Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft: Picking Every Round by Need

The Atlanta Falcons have just six draft picks in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, and are without a first  and fourth-round selection. When the final weekend of April rolls around, here's how the Falcons—if the team chooses to draft for need only—might use those six picks.

Round 2 (No. 55 overall) - Dwayne Allen, TE—Clemson
All-pro tight end Tony Gonzalez is entering his 16th season in the NFL, and still has gas left in the tank. However, that gas tank will hit empty soon.

If the Falcons want to continue to give quarterback Matt Ryan a big target to hit in the middle of the field, they'll need to start looking for a replacement for Gonzalez. There are three top-notch tight ends in this draft class that have a similar ball-catching skill set to Gonzalez.

If Coby Fleener (Stanford), Orson Charles (Georgia) or Dwayne Allen (Clemson) are available at pick No. 55, Atlanta might look to select its tight end of the future. Any of the three tight ends mentioned here could flourish in Atlanta's system, and learning from Gonzalez would be an incredible experience for a young tight end.

Round 3 (No. 84 overall) - Trumaine Johnson, CB—Montana
It's no secret that the Falcons would like to upgrade their secondary. Especially since new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said on his first day on the job that Atlanta, just like the rest of the NFL, would most likely play more in nickel and dime packages as the league turns into a pass-happy playground.

At 6-foot-2, Johnson would be the tallest defensive back on the team, and can play multiple positions. But more important, he has good speed, good coverage skills and an ability to help stop the run.

It's also no secret that general manager Thomas Dimitroff is willing to pluck talent from the Montana roster. Defensive end Kroy Biermann and safety Shann Schillinger are both ex-Grizzlies.

Round 5 (No. 157 overall) - Tom Compton, OT—South Dakota
The Falcons didn't have the most stable year at left tackle in 2011, and could look to add depth to the position in the fifth round.

South Dakota's Tom Compton is extremely fast for his size and has excellent footwork and technique. But what intrigues me the most about Compton is the fact that some have called him "physical and nasty." The 2010 Atlanta offensive line was one of the best in the league and known for being nasty. It might be good to get back to what worked in the past.

Round 6 (No. 192 overall) - Brandon Bolden, RB—Ole Miss
While Michael Turner is still an incredibly good running back, Atlanta may look late in the 2012 draft to find his eventual replacement. The Falcons grabbed Jacquizz Rodgers last season in the fifth round, and while he is definitely growing on the coaching staff, Rodgers may never turn into an every-down back.

That's not the case with Brandon Bolden, who has good size and strength to handle the ball 20 times or more per game. Bolden can attack inside through the line or bounce outside with sneaky, quick bursts of speed. He's also got soft hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield, which is something that Matt Ryan would love to see.

Round 7 (No. 229 overall) - Brandon Hardin, FS—Oregon State
Brandon Hardin missed his senior season because of a shoulder injury, but was projected to start at corner for Oregon State before he had to sit.

Hardin just wowed at his pro day—and in what may be the best news for the Falcons because this coaching staff loves versatility in their defensive players—Hardin can play safety as well. In fact, Hardin may be best suited to play free safety at the NFL level. And who wouldn't love to see a 6-foot-3 free safety with coverage skills to match up with opposing tight ends?

Round 7 (No. 249 overall) - Jaymes Brooks, OG—Virginia Tech
With center Todd McClure returning for the 2012 season, Atlanta may be able to start him and use Joe Hawley at right guard. But that setup should only last one more season and Hawley will eventually move to center, leaving a hole at guard.

Brooks can provide depth on the offensive line for a season and battle for the job at right guard in 2013.