NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons Pick No. 27 On April 28

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AUDIO: Julio Jones On Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick, Trade, Roddy White And More

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NFL Draft Rumors: Atlanta Falcons 'Exhausted' Top-Five Trade Possibilities

Peter King's claim that the Atlanta Falcons were looking to move into the 2011 NFL Draft's top 10 so they could pick A.J. Green or Julio Jones caused many an eye to roll around these parts. But reports are rolling in that the team has at least asked around about the possibility of trading up, with NFL.com's Jason La Canfora reporting they've done "due diligence" on "all possibilities" of trading into the top five or 10.

So the Falcons want Green, Jones or somebody else, and want to know what it would take to land their prize. Could just be smoke, could just be tire-kickin' or could be nothing to it at all.

Highly doubt the team actually pulls the trigger on one of these trades, though the thinking is that the Falcons are just a piece or two away from going for a title run very soon. Of course, one of those pieces is another decent pass rusher, something they could assuredly find in this draft's No. 27 slot.

The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, April 28, and SB Nation has everything you need to prepare: NFL mock drafts, draft projections, scouting reports, the full NFL draft schedule and more. Check it out at SB Nation's NFL Draft page and our NFL Draft blog, Mocking the Draft.

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Peter King Alleges Falcons Courtship Of A.J. Green And Julio Jones: Should We Believe It?

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2011 NFL Draftees The Atlanta Falcons Have Met, Sorted By Position And Projection

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NFL Draft Rumors: Falcons Could Trade Up For A.J. Green Or Julio Jones, Says Peter King

The average Atlanta Falcons fan is from Georgia (you're learning so much today!) and thus probably also a Georgia Bulldogs fan. Therefore the average Falcons fan would really like to have A.J. Green around. But woe is us, our team picks No. 27, not No. 2 or No. 7. Enter Peter King!

The Sports Illustrated columnist says Atlanta is trying to trade into the top 10 for a crack at either Green or Julio Jones. Roddy White, for one, doesn't believe it, pointing out general manager Thomas Dimitroff's New England Patriots background.

The great Green-to-Falcons hope has been slapped down repeatedly around these parts, and the team hasn't even worked out either of the receivers -- that we know of, at least. All indications are that Atlanta is looking to draft a receiver in the middle rounds.

The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, April 28, and SB Nation has everything you need to prepare: NFL mock drafts, draft projections, scouting reports, the full NFL draft schedule and more. Check it out at SB Nation's NFL Draft page and our NFL Draft blog, Mocking the Draft.

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NFL Draft 2011: Mike Pouncey To Atlanta Falcons In Latest Mock

The 2011 NFL Draft, scheduled for 8 pm ET on Thursday, is sure to feature multiple confounding trades and bizarre moments, which most mock drafts don't dare to project. SB Nation's Brian Galliford and Dan Kader did just that in their final 2011 mock draft, however, forecasting five trades -- two of which of course involve the New England Patriots.

The Atlanta Falcons don't make any trades here, but they do go for a safe offensive line pick instead of going after one of those assorted defensive linemen they've been mocked over and over. Galliford: 

Adrian Clayborn would be a serious consideration here, but Mike Pouncey is a plug-and-play starter that could be the team's future at the center position, as well. He's a safer pick.    

As a rookie, Maurkice Pouncey made the Pro Bowl and would've started in the Super Bowl if not for injury. While his brother might take a while longer to adapt to playing center, if that's where he ends up, he's still a strong option for a team that could lose one of its starting guards during this very weird offseason.

For more Florida sports, join Alligator Army. For more Falcons, join The Falcoholic. For more NFL Draft, join Mocking The Draft.

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NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons Need Safety Help, According To Fancy Math

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NFL Draft 2011: Where The Local Prospects Might Go On Draft Day

The Southeast is always a hotbed for football talent, and this year is no exception. There are some prospects from the local Atlanta area (or at least attended school there) who could be making a big splash in the NFL next year, but it starts with the Draft on Thursday.

The highest rated local prospect is unquestionably Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green, who is considered one of the better, if not best, prospects in the draft. The latest edition of the 2011 NFL Mock Draft at SB Nation has Green going to the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 4 overall selection in the Draft. Here is their rationale.

Right now, the smart money is on the Bengals passing on Blaine Gabbert, taking A.J. Green, and trying to move back up for a quarterback. That'd be a gamble, but may pay big long-term dividends. Green is a stud.

Green is a stud, and I don't think a team that could be losing it's top two receivers can really afford to look past him in the first round. Whether he goes to the Bengals or not, I think that Green goes somewhere in the first 5-7 picks.

The other Georgia prospect that might make his way into the First Round is outside linebacker Justin Houston. He's projected to go anywhere from the late first to early second round. Peter King of Sports Illustrated actually thinks that Houston might actually stay local, and that the Falcons might have some interest in him with their first round pick.

The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, April 28, and SB Nation has everything you need to prepare: NFL mock drafts, draft projections, scouting reports, the full NFL draft schedule and more. Check it out at SB Nation's NFL Draft page and our NFL Draft blog, Mocking the Draft.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Will The Falcons Get Help On The Offensive Line?

For all of you that have been scouring the Internet for the last few months, looking for any morsel of NFL Draft information you can get your paws on just to get a fix until the Draft actually comes, the wait is almost over. It's finally NFL Draft week, and the festivities get underway on Thursday. In preparation, SB Nation just released the latest edition of their 2011 NFL Mock Draft, and they have the Falcons taking Florida guard Mike Pouncey in the first round. Here is their rationale.

(Iowa defensive end Adrian) Clayborn would be a serious consideration here, but Pouncey is a plug-and-play starter that could be the team's future at the center position, as well. He's a safer pick.

Pouncey is likely one of the safest picks in all of the first round. We pretty much have a preview of what he might look like in his brother, a pro-bowler for the Steelers last year. To be fair, Mike isn't quite as good as Maurkice, but he should be an above average starter in the interior line from the get-go. If he is on the board when the Falcons pick, he would be a good selection, even if he doesn't fill one of their biggest needs.

Meanwhile, Peter King of Sports Illustrated thinks the Falcons might go with a local edge-rusher in Justin Houston in the first round. Just goes to show that nobody really knows what's going to happen until the pick is announced (or traded) on Thursday, so stay tuned.

The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, April 28, and SB Nation has everything you need to prepare: NFL mock drafts, draft projections, scouting reports, the full NFL draft schedule and more. Check it out at SB Nation's NFL Draft page and our NFL Draft blog, Mocking the Draft.

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Jessie Tuggle Announcing Atlanta Falcons Second Round 2011 NFL Draft Pick

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Falcons Will Have Options In First Round

Todd McShay just released a new mock draft at ESPN that is a little bit different than other mocks we've seen. He doesn't just give each team one player; he lays down three different options for each team at every selection, including some intriguing options for the Falcons at No. 27.

The first would be to take Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn with the 27th overall pick. Clayborn would be a pretty good player to put on the strong side of their defensive line, and should even be able to add a little bit of pressure on the quarterback. McShay notes that there are some health concerns with Clayborn, but he might be a risk worth taking.

The second option would be to take an offensive lineman because they have a few free agents up front. He lists Baylor guard Danny Watkins as a potential option.

The other option is to simply go best player available, which is never a bad idea. If that is what they decide to do, McShay lists North Carolina LB Bruce Carter, Miami CB Brandon Harris and UCLA LB Akeem Ayers as potential targets.

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Atlanta Falcons NFL Draft Prospect Workout List

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jabaal Sheard, Lance Kendricks To Atlanta Falcons

With just over a week left, SB Nation’s weekly 2011 NFL mock draft is getting a bit more detailed. It’s a two-rounder this week, sending Cam Newton No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers.

The Atlanta Falcons get Pittsburgh Panthers DE Jabaal Sheard and Wisconsin Badgers TE Lance Kendricks. Both are tremendous athletes, but neither is without question marks — Sheard was charged with a misdemeanor last year for getting in a fight, while Kendricks isn’t known as the best run blocker despite playing in a thunderous, plodding offense.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers get Missouri Tigers DE Aldon Smith and Georgia Bulldogs OL Clint Boling, while the New Orleans Saints take Iowa Hawkeyes DE Adrian Clayborn and Illinois Fighting Illini LB Martez Wilson. With their second pick, the Panthers grab Alabama Crimson Tide RB Mark Ingram, apparently collecting Heisman Trophy winners from Alabama.

For more NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay Has Falcons Drafting Anthony Castonzo

When you read a mock draft, pretty much no matter who it comes from, is just someone's opinion who doesn't have any real ties to an organization, let alone all 32. But Todd McShay did something a little refreshing with his latest mock at ESPN; he brought in two actual NFL scouts to help him make a first round mock. Who knows if it will prove to be any better or more accurate than the other mocks you have been reading, but I do appreciate the effort of bringing in those scouts.

He has the Falcons taking Boston College offensive lineman Anthony Castonzo with the 27th overall pick in the first round. The interesting thing about this is that McShay ranks Castonzo as the 18th best prospect in the draft, but has him falling nearly 10 spots past that, even though tackle is always one of the most in-demand positions during the draft.

Castonzo has a lot of potential to be a very good player in the NFL, and I think he could probably help out the Falcons offensive line, I just wonder if he will actually be available when they pick.

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The Falcons Will Draft Justin Houston If It's The Last Thing Bloggers Do

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2011 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Taking Big Board Advice From Agents

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2011 NFL Mock Draft Sends Adrian Clayborn To Falcons, Cam Newton To Panthers

SB Nation's weekly 2011 NFL mock drafts have zeroed in on the Atlanta Falcons' biggest need, according to Falcons fans at least: another pass rusher who can some day take over for John Abraham. This week's contestant is Iowa Hawkeyes DE Adrian Clayborn, last seen near these parts when he burped up Georgia Tech's entire offense the morning after the Orange Bowl.

The most common critique of Clayborn: that disappointing senior season. After being named a 2010 consensus All-American, his sack total fell from 11 to four in 2011. Of course, that's with Iowa losing two members of its front seven to the 2010 draft, including second-round LB Pat Angerer, so opposing offenses may have been able to pay more attention to the six-foot-three, 281-pounder.

Elsewhere around NFC NASCAR, the Panthers go with Cam Newton first (oh please oh please oh please oh please), the Bucs get Pitt DE Jabaal Sheard this time around, and the Saints take Illinois DT Corey Liuget.

For more on Clayborn, visit Black Heart Gold Pants. For more Falcons, join The Falcoholic. And for more NFL Draft, head to Mocking The Draft.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft Gives Jabaal Sheard To Falcons, Blaine Gabbert To Panthers

In SB Nation's weekly 2011 NFL mock draft, the Atlanta Falcons get yet another new pass rusher: Pitt's Jabaal Sheard. While Brian Galliford admits a player with "a checkered past" would be a departure from Thomas Dimitroff's practiced personnel philosophy, Sheard looks to be too big of a talent to pass up at No. 27.

Sheard was suspended from the Panthers in July 2010 for incurring assault charges after taking part in a fight, though he was reinstated once his charges were reduced to a misdemeanor. However, he once also received an award for helping an elderly woman escape a burning building, so it's not like we're talking about an irredeemable menace or something.

On the field, he's definitely a pass-rushing weapon, though his versatility will limit his every-down effectiveness. He does sound like a possible long-term replacement for John Abraham, but I think this draft is deep enough at the position that the Falcons can find a pass rusher without an arrest record, as is clearly their preference.

Elsewhere around the NFC South, Carolina takes Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert at No. 1, the Buccaneers grab Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan (though they may need to think about going CB now), and New Orleans gets Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn again.

For more NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft. For more Atlanta Falcons, visit The Falcoholic.

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A.J. Green To Falcons In NFL Draft? Yes, That's The Kind Of Thing That Happens All The Time

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Carolina Panthers Testing Cam Newton, Ryan Mallett On Playbook Before NFL Draft

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Justin Houston Is Most Popular Pick For Atlanta Falcons Among Mock Drafts

It's possible the NFL won't play a season this year but the NFL Draft will take place and right now that's all that's keeping me sane. With just over a month to go before the three-day primetime event, there is a lot of speculation on which players will end up with what teams. The Atlanta Falcons are no different with widely varying opinions on players, positions and just what exactly is considered a need. The lack of free agency adds a new wrinkle to the draft-planning strategy.

In an effort to clarify this confusing situation, I dug through 60 of the top mock drafts posted in the last week. Yes, 60 of them. What? I had some spare time. Using such a massive amount of data, we can really start to see patterns develop. And with a hat tip to Jay Adams at AF.com, I created a word cloud to let us OOH and AHH at the pretty picture before diving into the hard data. First up is the position breakdown.

Word cloud created at Wordle.net

This makes it very clear that most experts believe the Falcons biggest need is defensive end and/or outside linebacker. Just to clarify, the positions used were from Scouts, Inc. meaning Justin Houston was categorized as a DE though he is listed as DE/OLB in most places. The other obvious needs are wide receiver and offensive tackle. Everything else appears to be inconsequential. Here's the raw numbers. *Note: Number is the number of times that position was selected.

Next up is the most popular players the Falcons are targeting. Again using the same data from the 60 mock drafts over the past week. Behold!

(click to embiggen)

We can see a clear favorite has emerged from the pack; Georgia's Justin Houston. Iowa's Adrian Clayborn is close behind with Jonathan Baldwin and Torrey Smith as the top wide receiver candidates. The full data beckons below. *Note: Number is the number of times that player was selected.

Preparing to see Justin Houston in a Falcons jersey is probably a safe bet. Last year at this time, the wisdom of crowds said Sean Weatherspoon was the pick and the Falcons didn't waver. Will it happen again? My guess is the Georgia Dome will be seeing a lot of jerseys with Houston on the back in 2011. Or 2012. Or whenever they play football again.

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2011 NFL Draft: Ryan Williams Met With Falcons, Redskins, And Giants At Combine, According To Report

Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams met with the Atlanta Falcons at the 2011 NFL Combine, according to the National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson. While the first four names of players who met with the team weren’t surprising at all, this one certainly is.

Though he’s far from a sluggish battering ram, Williams doesn’t exactly fit the team’s apparent needs as well as some of those smaller backs do — he’s five-foot-nine, 212 pounds. However, the Falcons could be looking at bigger runners just in case they’re unable to re-sign Jason Snelling, to whom they’ve extended a token RFA tender. And Williams does have experience at splitting carries, something he had to do throughout college at Virginia Tech.

The more I think about this idea, the more I kind of like it, though that second-round price tag is a little steep for a guy with just decent speed. And he’s productive and aggressive, but did miss time with an injury last year.

The longer I keep typing about this, the more I’m going to disagree with myself. What do you think?

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2011 NFL Mock Draft Sends Blaine Gabbert To Panthers As Nick Fairley Plummets, Kyle Rudolph To Falcons

In SB Nation’s first 2011 NFL mock draft since the end of the NFL Combine, Missouri Tigers QB Blaine Gabbert surges to the No. 1 spot, with Nick Fairley falling all the way to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 9. Nothing would delight me more than the Panthers tying up money in a quarterback without fixing their lines, so this is entirely welcome.

The Atlanta Falcons get Notre Dame Fighting Irish TE Kyle Rudolph again, and while he’s a good player and plays a position they’ll likely address one way or another (though there already is a handful of young tight ends on the roster), I’m thinking pass rusher is the most likely option. Georgia’s Justin Houston goes one pick later at No. 28 … considering his monstrous Combine and his versatility, he might be a great choice.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers again go defensive line, this time picking Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan, another Combine standout, while the New Orleans Saints get Alabama Crimson Tide RB Mark Ingram, giving them one player with a Heisman Trophy.

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2011 NFL Combine Results: Dontay Moch, Sam Acho, Ryan Kerrigan Star In Defensive Lineman Drills

Defensive linemen worked out at the 2011 NFL Combine Monday morning, with Nevada DE Dontay Moch stealing the show by running a 4.44-second 40-yard dash, the fastest by any DL in over a decade. For reference, that’s faster than A.J. Green, who’s expected to be the first RB/WR taken in this year’s draft. Fresno State’s Chris Carter, Texas’ Sam Acho, Arizona’s Brooks Reed, and Pitt’s Jabaal Sheard all ran sub-4.7 40s.

For more on Moch, check out his NFL Draft training diary series at SB Nation Arizona. World's fastest blogger!

The Atlanta Falcons are believed to be in the market for a pass-rushing defensive end, and have reportedly already met with Acho and Miami’s Allen Bailey.

Bailey and Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan also made the top ten among DL, running 4.71 and 4.77 respectively. Kerrigan finished second to Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt among pure defensive ends at the bench press. Bailey and Kerrigan ranked in the top 10 in both the broad jump and vertical jump as well.

For more NFL Combine results, visit NFL.com’s frequently updated list on each drill.

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2011 NFL Combine Results: 40-Yard Dash Times Boost Da'Rel Scott, Edmund Gates, Mario Fannin

Running backs and wide receivers are finished running the 40-yard dash at the 2011 NFL Combine. Maryland Terrapins RB Da’Rel Scott turned in the year’s fastest time among all offensive players, running a 4.35-second 40. Defensive backs will get their shot on Tuesday, but that’s going to be a tough target to shoot for.

Very closely behind, Auburn Tigers RB Mario Fannin, Abilene Christian WR Edmund Gates, and Fort Valley State WR Ricardo Lockette all ran 4.37-second 40s. We know Lockette had a meeting scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons, among other teams.

Towering Alabama Crimson Tide WR Julio Jones turned in a 4.39, but he’ll be long gone by the time the Falcons pick. Oklahoma Sooners RB DeMarco Murray produced the only other sub-4.4 40, though he also is very unlikely to wind up in Atlanta.

The Falcons are expected to pick a versatile offensive weapon with one of their picks, though they’ll likely look for a value pick later in the draft. Leonard Hankerson, Randall Cobb, and Torrey Smith, all who’ve been of interest to Falcons fans, all ran under 4.5.

For more NFL Combine results, visit NFL.com’s frequently updated list on each drill.

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2011 NFL Combine Results: Luke Stocker, Jordan Cameron, Virgil Green Win Tight End Workouts

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to pick a tight end at some point in the 2011 NFL Draft. Tight ends worked out Saturday, with Tennessee’s Luke Stocker, USC’s Jordan Cameron, and Nevada’s Virgil Green putting up the best numbers.

Stocker tied Michigan State’s Charlie Gantt for most bench press reps with 27, which ranked ahead of many offensive linemen. Cameron and Green also made the top five among tight ends, pushing 23 each.

Cameron and Green finished just behind Florida Atlantic’s Robert Housler’s 4.55-second time in the 40-yard dash, running a 4.59 and 4.64 respectively. Stocker ranked No. 9, running a 4.79.

Either Cameron or Green won every other drill among all tight ends, with Green taking the jumping drills and Cameron winning agility drills. Stocker finished in the top ten of each.

The tight end most frequently connected with the Falcons, Wisconsin’s Lance Kendricks, finished No. 10 in the 40 and No. 3 in the bench press.

For more NFL Combine results, visit NFL.com’s frequently updated list on each drill.

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2011 NFL Combine Results: Bench Press Drill Topped By Ryan Bartholomew

Among the offensive linemen invited to the 2011 NFL Combine, Syracuse Orange center Ryan Bartholomew led all with 34 reps. That’s nowhere near the recent record, set by Arkansas’ Mitch Petrus (EDIT: And just broken by Oregon State DT Stephen Paea's 49), but it’s the highest of the year.

Atlanta Falcons fans assume the team will look to draft an offensive lineman or two during the 2011 NFL Draft. While other drills like the vertical jump and cone drill are relevant to the skills a good offensive lineman needs, the bench press is going to remain the marquee for the big guys.

Bartholomew was followed by Clemson’s Chris Hairston, TCU’s Marcus Cannon, and Utah’s Zane Taylor at 33. Florida guard Marcus Gilbert, who counts Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff as an admirer, pumped 30. Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi, a frequent mock draft Falcon, tied with USC’s Tyron Smith with 29, the most of any likely first-rounder.

For more NFL Combine results, visit NFL.com’s frequently updated list on each drill.

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Sam Acho, Allen Bailey, Noel Devine Meet With Falcons At 2011 NFL Combine

Reports have come out on four players that have interviewed or will interview with the Atlanta Falcons at the 2011 NFL Combine: Texas Longhorns DE Sam Acho, Miami Hurricanes DL Allen Bailey, West Virginia Mountaineers RB Noel Devine, and Fort Valley State WR Ricardo Lockette. If you’re keeping track, that’s two big pass rushers and two small, versatile ball handlers.

Bailey is a likely second-rounder who could make it into the first, Acho and Devine are expected to be second- or third-rounders, and Lockette is likely to be a late-rounder.

Before the Combine, each team turns in a list of 60 players it would like to meet with. While we won’t be able to see a list of every player interviewed by the Falcons, this still does give us an idea of two player types they’re considering. For those constructing Falcons mock drafts, consider putting a pass rusher early and an offensive weapon in the middle.

ht FalconsJAdams, jwyattsports, WVUPros and AJCFalcons

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2011 NFL Combine: Cam Heyward, Leonard Hankerson Among 10 Players Falcons Fans Should Watch

The 2011 NFL Combine begins Thursday in Indianapolis and despite the black cloud of labor negotiations looming, the show must go on. Over the course of six days, 300 potential pros will be timed, measured, tested and evaluated by scouts, coaches and General Managers in an effort to determine which players will make a good fit with their respective franchise.

Which players will the Atlanta Falcons' front office be keeping an eye on? I offer up 10 possibilities.

Anthony Castonzo | OT | Boston College
Gabe Carimi | OT | Wisconsin
Derek Sherrod | OT | Mississippi State

Any of these players could step right in and play if the Falcons lose Tyson Clabo to free agency. The only question is whether or not they'll still be on the board when the Falcons pick at 27.

Ryan Kerrigan | DE | Purdue
Cameron Heyward | DE | Ohio State
Allen Bailey | DE | Miami

Even if John Abraham can give the Falcons another season like he had in 2010, they'll still need to improve the pass rush on the opposite side. Kerrigan has been a popular mock option but like the offensive tackles above, he may not be available in the late first round.

Mike Pouncey | OG | Florida
Danny Watkins | OG | Baylor

The Falcons flirted with Mike's brother, Maurkice, before the 2010 NFL Draft but some scouts think Mike is the better player. Watkins could add depth and serve as the eventual replacement for Justin Blalock or Harvey Dahl if one or both go the route of free agency.

Luke Stocker | TE | Tennessee

A lot of people are on Kyle Rudolph's bandwagon but he's not on mine (read below for more). Stocker has great length and as I wrote before, he'd be an excellent red zone option.

Leonard Hankerson | WR | Miami

After his Senior Bowl performance, everyone knows about him now. If the Falcons go wide receiver in the first round, he's at the top of my wish list.

You may have noticed some missing names in juniors Tyron Smith, Aaron Williams, Rudolph, Jon Baldwin, Torrey Smith and Jurell Casey. I'm not saying the Falcons won't kick the tires on these underclassmen but the Falcons love drafting seniors. They've done so 92 percent of the time so I'm going with the numbers here.

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2011 NFL Draft: DJ Williams, Luke Stocker Potential TE Selections For Falcons

For the past two seasons the Falcons have enjoyed the luxury of a future Hall of Fame talent at tight end. Tony Gonzalez has amassed 1,523 yards on 153 receptions and scored 12 touchdowns since arriving in Atlanta. He's been a tremendous asset for our young quarterback and although he's said he's coming back for his 15th season, he won't be around forever. It's time the Falcons start looking for his replacement and I have a few ideas in mind. You can review the Falcons' potential offensive tackle, wide receiver and offensive guard needs before diving in.

2011 Draft Need: Tight End

Current Starters: Tony Gonzalez (35 years old in 2011)

Reserves: Robbie Agnone (26), Michael Palmer (23), Justin Peelle (32), Marquez Branson (24)

Agone and Branson haven't seen any game action as Falcons making it tough to judge their long-term prospects. Peelle caught 10 passes for 96 yards and one touchdown in 2010 and saw a lot of playing time in the two tight end sets Mike Mularkey favored but he's 32 years old and will be a free agent in 2012. I think he'll move on with Gonzalez after the 2012 season. Palmer appeared in 14 games - making one start - and caught five passes for 29 yards and one touchdown in 2010 and, at 23 years old, has to be the leader in the clubhouse for the starting tight end spot when the 2012 season begins.

If the Falcons don't think Palmer is the future, here's some early round options from Mocking the Draft's top 200 they may consider. Their overall rank is shown below and you can see their entire tight end rankings here.

27. Kyle Rudolph | 6'6, 265 pounds | TE | Notre Dame

Projected round: 1-2

Injuries caused Rudolph to miss nine games at Notre Dame. There's not many scenarios I see that end with Rudolph in a Falcon uniform. He's an underclassmen who has an injury history and I know that worked out for the Patriots with Rob Gronkowski, the Falcons likely can't afford to risk it.

Closest pro comparison: Gronkowski, Patriots

54. D.J. Williams | 6'2, 250 pounds | TE | Arkansas

Projected round: 2-3

Concerns about his size have lowered his draft stock. He may not fit the physical blocking style the Falcons employ but he does hail from the SEC, a conference the Falcons have loved.

Closest pro comparison: Aaron Hernandez, Patriots

59. Luke Stocker | 6'6, 240 pounds | TE | Tennessee

Projected round: 2

Good size but has a track record of being a casual route runner and doesn't grade out as a top blocker. His size may be too much to pass up though.

Closest pro comparison: Leonard Pope, Chiefs

105. Weslye Saunders | 6'5, 280 pounds | TE | South Carolina

Projected round: 6-7

A gigantic tight end who could be a good fit for the Falcons' run-first offense. We loved Alge Crumpler in the past and this is today's version.

Closest pro comparison: Nobody. A mountain of a man at the tight end spot.

111. Cameron Graham | 6'4, 253 pounds | TE | Louisville

Projected round: 6

A project with potential.

Closest pro comparison: Kellen Winslow, Jr.

This is really a brutal class for tight ends and it wouldn't surprise me if the Falcons waited to draft one until the 2012 NFL Draft. That said, let's work our way through the choices. To start, we can take Rudolph off the board since he's a junior and the Falcons don't typically draft underclassmen. Williams may be a good option but I like Stocker a little better. Both played in the SEC but Stocker's size is the tipping point for me. He'd become a red zone threat right away in this offense.

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2011 NFL Mock Drafts: Tyron Smith, Allen Bailey, Chris Rucker To Atlanta In Five-Round Mock

SB Nation’s latest 2011 NFL mock draft is out and excellent as always, with not much changed since last week as far as the NFC South goes. Nick Fairley still goes No. 1 to the Carolina Panthers, the Atlanta Falcons still grab Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints are both again given defensive linemen.

More novel is Mocking The Draft’s five-round mock draft featuring draftnik delegates in charge of making each team’s selections. I think Falcons fans are gonna like much of this one.

Round one sees USC OT Tyron Smith to Atlanta. Smith is expected to go anywhere from the top 10 to the end of the first. He’s a ridiculous athlete, but the biggest question is his strength. He’s reportedly added 20 pounds since he checked in at 280 to begin his junior year. There’s that j-word — the Falcons don’t draft many juniors, but an UPSIDER like Smith would be very tempting.

I like the Allen Bailey pick in round two. The Miami Hurricanes big man is versatile, playing mostly DE but some DT in pass rush situations, a trait the Falcons love in defensive linemen. He even played LB as an underclassman. I’m burying the lede here, though — he once killed an alligator with a shovel. He’s also a junior.

We discussed Wisconsin Badgers TE Lance Kendricks last week. He’s a good receiving tight end who needs to improve as a run blocker.

Kentucky Wildcats RB Derrick Locke would be an exciting pickup, giving the offense some speed and Mike Mularkey a multi-talented weapon to tinker with.

Michigan St. Spartans DB Chris L. Rucker is a new name around these parts. You can bet Thomas Dimitroff is not satisfied with the team’s cornerback depth chart. And with the team losing Erik Coleman, safety depth is going to be a consideration — hey look, another versatile player who can play more than one spot.

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2011 NFL Draft: Mike Pouncey, Danny Watkins Potential OG Selections For Falcons

With as many as 16 free agents* this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons are not short on tough decisions. This is especially true along the offensive line where they have three potential free agents in tackle Tyson Clabo and guards Justin Blalock and Harvey Dahl. Mix in 34-year-old Todd McClure's expiring contract in 2012 and the offensive line we have come to know and love could be drastically different in a few short seasons. This bring us to today's position in our draft needs profile, offensive guard. You can catch up on the offensive tackle and wide receiver options before diving in.

2011 Draft Need: Offensive Guard

Current Starters: Blalock (28 years old next season), Dahl (30)

Reserves: Joe Hawley (23), Mike Johnson (24), Jose Valdez (25)

If the Falcons are confident they can re-sign both Blalock and Dahl they would likely forgo this position in the draft but with the free agency period up in the air, it's smart to look at all their options. Here's some early round options from Mocking the Draft's top 200 they may consider. Their overall rank is shown below and you can see their entire offensive guard rankings here.

26. Mike Pouncey | 6'5, 320 pounds | G/C | Florida

Projected round: 1-2

The top-rated guard on the board, Pouncey can play all three interior line positions and even played defensive line as a freshman at Florida. Great pedigree - his brother made the Pro Bowl this year with the Steelers - and versatility make him a perfect fit (senior from the SEC) with the Falcons draft strategy.

Closest pro comparison: Todd Herremans, Eagles

39. Danny Watkins | 6'4, 310 pounds | OT/G | Baylor

Projected round: 1-2

The Falcons like fully developed college seniors and there's not many guards in the more developed than the 26-year-old Watkins. He impressed at the Senior Bowl but he's already older than 60 percent of the guards already on the Falcons' roster.

Closest pro comparison: Kris Dielman, Chargers

48. Rodney Hudson | 6'2, 283 pounds | G | Florida State

Projected round: 2

Like Pouncey, Hudson has versatility to play multiple line positions but the knock I've read about him is his small size is ideal for a spread offense, zone-blocking scheme. He may not fit the physical, pound-it-ahead style of the Falcons' offense.

Closest pro comparison: Ryan Lilja, Chiefs

62. Ben Ijalana | 6'4, 320 pounds | OT/G | Villanova

Projected round: 2

Played left tackle in college but it sounds like he's a better fit for guard. He missed the Senior Bowl with a sports hernia, and there are doubts about the talent he played against in the FCS.

Closest pro comparison: Josh Sitton, Packers

95. John Moffitt | 6'5, 320 pounds | G | Wisconsin

Projected round: 4

Played alongside fellow potential Falcons draft pick, Gabe Carimi.

Closest pro comparison: Adam Snyder, 49ers

All five early-round guys fit the most important part of the Falcons' draft profile: They are all seniors. Pouncey is the obvious choice especially considering Atlanta flirted with drafting his brother, Maurkice, last season and his versatility means they would have McClure's replacement in 2012 sewn up. The labor negotiations will play a huge role in which blueprint Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith use in April but their actions will tell us a lot about their confidence in Hawley, Johnson and Valdez.

* We won't know officially which players are declared free agents until a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is in place.

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2011 NFL Draft: Leonard Hankerson, Ronald Johnson Potential WR Selections For Falcons

Two things we learned in 2010: One, Roddy White is really good at football. And two, the rest of the Falcons' receivers are not quite at his level. While there may be more pressing needs, you can bet the Falcons will at least kick the tires on a few receivers in this draft.

Current Starters: Michael Jenkins, Roddy White

Reserves: Tim Buckley, Harry Douglas, Brian Finneran, Brandyn Harvey, Kerry Meier, Andy Strickland, Eric Weems (FA)

The Falcons have a lot of wide receivers options but the drop-off from White to Michael Jenkins is precipitous. An upgrade is definitely needed. Though perhaps the upgrade is already on the team. 2011 will be Douglas' second-year back from his knee injury and most experts believe that's when you regain all the strength and speed. Meier will also be healthy after having his rookie season wiped out due to injury.

In case, Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith don't think the way I do, here's some early round options from Mocking the Draft's top 200 they may consider. Their overall rank is shown below and you can see their entire wide receiver rankings here.

27. Torrey Smith | 6'1, 205 pounds | WR | Maryland

Projected round: 1-2

Caught 61 passes for 824 yards and five touchdowns and was the primary kick returner averaging 25.7 yards per return.

Closest pro comparison: Steve Johnson, Buffalo

55. Jerrell Jernigan | 5'9, 185 pounds | WR/KR | Troy

Projected round: 2

Multi-purpose threat rushed 40 times for 266 yards, caught 71 passes for 1,101 yards, averaged 23.0 yards per kick return and scored five touchdowns his senior year.

Closest pro comparison: Jacoby Ford, Oakland

57. Ronald Johnson | 6'0, 190 pounds | WR | Southern California

Projected round: 4-5

Hauled in 378 yards and three touchdowns on 34 catches while also averaging 20.3 yards per kick return.

Closest pro comparison: Brandon Lloyd, Denver

60. Randall Cobb | 5'11, 190 pounds | WR/ATH | Kentucky

Projected round: 2-3

Combined 133 touches (rush/rec) in senior year totaling 1,020 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Closest pro comparison: Jordan Shipley, Cincinnati

62. Titus Young | 5'11, 170 pounds | WR | Boise State

Projected round: 2-3

Caught 79 passes and 12 total touchdowns his senior year while rolling up 1,179 total yards.

Closest pro comparison: Anthony Armstrong, Washington

82. Leonard Hankerson | 6'3, 215 pounds | WR | Miami (Fla.)

Projected round: 2

Caught 45 passes for 801 yards (17.8 average) and six touchdowns as a senior.

Closest pro comparison: Miles Austin, Dallas

92. Niles Paul | 6'1, 220 pounds | WR | Nebraska

Projected round: 3

Averaged just under 20 yards per catch for the Cornhuskers (40-796) and caught four touchdowns.

Closest pro comparison: Anquan Boldin, Baltimore

94 Greg Little | 6'3, 210 pounds | WR | North Carolina

Projected round: 3-4

Combined for 91 touches (rush/rec) and 890 yards with six touchdowns his final year as a Tar Heel.

Closest pro comparison: Braylon Edwards, New York Jets

97. Vincent Brown | 6'0, 195 pounds | WR | San Diego State

Projected round: 3-4

Made 45 receptions for 778 yards and six touchdowns in 2009-10.

Closest pro comparison: Steve Smith, New York Giants

If we follow the Falcons draft strategy, we can eliminate Smith and Cobb as both are juniors and Atlanta has shied away from underclassmen. Of the remaining seven early round options, I think Hankerson is the best option. He grades out the best at Scouts, Inc. and anyone who saw him in the Senior Bowl knows what kind of player he can be.

And I apologize to Tech fans but this is the kind of thing I'd love to see in the Georgia Dome.

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2011 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons' Draft Tendencies Analyzed

Over the next two-and-a-half months I'll be previewing each position of need for the Atlanta Falcons all the way up until the 2011 NFL Draft. I kicked things off already but before we move forward we need to take a look back. To accurately analyze which players Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith might select this year, it's important to understand what their previous tendencies have shown. I present the Falcons draft strategy analyzed.

Beginning in 2008, the Falcons have drafted 26 players. Of those, 21 are still on the team. A success rate of 81 percent. I don't know what the NFL average has been but 81 percent seems like it'd rate pretty high.

Defensive back has been the most popular position with eight selections in three years. In fact, DBs have accounted for 31 percent of all 26 Dimitroff-Smith picks. The next most popular position has been linebacker followed by defensive tackle. Reinforcing Atlanta's defensive deficiencies, 17 of the 26 draft picks - 65 percent - have been on the defensive side of the ball. The rest of the list follows.

The Falcons have drafted only two juniors since 2008 and they both played for the University of Oklahoma. Curtis Lofton in 2008 and Dominique Franks in 2010.

The most popular school for Falcons' draftees is a four-way tie between LSU (Keith Zinger, Chevis Jackson), Missouri (William Moore, Sean Weatherspoon), Montana (Kroy Biermann, Shann Schillinger) and the aforementioned Oklahoma Sooners.

The current Falcons regime has preferred the SEC as their conference of choice with 23 percent (six players) of the draft picks coming from the Southeastern Conference. The full list follows.

Now that we have the basic structure down, we can start to build a profile. First criteria: the player is a senior. The Falcons have drafted 24 seniors to only two juniors. The two times they went for a junior it was an amazing talent (Lofton) or a player with huge upside who slipped in the draft (Franks). Barring those options, you can bet they'll stay to true to form and take a senior.

All things being equal, the Falcons have leaned towards the SEC for talent. This, however, hasn't always been productive. Only three of six SEC-draftees are still with the team. The true goldmine for the Falcons has been the Big 12 with all five draftees still with the team. Mizzou and Oklahoma each have two players on the Falcons with Kansas holding the other spot.

Interestingly, the one player who fits the "Falcons Draft Profile" the most was a player who is no longer on the team: Chevis Jackson. Jackson was a senior defensive back from the SEC, a Falcons wish list bonanza. The player that fits the profile the most this year - based on Scouts, Inc. ratings - is Ole Miss cornerback Jeremy McGee.

Keeping these things in mind as we approach the 2011 NFL Draft could allow you to claim "Draft Expert" status when you predict who the Falcons will take this season.

For more NFL Draft talk, visit Mocking The Draft.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Gabe Carimi, Lance Kendricks To Falcons In Two-Round Mock

A Valentine’s buffet (that’s what you eat on Valentine’s, right?) for NFL Draft nerds: SB Nation’s first two-round 2011 NFL mock draft. Auburn Tigers DT Nick Fairley is still the expected No. 1 pick for the Carolina Panthers, as he has been for about a month now, but the two-round format really opens up the whole thing.

The Atlanta Falcons, picking No. 27 and No. 59, grab Wisconsin Badgers OT Gabe Carimi and Badgers TE Lance Kendricks. We know Thomas Dimitroff has never drafted a Big Ten player, so why not break that streak by picking two players from the same Big Ten school?

We’ve written about Carimi before in this stream. He’s an Academic all-conference and the draft’s best run blocker. You wouldn’t want him playing left tackle, but if Tyson Clabo must move on, I would not worry about Carimi replacing him.

Our other new Badger, Kendricks, isn’t an exceptional run blocker, which surprised me considering the offense he played in. He’s big and quick and has good hands, but a year (or two!) working with Tony Gonzalez would be very beneficial.

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2011 NFL Draft: Falcons Could Target Derek Sherrod, Anthony Castonzo To Fill Offensive Tackle Need

The NFL Draft is over two months away which gives us lots of time to opine on the many directions the Falcons' front office may go with this year's rookie class. I'll offer up my position-by-position thoughts and choices on what the biggest needs are and which players are most suited to fill those needs. First up is the offensive line, specifically the tackle position.

Current Starters: Sam Baker, Tyson Clabo (FA)

Reserves: Garrett Reynolds, Will Svitek

Clabo has to be re-signed. He's been the best Falcons lineman for four seasons now and it would be a huge loss to this team if he leaves. Baker isn't a fan favorite but he's played well enough to keep the job. This offseason creates an interesting dynamic if a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is not reached by March 4. Since there can be no free agency without a CBA, the Falcons could be making decisions about who to draft without knowing if Clabo will return.

The Falcons went heavy on the interior line in the 2010 draft and will need to address the tackle position this season. Here's some early round options from Mocking the Draft's top 200 they may consider. Their overall rank is shown below and you can see their entire offensive tackle rankings here.

20. Derek Sherrod | 6'6, 300 pounds | OT | Mississippi State

Projected round: 1-2

28. Anthony Castonzo | 6'7, 308 pounds | OT | Boston College

Projected round: 1

36. Gabe Carimi | 6'7, 315 pounds | OT | Wisconsin

Projected round: 1-2

41. Nate Solder | 6'9, 305 pounds | OT | Colorado

Projected round: 1

48. Tyron Smith | 6'6, 285 pounds | OT | Southern California

Projected round: 1

70. DeMarcus Love | 6'5, 315 pounds | OT | Arkansas

Projected round: 2-3

72. Danny Watkins | 6'4, 310 pounds | OT | Baylor

Projected round: 1-2

90. Lee Ziemba | 6'8, 310 pounds | OT | Auburn

Projected round: 4-5

111. James Brewer | 6'8, 331 pounds | OT | Indiana

Projected round: 4

Of that group, Castanzo (so close to Costanza!) gets the highest marks from NFLDraftScout.com and he was SB Nation's choice for the Falcons but it's Solder who has the highest Scouts, Inc. grade. Mocking the Draft's Mock Draft (yeah, that's right) has the Falcons taking Florida Guard/Center Mike Pouncey at No. 27 if they choose to forgo a tackle in the first round.

I know there's some demand for a receiver - and we'll get to that soon - but for the first pick, establishing an offensive line that could see a lot of upheaval seems like the right move from the slow and steady Thomas Dimitroff-Mike Smith tandem.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Nick Fairley To Panthers, Anthony Castonzo To Falcons

SB Nation’s first post-Super Bowl 2011 mock draft is out, and Auburn Tigers DT Nick Fairley looks to be locked in as the No. 1 pick for the Carolina Panthers. Getting tired of writing that, and not just because Fairley is a million dollars in fines waiting to happen.

The Atlanta Falcons get Boston College Eagles OT Anthony Castonzo this time around, which seems more likely than any wide receivers or anything besides pass rush help. The team is likely set to lose at least one offensive lineman, could use some more competition along the line anyway, and has shown a preference for drafting linemen over the past three years.

The mock draft crew says Castonzo would be an immediate upgrade over Pro Bowler Tyson Clabo. Not so sure about that one, but tackle would be a comforting first round pick for the Falcons.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers get Iowa Hawkeyes DE Adrian Clayborn again, while the New Orleans Saints go Oregon St. Beavers DT Stephen Paea this time around. With all those defensive linemen joining the NFC South, the Falcons better go O-line, right?

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Nick Fairley To Panthers, Torrey Smith To Falcons After Senior Bowl

The latest edition of SB Nation’s weekly 2011 NFL mock draft is out, with the Senior Bowl providing a little bit more clarity about a few of the upperclassmen. Texas A&M Aggies LB Von Miller might’ve made himself millions with his practice week, and LSU Tigers CB Patrick Peterson somehow boosted his stock without even playing.

Auburn Tigers DT Nick Fairley is down as the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers for the third week in a row, with his buzz only growing as the NFL Combine approaches.

The Atlanta Falcons get a wide receiver again, but this time it’s Maryland Terrapins WR Torrey Smith. He’s not as imposing as last week’s selection, Pittsburgh Panthers WR Jon Baldwin, but he’s capable of taking over games. Witness the 14-catch, 224-yarder he put on N.C. State this year. He’s also the ACC’s all-time kick return yardage leader and has the most insanely detailed Wikipedia page possible. Seriously, compare it to Fairley’s page.

I’d feel more comfortable with Smith than with Baldwin, as there seem to be no major concerns about his work ethic, but Smith is still only a redshirt junior. The Falcons have preferred to draft seniors as of late.

Elsewhere around the NFC South: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get Iowa Hawkeyes DE Adrian Clayborn for the third time, while the New Orleans Saints get Georgia Bulldogs LB Justin Houston for the second time. Sorry, Dawgs fans.

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2011 NFL Draft: Titus Young, Courtney Smith Among The Senior Bowl Receivers Catching Atlanta's Eyes?

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has had a busy week of Senior Bowl practices, with his rave about Florida Gators guard Marcus Gilbert drawing a lot of attention. He’s also reportedly been seen paying a lot of attention to the gaggle of wide receivers at the annual all-star game.

While Comrade didn’t name any names this time, based on other reports we might have a good idea of who he’s looking at. The Sporting News says Boise St. Broncos receivers Titus Young and Austin Pettis are impressing, joining Miami Hurricanes WR Leonard Hankerson as the best wide outs at the event. Hankerson has been getting props from all over the entire week.

You want some lesser-known names? South Alabama WR Courtney Smith earns high marks from National Football Post for his size and athleticism, but his lack of polish probably has him low on Atlanta’s board. NFP also likes Nebraska Cornhuskers WR Niles Paul, a six-foot, 225-pounder who’d be considered big for a college halfback, let alone a receiver.

San Diego St. Aztecs WR Vincent Brown is not as fast as you’d like for a small guy, but has won over some with his great hands and timing.

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2011 NFL Draft: Jake Locker And Panthers Haven't Met Yet, Despite Carolina GM Admitting QB Need

Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney has said quarterback, followed by defensive tackle, is the team’s biggest need this offseason. Since Washington Huskies QB Jake Locker is wowing scouts at the Senior Bowl, you may be surprised to learn he and the Panthers haven’t met yet. Though it’s still early in the week, of course.

For the 1,000th time I’ll type something about Carolina’s biggest need actually being that offensive line, but nobody cares what I think.

With the No. 1 pick, Carolina was long expected to take Stanford Cardinal QB Andrew Luck, but the new hotness has been Auburn Tigers DT Nick Fairley. Ta da, we guessed right, internet!

Locker’s stock is on the rise after a mostly rough 2010 season and a rough Monday of practices. It takes him a few tries to get it going, but once he’s firing, he won’t be out-workout’d by any quarterback in this draft class.

The idea of the Panthers grabbing Fairley at No. 1, hoping Locker slips to them at No. 33, and then devoting serious energy to that offensive line (always “that” offensive line) does not sound ideal to this Falcons fan.

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2011 NFL Draft: Marcus Gilbert, Maybe Colin Kaepernick On Atlanta Falcons Senior Bowl Radar

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff expressed his high opinion of Florida Gators guard Marcus Gilbert to NFL.com’s Jason Feller at Senior Bowl practices on Tuesday. Gilbert is a six-foot-six, 329-pound senior (duh!) who’s expected to be a mid-rounder.

The Falcons are likely to need to resupply their offensive line depth this offseason, as one or both starting guards (Harvey Dahl, Justin Blalock) could be gone due to free agency.

Mocking The Draft’s eyes and ears also report the Falcons possibly showing interest in Nevada Wolf Pack QB Colin Kaepernick, that loping Ozymandias (tall thing in desert!) who ran the prolific Pistol offense. Big Kaepernick isn’t expected to be a first-rounder, but he’s impressed many with his accuracy and presence early on, which may have been surprising considering he played in a run-heavy offense.

Backup quarterback will be a need at some point, with Chris Redman not getting any younger out there. While it’s never an exciting pick to make, especially for a team with a solid backup and a third-stringer that nobody’s especially mad at, these things have to happen sometimes.

Some scouts have expressed concern about Kaepernick’s lengthy delivery, though he’s trying to work on it.

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2011 NFL Draft: Patrick Peterson Meets With Panthers, Saints ... Wait, Saints?

LSU Tigers CB Patrick Peterson is expected to be a top-five pick, going as high as No. 3 in many 2011 NFL mock drafts. SB Nation’s most recent sent him to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 5. But if Senior Bowl meetings are any indication, Peterson could go quite a bit higher than that.

The No. 1 Carolina Panthers will meet with Peterson this week, as will the No. 2 Denver Broncos and a few other teams. The most interesting team on Peterson’s schedule: the New Orleans Saints, who pick No. 24. The LSU cornerback/returner extraordinaire will not be available that late in the draft. Saints looking to move up?

We do know New Orleans is interested in picking a cornerback at some point, as they’ve also had a word with Louisville Cardinals CB Johnny Patrick, a likely second-rounder.

Think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might take a look too? Ronde Barber’s not getting any younger. I would say the whole NFC South should join in, but the Falcons have a lot of money tied up at cornerback right now.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Nick Fairley Still No. 1, Jon Baldwin To Falcons

Is it 2011 NFL mock draft time again? It is! SB Nation’s latest retains Auburn Tigers DT Nick Fairley as the No. 1 selection by the Carolina Panthers, though there are a few shuffles throughout the first round. A further finalized draft order, with the Jets and Bears now locked in, cleared things up somewhat, but this weekend’s Senior Bowl will go a long way toward giving us an even better-looking mock next week.

The Atlanta Falcons go WR this time around, grabbing Pittsburgh Panthers giant Jon Baldwin at No. 27. Six-foot-five and 230 pounds, he’s got all the tools you could ever ask for, but his work ethic has been a question. Do the Birds believe they have a stable enough organization in place after three years to try and bring on a project instead of going for safe picks every year?

Elsewhere around the NFC South: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get Iowa Hawkeyes DE Adrian Clayborn again, while the New Orleans Saints are sticking with Illinois Fighting Illini RB Mikel Leshoure.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Nick Fairley To Panthers, Derek Sherrod To Falcons

Mocking The Draft’s weekly SB Nation mock draft is really starting to take shape, with all NFL Draft-declaring underclassmen now on the books and 28 of 32 draft slots arranged. This weekend featured both the deadline for early entrants and four NFL playoff games, so now we have a much clearer picture.

MTD has Auburn Tigers DT Nick Fairley going No. 1 to the Carolina Panthers, an unwelcome development for Atlanta Falcons fans and Georgia Bulldogs fans alike. Fairley isn’t quite Ndamukong Suh, but he’s the closest thing to it in this year’s draft.

The guys have Mississippi St. Bulldogs OT Derek Sherrod going to the Falcons at No. 27, a shift from last week’s focus on offensive weaponry to the basics and essentials. A shocking loss in which the Falcons were simply outmanned and outgunned can do that to your perspective.

Elsewhere around the NFC South the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get Wisconsin Badgers OT Gabe Carimi at No. 20, a player I really wish would slip to No. 27, and the New Orleans Saints get Illinois Fighting Illini RB Mikel Leshoure at No. 24.

Click here for the whole mock draft.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Da'Quan Bowers No. 1 To Panthers, Kyle Rudolph To Falcons

Mocking The Draft has dropped SB Nation’s second 2011 NFL mock draft, adjusted to account for the news that the projected No. 1 pick, Stanford Cardinal QB Andrew Luck, is staying, and for the pick order that’s been adjusted by four first-round playoff exits.

Clemson Tigers DE Da’Quan Bowers is expected to remain in the Carolinas. The Carolina Panthers need lots of help — a versatile wrecking ball like Bowers would likely provide more immediate impact than a rookie quarterback anyway.

The other major NFC South change is the New Orleans Saints draft slot. Having been bounced in the first round, they’re officially going to pick No. 24. Same position for the Saints, and Georgia Bulldogs fans aren’t going to like it. Dawgs DE Justin Houston to the Saints? How do we feel about this?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, still picking No. 20, are given Miami Hurricanes CB Brandon Harris.

And your Atlanta Falcons, projected to pick No. 31, go Notre Dame Fighting Irish TE Kyle Rudolph to eventually replace Tony Gonzalez. But the MTD crew is high on Rudolph — they’re calling him a can’t-pass-upper at that point in the draft and a player who could contribute even before Gonzo moves along. The Birds seem to like Michael Palmer and Justin Peelle, and Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez proved value tight ends can be had later on. Is Rudolph worth delaying a line upgrade?

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2011 NFL Draft: Andrew Luck Will Be Panthers QB If He Declares, According To Report

ESPN’s Pat Yasinkas has reported that two Carolina Panthers staffers are already settling on Stanford Cardinal QB Andrew Luck as the No. 1 2011 NFL Draft pick, should Luck indeed turn pro. While one would be tempted to file this in the DUH folder, I’d instead recommend sliding it in the Well Now Hold On Just A Minute slat.

The Panthers have not worked out Luck. They haven’t interviewed him. Their scouts have watched him play and reviewed film and perhaps interviewed people who know him. But if their general manager has already devoted enough time to Luck to declare him the team’s franchise quarterback, I think it’s clear why they’re 2-14.

Luck is very, very likely to be the team’s pick, if he does enter. I think they’d be better off upgrading their offensive line, but this is a confoundingly weak draft for pass protectors. Read this as Carolina being a strong lean in the Luck race, rather than a commit.

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2011 NFL Draft Prospects: Gabe Carimi, Tyron Smith, Anthony Castonzo Potential Falcons Tackle Picks

Atlanta Falcons fans are starting to lean towards defensive end and offensive tackle as the team’s primary needs in the 2011 NFL Draft. Current Falcons at those position groups have played well this season, but top DE John Abraham isn’t getting any younger (despite his 2010 Pro Bowl resurgence) and RT Tyson Clabo is up for a new contract along with RG Harvey Dahl.

Ideally the Birds could keep both Dahl and Pro Bowl alternate Clabo, but Thomas Dimitroff’s New England Patriots background — not to mention the house-cleaning he subjected the roster to upon arriving in 2008 — means we shouldn’t be surprised to see the team cut ties and go young.

The Falcons drafted guard Mike Johnson in the third round last year, and Joe Hawley can play either center or guard if need be. Neither has gotten a lot of live playing time, but let’s say the interior starters are covered for now no matter what happens in free agency.

If the team goes young at tackle, it could wind up with the draft’s No. 1 player at the position. It’s a weak tackle crop, with most of the talent likely to start going at the bottom of the first round.

Mocking The Draft projects Mississippi State’s Derek Sherrod to go No. 23 to the Indianapolis Colts, which would be out of Atlanta’s range. Later in the first, MTD has Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo going No. 27, right in the Falcons’ neighborhood. MTD’s Brian Galliford lists USC’s Tyron Smith and Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi as other possibilities.

Smith is being projected as a left tackle, despite never having played the position. He could be worth a long look as a right tackle option for the Birds — he’s raw, but an amazing athlete for a lineman.

Though his Big Ten speed means he’ll need help against finesse rushers, six-foot-seven, 327-pound Carimi is the most intriguing to me. Atlanta’s a power team, perhaps the NFC’s most Big Ten offense, and Carimi is an overwhelming run blocker. The best in the draft according to Galliford, in fact.

And he’s an Academic All-Big Ten. Arthur Blank and Dimitroff have no problem with “reaching” for character guys, like they did last year by picking Kentucky’s Corey Peters earlier than measurement bros would’ve liked. (Drafting Peters absolutely made the team better.)

And he’s the 2010 Outland Trophy winner, consensus All-American, and so on. The big question is whether he could adapt to deal with edge rushers, though the NFC South isn’t exactly the league’s deepest division in that area.

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2011 NFL Draft Order: Atlanta Falcons Will Pick Between No. 27 And No. 32

With the entire 2011 NFL Draft order out, Atlanta Falcons fans may be wondering where exactly their team will pick. If the draft’s order went by record they’d pick No. 31, but the playoffs throw everything off, sort of like the NBA lottery except it’s the good teams instead of the bad teams and it’s by merit instead of by frozen ping pong balls, so pretty much exactly like the NBA lottery.

The Super Bowl winner will pick No. 32, and the Super Bowl loser will pick No. 31. According to the latest Super Bowl odds, the Falcons are expected to wind up with the No. 31 pick anyway. But let’s move along.

Mocking The Draft shares the NFL’s process for determining draft order for non-Super Bowl playoff teams. The Falcons-specific takeaway:

Conference championship game losers pick No. 30 and No. 29, according to their standing (meaning the order listed here). If the Falcons lost the NFC Championship and any AFC team besides the New England Patriots (the only team with a better record) lost the AFC Championship, the Falcons would pick No. 30. If the Falcons and Pats lose conference title games, Falcons pick No. 29.

Same story for divisional round. If the Falcons lose in the divisional round they’ll pick No. 28, unless if the Pats also lose, which would give Atlanta the No. 27 pick.

And so on. The Falcons won’t appear in the wild card round, so No. 27 is as early as they can pick without making a trade.

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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Andrew Luck And Adrian Clayborn To NFC South, Jurrell Casey To Falcons

The bros from Mocking The Draft have published their first 2011 mock draft since the NFL Draft order was (sort of) finalized last night. It’s excellent as ever, and features a write-up for each first-round pick. Let’s focus on what MTD is sending the NFC South’s way.

With the No. 1 pick, the Carolina Panthers are expected to pick Stanford Cardinal QB Andrew Luck. This is the popular consensus — if Luck declares, he’ll likely be picked here. I think it’s a terrible mistake, as Carolina’s offensive line might be the worst NFL line I can remember witnessing, and the mobility upgrade Luck would bring won’t be enough to keep the eight-figure rookie off the mat. This draft is very, very weak in offensive linemen, so expect Carolina to at least collect them later on.

At No. 20, MTD has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking Iowa Hawkeyes DE Adrian Clayborn. The Bucs picked back-to-back defensive linemen to start their 2009 draft, so clearly their defensive front is a focus. Claybord could slip after a relatively disappointing 2010, and does not yet have elite NFL speed, but the Falcons wouldn’t look forward to facing him. He’s strong against both the run and pass.

The New Orleans Saints are down for Michigan St. Spartans LB Greg Jones at No. 26. Makes sense here too — Jones could be the future Jonathan Vilma while playing elsewhere in the front seven, and Vilma’s going to need a replacement one of these years.

Not sure about the Falcons pick at No. 32 of UCLA Bruins DT Jurrell Casey. Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith love drafting defensive linemen, and have drafted three defensive tackles in the past two drafts (including a first-rounder and third-rounder). But if they go defensive line early, I’d imagine it would be defensive end in an effort to find someone to replace John Abraham in what’s been a very effective rotation.

For more NFL Draft, visit Mocking The Draft.

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2011 NFL Draft Order: Atlanta And New Orleans Could Be in the Bottom Five When Season Ends

It's week 17 in the NFL which means at the end of the day playoff seeding will be determined, but NFL draft order will be close to being finalized. When it comes the NFC South, the only team that knows where they are drafting in April is the Carolina Panthers who will have the No. 1 pick due to their 2-13 record. As for the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they will have a more clear picture one the day ends.

If Tampa Bay does not reach the playoffs, they will pick in the 18-20 range based on their 9-6 record. New Orleans and Atlanta have clinched a playoff spot and their draft position won't be determined until the playoffs include. So if everything goes right for Atlanta or New Orleans, they could have the last pick or next to last pick when it's all said and done.

One other position to watch is the No. 2 pick as the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals all have 4-11 records going into their games today. The Bengals take on Baltimore, Buffalo faces the Jets and Denver will take on San Diego. So it should be interesting because all three teams could lose. Here's a look at the current draft order via about.com.

1. Carolina Panthers (2-13)
2. Denver Broncos (4-11)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11)
4. Buffalo Bills (4-11)
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-10)
6. San Francisco 49ers (5-10)
7. Dallas Cowboys (5-10)
8. Houston Texans (5-10)
9. Detroit Lions (5-10)
10. Cleveland Browns (5-10)
11. Seattle Seahawks (6-9)
12. Tennessee Titans (6-9)
13. Washington Redskins (6-9)
14. Minnesota Vikings (6-9)
15. New England Patriots (from Oakland 7-8)
16. Miami Dolphins (7-8)
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7)
18. San Diego Chargers (8-7)
19. New York Giants (9-6)
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6)

Order of the following teams to be determined by results of the playoffs.

21. St. Louis Rams (7-8)
22. Indianapolis Colts (9-6)
23. Green Bay Packers (9-6)
24. Kansas City Chiefs(10-5)
25. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
26. New York Jets (10-5)
27. New Orleans Saints (11-4)
28. Chicago Bears (11-4)
29. Baltimore Ravens(11-4)
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4)
31. Atlanta Falcons (12-3)
32. New England Patriots (13-2)

All ties broken by a coin flip.

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2011 NFL Draft Order: Panthers And Falcons Could Give First Round NFC South Bookends

SB Nation NFL has figured out the league's 2011 draft order, as of right now. To nobody's surprise, the Carolina Panthers are in good position to pick first, with the rest of the NFC South picking in the latter half of the first round. The Atlanta Falcons will likely pick 30th, 31st, or 32nd, depending on how the postseason shakes out. A Super Bowl win would mean 32nd, a Super Bowl loss 31st, and a failure to make the Super Bowl would have Atlanta picking 30th.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would pick 19th if the draft order were set today, the second-lowest pick of any non-playoff team. The New Orleans Saints are sitting at 28th a year after picking 32nd.

This isn't expected to be the deepest draft, considering all the talent that left early last year, but as always smart draftin' and clean livin' will help restock the NFC South's upper three. As for Carolina, it's probably going to take more than a weekend worth of drafting to turn things around.

Via .com:

1. Carolina (2-12)
2. Denver (3-11) 
   
3. Cincinnati (3-11)
4. Arizona (4-10)
5. Detroit (4-10)
6. Buffalo (4-10)
7. San Francisco (5-9) 
   
8. Washington (5-9) 
   
9. Dallas (5-9)
10. Houston (5-9)
11. Cleveland (5-9)
12. Seattle (6-8) 
    
13. Tennessee (6-8)
14. Minnesota (5-8)**
15. New England - from Oakland (7-7)
16. Miami (7-7)
17. San Diego (8-6)
18. Jacksonville (8-6)
19. Tampa Bay (8-6)
20. Green Bay (8-6)
21. St. Louis* (6-8)
22. Indianapolis* (8-6)
23. Kansas City* (9-5)
24. Chicago* (9-4)**
25. New York Giants* (10-4)
26. New York Jets* (10-4)
27. Baltimore* (10-4)
28. New Orleans* (10-4)
29. Philadelphia* (10-4)
30. Pittsburgh* (10-4)
31. Atlanta* (12-2)
32. New England* (12-2)

One asterisk denotes a team currently in the playoffs. The draft order for those teams will depend on how they do in the postseason. Two asterisks means the team is yet to play its Week 15 game.

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2011 NFL Draft Prospects: Derrick Locke, Da'Rel Scott Among Potential Value Gamebreakers For Atlanta Falcons

Looking at the Atlanta Falcons statistical rankings in advance (way! in advance) of the 2011 NFL Draft, there really aren’t very many glaring weaknesses. The team plays smart, focused, and exceedingly patient football, turning the ball over rarely, giving up very few big plays on defense, committing fewer penalties than anybody, and nearly leading the NFL in time of possession.

The only major offensive stat the team doesn’t do very well at: yards per play. Surprising, because putting up an 11-2 record would usually require a better showing than 21st in the league in just about the most important stat. It’s a testament to Mike Mularkey’s offense that the whole thing works, as they arrive at that average the honest way — banging out yardage on every play instead of swingin’ for the fences.

But wouldn’t it be nice to see a few more highlights per game? After losing Jerious Norwood early in the year, the team really hasn’t had a speedy, multi-purpose threat. While they’re highly unlikely to draft a wide receiver in the first round, here are a few versatile weapons the team could try to land late on day two or three or six or however long they stretch this thing out:

Derrick Locke, Kentucky RB: 2009 second-team All-SEC all-purpose player Locke is often overshadowed by the even more all-purpose Randall Cobb, Locke is still capable of breaking a game open. He’s missed time due to injury, which should slide him into the sixth round or so, but he posted more than 100 total yards in seven of his eight 2010 games. And he’s earned various SEC special teams awards for his return skills.

Da’Rel Scott, Maryland RB: Playing in a crowded Terps backfield, Scott scored multiple touchdowns both rushing and passing, and even threw for a score, in 2010. A track star like Locke, he’s been clocked in the 4.4 and even 4.3 range.

Aldrick Robinson, SMU WR: Mustangs coach June Jones has called him his fastest player ever, saying he should be a first-round pick. Robinson’s projected to go in the sixth, but he was offered a track and field scholarship by Kansas coming out of high school. Seeing a trend here?

Jock Sanders, West Virginia WR: The ’Eers all-time leading receiver, Sanders also runs the ball and returns kicks. Major ding against possible Falcons draft selection: was suspended by Bill Stewart last year after securing a DUI. As far as I can recall, Thomas Dimitroff has yet to draft a player with a history of either arrests or suspensions.

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NFL Mock Draft 2011: Should The Atlanta Falcons Pick A Linebacker, Receiver, Or Tackle?

It's NFL mock draft time, family. We don't yet know how late the Atlanta Falcons will be picking, but we can safely assume they'll be in the twenties, maybe even thirties. SB Nation's NFL Draft community, Mocking The Draft, has put out its first 2011 mock draft, with the Falcons picking 31st based on current records. That would mean a NFC Championship win, so we'd be giddy to pick 31st.

MTD thinks the Birds go outside linebacker, taking Bruce Carter of the North Carolina Tar Heels: "OT is a possibility here. The allure of teaming Carter with Sean Weatherspoon at OLB was too great to pass up."

Spoon has spent most of his rookie season injured, and the team has shown that they'll draft a position high in consecutive years to hedge against an injury, as they sort of did by picking DT Corey Peters while Peria Jerry returned. Though the idea of assembling one of the league's most talented young linebacking units, led by MLB Curtis Lofton, sounds tempting, I doubt Carter will become a Falcon. He was one of the few UNC studs found to be clean during the NCAA's investigation of the Heels football program, so his character shouldn't be a concern. But with Stephen Nicholas hopefully holding down the OLB spot opposite Spoon, linebacker depth can be found later on. 

Besides, both Atlanta's run defense and pass rush are solid and looking up, so it's hard to say what impact a new linebacker would have. This team's primary issues are pass defense, offensive weaponry, and pass blocking.

Cornerback: The very young secondary should continue to improve annually, and throwing a cornerback or two at the problem every year has to take hold at some point, right? Unless a stud like Miami Hurricanes CB Brandon Harris or Florida Gators CB Janoris Jenkins slips, I don't see Atlanta going cornerback early.

Wide receiver/tight end: While Roddy White has been the NFC's best receiver so far, he needs help. Tony Gonzalez will only play two more years max, Harry Douglas is still a mystery, Michael Jenkins is an aging third receiver forced to start, Brian Finneran is ancient, and Kerry Meier has yet to take an NFL snap. The team needs a slot threat more than anything, but it's all but certain they'll pick a receiver at some point next year.

Left tackle: Sam Baker has yet to own the position after being drafted in a first-round two-pack with Matt Ryan. Whether Baker can become a franchise tackle in the prime of his career or not, the team's only game-experienced backup blindside blocker is the competent Will Svitek. Last year they picked up a guard and center -- don't be surprised if the team goes tackle.