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Based on the Falcons hierarchy of needs it seems pretty clear that they will use the 19th overall pick in the 2010 draft to address their needs at DE, or at OLB.
If we follow that logic it seems clear that the Falcons will be targeting three players: USC’s Everson Griffen, Michigan’s Brandon Graham, and South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul. We could make a case that they will take a long look at Florida Carlos Dunlap as well. However I don’t think Dunlap will still be on the board at 19.
If the team decided to address their needs at OLB with the first round pick it seems likely that will be targeting Penn State’s Navarro Bowman or Clemson’s Ricky Sapp.
Since the Falcons only got six sacks from their two starting DE’s in 2009 I think they will select a DE with the 19th pick. The lack of a strong pass rush, led to opponents picking the Falcons apart in through the air, since the spent free agency upgrading their defensive secondary, it stand to reason they will address their pass rush via the DE position in the first round.
Of the four DE under consideration I like Brandon Graham the best. I think that he would fit in nicely. The Falcons rely on their front four to pressure the QB, and their defensive coordinator rarely blitzes. Graham is a power rusher, who can work around blocks, and he would be a good fit for this scheme.
Griffen is more of a conventional End, strong against the run, but not as adept in getting pressure on the QB. I am pretty high on Paul as well, put the one year wonder tag scares me a little.
There is no doubt the Bowman could help this team, but he might be available in the second round. I am not as sold on Sapp who relies far too much on his speed. When teams can take that part of his game away, he struggles.
In the end Brandon Graham is quality end, whose stock is way up. He is a good character guy and could be the guy to step in and produce and eventually replace John Abraham.
Related Links:
• NFL teams first round draft plans
• Atlanta Flacons news and notes
• 2010 NFL Team needs
• 2010 NFL Free Agents
• MTR Football.com
Comments
I believe they should trade down and add some extra picks,go get the Jackson kid out of Alabama he is the real deal.
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