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+

Patriots Targeting Safeties

You can tell a lot about a team's draft strategy by tracking the players it invites for visits. And in the case of the Patriots, they couldn't make it more obvious.

The Pats either already have, or will soon, host William Moore, Louis Delmas and Patrick Chung. All three are viable options for the Patriots with one of their three 2nd round picks.

Safety isn't a major concern in New England, but it isn't a strength either. 2007 1st-round pick Brandon Merriweather is a little undersized to play strong safety, and James Sanders isn't exactly an elite free safety. While the Patriots could certainly get by with those two, an upgrade would be welcomed at either position. Chung and Moore may be the best options because of their ability to play either strong or free safety. Delmas is rated by some as the top safety in the draft class, but he's a little on the skinny side and will be limited to playing free safety in the pros.

Pro Days: Missouri

Missouri's first pro day was held on Thursday, but none of their top offensive prospects worked out. William Moore did, however, and was impressive.

Moore weighed in at 220 and wowed scouts by running in the 4.4 range. Some reports even have him clocked at 4.39.

His performance placed him solidly in the 2nd round range, with a chance to climb into the late 1st.

Moore had dinner with the Saints the other day. The Saints are in need of a free safety, and despite his size, Moore athleticism makes him an ideal candidate. Moore also stated that the Dolphins have shown a serious interest.