The Atlanta Falcons have made the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, and in four of the last five years. Their 2012 season was one of the best in their history, as they roared out to an 8-0 start and ended the year as the number one seed in the NFC, with a 13-3 record. After knocking off the red-hot Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, they came up ten yards short of the Super Bowl, dropping a hard-fought game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Expectations are high for them as they look to the 2013 season. General manager Thomas Dimitroff persuaded tight end Tony Gonzalez to continue his legendary career, and criminally-underrated running back Steven Jackson joins Matt Ryan, Roddy White, and Julio Jones to form perhaps the most formidable offense in the league. In the 2013 draft, the Falcons are looking to add a starting cornerback, find an understudy for Gonzalez, and improve the depth along their defensive line. Let's take a look at eDraft's full seven-round Atlanta Falcons mock draft.
30: Desmond Trufant, Cornerback, University of Washington
The Falcons could use a playmaking defensive end, but with the addition of Osi Umenyiora limiting that need, no one represents good value here. They also need another starting cornerback, and Trufant has a really similar game to former Falcon Brent Grimes. His upside probably isn’t as high, but he should be a solid starter for a long time.
60: Gavin Escobar, Tight End, San Diego State
Gonzalez has re-upped for another two years, but chances are slim that he’ll be a reliable contributor for that whole time. Escobar can learn from the best and step in when he eventually retires. He’ll thrive in the space created by Jones and White.
92: Sam Montgomery, Defensive End, Louisiana State
This might seem inordinately low, but Montgomery’s stock has been way too high over the last few months. He lacks elite physical skills, and he’s an effort pass-rusher who has already admitted to not giving full effort in various games. He’s going to drop in the draft. However, he is a talented player from a major school, and he can still be a contributor at the NFL level.
127: Bennie Logan, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana State
The Falcons double down on Tiger defenders by selecting Logan, who has some upside as a three-technique. He’s got great length and could grow into a starting role when Jonathan Babineaux retires.
133: David Quessenberry, Offensive Lineman, San Jose State
Offensive line isn’t currently a need, per se, but picking up a solid swing tackle at the end of the fourth round would be a great depth move for a sure playoff team. At the very least, Quessenberry will be a good guard.
163: Marcus Lattimore, Running Back, South Carolina
I don’t think that Lattimore will fall this far, but I also thought Chris Polk would be drafted. Atlanta is a team that could afford to take a chance on Lattimore. He doesn’t need to contribute immediately, so he has time to regain full health. He can be the future after Jackson.
198: Joe Kruger, Defensive End, Utah
No team can ever have too many pass rushers, and the Falcons are a little light on edge rushers. Kruger is an imposing specimen with NFL bloodlines. He can rush from the outside and move inside on passing downs. He has the work ethic and upside that Thomas Dimitroff covets.
236: Michael Mauti, Linebacker, Penn State
The later rounds are all about adding football players, says Jon Gruden. Mauti is a football player. He’d be rated much higher if he didn’t already have two surgically repaired knees. If he can remain healthy, this pick is a steal.
243: Marcus Davis, Wide Receiver, Virginia Tech
Davis is large, explosive receiver with excellent downfield speed. He has Vincent Jackson potential, but he’s technically raw. He has the tools to go as high as the fourth or fifth round, so taking him in the seventh is a pretty safe venture.
244: Marcus Cromartie, Cornerback, Wisconsin
The Falcons double down on big, fast Marcuses. This one has started outside for the last two seasons. He has the size and speed to run with modern wide receivers.
249: Colby Cameron, Quarterback, Louisiana Tech
Cameron has some vague similarities to Ryan: both are cool under pressure, both have great intermediate accuracy, and neither has the strongest arm. Cameron has decent upside as a backup, especially in a QB-friendly system like Atlanta’s.