Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stanford tight end Zach Ertz speaks to the media during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons have had their share of success in the second round of NFL Draft’s. More recently, it came from the 2009 draft where they selected a safety out of Missouri by the name of William Moore.

After only playing two games in his rookie season due to a hamstring injury, he ended up shocking everyone by recording 72 tackles and five interceptions in his second year. Moving forward to today, the Falcons just rewarded Moore to a five year, 32 million dollar contract back in March.

The Falcons sure would be thankful to find another William Moore in this years draft in the second round. Here are some second round options for the Falcons in this year’s draft:

60. Atlanta Falcons
Zach Ertz
TE, Stanford

Like I’ve mentioned before, the Falcons cannot sit around all year and depending on Tony Gonzalez to come back for another one. One of these days, he will eventually hang up his boots and call it a day. That is why the Falcons could look in the second round for his replacement.

Ertz could easily step in for Gonzalez once that day does come. He has all the ability in the world as a receiver, similar to Gonzalez. He would also make an impact in his rookie year, allowing the Falcons to go with more two tight end formations on offense.

Now a guy like Zach Ertz will likely be selected before the Falcons make their second round selection, but they could look to trade up a few spots if they see he is in their grasp.

60. Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Long
G, Oregon

The Falcons could have some uncertainties at right guard this season. With Peter Konz likely moving to center, replacing the recently retired Todd McClure and the health concerns with Garrett Reynolds, the Falcons could be looking for a guard that can solidify the right guard position for a long time.

60. Atlanta Falcons
Corey Lemonier
DE, Auburn

There seems to be some legitimate interest in Auburn defensive end Corey Lemonier. Lemonier reportedly visited with the Falcons this week and will work out for the team before the draft.

Auburn DE Corey Lemonier has a visit with the Falcons today and will workout for them in April

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 27, 2013

Lemonier would be an interesting fit for the Falcons in the second round. Even though the Falcons seem set at defensive end with Kroy Biermann and recently signed Osi Umenyiora, the team will still be on a look out for more of a long-term option at defensive end.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) takes the snap from center Todd McClure (62) against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons center Todd McClure has one of the more inspiring stories. He was selected in the seventh round of the 1999 draft, and ended up having a fourteen year career.

What is sad is that we won’t see another year added to his career, after announcing his retirement on Twitter Wednesday night.

Huge thanks to everyone for all there well wishes. I am retiring an Atlanta Falcon. More to come at press conference after owners meetings.

— Todd Mcclure (@ToddMcclure62) March 14, 2013

What we should all remember is that McClure showed up each and every single Sunday. He was a guy that really signified what a captain truly is with his leadership and consistent play on the field.

To add to this news, this means second year player Peter Konz will likely be moved from guard to center, replacing McClure. Konz does have experience playing center since he primarily was a center throughout his collegian career at Wisconsin.

Dec 28, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Peter Konz at press conference for the 2012 Rose Bowl at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Peter Konz was the Atlanta Falcons first draft pick in the 2012 NFL draft. He played center at Wisconsin, a Big Ten school known for producing large NFL linemen, and ended up being Atlanta’s second round pick. Everyone has projected that Konz will take the starting center job from Todd McClure in 2013, but for this season he has been expected to take the starting right guard job this season. His size is prototypical for an interior lineman position, and his college resume as an elite lineman precedes him.

I have called for exactly this to happen since the day the Falcons drafted him, and other pundits around the world have been calling for the same thing. All of that is well and good, but one thing none of us expected to happen has happened: rookie Konz has not flown up the depth chart the way you might expect a starting NFL talent to do.

Peter Konz has not been an overwhelming force in training camp or in the preseason games. He has the second string right guard spot, but he has that by default as nobody on the roster is a better option than him for right guard. He is still the third string center for the Falcons. When the second team takes the field, or the Falcons sub in for McClure at center, it is Joe Hawley, not Konz who takes the field. When Konz is playing guard with the second team, I haven’t seen anything fantastic out of him. Maybe that is because the rest of the second team o-line is really poor and it’s hard to stand out when the rest of the line is playing horribly. However, he still hasn’t been overly impressive, and I haven’t heard a whole lot of talk about how good he has been performing.

The Falcons didn’t have a first round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, so they needed to really hit on their first pick (the second round pick). They desperately needed help at a guard, tackle, and the center position, and it looked like the Falcons had gotten a steal by being able to take such a versatile lineman as Konz in the second round. I sure hope that pans out, and that Konz at least proves to be a solid, reliable starting offensive lineman for the next ten years or so. Obviously these thoughts are premature, as we haven’t even reached the third week of the preseason. But the Falcons need Konz to step up this week, to grab the starting guard this week, and to make this team better starting this week and going forward. Every draft pick that the Falcons have must be productive members of this team. Hopefully Konz will at some point very soon.