Breaking down the Falcons prospect visits, by position

With the NFL Draft fast approaching, we’re all scouring the world for clues about what Altanta will be up to over the three weeks at the end of this week. We might be able to glean some small clue from

Bear in mind that there’s only so much we can learn from this—the Falcons may scoop up players they never even worked out—but it is useful to look at where the Falcons have focused their attention in the run-up to the draft.

Hat tip to FalcFans, whose prospect list was invaluable in combination with our own in getting this count. There are almost assuredly names that aren’t on either of our lists, but I think this is about a complete a count as you’ll get.

Quarterback: 6

Running Back: 11

Fullback: 2

Wide Receiver: 13

Tight End: 6

Offensive Tackle: 12

Guard: 6

Center: 2

Defensive End/EDGE: 20

Defensive Tackle: 7

Linebacker: 10

Cornerback: 12

Safety: 12

Kicker: 1

The focus on defensive end and defensive tackle tells us a lot, I believe, but otherwise I don’t think we can read too much into this list. Some of the tackles on this list are likely to be options at guard, the team is probably not investing significantly at wide receiver in the draft (but could look at plenty as undrafted free agents), and the small number of guards could indicate real faith in Wes Schweitzer or just that the Falcons aren’t that keen on using their workout quota on guards.

Here’s a handful of takeaways. Share yours in the comments.

• The Falcons probably shouldn’t be considered done at cornerback, even if I may think they have enough talent there to do quite well next season. Given Dan Quinn’s love of defensive backs, don’t be stunned if the seventh rounder is a corner.
• Tight end is a position the Falcons could still stand to upgrade at, but unless they get one of the top tight ends available, they’re likely to look at undrafted free agents. That’s if you go by this list, which only features six or so names, a couple of them likely first or second rounders.
• Don’t rule out a running back on the draft’s third day. The Falcons have shown interest in several, have worked out or visited with nearly a dozen, and this is a deep class.