Offensive Tackle

Remember when the Falcons had a great offensive line? Yeah, well not any more. Sam Baker made 6 starts and surrendered 4 sacks. He then lost his job and resurfaced at right guard for a game, where he surrendered 2 more sacks and then that was the end of him. His replacement, Will Svitek, wasn’t much better. They need a new left tackle, but unfortunately this is a weak offensive tackle class and the Falcons don’t have a first round pick.

Defensive End

Remember when the Falcons couldn’t get to the opposing quarterback? Oh, wait they still can’t do that. They gave Ray Edwards a ton of money, but he didn’t produce, managing just 3.5 sacks on the season. Overall, the Falcons managed just 33 sacks on the season. John Abraham led the way with 9.5, but the soon to be 34 year old is no sure thing going forward. They could use a young defensive end to groom behind Abraham and possibly take over for Edwards if he continues to struggle and ends up a cap casualty.

Cornerback

The Falcons starting cornerbacks, Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes, weren’t bad, it was just their complete lack of depth at the position. Now Grimes is a free agent and is not expected back. They don’t have anyone to fill into the starting lineup for him if he leaves and even if he returns, depth is still needed.

Guard

Back to the offensive line, the Falcons lost Harvey Dahl in the offseason. Both Garrett Reynolds and Joe Hawley tried unsuccessfully to fill in for him. However, they have other more pressing needs and no first round pick so Hawley may have to do again in 2012.

 

Center

Todd McClure is a 35 year old free agent. He considered retirement, but it appears he’ll return. However, a future successor is needed. Joe Hawley played some center this year when McClure was hurt and he was awful.

Tight End

Tony Gonzalez says 2012 will be the last year of his great career, though he’s said this before. However, a future replacement for the soon to be 36 year old tight end is still definitely needed. With other needs, this may be put off until 2013.

Running Back

Michael Turner is 30 and has gone over 300 carries in 3 of the last 4 seasons so I don’t know how much longer he can be counted on. Jason Snelling is his backup, but he’s a free agent and not expected back. Jacquizz Rodgers was their 5^th round pick in 2011, but he’s too small to carry the load long term. Like tight end, this need could be put off until 2013 and for the same reasons.

Middle Linebacker

Curtis Lofton is one of the best young middle linebackers in the league and will obviously need to be resigned.

Safety

Thomas DeCoud is another talented young player who will need to be resigned.