Analyzing the Atlanta Falcons mock drafts

Perrish Cox (center) is the first pick by many for Atlanta. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

As the NFL Combine approaches, the legions of mock drafts will begin to heat up. Moving from first-round-only thoughts, draftniks will begin to produce full-length drafts for the entire league or their team only. 

As this happens, we'll begin to analyze who the experts and amateurs have the Atlanta Falcons selecting with their 2010 draft picks.

Up first is Scott Carasik's exhausting seven-round mock draft in which he projects every pick by every team. Carasik's draft is featured on WestSportsReport.com and can be seen here. You can get in touch with Carasik, the site's draft analyst, on Twitter.

Carasik includes three compensatory picks in his draft for Atlanta, one pick in the third, fifth, and seventh round.

Round One--Perrish Cox CB Oklahoma State The Falcons have been reportedly interested in Cox and for good reason. There's no denying the talent and it's understandable why Carasik would pencil in the 5'11", 189 pound corner at Atlanta's selection, but he has one major flaw. His judgment off the field took a hit when he was suspended for OSU's bowl game for missing curfew twice in the week before the game. He had a solid week at the Senior Bowl and helped his cause on the field significantly. He's got the desired size, height, speed, and ball skills to make an impact in the NFL, but the questions about his character will linger. It's likely a team's decision on whether to draft him will be made primarily in the interview room.

Round Three--Dekoda Watson LB Florida State Wilson checks in at an impressive 6'2", 232 pounds and boasts some of the best speed at the linebacker position in the draft. Struggled with injuries during his senior season, Wilson helped his cause during his week at the Senior Bowl. He had eight tackles for loss and one interception in 2009. Wilson's performance at the Combine will only help. Teams will be impressed by his reported 4.4 speed.

Round Three (compensatory)--Andre Roberts WR Citadel Few players may have done more to help their stock at the Senior Bowl than Roberts. The 5'11", 192 pound receiver showed up in impressive size (surprising most scouts with his height and weight) and went on to catch virtually every pass thrown to him through the week. Scouts considered his route running impeccable and his speed (in the range of 4.4-4.5) is quality and could improve at the Combine. Thus far Roberts has done everything to denounce the idea that small school talents aren't capable of being major players and if Atlanta could get him here, he'd be a great addition to an improving offense.

Round Four--Maurkice Pouncey C Florida An intelligent pick by Carasik here, picking up a quality center to groom to be Todd McClure's replacement when retirement day comes. Pouncey would be a steal in the fourth round and could possibly help Atlanta at the guard position as well. The only problem is Pouncey is universally considered the top center in the draft. It's hard to imagine a scenario where the 2009 Rimington Trophy winner as the nation's top center falls this far. Kudos to Carasik though for being forward-thinking by selecting a center for Atlanta in this draft.

Round Five--Austen Lane DE Murray State Lane impressed in his week at the Senior Bowl, showing that his impressive 2009 stats weren't just because he played in a small conference. He showed good moves and quickness and scouts believe he can add some weight to his 6'6", 267-pound frame. If he performs well at the Combine, scouts may fall in love with his measurables and he could shoot up the draft board. With Lane, Dimitroff could continue his trend of picking up successful small-school pass rushers.

Round Five (compensatory)--Dennis Pitta TE BYU Pitta had a great week at the East-West Shrine Game, showing quickness, good hands, and crisp route running. He was a Second Team All-American as a senior and was also a team captain, something Dimitroff pays close attention to. He's the NCAA record-holder for receiving yards by a tight end and could be a solid player to groom behind Tony Gonzalez.

Round Six--Kevin Haslam OT Rutgers Haslam was outshined by his teammate Anthony Davis, but is considered a decent offensive line prospect in the NFL. He projects more as a right tackle, but has the frame to add weight and play on the inside. He had an average week at the Shrine Game.

Round Seven (compensatory)--Joe Webb WR UAB A very intriguing selection here in regards to the player and the position. A second wide receiver for the Falcons in the draft is understandable, but you have to wonder if Atlanta has that luxury. Webb is an interesting prospect in that he's making the switch from quarterback to wide receiver. He spent his entire time at the Senior Bowl at receiver and at 6'3", 223 pounds he's got fantastic size for the position. His inexperience showed at times at receiver, but he also flashed occasional potential. He's a developmental prospect at best, but did show a desire to work hard and improved every day of practice. He won't wow anyone with his speed.

ATLANTA FALCONS OFFSEASON COVERAGE

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