Here's a link back to my original article about Atlanta and free agency.
Coming into this off-season, the Falcon's biggest need was at cornerback. They have made it a point to address that position by re-signing incumbent Brian Williams, and signing free-agent Dunta Robinson. Robinson's 6-year deal could be worth up to $57 million, making him the second highest paid cornerback behind only Nnamdi Asomugha.
Dunta Robinson has proven himself to be a solid cornerback, with good range and coverage skills. His addition gives a huge lift to a pass defense that was much maligned a year ago. With the cornerback situation addressed, they will now be able to focus on other needs during the draft.
Mocking the Draft has them selecting DE Brandon Graham, from Michigan with the 19th overall pick. If they do decide to go with a defensive end, some other possibilities include: Everson Griffen, Carlos Dunlap, and Jason Pierre-Paul.
Needs and 2009 Draft Results after the jump...
2010 Team Needs
- Defensive End: The Falcons need to continue and add to their pass rush. In their style of defense that generally means improving the defense end spot. It has to be considered their biggest need at this point.
- Outside Linebacker: Atlanta has gotten good, but not great production from its outside linebackers. While both Mike Peterson and Stephen Nicholas have been solid, they struggle in coverage at times. The team could look to acquire someone with more play making ability to help push their current linebacker corp to reach its full potential.
- Wide Receiver: QB Matt Ryan already has some great targets to throw to, but they could use a good slot receiver to pair with WR Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez. They may try and target a small, shifty receiver in the mid-late rounds of the draft.
2009 Draft Results
- DT Peria Jerry (24)
- S William Moore (55)
- CB Christopher Owens (90)
- DE Lawrence Sidbury (125)
- CB William Middleton (138)
- OT Garrett Reynolds (156)
- LB Spencer Adkins (176)
- DT Vance Walker (210)