Atlanta Falcons Free Agency: Tracking 2012 Signings, Targets and Rumors

The Falcons have had a complete franchise turnaround under the triumvirate of GM Thomas Dimitroff, HC Mike Smith and QB Matt Ryan.

After having a total of nine winning seasons in over 40 years, they have gone four for four under the new regime. However, they haven't had a playoff win yet in their three playoff appearances, though they did lose to the eventual NFC champion all three times and the would-be NFL champion twice.

The Falcons will make some changes to get over that hump, and while some of them may not be pleasant for the fans, they are necessary. So in this article, we'll keep track of all of the changes that go on this offseason.

We'll start off with the Falcons situation under the salary cap, then we'll expand into the roster holes. We'll also take a look into the current free agents from the team, as well as determine their annual value. After that we'll project who will be kept and who will be cut. 

We'll also take a look into the projected cap situation after re-signing players, as well as the top free agents the Falcons could target. Then, the contract values of these free agents will be assigned for what Atlanta could offer them.

After all this, we'll look into the holes for Atlanta in the draft based on projected signings. We'll also update this tracker based on signings throughout the offseason.

2012 Offseason Transactions Tracker

March 24, 2012: Update: Adam Schefter of ESPN reports via his Twitter that the Saints have agreed to a five-year deal with former Falcons' linebacker Curtis Lofton.

March 16, 2012: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports via his Twitter that the Falcons reached an agreement with DE John Abraham. He reports it is a three-year deal.

March 13, 2012: The Falcons have confirmed they have re-signed QB Chris Redman and WR Harry Douglas.

March 10th, 2012: ESPN sources are reporting that the Falcons have agreed to terms with former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu. Tatupu will become an unrestricted free agent once the free agency period opens.

March 9th, 2012 - According to NFL Insider Jay Glazer on Twitter, the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with veteran offensive guard Vince Manuwai.

March 8th, 2012 - The Falcons have re-signed RB Jason Snelling. This is yet another good re-signing this offseason. The Falcons got Snelling for three more years at just $4 million total.

March 7th, 2012 - The Falcons agreed to terms with DE Kroy Biermann. This is another good re-signing. Biermann could have more of an impact under coach Mike Nolan's defense. Biermann signed a 3 year, $9 million contract.

March 6th, 2012 - The Falcons agreed to terms with FS Thomas Decoud. This is the start of the bigger re-signings. Decoud is a guy who makes an impact on the defense and will only be better in a bigger role under Mike Nolan. The contract is a 5 year, $17.5 million contract with $4 million dollars guaranteed.

March 6th, 2012 - The Falcons re-signed ERFA RB Antone Smith and ERFA TE Michael Palmer to their ERFA tenders. This is a smart move for depth and Smith and Palmer are excellent ST and backup options.

March 2nd, 2012 - The Falcons will franchise tag CB Brent Grimes. By franchising the top corner, the Falcons have bought time for them to get a long-term deal agreed while focusing on other top priorities like Curtis Lofton and John Abraham.

February 22nd, 2012 - Falcons re-sign ERFA OG Andrew Jackson. Jackson was a backup in 2011 on the practice squad. He could end up as the starter with his old college head coach Pat Hill coming in to be the offensive line coach in Atlanta.

January 20th, 2012 - RB Dmitri Nance signed with the Falcons. He played for new OC Dirk Koetter in college and could challenge for a roster spot under the new coordinator.

January 9th, 2012 - Falcons bring back six practice-squad-caliber guys to futures contracts. WR Drew Davis was an Oregon Duck, who played in the national title game.

TE Tommy Gallarda and Ryan Winterswyk are Boise State products. S Matt Hansen is a LB prospect as well and is from the small University of Rhode Island.

OT Kyle Jolly is a North Carolina product who played across the line from Garrett Reynolds in college. S Suaesi Tuimaunei is an Oregon State product who went undrafted in 2011.

January 1st, 2012 - The Falcons sign TE Tony Gonzalez to an extension through the 2012 season. Bringing back the future hall of famer is the right move, and will only make the Falcons better for this coming season.

Current Salary Cap Status

Falcons 2012 Cap Room

According to Pat Yasinskas from ESPN, "The Falcons will have $30.6 million in cap space," based on the salary cap in 2012 being the same as it was in 2011. Using this information, it looks like Atlanta will be re-signing quite a few free agents this offseason, but could also be real players in free agency if they manage their cap right.

Problematic Cap Hits

Currently, Michael Turner is costing $7 million towards the cap, and it's given that his production has warranted a  large contract. However, one must wonder whether Turner has been falling off a bit after getting over 300 carries in his first three years in Atlanta.

Atlanta could save around $5 million by cutting Turner for this year and another $5.5 million next year if they cut him after June 2nd.

Ovie Mughelli is in the last year of his contract, and if he's cut he could save $3 million in cap space. Ovie is coming off a nasty ACL and MCL injury and needs to show that he is fully recovered before the season. If not, the Falcons could cut him to save that money.

Sam Baker is owed $2.56 million on his contract that the Falcons can get out of easily. It would be smart to cut the dead weight in Baker this offseason.

Matt Ryan Extension could open up some cap room

The Falcons are looking into extending Matt Ryan's deal, and doing so could free up as much as $10 million this season for use in free agency.

Ryan is a very likely extension candidate as he has been a pro bowl caliber quarterback for the Falcons since 2008 and will only get better under Koetter's new scheme.

Add in his $13.5M cap hit for 2012 as it currently sits and Atlanta could sign him to a $100-plus million contract, and still have him with an extremely low cap hit for the 2012 season.

Total Possible cap savings

Between a possible Matt Ryan extension and possible releases of Turner, Mugheli and even Babineaux the Falcons could have up to $50 million in cap space in the 2012 season with just 3 more moves. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Falcons make those moves and use the cap to make a run at one of the free agents later in this article.

Last Year's Holes

The Falcons have improved every year under Mularkey and Brian Van Gorder's leadership on both offense and defense. However, there have obviously been some holes in the offense this year, and the defense as a whole needs better depth and pass-rush.

Offense

The Falcons' offense has been a top-10 group for the past four years and, while they have had some issues, it's safe to say the main holes are on the offensive line, where there are some additional holes due to free agency.

Left Tackle

Sam Baker is now officially a bust due to injuries and lack of productivity. Will Svitek is a good player, but there is a question as to whether he is a long term answer at the LT spot for the Falcons. The best bet for the Falcons to find a solution here is free agency.

Right Guard

The Falcons have a lot of depth at the guard position between LG Justin Blalock, OG Mike Johnson, G/T Garrett Reynolds, C/G Joe Hawley and OG Andrew Jackson. The Falcons would be best to go with a value free agent here and have him compete with the current guys for the starting spot.

Slot Wide Receiver

Harry Douglas did very well in this role last year but he is a free agent. Ideally the Falcons re-sign Douglas for an inexpensive deal and have him as the main slot receiver. Under OC Dirk Koetter, there will be a lot more slot and four WR sets.

Defense

The Falcons' defense has been solid the past few years but is missing a few things. There is definitely a pass rush need and there was a huge hole at strong-side linebacker when Peterson and Nicholas went down this past season.

Defensive End

John Abraham is likely to be gone. The Falcons need a true pass-rushing defensive end, and could have Lawrence Sidbury start as the pass-rush end this offseason. They will likely re-sign Biermann and could very well end up drafting another pass-rusher through the draft.

Nickel Corner

The Falcons had the worst possible nickel corner situation happen in the playoffs in 2010 and 2011.

They will need more depth at the position, but will have to look into someone who is better suited for the nickel position than Dominique Franks or Chris Owens, who are naturals on the outside of the formation.

One option could be a scheme change through Mike Nolan that will have Dunta Robinson or Brent Grimes as the nickel, but this could be a draft pick.

Listing the Falcons' 2012 Free Agents

The following Falcons players are unrestricted free agents (UFAs), meaning, unless the Falcons negotiate a deal in advance of free agency's start date, any NFL team has the ability to offer these players a contract:

QB Chris Redman Update: The Falcons have re-signed QB Chris Redman 

RB Jason Snelling Update:The Falcons have re-signed RB Jason Snelling. 

WR Harry Douglas Update: The Falcons have re-signed WR Harry Douglas.

WR Eric Weems

TE Reggie Kelly

OT Kirk Chambers

C Brett Romberg

C Todd McClure

DE John Abraham Update: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports via his Twitter that the Falcons reached an agreement with DE John Abraham.

DE Kroy Biermann  Update: The Falcons agreed to terms with DE Kroy Biermann.

LB Mike Peterson

LB Curtis Lofton  Update: Adam Schefter of ESPN reports via his Twitter that the Saints have agreed to a five-year deal with former Falcons' linebacker Curtis Lofton.

CB Kelvin Hayden

CB Brent Grimes - Update: The Falcons have put the franchise tag CB Brent Grimes

S Thomas Decoud - Update: The Falcons agreed to terms with FS Thomas Decoud. 

S James Sanders

LS Joe Zelenka

The following players are listed as restricted free agents (RFAs), meaning that the Falcons can offer them a one-year tender which any other team must match with draft picks:

DT Vance Walker

In determining compensation for matched qualifying offers, a $2.562 million tender must be matched with first- and third-round draft picks from any other team in pursuit, while a $2.017 million tender is good for first-round compensation.

A $1.417 million tender constitutes a second-round tender and the lowest base tender of $927,000 constitutes matching the RFA's original draft pick (i.e. if the player was selected in the third round, the pursuing team must offer a third-round pick in exchange).  

Any team matching or holding on to the qualifying offer must pay that number as the player's base salary for that season.

The following players here are Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFAs) meaning that Atlanta only has to offer a veteran minimum, one-year contract to retain the following players:

RB Antone Smith  Update: The Falcons re-signed ERFA RB Antone Smith

TE Michael Palmer - Update: The Falcons re-signed ERFA TE Michael Palmer

OG Andrew Jackson - Update: Falcons re-sign ERFA OG Andrew Jackson

Determining Contract Value and Worth for Every Atlanta Free Agent

The Falcons may have some issues in terms of playoff advancement, but they definitely have talent, especially in their free agents.

There are also a lot of them, so bear with us as we go over their values.

These values will be determined, in part, by common sense, but also by contracts signed by similar players. Values will be determined by the contract that is projected to be offered on the open market for their services.

UFA - QB Chris Redman - Update: Falcons have confirmed they have re-signed QB Chris Redman 

UFA - RB Jason Snelling: Update: The Falcons have re-signed RB Jason Snelling.

UFA - WR Harry Douglas - Update: The Falcons have re-signed WR Harry Douglas.

Harry Douglas is a great slot-man, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him come back to Atlanta for a contract similar to what Jordy Nelson signed with the Packers. Douglas is going to see a bigger role in Atlanta under the new scheme and coordinator.

UFA - WR Eric Weems - 1-2 years, $2.5-5.5 million ($2.5 million-$2.75 million avg/year)

Eric Weems is a great special-teams talent. He's an ace gunner and can really change the tide of the game with his return skills. Weems is the strongest player under 180 pounds in the NFL and has been extremely productive as a tackler and returner.

UFA - TE Reggie Kelly - 1 year, veteran minimum

He's old, one of Dan Reeves' picks (only about a handful of them are left in the NFL) and is at the point where he should retire.

UFA - OL Kirk Chambers - 1 year, veteran minimum

Very good, cheap depth and should be worth it to come back as a veteran camp body. Could be a good fit in the mixed scheme for Pat Hill, who does best with solid pass-blockers who can learn to run block, and Chambers fits that mold to a T.

UFA - OL Brett Romberg - 1 year, veteran minimum

As much as Atlanta should be looking at options for guard, Romberg is a true center. And honestly, his best fit should only be if Hawley and McClure go down for the season.

UFA - C Todd McClure - 1 year, $1 million

He has given his blood, sweat and life for the Falcons over the past 12 years, and has started almost every game in that span. The "Mud Duck" as his line mates like to call him, is the best center in the NFL to have never been to a Pro Bowl.

UFA - DE John Abraham - Update: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports via his Twitter that the Falcons reached an agreement with DE John Abraham.

UFA - DE Kroy Biermann: Update: The Falcons agreed to terms with DE Kroy Biermann.

UFA - LB Curtis Lofton - Update: Adam Schefter of ESPN reports via his Twitter that the Saints have agreed to a five-year deal with former Falcons' linebacker Curtis Lofton.

UFA - CB Kelvin Hayden - 1 year, veteran minimum

Performed well in nickel sets, and could be inexpensive after his knee injury late in the year. A bit of a risk, though, as Hayden has been injured quite a bit recently. Most likely situation could be retirement instead of signing with a team.

UFA - CB Brent Grimes: Update: The Falcons have put the franchise tag CB Brent Grimes

UFA - S Thomas Decoud: Update: The Falcons agreed to terms with FS Thomas Decoud.

UFA - S James Sanders - 1 year, veteran minimum

Could come cheap, but isn't worth what some will think he is. Missed a lot of tackles and gave up a lot of plays on defense in 2011. His best fit is as the fourth safety on a team.

UFA - LS Joe Zelenka - 1 year, veteran minimum

He hasn't had a bad snap in three years for the Falcons, plus long-snappers are cheap.

RFA - DT Vance Walker - 1 year, $1.92 million (2nd round and right of first refusal tender)

One of the better all-around reserve DTs. Does extremely well against the run and is a great fit as both a 1-tech and 3-tech DT. This one is pretty cut-and-dry. Walker has improved every year statistically and will only continue to get better.

ERFA - RB Antone Smith: Update: The Falcons re-signed ERFA RB Antone Smith

ERFA-TE Michael Palmer: Update: The Falcons re-signed ERFA TE Michael Palmer

ERFA - OG Andrew Jackson: Update: Falcons re-sign ERFA OG Andrew Jackson

Projecting Which Free Agents the Falcons Will Re-Sign, Which Will Walk

The Falcons have quite a few decisions to make in the next month and a half, and it is going to be a bumpy ride for some fans as some guys will not be coming back to the team. Let's take a look at the projected re-signing decisions for the Falcons to make.

Unrestricted Free Agents (17)

QB Chris Redman - Update: Falcons have confirmed they have re-signed QB Chris Redman 

RB Jason Snelling - Update: The Falcons have re-signed RB Jason Snelling. 

WR Harry Douglas - Update: The Falcons have re-signed WR Harry Douglas.

WR Eric Weems - let walk

Someone is going to overpay for his services, and Atlanta will not view him as worth over the $3 million per year that someone is going to give him as a potential slot WR.

TE Reggie Kelly - let walk/retire

Kelly came back to Atlanta in 2011 for what would be considered a swansong. Atlanta is not likely to bring him back and it's about time for him to retire.

OL Kirk Chambers - let walk

Atlanta has better offensive line options than Chambers, and it would make more sense to let him walk than to re-sign him for more than a minimum contract.

C Brett Romberg - let walk

Atlanta doesn't need Romberg as a backup when they have Joe Hawley. Hawley could be the best long-term fit for the C spot.

C Todd McClure - re-sign to a 1-year, $1 million contract

Atlanta would be smart to bring back their line general, especially if he wants to come back. After spending 14 years in Atlanta, McClure is the best C to have never played in a pro bowl and Atlanta would be lucky to keep him.

DE John Abraham - Update: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports via his Twitter that the Falcons reached an agreement with DE John Abraham.

DE Kroy Biermann: Update: Update: The Falcons agreed to terms with DE Kroy Biermann.  

LB Mike Peterson - let walk/retire

Peterson was definitely a key cog in the past three years in Atlanta, but he's at a point in his career where it would make more sense for him to retire than for him to come back to Atlanta. They would be better off allowing Lofton and Weatherspoon to be the leaders of the burgeoning linebacker corps.

LB Curtis Lofton -  Update: Adam Schefter of ESPN reports via his Twitter that the Saints have agreed to a five-year deal with former Falcons' linebacker Curtis Lofton.

CB Kelvin Hayden - let walk/retire

Atlanta would be wise to let the 28-year-old corner, with a history of neck and knee injuries, go and try to replace him with someone through the draft.

CB Brent Grimes - Update: The Falcons have put the franchise tag CB Brent Grimes

S Thomas Decoud: Update: The Falcons agreed to terms with FS Thomas Decoud. 

S James Sanders - let walk

He likely signs with another team for a contract above the veteran minimum. Likely a 2-year, $3 million contract with the Ravens, who need a good backup for Reed and Pollard. Or he could sign with a team like Miami for a starting role.

LS Joe Zelenka - re-sign to the veteran minimum of 1 year, $925,000

More than worth the cap hit for a long snapper who hasn't had a bad snap in his career. The reliability is more than worth the contract he will get. Zelenka will be willing to come back for yet another year at just a shade under a million dollars.

Restricted Free Agents (1)

DT Vance Walker - re-sign to a 1-year, $1.92 million tender or trade for a 2nd round pick.

The Falcons don't want to lose Walker as a reserve DT. They will attempt to keep him, but should they lose him for a 2nd-round pick, they would not complain as it would be a great return on the initial 7th round and three-year, veteran minimum contract investment.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents (3)

RB Antone Smith - Update: The Falcons re-signed ERFA RB Antone Smith

TE Michael Palmer - Update: The Falcons re-signed ERFA TE Michael Palmer 

OG Andrew Jackson- Update: Falcons re-sign ERFA OG Andrew Jackson

Available Cap Space After Re-Signings

Thomas Dimitroff is a master of the cap. Looking over this cap, the Falcons will have the projected cap space of $7 million to $10.6 million, depending on the deals signed and whether Grimes re-signs before or after July 17th.

The previous free-agent signings would take out around $20-23 million of the $30.6 million in cap space.

On the bright side, the Falcons could re-sign quite a few of their free agents this offseason and still make a play on some of the bigger names out there.

The Falcons could also look into a few re-structures like Matt Ryan or Michael Turner, and could wind up using the cap space from those re-structures to re-sign some more of the team's free agents as well as create extra space to make a play for a big name out there.

Biggest Projected Needs After Re-Signings

Atlanta would have quite a few holes on offense after the projected re-signings but there is the framework for a better offense. The defense however would have a few less holes. That being said, the holes are pretty much the same as before re-signings.

Offense

The Falcons offense has been a top 10 offense for the past four years and while they have had some issues, it's safe to say the main holes are on the offensive line, and due to free agency there are some additional holes.

Left Tackle

Sam Baker is now officially a bust due to injuries and lack of productivity. Will Svitek is a good player but there is question as to whether he is a long term answer at the LT spot for the Falcons. The best bet for the Falcons to find a solution here is free agency.

Right Guard

The Falcons have a lot of depth at the guard position between LG Justin Blalock, OG Mike Johnson, G/T Garrett Reynolds, C/G Joe Hawley and OG Andrew Jackson. The Falcons would be best to go with a value level free agent here and have him compete with the current guys for the starting spot.

Slot Wide Receiver

Harry Douglas did very well in this role last year but he is a free agent. Ideally the Falcons re-sign Douglas for an inexpensive deal and have him as the main slot receiver. Under OC Dirk Koetter, there will be a lot more slot and four WR sets. Losing Douglas to free agency would make this a big need.

Defense

The Falcons defense has been solid the past few years but is missing a few things. There is definitely a pass rush need and there was a huge hole at strong-side linebacker when Peterson and Nicholas went down this past season.

Defensive End

John Abraham is likely to be gone. The Falcons need a true pass rushing defensive end and could have Lawrence Sidbury start as the pass rush end for Atlanta this offseason. They will likely re-sign Biermann and could very well end up drafting another pass rusher through the draft.

Backup Linebacker

Depth at linebacker would be a big need as well. Peterson was a big loss as far as depth is concerned and it would make a lot of sense to put some resources into the backup LB group.

Nickel Corner

The Falcons had the worst possible nickel corner situation happen in the playoffs in 2010 or 2011. They will need more depth at the corner position but will have to look into someone who is better suited for the nickel position than Franks or Owens who are naturals on the outside of the formation. One option could be a scheme change through Nolan that will have Robinson or Grimes on the nickel, but this could be a draft pick.

Safety Depth

Losing James Sanders is a blow to the depth on the team but the Falcons could make the right move and sign a good third safety behind the Falcons starting pair of Thomas Decoud and William Moore.

Identifying Potential Free Agents the Falcons Could Sign

Left Tackle

Svitek is a good option as a starter for a year or two but past that it's hard to say who will be the starting left tackle for the Falcons. This is the one spot the Falcons could put some money into and it looks like Jared Gaither and Demetrius Bell are the best options out there. However, they could take a chance and go with Anthony Collins, King Dunlap or even take a chance on Lydon Murtha.

Right Guard

This is the biggest need but it would be hard to see Atlanta spend a fortune on an offensive guard since they didn't do so last season for Dahl or Blalock. A couple of good non-bank breaking options are Vernon Carey, Jeremy Zuttah, and Chris Kemoeatu.

Slot Wide Receiver

There are quite a few options out there that would make excellent slot receivers for Koetter's offense. While retaining Douglas is a good idea, it would be more cost effective to bring in a veteran like Josh Morgan or Eddie Royal as the slot WR, and draft another option for one.

Defensive End

The Falcons could manipulate the cap to the point to make a run at DE Mario Williams but the most likely situation would be to look at more general pass rushers like Robert Mathis, Mark Anderson or even Andre Carter.

Update: Robert Mathis has been franchised by the Colts and then subsequently worked out a long-term deal.

Backup Linebacker

The Falcons need depth at linebacker and could very well be running a mix of 3-4 and 4-3 formations. It would make a lot of sense to bring in some solid reserve LB's with starting experience like Bobby Carpenter, Ernie Sims or even Omar Gaither.

Nickel Corner

The need here is for a nickel and unless there is someone who truly stands out it will be hard to find the right value here. A couple options would be a wily vet like Reshean Mathis, or Ronde Barber or even take a flyer on a younger journeyman like Eric Wright or Justin King and have them come in and compete.

Safety Depth

Decoud has been a pillar of health in the defense but William Moore hasn't exactly been that. A few good options at safety could be needed for depth. The Falcons could look both in the draft and in free agency. Reggie Nelson makes the most sense as he has starting experience, is young and has experience in Smith's defense.

Projecting Contract Values for Falcons Free-Agent Targets

To review, the following players likely fit the mold of what the Falcons are looking for, and would be smart additions to the team:

LT Jared Gaither

LT Demetrius Bell

LT Anthony Collins

LT King Dunlap

LT Lydon Murtha

RG Vernon Carey

RG Jeremy Zuttah

RG Chris Kemoeatu

WRS Josh Morgan

WRS Eddie Royal

DE Mario Williams

DE Mark Anderson

DE Andre Carter

LB Bobby Carpenter

LB Ernie Sims

LB Omar Gaither

CB Ronde Barber

CB Eric Wright

CB Justin King

S Reggie Nelson

Of course, not all of these targets will be realistically available.  So we can assume that the contract offered would be for someone of starting caliber. As far as upper limits, these are the contracts the best of the groups could get from the Falcons:

LT Jared Gaither: 5 years, $30 million

Gaither is currently at the end of a veteran minimum, half-year contract and could enjoy making more money with the Falcons. Atlanta would be willing to offer a lot of money for the blind-side protector, and his size and strength will be an asset in both the pass and the run game.

RG Vernon Carey, 2 years, $8 million

Vernon Carey is one of the top offensive lineman in the league, and can play guard or tackle. He would fit in nicely in Atlanta. He would help provide more girth in the run game and wouldn't allow a lot of penetration in the passing game.

WR Josh Morgan, 3 years, $5 million

Morgan is a great route runner and one of the better fits for the Falcons as a slot receiver to help take pressure off Roddy White and Julio Jones. Morgan will thrive in the role, and his overall fit as the Falcons' slot-man will be worth the smaller contract than what Douglas will get on the open market.

DE Mark Anderson, 2 years, $7 million

Pass-rushing is at a premium, but Anderson is a good fit for a situational pass-rusher in Atlanta. There could be two waves and one of those waves would be Bierman/Edwards, while the other would be the combo of Anderson and Sidbury. Anderson's lack of run defense will hurt him though, and Atlanta would have to use him in exclusively pass situations.

LB Bobby Carpenter, 1 year, $2 million

Carpenter is a good fit as a backup linebacker for all three spots, and in both schemes that Nolan likes to run. Carpenter also has a lot of pass-rush ability that has not been harnessed in the NFL yet.

S Reggie Nelson, 3 years, $8 million

Now this may look like a lot, but when talking about the secondary, you need someone who can provide depth at both spots and hit as well as cover.

Analyzing the Falcons Draft Strategy, Positions of Need

Thomas Dimitroff has a bold strategy for his drafting. He likes to go with team needs based on scheme-specific players and will put a lot of "black dots" on his board of guys to not take due to character concerns.

While Atlanta might hold back a little more on giving a guy a "black dot" this year, it's safe to say that Vontaze Burfict and Janoris Jenkins, with repeated character concerns, will not even be considered by the Falcons.

The Falcons' best plan of action would be to focus the draft on the best player available this year, regardless of position, but focus on the lines. If there is a defensive end available, it makes the most sense to go with one.

But the most likely plan of action for Atlanta will be to go with the best players available for the culture in Atlanta.

The Falcons, at this point, could take any position and it would make logical sense. There are needs at every level of the team and, with the lack of draft picks this year, the Falcons would be best served to not draft immediate starters and go more towards depth for this year.

Draft Names to Keep an Eye on

Left Tackle

Atlanta has quite a bit of talent to choose from. Thankfully, offensive tackles tend to be high-character guys on no matter what team you pick.

Some of the best fits for the scheme and need are Nate Potter from Boise State and Andrew Datko from Florida State. Both players are project-type left tackles, who won't start right away, but could very well anchor the left side for a long time.

Potter (6'6" 303 with 35" arms) and Datko (6'6" 315 with 34" arms) are both quick, strong tackles and fit in with the new offensive-line scheme. Potter would be a 3rd-round pick. Datko, a 5th-round pick.

Right Guard

This may sound a bit familiar if you have been reading my articles, but Kevin Zeitler just has a Falcon attitude written all over him.

He can play either the right or left side, is a truly hard worker and has the nasty attitude that the Falcons have been missing since Dahl left. Zeitler (6'4" 314 with 33" arms) would be a guy that Clabo himself would love next to him.

Slot Wide Receiver

The Falcons could go many ways here. They could end up re-signing Douglas or Weems for the spot, or take someone in the draft.

They could go with a big body like Marvin Jones or Stephen Hill from California and Georgia Tech respectively, or they could wait until the later rounds for a guy like Jairus Wright from Arkansas or Devon Wylie from Fresno State.

Jones (6'2") and Hill (6'4") would give Atlanta some more height in the red zone to go with their speed, but would have to be selected early, whereas Wright (5'10") and Wylie (5'9") are more of your traditional slot- and returner-style late-round pick.

Defensive End

There are many ways the team could go here. There are a lot of great pass-rushers in the draft this year, but some of the best that could be Shea McClellin from Boise State, Jacquies Smith from Missouri and Jake Bequette from Arkansas.

They are all quick off the line, but smaller in size, and could fit as both outside linebackers in the 3-4 or ends in the 4-3. Atlanta would do well to bring in McClellin as late as the 5th, Smith as late as the 6th or Bequette in the mid-rounds.

Nickel Corner

Brandon Boykin is all Falcons fans will want to hear about here.

The UGA corner is the ideal fit in the draft for the Falcons nickel corner spot. He has just the right size at 5'9" 184, and is projected as a 4.5 speed kind of guy.

Boykin also has a lot of return ability. However, if he is not able to run at a pro day at all, he will be a late-2nd-round to mid-3rd-round pick, and the Falcons would be lucky to get him in the mid-3rd-round.

Boykin will remind a lot of people of the Falcons current starting left corner, Brent Grimes.