2012 Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft: 7 Rounds on St. Patrick's Day

The Falcons have a lot of things they can improve on this year. One of the biggest needs the team has is for more pass rush, either inside or outside of the defensive line. Another thing the Falcons will take a focus on is the secondary.

Mike Nolan's favorite group has always been defensive backs, and the team could go very defensive back-heavy for the mid-rounds. Another focus will be on the offensive line, as the Falcons have kept together everyone from last year's line but McClure.

Taking a look over the depth chart, the needs are:

Left Tackle - While Svitek has been very good, there is definitely a need there.

Right Guard - It looks like the team trusts Hawley as a C. Right guard is the biggest hole on the line.

Wide Receiver - Roddy White, Julio Jones, Harry Douglas...and then three practice squad-caliber guys in Kevin Cone, Kerry Meier and Drew Davis.

Tight End - Tony Gonzalez is great, but the team needs someone behind him to learn for a year.

Defensive End - Someone to learn from Abraham and take over for him when he drops off.

Cornerback - There is a need for a nickel corner who can make plays on the ball.

Safety - The team needs a third safety for the Big Nickel packages.

Return Specialist - With the loss of Weems, there is a huge need for someone to take over as the return specialist.

2nd Round

CB Brandon Boykin: 5'10", 182 lbs - University of Georgia

Brandon Boykin is one of the top corners in the draft. The former Georgia captain fits the typical Thomas Dimitroff player profile off the field. On the field, his versatility is exceptional, as he is a top return man and can also play the nickel corner long-term for the team.

3rd Round

TE LaDarius Green: 6'6", 238 lbs - University of Louisiana-LaFayette

LaDarius Green is an excellent mismatch for the Falcons at the tight end spot. He's got great size at 6'6", 238, and running a 4.57 is extremely fast for his size. Green can line up at the WR or the TE spots, and be the same H-back and WR role that Brian Finneran used to play for a year, until he takes over for Tony Gonzalez.

5th Round

LB Travis Lewis: 6'1", 246 lbs - University of Oklahoma

Travis Lewis provides the Falcons someone who can play as the backup to either LB spot. He is also an excellent coverage player and could play as a backup MLB as well. Lewis is a true leader that also fits in with Dimitroff's type of player.

6th Round

OT Donald Stephenson: 6'6", 312 lbs - University of Oklahoma

Stephenson is an underrated left tackle from the University of Oklahoma. Easily one of the quicker lineman in the draft, his initial punch in the run game is very good. He also is one of the better pass protectors in the draft, only allowing an average of one sack per year on a line that only allowed its quarterback to be sacked 11-13 times per year.

7th Round

C Garth Gerhart: 6'1", 305 lbs - Arizona State University

The former Sun Devil is a true Todd McClure clone. He's a Jack-of-all-trades-but-master-of-none type. However, he's quick off the snap and intelligent, and while he won't likely start his first year or two, he will, at the very least, provide depth behind Hawley at the center position.