Atlanta Falcons Football: Updated Mock Draft

With the NFL draft now just months away, things are starting to shake up on the internet boards as pundits and fans alike try to figure out who's going where and when, and who fits in where with each team.

For Falcons fans, this year's draft hasn't been that much of a heated topic, mainly because Falcon faithful have become so confident in the management decisions of Thomas Dimitroff.

Dimitroff has made a name for himself in the NFL for having modest draft classes, which he had in New England as well as the past few years with the Atlanta Falcons. Character is a major factor that goes into the choices the Falcons will make on draft day.

So, who has what it takes to fit into the blueprint laid down by Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith?

Keep reading to find out.

First Round: Justin Houston

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: Justin Houston #42 of the Georgia Bulldogs sacks quarterback Tevin Washington #13 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

First Round, 27th Pick

Player: Justin Houston

Position: Outside Linebacker/Defensive End

Height/Weight: 6'3", 270 lbs.

Why Houston fits: Justin Houston is a versatile athlete who could move into multiple spots to help the Falcons bolster up their already improving defense. In what should become a theme for the Falcons, drafting youth to understudy veterans—as opposed to starting right away—is very likely. 

What Atlanta gets in drafting Justin Houston is a player who could play outside linebacker in the near future, or rotate in and out at defensive end. The Falcons have young athleticism at two of their linebacker spots, with Curtis Lofton and Sean Weatherspoon, but the third spot has been manned by Mike Peterson for the past two seasons. Peterson is an aging veteran who might need to be replaced in a year or two, and having Houston would fill that void with a viable option.

Also, the Falcons need more second tier pass rushers in their defensive line rotation. John Abraham, who is also getting pretty old, has been a sack machine, but not a consistent contributer for the Falcons at defensive end.

Houston has already worked out for the Falcons, and his past experience of playing both defensive end and outside linebacker (in a 4-3 and 3-4) should give Atlanta a lot of confidence.

Second Round: Rodney Hudson

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Rodney Hudson #62 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Second Round, 59th Pick

Player: Rodney Hudson (Florida State)

Position: Center/Guard

Height/Weight: 6'2", 300 lbs.

Why Hudson Fits: Florida State's Rodney Hudson is considered to be the top center prospect in this year's draft, even though he has a past of playing guard for the Seminoles. He's not a giant player, but he's a fleet-footed and athletic offensive lineman, which is exactly what the Falcons are looking for.

Atlanta's offensive line has made a name for itself for having undersized, and underrated offensive linemen. They are definitely that way at all positions—except, maybe, at center. The Falcons' offensive line is currently anchored by seasoned veteran Todd McClure, who could retire at any moment in the next few seasons.

The Falcons will need a center to slip in to that role in the coming years. It's inevitable. So, why not take a stab at the top rated center in this year's draft? Rarely do you see a center drop that far, but this year it might very well be a possibility. Hudson isn't a dauntingly dominating prospect who's going to have the first ten pickers in the draft licking their chops, and many more talented players at other positions come before him.

If he falls into the 59th spot, he should fall into Atlanta's lap. 

Third Round: Demarco Murray

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DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Running back Demarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs for a touchdown past James Haynes #8 of the Texas Longhorns in the first quarter at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Ima

Third Round, 91st Pick

Player: DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma)

Position: Tailback

Height/Weight: 6'0", 212 lbs.

Why Murray Fits: DeMarco Murray might have had somewhat of an injury-riddled career at Oklahoma, and never really reached that Heisman potential so many thought would be within his grasp. But, the former Sooner tailback is heading into this year's draft as an overlooked prospect.

He might just fall to the third round, and he might just be a target for the Atlanta Falcons. Yes, Atlanta has a star running back in Michael Turner, but Turner seldom showed signs last year of being the "burner" he was in 2008. Is Turner productive? Of course.

But, Atlanta needs some electricity in the backfield. Jerious Norwood could have been that spark, but has spent nearly two full seasons on the bench (some say his hips are made out of cardboard). Murray is a bulkier and more complete option at tailback, and his explosiveness would be something Atlanta currently does not have coming out of the backfield. 

Fourth Round: Greg Little

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BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 29: Running back Greg Little #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels runs with the ball against the Virginia Tech University Hokies during the game at Lane Stadium on October 29, 2009 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Halleran

Fourth Round, 124th Pick

Player: Greg Little (North Carolina)

Position: Wide Receiver

Height/Weight: 6'3", 230 lbs.

Why Little Fits: Michael Jenkins has always been a good receiver for the Falcons, when healthy, and has been a nice compliment to Roddy White. But, Jenkins is the definition of a possession receiver. He gets open, catches the ball, and gets down. He's really not a downfield threat, or a physically imposing specimen.

Greg Little is definitely a physically imposing specimen at wide receiver, and would help put the pressure on the outside of the defense the Falcons face. Little did have an issue with the NCAA, and did not play a down of football in 2010, but you can't help but look at his film without your jaw dropping.

How this guy isn't considered a second round pick or better is, well, not really beyond me. I get it. He has "off field" issues. But, Little has everything you want out of an NFL receiver. He's fast, strong, runs like a heavy tailback after the catch, has a violent agility to him, and he blocks with a ton of pride.

Fifth Round: Lee Ziemba

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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)

Fifth Round, 158th Pick

Player: Lee Ziemba (Auburn)

Position: Offensive Tackle

Height/Weight: 6'6", 317 lbs.

Why Ziemba Fits: The Falcons have a pretty nice looking group of tackles coming back in 2011 with Tyson Clabo and Sam Baker. However, the Falcons are still pretty thin on the offensive line.

Ziemba is a nice option, and should fall into around the fifth round of the draft. He's a big left tackle who could give Sam Baker some more competition, but he could also possibly help fill the guard spot in clean up situations as well (if Hudson, assuming he's taken in the second round, doesn't).

As a matter of fact, many are projecting that Ziemba will make the transition to guard. He has good push and power, and would fit there perfectly. He will definitely face some growing pains, but he'd be a nice pick up for a team desperate for depth on the offensive front.

Sixth Round: Mike McNeill

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 18: Tight end Mike McNeill #44 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Washington Huskies on September 18, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Cornhuskers defeated the Huskies 56-2

Sixth Round, 192nd Pick

Player: Mike McNeill (Nebraska)

Position: Tight End

Height/Weight: 6'4", 232 lbs.

Why McNeill Fits: McNeill's production wasn't always great at Nebraska, but Bo Pelini cited quarterback troubles for the fact McNeill never caught a ton of passes. But, McNeill was still an All-Big Twelve selection during his college days, and he brings a fundamentally sound work ethic and playing style to the NFL.

He's a blue collar player who'd fit perfectly into the Falcons system, especially considering the Birds will need a replacement for Tony Gonzalez in the coming years (though we hope later rather than sooner).

McNeill is actually a pretty nice prospect. He has good height, catches very well, and is a darn good route runner. Getting McNeill this late might be considered a steal for the Falcons. 

Seventh Round: Darvin Adams

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 4: Wide receiver Darvin Adams #89 of the Auburn Tigers makes a reception for a touchdown during the 2010 SEC Championship against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Georgia Dome on December 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarr

Seventh Round, 209th Pick

Player: Darvin Adams (Auburn)

Position: Wide Receiver

Height/Weight: 6'2", 190 lbs.

Why Adams Fits: With Atlanta Falcons' locker room legend, Brian Finneran, finally hanging up the pads, the Falcons won't just need a new guy at receiver. Depth at receiver could be a smart route to take for the Falcons, and taking Adams would be a nice move.

Darvin Adams burst onto the scene as a sophomore to become an elite receiver in the SEC. Sure, many are wondering why Adams opted out of his senior season in Auburn, and think he could improve with his hands and ball skills.

Also, Adams has some weight lifting to do. But, he's undoubtedly athletic, and could go from a work-in-progress to a reliable receiver. Plus, he would be a local product, reigning from metro-Atlanta's Harrison High School.

You tend to see a lot of local products getting taken in late rounds, which makes this pick seem all the more likely. 

Seventh Round: Derek Hall

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Derek Hall #53 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Ge

Seventh Round, 228th Pick

Player: Derek Hall (Stanford)

Position: Offensive Tackle

Height/Weight: 6'5", 305 lbs.

Why Hall Fits: For late rounders, often times teams will dig deep for a guy who may not be a statistically imposing prospect, but has a good work ethic and attitude.

Now, I don't know what's not statistically imposing about 305 pounds (maybe it's because I weigh about 135), but Hall at least would bring character to a locker room that prioritizes it.

Hall would be an interesting project. He started on the defensive side of the ball at Stanford, and then proceeded to start one year at offensive tackle. He's actually pretty athletic and has good feet, but he will need to refine his fundamentals to make an NFL roster. 

Seventh Round: Devon Torrence

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Jarius Wright #4 of the Arkansas Razorbacks catches a 22-yard touchdown against Devon Torrence #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the third quarter during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 i

Seventh Round, 229th Pick

Player: Devon Torrence (Ohio State)

Position: Cornerback

Height/Weight: 6'0, 200 lbs.

Why Torrence Fits: Torrence doesn't carry the pedigree or the prestige that most NFL draft prospects do, but that's why you see him at the end of this list. 

What he does have is pretty good size, which is something Atlanta needs to address (or experiment with) at cornerback.

Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson are both Pro Bowl caliber players, and the Falcons have depth with Brian Williams, Chris Owens, and Domonique Franks, but having a taller guy could be nice. Torrence always looked the part at Ohio State, and played well within his role.

The only knock on the guy is the fact he was sluggish in his 40-yard dash, running just a 4.68.