Just some guys who might be available when the Falcons pick

DT-BJ Raji, Boston College, Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn
OLB-Brian Cushing, USC (we would probably need him to slip a bit)

Just glancing around at various websites and seeing what players are likely to be available, the more I think the team should try and jump on a DT in the first round. There are too many holes on defense to go OL or TE in the first round. After Cushing, who could easily be gone by the time the Falcons are on the clock, there seems to be a drop off at outside linebacker.

Of course, free agency could easily change all this. I think the biggest target the Falcons should go after is Albert Haynesworth. Should they manage to sign him, all DT worries go out the window. A rotation of him, Grady, and Babs would be more than the team could hope for. Also, replacing Brooking could free up the ability in the draft. I think that Nicholas has enough speed and tackling ability to be an outside linebacker in our 4-3, not just as a speed rusher when we go to three down linemen. We know that Boley is more than capable in pass coverage. Despite his down year, I still think the team should keep him around. Putting those two on the outside with Lofton in the middle, or using them as the two linebackers in a nickel coverage would also be an upgrade over Brooking. Should the team be able to pull off moves such as these, they might be able to look towards the secondary in the early rounds.

why not make an attempt at haynesworth. we definitely need to look for a replacement for milloy heshowed yesterday he’s slowing down .brooking also needs replaced

Without knowing whos coming back and not knowing how deep the draft is going to be, its anybody’s guess but our D was pretty shaky and Oline still needs a body or 2.

But assuming the roster stays intact the biggest needs I see:
1) A fast, playmaking linebacker – I love Brooking but all his tackles are 7-10 yards down field.
2) DE to compliment Abraham and add depth in case he gets hurt
3) Nosetackle who’ll plug up the middle
4) A center who can open up the middle. McClure is on the small side and is not as young as he used to be
5) TE. Peele can make a play here and there and has good instincts but he can’t block and isn’t going to break any long plays
6) DBs – Never have too many

What about helping our Secondary by picking up Nnamdi Asomugha in the offseason? I know it would be difficult for him to leave Oakland, but should he come out I would hope that the Falcons at least get in the running. Unlike Albert Haynesworth there are no character issues, if fact Asomugha is very active in the community and seems to be a perfect fit in the direction this team is going.
After that, we could then pursue a DT or OLB in the 1st, and TE or Safety in the 2nd.
Any thoughts?

Unless some spectacular value falls into our lap, our #1 probably isn’t going to actually be our biggest position of need (DL IMO).

I think our options there are:
TE, S, C.
Personally I like taking Alex Mack at C. He’s a true first-round C, a rare-breed, and a C like that can make a no-huddle run smoothly. Ask Peyton Manning, you can have Jeff Saturday when you pry him from his cold dead hands (in a purely non-sexual way).

I’d like to see some LB help since we seem to be in such dire straits at that position, somehow. I’d like to see upgrades at S and RT as well.

So I’d suggest:
1.) Alex Mack.
2.) S/LB/RT to me, these positions need talent and go quickly, though RT can probably come later, and really that superstar center is probably a dream only I have. Thus, I’d expect our first two picks to be S or LB.
3.) DT.
4.) DE.
5.) Blocking TE I know I know, why does Ryan need a blocking TE? He needs a pass-catcher. I’d rather be developing a blocking TE’s hands than a catching TE’s blocking. I don’t think we need a crazy TE, and we can find good value, and hopefully someone who can run in the flats, take a hit and help keep Ryan upright.
6.) Gizflipping KR/PR. I like Douglas and Norwood back there, but I’d to see them take an injury on a return and more to the point, it’s pretty clear they aren’t really well-versed in the job. I mean, they’re clearly better than Adam Jennings, but then again, if our options are Adam Jennings and no return man at all, I say send all 11 after the kicker.
7.) Uh…… Whatever. DB. This is normally where I beg and kick and scream and plead with Rich McKay to get a farbing shaz K so we don’t have to call Morten Anderson out of retirement in Week 2. With Elam, I don’t really even know what to do. I guess take a DB or LB, or maybe trade it for a DB or an LB. Oooh, I know, buy a vowel!

ANOTHER THING!
Okay, so let me say this: I would draft almost NO ONE from UGA. I love the Dawgs, but anyone that has that much problem with D and tackling, I’ve gotta just say no too. They’re a project on a team that’s already got too many holes and just lost a farbing playoff game because of a lack of discipline. HOWEVER, that said, there’s one exception: Rennie Curran. “But, iRonin,” you say (in your best British accent) “doesn’t he seem a little small for a LB in the NFL?” And I say “Knock off that stupid accent, and we’re not drafting a LB, we’re drafting our SS…”

C’mon, think about it. Here’s some unsubstantiated numbers:
Rennie Curran “5’11” 202 4.54 40":http://georgia.scout.com/a.z?s=135&p=8&c=1&nid=2380445
Ed Reed “5’11” 200 4.57 40":http://www.google.com/search?q=ed20reed204020yard20dash

Just something to think about….

Is that I suspect this year we will have to rely less on the draft to pick up some good players. With the stunning turnaround, a pack of young stars on the offense, and the Coach Of The Year, ATL should be WAY more appealing to potential big name free agents.

And of course ATL is general is a pretty happening city and I think way more appealing than say Detroit, Kansas City, Green Bay, etc….

I am not too familiar with our cap situation next year, do we have some coin to sling around next year?

How bout Chase Coffman or Florida’s Cornelius Ingram?