The 2010 Draft. It’s never too early to speculate who the Atlanta Falcons are going to select with their first round pick. The Falcons pick 19th or 20th depending on a coin flip with Houston. Why are they picking so late? Don’t the birds suck?

NOPE!

For the first time in the franchise’s history, the Falcons have back to back winning seasons! General Manager Thomas Dimitroff (The Vegetarian Virtuoso) and Coach Mike Smith (The Real Iron Mike) have done an amazing job installing a culture and attitude of winning, just two years after taking over. Both the media and the fans thought it would take MUCH longer. They did it by having two impressive draft classes & intelligent free agent signings.

This year, Atlanta has 1 pick in the first two rounds. They gave up their second rounder for Tony Gonzalez. The past few years have been very easy to predict the Falcons’ draft picks. They just looked at their needs and addressed it. It’s not so easy this year. Falcons did not get a chance to fully evaluate their top picks from 09. Both Peria Jerry and William Moore were placed on injured reserve early in the season. Injuries also plagued the veterans non rookies too. Why does this matter? Because it made the Falcons look in need of playmakers in almost every position.

But the Falcons don’t have a true need.

I know, I know. Most of you think that the secondary could use an upgrade.

But, I have to disagree. The rookie Christopher Owens looks solid. He got hit with a bit of the injury bug too, not mention he had to learn the playbook.  And I love #20 Brent Grimes. Every time he makes a play I think “Grimin” in the tune of Grindin by Clipse: “I’m just grinding man, y’all nevermind me.” DeCoud and Moore next year at safety, we are set.

Front seven looked weak, cause they were over extended. Without an inside rush (Peria Jerry) they did great. Next year, when he is back, #55 & Biermann will be off to the Pro Bowl cause of all the sacks they will rack up. The linebackers are solid.

I am not going to even talk about the offense.

So without an eminent need, the Falcons are free to draft the best available athlete. No, it’s not a cop out. Okay, wait. They do have a need, long snapper and kicker. But those aren’t going to be filled in any early round.

If Atlanta is lucky, Taylor Mays (Safety – USC) will fall into their lap. They could convert him or Moore into outside linebacker, molding one of them into Peterson’s successor. Outside linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle are only choices that make sense with a first round pick. If the Falcons can’t pick one of those positions, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 1st rounder is traded away for more picks. Atlanta needs depth, not stars.