2011 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting All Seven Rounds for the Atlanta Falcons

Over the next few slides, I will give a rundown of how I perceive the Atlanta Falcons will go in the upcoming 2011 NFL Draft.  This all assumes that the Falcons will not make any blockbuster trade ups or downs during the three days from New York City.  

Agree or disagree? Comments are welcomed.

1. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

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SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 03: Kyle Rudolph #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs after making a catch against the Washington Huskies on October 3, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Washington 37-30 in overtime. (Pho

First Round, 27th Pick

Atlanta may not have an immediate need at tight end, but this year's draft theme might very well become picking developmental players to fill in when the veterans leave.

One of those areas that will need to be addressed in the near future is tight end, considering Tony Gonzalez is heading towards the end of his career.

Rudolph is one of the more impressive tight end prospects and should be available in the late first round. He's 6'6", 265 pounds, and has unbelievable hands.   

2. Rodney Hudson, G/C, Florida State

Second Round, 59th pick

Another area of near immediate concern for the Atlanta Falcons is center. Todd McClure is another veteran player who is heading towards the end of his career.

The Falcons will need another strong option at center as soon as possible. Drafting a guy like Rodney Hudson would be a smart pick, considering how fundamentally sound he is.

He's played center and guard for the Seminoles but should translate into center comfortably. His versatility does, however, make him even more of an attractive pick.

3. Allen Bailey, DE, Miami

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners scrambles away from linebacker Allen Bailey #57 of the Miami Hurricanes at Land Shark Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Miami defeated Oklahoma 21-20

Third Round, 91st pick

Atlanta has seemingly missed on defensive lineman for numerous years in a row and counting; however, there's a definite need to have a steadier rotation at defensive end.

John Abraham hasn't proven to be a three down player despite his undoubted importance. The Falcons pass rush has not been quite as stellar whenever Abe is rotating out of the lineup.

Bailey is a big miss match problem and could bolster the Falcons push. 

4. Vincent Brown, WR, SDSU

Fourth Round, 123rd pick

The Falcons have not had wide spread production at wide receiver, which many contribute to the lack of explosiveness in the offense.

While Vincent Brown isn't a big name receiver, he's an attractive prospect who could help Atlanta's passing attack. He has good separating speed and could turn out to be a formidable deep threat.

5. Da' Rel Scott, RB, Maryland

Fifth Round, 155th pick

While having a Pro Bowl running back in Michael Turner is nice, many have argued that the Falcons lack explosiveness in the running game. Jason Snelling is another productive tailback who doesn't quite have big play skills.

Maryland tailback Da'Rell Scott could give the Falcons a better second punch in the backfield. Jerious Norwood is still expected to return, but the fact is, Norwood has been injury prone for way too long and might need to be replaced.

6. Nate Irving, OLB, NC State

Sixth Round, 187th pick

Atlanta has a strong linebacking group with Curtis Lofton, Sean Weatherspoon, and Mike Peterson.

But Peterson is heading towards the final years of his career. This is another situation where the Falcons could benefit from putting a young and talented player under a veteran's wing. 

7. Markus White, DE, Florida State

7th Round, 217th pick

Markus White never really blossomed the way people thought he would at Florida State, but he might be a good project type pick in the late rounds.

The Falcons can't get enough defensive linemen right now, and White has some considerable upset. He's just not the developed player most thought he would become coming out of high school. 

8. Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado

Seventh Round, 218th pick

Colorado has had a nice group of corners in the past few years, with Brown being one of them. 

The Falcons appear strong at cornerback with Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson, but the nickel situation has been an issue. Christopher Owens has not panned out for the Falcons, struggling to work as a nickel back. 

Brown would be a nice addition to create some more competition with the defensive backs.

9. Lee Ziemba, OT, Auburn

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Offensive lineman Lee Ziemba #73 of the Auburn Tigers watches play against the Northwestern Wildcats in the Outback Bowl January 1, 2010 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Seventh Round, 219th pick

The Falcons have had a solid offensive line since Mike Smith took over. They've made a name for themselves by producing well as a unit despite being a bunch of no names, if you will.

Ziemba would be another great addition to the group. He's a player who fits perfectly into the Falcons more finesse style blocking schemes.