Atlanta Falcons Team Needs
By: Scott Carasik

Safety
The Falcons have huge needs at both safety spots. Bryan Scott has been a huge disappointment; Keion Carpenter has been terrible; Ronnie Heard, Omare Lowe, Cam Newton and Antuan Edwards may all be re-signed but only for backup possibilities and to fight out for a roster spot in camp. The Falcons are looking at guys like Michael Huff, Ko Simpson, or Pat Watkins for the strong safety spot. Simpson, Watkins, Huff as well as Laron Landry, Darnell Bing, Bernard Pollard and Greg Blue could be looked at for the free safety spot.

Defensive End
With only Chauncey Davis, Brady Smith and Patrick Kerney under contract for 2006 and Brady Smith likely to be cut for cap reasons, a need for a pair of Defensive Ends this off season is extremely high. The Falcons like guys who are quick off the line, but also have enough bulk to help shut down the run. One possibility is for the Falcons to look at a guy who is a bit big for a DE like Ray Edwards (first day) or Manase Hopoi (second day) with one of the picks at DE and a pure pass rusher like a Kamerion Wimbley or a Mark Anderson with another pick as a primary pass rusher on the second day.

Offensive Linemen
With only four offensive lineman under contract for 2006, the Falcons need some depth that can develop into future starters and another guy who could possibly start right away. The Falcons like smaller, more athletic offensive lineman similar to Denver and will likely not look for one in the first round and likely not even the second round unless a guy like Daryn Colledge, Eric Winston or Jonathan Scott slip to their pick. A need for a center may be addressed in the second day with a guy like Marvin Phillip, Donovan Raiola, or Patrick Ross. A guard for the future is also needed and a guy like Rob Sims, Aaron Lips, or Nate Livings on the second day is very possible as well. Tackles are abundant in this draft however and a few guy fit the Falcons schemes in the second day. Travis Leffew or Rashad Butler would be very good picks for the Falcons.

Running Back
With T.J. Duckett possibly being a free agent and Warrick Dunn possibly being cut, a need for a Running Back is eminent. The Falcons would love to get a guy like Laurence Maroney, Dontrelle Moore or Andre Hall because of their all around versatility. A big back is possible but not very likely as the scheme suits a smaller faster back. The Falcons would also emphasize receiving skills when scouting the running backs as there is a lot of West Coast Philosophy in the Falcons offense.

Cornerback
As of now, DeAngelo Hall, Jason Webster and Allen Rossum seem to be the only healthy corners on the roster for next year. Kevin Mathis is likely to retire and Chris Cash may or may not be re-signed. The Falcons have a need for a corner who could potentially become a very good right cornerback to complement DeAngelo Hall, but could also step in as a Nickel or Dime cornerback this year. Cornerbacks like DeMario Minter, Gerrick McPhearson, Darrell Hunter or Tye Hill would be better for the Falcons scheme than a taller Cornerback like a Jimmy Williams.

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