Which 2013 Draft Prospects Should the Falcons Already Be Scouting?

Following a disappointing wild-card loss last January, Atlanta Falcons fans have much to look forward to this year thanks in part to a promising 2012 draft class.

This year’s draft picks have filled depth at numerous positions, though not all may be as strong by the end of the season as they appear to be now.

While the 2012 season hasn't even yet begun, that doesn’t mean the Falcons shouldn’t start thinking ahead to next year.

Here’s a look at potential 2013 prospects the Falcons’ brass should already be keeping its eyes on.

Manti Te'o

The Falcons lost Curtis Lofton to free agency this year, but they seem content to let second-year pro Akeem Dent and free-agent acquisition Lofa Tatupu battle it out to fill in his shoes at the starting middle linebacker position this year.

If neither is able to live up to expectations, the Falcons could decide to let someone else try their hand at the spot next year.

That someone could be Manti Te’o.

Consistently producing on a high level for the Fighting Irish, Te’o led the team in tackles these past two seasons after recording 63 as a true freshman.  

A sound tackler standing at 6’2” 255 pounds with 4.6 speed, Te’o has the physical skill set to be a dominant middle linebacker in the NFL, but it’s his instincts and leadership qualities which could have him starting sooner rather than later.

Jesse Williams

The Falcons found a rising star in 2010 draft pick Corey Peters, who won the starting nose tackle job in his rookie season.

On the other hand, starting under tackle Jonathan Babineaux’s star seems to be fading rather quickly.

Coming off a 2011 campaign which saw him record a career-low in tackles and his worst sack mark since 2006, the 30-year old Babineaux could be playing his last down in Atlanta if he doesn’t turn it around in 2012.

Even if he does, a depth chart rounded out by Peria Jerry, Vance Walker and Travian Robertson doesn’t exactly strike fear into opposing quarterbacks’ lives.

However, Jesse Williams could change that.

Preparing for his senior season at Alabama, Williams’ 6’4” 320-pound frame would be a welcome addition to a rather undersized defensive line.

The Australian played at community college for two years before impressing enough to earn a starting spot on the Crimson Tide defensive line as a junior last season.

If he continues to impress throughout 2012, Williams might be under heavy consideration for one of Atlanta’s mid-round picks in next year’s draft.  

Barrett Jones

Injuries have plagued Sam Baker’s career, and the Falcons are hoping that’s the reason for his recent struggles.

Baker was benched in favor of Will Svitek late last season, but appears to have emerged as the favorite for the spot to open the season over Svitek and rookie third-round pick Lamar Holmes.  

But if the Baker experiment doesn’t go over well in 2012, it will be time for the Falcons to cut their losses and find a long-term replacement.

If the Falcons don’t see Holmes as the answer, they might think Barrett Jones is.

Earning a first-team All-SEC selection at guard in 2010 and at left tackle in 2011 and winner of the Outland Trophy, Jones will slide over to the center position in his senior year at Alabama.

His run-blocking skills and solid pass protection aside, that versatility is what could have him become Atlanta’s first pick of next year’s draft.

Tyler Eifert

Atlanta is set at tight end in 2012 with Tony Gonzalez, but if the future Hall of Famer stays true to his words, this season will be his last.

The Falcons have decided to hold off on finding his replacement over the past few seasons. They currently have Michael Palmer behind Gonzalez on the roster, but if they don’t think he’s capable of being their tight end of the future, they should start looking into Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert.

A towering 6’6” 249-pound prospect, Eifert recorded 63 receptions for 803 yards and five touchdowns as a junior last season. He’s been a starter since 2010, when he caught 27 passes for 353 yards and two scores.

An adequate in-line blocker with the abilities of a wide receiver, Eifert would be a great fit for new Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s vertical passing attack.

Montee Ball

Michael Turner’s contract runs out at the end of next season, and it’ll be time to find his replacement if Atlanta decides against returning the aging running back.

New Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter will want to have a running back that can catch as well as he runs, and that might bring Montee Ball to Atlanta next year.

A Heisman trophy finalist in 2011, the Wisconsin product had a junior season for the ages with 1,923 rushing yards and 33 scores on the ground. Through the air he caught 24 passes for 306 yards and six touchdowns.

With key offensive players from last year gone to the draft (including Falcons' draft picks Peter Konz and Bradie Ewing), the 5’11” 210-pound Ball will likely see his production drop just enough for him to fall right into Atlanta’s lap in the mid rounds of the 2013 draft.