Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the Atlanta Falcons, with heavy input from Matt Miller and David Gardner of NewEraScouting.com.  

Quarterback:  After years of attempting to build around Michael Vick in the draft, the Falcons now need  to use the draft to find a new quarterback.  While Vick never completed 60 percent of his passes or threw for more than 3,000 yards in a season, he was a valuable part of their offense due to his running skills. 

Currently, the depth chart features Joey Harrington, Chris Redman, and D.J. Shockley, none of whom have shown they are fit to be NFL starters.  

Some think they’ll select Matt Ryan of Boston College with the third overall pick in the draft; but they have four picks in the first two rounds, so they have some flexibility if they want to wait until round two — or if they choose to try to trade into the bottom of round one for a crack at someone like Joe Flacco.

Defensive tackle:  With the scuttling of Rod Coleman and the release during the 2007 season of Grady Jackson, the Falcons need some quality in the middle of the defensive line.  Jonathan Babineaux is the only guaranteed starter, and he’s not a game-changer.  The Falcons need a young run-stuffer who can dominate at the point of attack and command a double team on the inside.  Their opponents averaged a 4.23 yards per rushing attempt (22nd in the league) and the Falcons accumulated only accumulated 25 sacks, ten of which came from defensive end John Abraham.

If Matt Ryan isn’t on the board when the Falcons pick in round one, or if they choose to pass on him, defensive tackle would be the most likely position for them to fill at No. 3.  Head coach Mike Smith (whose background is in defense) knows the importance of a strong defensive line, as does G.M. Tom Dimitroff, whose former team features a first-rounder at every position (Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren).  Although there are lingering concerns about his knee and tibia, Glenn Dorsey is a powerful defensive tackle who plays the run and the pass equally and exceptionally well. 

Offensive tackle:   Though the interior of the team’s offensive line is in pretty good shape, the tackle position is in shambles.  They need help on each side, and will surely address the position with one of their three second-round picks.

Solid right tackle Sam Baker out of USC could start for them from the first day of training camp.  That would also allow for better competition between starters from last season the left side.

Cornerback:  Disgruntled cornerback DeAngelo Hall was traded to the Raiders, and the fact that the Falcons got anything for a guy whom they no longer wanted puts Dimitroff in the early lead for 2008 executive of the year award.  However, there’s now a huge void at left corner.  The team is content to start Chris Houston on one side, and reportedly is very high on last year’s sixth-round pick, David Irons. 

The Falcons need a cornerback who can compete for the nickel job.  A guy like Tracy Porter (Indiana) with their last second-round pick, or with a third-round selection, could fit nicely.

Tight end:  As part of their offseason purge of over-30s, the Falcons parted ways with oft-injured tight end Alge Crumpler.  Unfortunately, they also lost his primary backup Dwayne Blakley.  There are four tight ends currently on the roster, but none will ever be household names.

It’s safe to say that this is an area of need.

Strong safety:  Lawyer Milloy has not slowed down yet, but entering his thirteenth season in the league, he may begin to do so.  It would be wise for the Falcons to add a developmental player late in the draft who can eventually replace Milloy.  Jamar Adams of Michigan may fit here.