Who's in charge?
Thomas Dimitroff took over the Falcons in 2008, following his stint as director of college scouting for New England (2003-2007). It might be easy to give him credit for New England's success, but let's not forget that Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli had something to do with those good times in New England.
Recent First-Round Picks:
2009 DT Peria Jerry (#24 overall)
2008 QB Matt Ryan (#3 overall), T Sam Baker (#21 overall)
What's his philosophy?
Dimitroff is one of few GMs who are "out of the closet" with drafting for need rather than value. Most will mumble something to the media about taking the best available player and then fill a need. Dimitroff isn't afraid to target positions of need for the Falcons and pull the trigger.
Trade possibilities?
In Dimitroff's short history with Atlanta, he traded up to grab Baker in '08. It doesn't mean he's a proponent of moving up, but that Atlanta doesn't mind moving up when necessary. It's worth noting the Falcons had two extra second-round picks in 2008, which they used as their ammunition to move up. It seems many GMs don't mind moving up when they have extra picks. The Falcons are missing a second-round pick (from the Tony Gonzalez trade), so it's unlikely they'd have the ammo to move up. If the right offer were to present itself, the Falcons would certainly like to reclaim that selection in the second round.
What to expect:
When you play in the same division as New Orleans, your target becomes pretty clear — pressure the quarterback and cover the receivers. The Falcons had trouble with both last year and that's absolutely a need they'll try to fill. They signed Dunta Robinson in free agency, and they don't have a second-round pick, so they have to address the need for a pass-rusher here. I feel strongly Atlanta will take "best pass-rusher available" in this spot.
Projected pick:
Everson Griffen, DE, USC
In this scenario, Griffen is the guy. Surely, Atlanta would welcome Jason Pierre-Paul or Derrick Morgan, but they're already gone in this mock. I think Atlanta taking a pass-rusher is the biggest lock of the draft.
Want more picks? Check out the rest of The Mock Draft Project here.
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