The Perfect Draft: Atlanta Falcons

With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.

Last year the Falcons proved what an excellent draft and a couple of free agent signings can do to a previously awful team. First-round picks Matt Ryan and Sam Baker and second-round pick Curtis Lofton all became immediate starters while free agent signee Michael Turner turned into the team's best back since Jamal Anderson was in his prime.

There's less riding on this year's draft than last year's, but Atlanta needs to add depth to what's still a pretty thin roster. There is not nearly as much need for immediate starters this year, but there are still a lot of positions where the Falcons could use a talent upgrade.

The Ideal Pick

Brandon Pettigrew: The Falcons need help at linebacker and could also use a defensive tackle, but tight end is one position where the Falcons went through the 2008 season without a true NFL starting caliber player. Somehow Atlanta managed to make it through last year with Justin Peele, Jason Rader and Martez Milner, they can't expect to have the same luck twice. Pettigrew would help in multiple ways. While he's not a speedster who can stretch the seams of a Cover 2 defense, Pettigrew has the hands and feeling for finding holes in zone defenses to become a very useful possession receiver--think of a more athletic Frank Wycheck in the passing game. Maybe more importantly, Pettigrew also is an outstanding blocker who would help seal the corner to help Turner and Jerious Norwood get to the outside.

Other Needs

Atlanta is completely remaking its linebacker corps after watching Keith Brooking and Michael Boley leave in free agency. Curtis Lofton is a very solid middle linebacker while Coy Wire and Mike Peterson are penciled in as the other starters, but Atlanta will need to add at least one, and maybe two, linebackers to help out. Defensive tackle is an even more pressing need, with the Falcons relying way too much on Trey Lewis making a full recovery from a pair of knee injuries.

If the Falcons want to take a first-round defensive tackle, Evander Hood or potentially Peria Jerry could be available. That wouldn't be a bad approach as this is a deep draft for tight ends, so there would likely be a potential starter still available when the Falcons draft in the second round.