Draft Grades: Falcons

This was an adequate draft for the Falcons, but was missing a few key components.

Peria Jerry can be an instant player on their defense. He'll start from day one and could be the best player on their defensive line if he lives up to expectations.

I think William Moore is among the most overrated players in this year's draft class. He's a physical specimen but he lacks the instincts necessary to play at a high level. The Falcons will likely allow him to compete for a starting job at strong safety, but I don't envision him winning it over Erik Coleman.

Christopher Owens was a slight reach in the 3rd round. Cornerback is certainly a need, but there were players at other positions that would have been a better fit in Atlanta.

I like Lawrence Sidbury a lot. He's a tremendous athlete and could be groomed as John Abraham's replacement. He has a similar build as Abraham and comparable athleticism.

William Middleton was a reach. He's very raw, hasn't faced top competition and on top of that he didn't really fill a need since Christopher Owens had already been selected.

Garrett Reynolds isn't starter material, but he had good value in the 5th round. He'll compete for a backup job and I like his chances of winning a roster spot.

Spencer Adkins is another player that will add to the depth but has very little upside. Linebacker was a serious need for the Falcons entering the draft, but not inside linebacker where Adkins is likely to play.

I like the selection of Vance Walker in the 7th round. He's an active lineman and should be a nice backup behind Peria Jerry.

The Falcons had some nice picks in this draft and I think Jerry could be a star in this league. However, they desperately needed to add someone at outside linebacker and they came up empty. They're set to open the season with converted safety Coy Wire starting at weak-side linebacker which is a sobering thought for Falcons fans. Any number of players in the 2nd or 3rd round could have been added to fill that hole.

Grade: C+

Impact of Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta

The Falcons acquisition of Tony Gonzalez is a significant move in the grand scheme of things, but the only impact it will have on this weekend is by shaking up a few mock drafts.

Many draftniks had the Falcons selecting Brandon Pettigrew in the 1st round, but in reality that was never a realistic option. The Falcons knew they needed a tight end, but they wanted one that could make a serious impact as a receiver - hence the acquisition of Gonzalez. While at Boston College, Matt Ryan's favorite target was tight end Ryan Purvis. Yet, in Atlanta in 2008 he Falcons simply didn't have anyone capable of making an impact in the passing game. Ben Hartsock is an above average blocking tight end, but offers little as a receiver.

Pettigrew is an adequate receiver, but his impact at the next level will be as a blocker. Had the Gonzalez trade not worked out the Falcons likely would have targeted a player such as Jared Cook or Shawn Nelson in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Brian Cushing is a Meathead

"If you watched (USC LB Brian) Cushing at his pro day, he opened up the wrong way twice in drills. He did the same thing once at the Combine. He’s a meathead."

Those were the words from an unnamed front office source according to Pro Football Weekly. It's only one team's view, but it certainly isn't a good sign for Cushing. Whatever one team thinks, there's likely at least a few others that share the sentiment.

Cushing received in invite to New York City for the draft, and he's looking like the favorite to be the last man standing waiting to hear his name called. The earliest realistic landing place for him is New Orleans (14th overall) but the Saints reportedly have their eye on two Buckeyes (Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Wells). Houston is also an option, but they are showing signs of preferring Cushing's teammate Clay Matthews. San Diego has been a rumored destination, but it doesn't make too much sense considering they are more in need of an inside linebacker. If he slides past those three teams he could fall all the way to Patriots or Falcons (23rd and 24th, respectively).

Draft Visit Tracker: Rey Maualuga

Aside from Andre Smith, no one's draft stock is harder to judge than Rey Maualuga's. He has as much upside as anyone in the draft, but he is the perfect example of a boom-or-bust prospect.

Maualuga's potential future employers range from the Browns (5th overall pick) to the Falcons (24th overall). In addition to the Falcons and Browns, Maualuga has visited with the Redskins, Dolphins, Chargers, Rams, Titans, Saints, 49ers and Chiefs.

A few teams on that list are hard to imagine him with (Titans, Chiefs, Rams), but all the others are realistic possibilities.

In my latest mock draft I have him going to Washington with the 13 selection. The Redskins are in need of a pass rusher, but Brian Orakpo and Everette Brown are likely to be off the board already. Assuming Mark Sanchez isn't available, the 'Skins will turn their attention to the best available linebacker. Brian Cushing and Maualuga would appear to be the best options.

Brandon Pettigrew Postpones Pro Day

Brandon Pettigrew was scheduled to work out on Wednesday, but he postponed his workout because of a pulled hamstring.

Pettigrew's workout is one of the more important ones this offseason. He's clearly the top player at his position, but he also doesn't fit the mold of recent first round tight end selections. He's an elite blocker, with only decent receiving skills.

Despite being the consensus top tight end, its tough to justify taking a blocking tight end in the first round. He'll need to hope he impresses the right team in hopes of sneaking into the late first round.

The Eagles and Falcons would appear to be likely destinations if he does find a place within the first 32 picks.

Pro Days: Georgia Tech

Michael Johnson impressed scouts, general managers and head coaches at Georgia Tech's pro day on Monday. He was clocked anywhere from 4.49 to 4.59 in the forty and was impressive in his drills.

With two head coaches in attendance (Mike Smith and John Fox) its possible that Johnson impressed enough people to climb into the first round. Both the Falcons and Panthers are potentially in the market for a first round defensive end, but its hard to imagine anyone handing a few million dollars to a completely unproven talent like Johnson. With that said, this is the NFL Draft and strange things are bound to happen.