2010 NFL Draft Countdown: Atlanta Falcons

The NFL Draft Countdown is where we take a closer look at an NFL franchise to see what its transactions have been and what its needs are.

Franchise

• Draft Position: 19
• 2009 Season Result: 9-7 (2^nd in NFC South; Missed Playoffs)
• 2009 Head Coach: Mike Smith
• 2010 Head Coach: Mike Smith (20-12; 0-1)

Key Transactions

• CB Dunta Robinson (from HOU)
• CB Tye Hill (to TEN)

Draft Picks

• 1-19
• 3-19
• 3-34
• 4-19
• 5-18
• 5-34
• 6-2
• 6-20

Analysis & Outlook

After a superb rookie season, both HC Mike Smith and QB Matt Ryan landed with both feet on the ground last season. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially since they still finished with a winning record. Nonetheless, the weaknesses were visible. Their offense is decidedly average without RB Michael Turner and their pass defense was weak.

Defensively, they addressed the secondary by adding CB Dunta Robinson, but they could use more help. Also, the pass rush could be improved. DE John Abraham is the primary threat but having someone play opposite him will help their chances of success.

On offense, they’d like to make tweaks by adding another WR and strengthening the O-Line.

In the first round, they’ll look to add a pass rusher. Options for them are DEs Derrick Morgan and Brandon Graham. Another possibility is LB Sean Weatherspoon. They have no second round pick but look for them to target a WR with one of their third round picks. They’ll also want to address the secondary early with some offensive and defensive linemen in rounds five and six.

The Falcons are a good team in development. They have areas in place but need more depth and consistency. They will be a contender in the NFC South, but are two to three seasons removed from a deep playoff run.