Falcons' Defense First in Line

Do the Falcons really have to debate what they need to do with their first-round draft pick?

There are plenty of fans who want them to get another playmaker to pair with Roddy White. There are plenty of others -- myself included -- who want Atlanta to draft a player who can harass a quarterback, either a defensive end or marauding outside linebacker.

If the Falcons draft a wide receiver it means they do not trust Harry Douglas any more as the slot receiver. Douglas was not very productive in 2010, his first season back from serious knee injury that cost him his 2009 season.

Douglas caught just 22 passes in 2010 and did not look like a player Matt Ryan could find to throw him the ball.

The Falcons still have wide receiver Michael Jenkins, who had 41 catches. He played in just 11 games because of a preseason shoulder injury.

The Falcons also have a big wide receiver in Kerry Meier, who missed all of his rookie season after being inured in a preseason game.

I would agree the Falcons have striders, not speedsters and quick receivers. But the Falcons' offense is balanced and they demand big receivers that can block on the corners of the defense.

Atlanta's offense is not a down-the-field offense. It is conservative and marches. It does not streak.

The Falcons need more help on the other side of the ball. They need playmakers. Right now, they rely on making teams drive the ball, burn clock, and be efficient.

What Atlanta needs is a pass rusher that can get a quarterback on the ground. The Falcons lost two of their last three games last season because they could not get the quarterback on the ground in crunch time.

Drew Brees and then Aaron Rodgers stayed up right and made plays to beat the Falcons.

The Falcons could find a pass rushing demon in free agency -- maybe -- but they should be able to find one in a draft deep with defensive ends and outside linebackers.