking’s replacement (in my heart … you let Brooking stick around for another season) I would hope.
3rd rd: Draft Antoine Caldwell © out of Bama. Building our lines for the future.
4th rd: Pat White (QB) out of West Virginia. I am going out on a limb here, but he could be a long-term backup option for Ryan. Maybe I just miss a little bit (don’t know why), but it’d be nice to have someone w/ his running ability on the team. Many of you will say we already have Shock, so what’s the point. I love Shock, but I think we could convert White into a WR/kick returning option to complement Harry Douglas. Can you imagine those two speedsters on our roster? QB or WR, he’s a great athlete and I think a fourth round pick would be well spent on him if he’s still around.
5th rd: Jeff Byers (C/G) out of USC. Again, building our line for the future. They pulled it off this year, but they’ll all be another year older/fatter by next September (w/ the exception of Clabo/Blaylock/Baker).
6th rd: Antonio Dixon (DT) out of Miami. He’s a big boy and he might be able to step into Grady’s spot w/ a little coaching. Or at least spot Trey Lewis (when he gets healthy) from time to time).
7th rd: Brannan Southerland (FB) out of GA. He’s a bull dog, so yeah, I’m biased. I think he could be a decent special teamer. He’s a better option that Snelling, I’m sure of it.
7th rd:

At first blush, I’d favor getting help on both lines in the early rounds, also a DB or two. A sleeper TE and depth at WR would be nice too.

Thinking too specifically makes my head hurt, so I place my trust in Our Exalted Comrade. His last draft fills me with childlike awe and wonder, it looks better every passing day. Set those Countdown Clocks for April 25th, boys and girls!

We need a DT. Not just any old DT will do, we need a penetrating DT, although if Babineaux continues to improve maybe it’s not as big of a need as it first seems. Regardless the DL needs an upgrade because it HAS to get pressure. Our defense falters when there’s no pressure. Therein lies the problem with Cody, he’s not a gap shooter a la Rod Coleman, he’s more like Grady Jackson. A big immovable object who takes up space and clogs running lanes. He’d make a great replacement for Grady Jackson, and if he remains another year he’d make a great addition to the Falcons as a replacement for Grady. Biggest need is DE and DT.

I question the need for a high level replacement for DT. Foxworth has played well, we’ve also got Von Hutchins on IR, who should be back next year. Houston and Grimes have both played well IMO. Like I said, this defensive scheme requires the front-four to give pressure.

My other needs:
C- Todd McClure is the oldest member of the OL, and one of the oldest on the team. OL needs to stay together as long as possible, and it’d be good to go ahead an get young guy in there to start taking over.
Safety- More pressing needs at safety. Eric Coleman is serviceable, but I think the FS position is important in the Cover 2, and upgrading that position upgrades the entire D. At SS, there’s question about Lawyer Milloy staying or going, so a replacement is going to be needed.
Tight End- Finding a good TE is difficult and this team has a particular approach to it: Find a great blocking TE, and then see if he’s got some hands. If he’s got great hands or speed or route running, but only blocks decent, that’s no good. Get a blocker with hands, not possession with blocks.
Right Tackle- Clabo has been serviceable, and well suited to a backup role, if we could upgrade that spot, the line would be fully solid. I’ve got no gripes with Blaylock, Dahl and Baker. McClure’s just a bit old, and Clabo has been not necessarily the “weak” link because the line has played well, but he’s the “weakest” link in my mind.

First of all, please keep the UGA talk to a minimum. I come here so I can focus on all that is right and wonderful in the Realm of Football, not that which disappoints me and makes me want to punch stuff. Grrrrrrrrr.

Moving on, I can’t see the Falcons going for Southerland, or any fullback for that matter. They gave Ovie the biggest contract for a fullback ever and really don’t need to draft another. Southerland will make a hell of a pro, I just don’t think it will be for the Falcons.

As said above, DT should be the top priority. Not just a big body like Jackson, but somebody who can be disruptive in the middle, like Rod Coleman was. Of course, if they sign Albert Haynesworth (PLEASE!!!!), then this becomes totally and wonderfully moot. After that, I would look at a linebacker to replace Brooking with as soon as possible, a blocking TE with decent hands, and help at safety and maybe a bigger, more physical cornerback than we have on the roster. Parts of the offensive line are getting up there in age and the team will need to upgrade there sooner rather than later, but I think there are more urgent matters to take care of this year.