2009 NFL Team Needs-Atlanta Falcons

Safety: The Falcons really need to have some youth and versatility added to the position.  They did draft Thomas DeCoud last year, and he figures to earn some playing time this season. However, with a deep safety 2009 class, look for Atlanta to snag one in the draft.

Linebacker: Last season, there were too many plays that failed to get stopped before making it to the third level. In addition, Atlanta lost Keith Brooking via free agency. Even though they added Mike Peterson to their roster, the Falcons could still select an inside and outside linebacker in the upcoming draft.

Center: Todd McClure is getting long in the tooth, and there isn’t a whole lot of depth behind him. McClure is cemented as the starter, but it just might be time for Atlanta to find his heir apparent. 

Tight End: Justin Peelle played great at times last season. However, the Falcons could afford to find a tight end that can stretch the deep middle of the field. Look for them to target a pass-catching tight end as some point in the draft. 

Defensive Tackle: Head coach, Mike Smith believes in building a team with huge defensive tackles anchoring the middle.  Atlanta is exactly constructed that way quite yet.  The key word is yet. 

Draft Candidates: S Louis Delmas, Western Michigan, S William Moore, Missouri, LB Marcus Freeman, Ohio State, LB Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia, C Eric Wood, Louisville, C Antoine Caldwell, Alabama, TE Cornelius Ingram, Florida, TE John Phillips, Virgina, DT Chris Baker, Hampton, DT Roy Miller, Texas