Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft: Five Picks to Address Even More Needs

After trading away three draft picks, the Falcons have five remaining in tonight's NFL draft. They figure to use them to address needs at left tackle, tight end, wide receiver, defensive line, linebacker and safety.

In other words, they have more needs than picks to address them.

Among the questions they need to answer are these:

Who is going to protect Matt Ryan? Who will eventually take over for Tony Gonzalez? Who will provide  depth at wide receiver, linebacker and safety? Who will provide more of a pass rush? And where can they find a dynamic kickoff and punt returner who can also play wide receiver?

Here's what they should do to answer those questions.

2nd Round (No. 55 Overall)

Kelechi Osemele, offensive lineman, Iowa State

Osemele is a three-year starter who will fit well in the traditional pro-style blocking scheme that the Falcons will run under Pat Hill. He’s also a two-time All-Big 12 performer, was an All-American and a captain for the Cyclones.

As a senior with no suspensions or arrests on his record, Osemele is an ideal pick for general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who stresses character.

He played in the Senior Bowl and has very correctable weaknesses in his game. His issues are mainly technique. With a true teacher as an offensive line coach, he could be the long-term solution at left tackle.

If he was available here, the Falcons would be getting a steal.

3rd Round (No. 84)

Ladarius Green, tight end, Louisiana-Lafayette

Green is a good all-around tight end, but with some polishing, he has Pro Bowl potential. He will should fit well in a vertical passing attack and will be a long-term starter in the NFL.

For the Falcons, Green would be the No. 2 tight end and H-back, which would allow him to train behind Tony Gonzalez for a year before starting. Green also can be used as a wide receiver, which would give the Falcons offense more versatility.

5th Round (No. 157)

Tank Carder, linebacker, Texas Christian

Carder is an all-around good player who can contribute early on special teams and provide quality depth.

He's a leader and has been a three year-starter for one of the better defenses in the college ranks. He could end up being a guy who will back up at all three linebacker spots.

6th Round (No. 192)

Tim Fugger, defensive end, Vanderbilt

Fugger frequently separates players from the ball and will be a truly unique addition to any team. Despite requiring no more of an investment than a sixth- to seventh-round pick, he has the potential to start at defensive end.

If he goes undrafted, he would be an excellent practice-squad player for at least a year or two.

7th Round (No. 249)

Tavon Wilson, safety, Illinois

He’s a true project and will likely end up as a seventh-round selection at best. He is not likely to contribute other than on special teams early on and is a likely role player.

He would be a Shann Schillinger clone for his first two years, then could end up as a solid backup safety.