Atlanta Falcons' 2011 Final Mock Draft: Lots of Movement Before the Draft

As we head into the final days before the 2011 draft, NFL teams are looking to make moves in order to secure themselves the best players available. 

Whether it's looking to move up (Houston, who desperately wants CB Patrick Peterson) or trade down to acquire more depth (Washington, which is looking to get a QB later), this draft is as uncertain as ever.

One team that won't be looking to trade picks or move in the draft will be the Atlanta Falcons.  There has been a lot of talk in previous mock drafts as to where they will go with the 27th pick in the first round, but GM Thomas Dmitroff will not try to move up as previously suggested. 

There have been a lot of changes since our last mock draft, so with only two days to go until the main event, let's take a look at who we believe Atlanta will select with their nine picks in this year's NFL draft:

1) Justin Houston - DE/OLB

In a draft filled with defensive linemen, Atlanta will not hesitate to grab another pass rusher to go alongside the aging John Abraham. Houston, a local product from the University of Georgia, is the type of versatile player Dmitroff likes to bring into the fold.  He has explosiveness and can come off the lines or go hybrid and assist with LBs Curtis Lofton and Sean Weatherspoon. 

2) DeMarco Murray - RB

Again, Atlanta is looking for explosiveness on both offense and defense, so look for them to go with the speed back from Oklahoma.  Murray can also catch out of the backfield, and with chronically-injured RB Jerious Norwood a restricted free agent, Atlanta may decide to go elsewhere, so this would fit another need in a hurry.

3) Jerrel Jerrigan - WR

Matt Ryan can't keep throwing to Roddy White forever, so Atlanta selects this physical receiver from Troy.  He can get the separation that guys like Michael Jenkins and Harry Douglas cannot get against physical cornerbacks, so he would be a favorite of Ryan's when Atlanta decides to go four- or even five-wide receiver sets.

4) Akeem Dent - LB

More than likely veteran LB Stephen Nicholas will be headed elsewhere as a free agent, so Atlanta will need more depth at this position.  They go for another UGA starter in Dent who can fill that role admirably.

5) Cortez Allen - CB 

This cornerback from the Citadel will provide depth now that Brian Williams has been released. He could provide help in nickel packages with his speed and height against taller wide receivers.

6) Cliff Matthews - DE

The former South Carolina Gamecock may see playing time when the Falcons decide to give Abraham a rest, and he was among the team leaders in tackles and sacks during his senior season.  Expect Atlanta to draft him in the sixth round.

7) Dejon Gomes - CB

Atlanta will pick up this versatile safety from Nebraska who can also play cornerback in defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder's scheme.

8) Schuylar Oordt - TE

With soon-to-be Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez about to ride off into the sunset, Atlanta will select this Northern Iowa TE who can play alongside Justin Peele in short passing situations.

9) Josh Kasper - K

This LSU kicker will fill out the special teams portion of the draft for Atlanta should they need a replacement for Matt Bryant.