Pre-Draft Needs: DE, CB, LB
Players Added
Round 1-Sean Weatherspoon/LB - He figures to play behind veteran Mike Peterson
at WLB this season, but Weatherspoon is capable of backing up all three
positions. He'll eventually start and was one of the top linebackers available
for this year's draft.
Round 3-Corey Peters/DT - Peters was a high-riser on draft boards within the
last few months prior to the draft. His addition should give Atlanta a solid
four-man rotation for the interior of their defensive line.
Round 3-Mike Johnson/G - Atlanta was looking to add depth for the interior of
their offensive line in this draft. Johnson could push for a starting job as a
rookie.
Round 4-Joe Hawley/G - Hawley can be brought along slowly, but he'll challenge
for a roster spot as the team's fourth guard.
Round 5-Dominique Franks/CB - The physical defensive back figures to compete for
a dime role this season, but could eventually compete for a starting job down
the line.
Round 5-Kerry Meier/WR - He's big and physical, but a slow 40-yard dash time at
the combine pushed him down draft boards. Still, Meier should challenge for a
roster spot as their fourth receiver this season.
Round 6-Shann Schillinger/S - Schillinger is a nice late-round prospect who will
take some time to develop his skills.
Post-Draft Needs
Defensive End - They surprisingly didn't select a defensive end in this
draft. The hope is that second-year DE Lawrence Sidbury will be able to take a
large step in his development as a pass rusher this season opposite veteran DE
John Abraham.
Cornerback - After trading veteran CB Chris Houston, that left an opening
recently signed CB Dunta Robinson. They didn't add a cornerback until the fifth
round.