2011 NFL Offseason Two-a-Days: The Atlanta Falcons

Ryan is 15 and a volunteer scout for the Atlanta Falcons.

5. Are there some who have cooled on QB Matty Ice?

How exactly would you cool on Matt Ryan? He only had his best season as a pro.

The big thing with him is that he needs to win a playoff game. In three seasons, he has had two chances to do so, against the Arizona Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers.

I believe he's right below the elite level of quarterbacks. I would have Manning, Brady, Brees, Rivers and Rodgers in the elite class. Matt Ryan would be right below those five guys.

4. Does Atlanta have enough weapons on the offensive side of the ball?

The Falcons need a speed burner.

It's likely that they'll need to replace Jerious Norwood, who cannot seem to stay healthy. At wide receiver, drafting a speedster would be a good idea, although Kerry Meier is returning, after he didn't play his rookie season with an injury.

3. What do the Falcons need to do on defense to take the next step?

They need a better pass rush.

There seem to be two schools of thought on what they need: a defensive end or defensive tackle. A big pass rusher opposite John Abraham may dramatically improve the defense. Although some think pressure up the middle is what the doctored ordered.

2. What is the Falcons top priority in the NFL Draft and/or free agency?

As far as the speed burner goes, Titus Young from Boise State would be a good pick. He's most likely a second round pick.

At defensive end, Aldon Smith from Missouri makes sense. Keep in mind, the Falcons seem to love Missouri. Both William Moore and Sean Weatherspoon are from Missouri.

Harvey Dahl, Tyson Clabo and Justin Blalock are all free agents. It seems as if Blalock would be the one to let walk, as he simply isn't as good as Clabo and Dahl. Danny Watkins or Mike Pouncey could be picks, but Atlanta would be spending a first round pick here. They also would miss out on Aldon Smith.

1. The Falcons went 13-3 last season, is there stock rising or falling?

Don't mistake me for saying that the Falcons will have a better record. Because after going 13-3, that's pretty difficult to do. However I'm going to say stock rising, but with an 11-5 record. A worse record, but the stock is still rising for the Atlanta Falcons.

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