Atlanta Falcons Free Agency: Top Targets from Other Teams Around the NFL

The Falcons have quite a few needs this offseason, and with only five picks in the NFL Draft this April, it's hard to believe them not having any sort of impact in free agency.

The following players are some guys that will be a good fit for the Falcons' new schemes and will upgrade the talent level from the current players under contract.

Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Top Target: WR Robert Meachem

Meachem is a good slot receiver and could be a good fit for the four verticals offense.

As a slot man and a guy who can line up outside, Meachem will give the Falcons good versatility and the ability to kill two birds with one stone: hurt the Saints and help the Falcons.

Meachem does have some holes in his game though, and one of the big ones is his route running ability. But for his size and ability, Meachem could one day end up as a starter should Roddy White leave at the end of his contract.

Projected contract: Four years, $15 million

Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Top Target: TE Jermichael Finley

Atlanta could make a signing that would make the progression of Matt Ryan a true priority this offseason.

Finley will only be 25 this coming season and to learn from the best tight end of all time would only help improve his already talented game.

As a 6’5” 247 big body, Finley would give Ryan some of the biggest targets in the NFL with Gonzalez (6’5”), White (6’1”) and Jones (6’3”) and should allow another dump off option who can run with the ball in case of pressure put on Ryan. This would also allow the Falcons to have a two TE set that would best New England’s in terms of talent.

Projected contract: Four years, $28 million

Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Top Target: OT Demetrius Bell

Demetrius Bell has one of the harder projections on the market.

As someone who can go to pretty much any team needing a left tackle, his value is going to be raised a bit higher than it should.

He's a very solid pass blocker allowing only one sack, one quarterback hit, and seven pressures this past season. He would be a huge upgrade at the left tackle spot and would be worth every penny. That being said the competition for Bell will be fierce and it will be hard to not overpay.

Projected contract: Five years, $35 million and very incentive laden.

Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Top Target: OG Nate Livings

For those of us who love what Justin Blalock brings to the table, meet his doppelganger, Nate Livings.

He’s the old Left Guard from the Cincinnati Bengals. Just like Blalock, he has some trouble with his run blocking, but he has the girth and strength to be a good run blocker.

As a pass blocker, Nate Livings has all the talent in the world. He matched Justin Blalock last year in terms of total pressures and only allowed one quarterback sack, six quarterback hits and 14 pressures.

Bringing in Livings would give Atlanta two guards who while not top 10, are definitely above average and have the size to be a force as both are 6’4” 330 pounds. Livings looks like a guy who could make the move to right guard and play next to top five right tackle Tyson Clabo

Projected contract: One year, $850,000

Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Top Target: C Chris Myers

With Todd McClure not under contract, the Falcons would be smart to do their due diligence on this Pro Bowl caliber center.

Chris Myers has experience in the zone blocking styles that Pat Hill loves to use. He would be an instant leader on the offensive line, and the 31-year-old center would be a comparable pass blocker to the nearly retired Todd McClure—while being a very big upgrade in run blocking.

Myers led the league in yards per carry by the backs that ran through the holes he would opened.  Myers could be a bigger signing than any right guard and would allow Joe Hawley to play a more natural Right Guard spot.

Projected contract: Four years, $20 million

Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Top Target: DE Mario Williams

Everyone realizes just how good Mario Williams is.

As the best pass rusher in this year’s group of free agents, he would be priority number one if the fans had their way.

As a 6’6”, 283 pound defensive end, he has a Reggie White comparison all over him. With 53 sacks over the first six years that he played in the NFL, he is easily having one of the best starts tto a career for a defensive end.

Williams presents a problem for Atlanta if they were to somehow sign him. With Williams, do they also try to bring back Abraham and go for a super DE rotation of Williams, Edwards, Abraham and Sidbury? Or do they trust in the kids and have one of the youngest, strongest DE rotations?

Projected contract: Seven years, $95 million

Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Top Target: LB Stephen Tulloch

Should Atlanta not re-sign Curtis Lofton, a great fit for Mike Nolan’s new defense would be Stephen Tulloch.

The former Titan and Lion is the best all around linebacker on the open market. He’s the best coverage middle linebacker in the free-agency pool this offseason, and one of the better run stuffers as well.

He’s used to playing in the wide-9 alignment and would be better in a more traditional alignment that Nolan would use in the 4-3.

Projected contract: Four years, $25 million

Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Top Target: CB Brandon Carr

Carr has great size at 6’0” 207 lbs, and is an extremely physical corner.

He can play man, zone and press man coverage allowing coach Nolan to truly vary his coverage schemes.

Carr would only be considered should Brent Grimes leave in free agency. He’s also a solid tackler and is arguably the best corner on the open market. Carr is an even keeled personality on the field and should be able to handle the receivers that the Saints will play against the Falcons.

Projected contract: Six years, $63 million

Atlanta Falcons Free Agency Top Target: S Michael Griffin

Michael Griffin is a very good coverage safety.

He’s a two-time Pro Bowler, and would be an upgrade over Thomas Decoud in the secondary.

He’s a ball hawk similar to how Grimes is as a corner, and does his best when he is allowed to cover the deep third—which would allow William Moore the ability to roam and play to his own strengths.

That being said, I can’t see Atlanta letting Decoud walk without a fight, and if they do end up losing Decoud, the best choice they could make would easily be Griffin.

Projected contract: Five years, $35 million