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.

Oct 16, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson (22) is taken down by New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Two months after the tough loss to the San Francisco 49ers  in the NFC championship game, and one month from the NFL draft I take a look at what the Atlanta Falcons have to date at each position compared to that season ending January game that had a little bit of everything but not quite enough to get to the Super Bowl. I’ll be using a unique Baseball grading metric since the season of the National pastime starts in less than a week. So lets play ball.

Quarterback – Home Run. Matt Ryan had an M.V.P type season last year, proved it is his team, showed he has the ability to pull out a comeback, ran the no huddle as good as anyone, should be even more in tune with Dirk and is awaiting a new contract. If D. Davis has the preseason of a year ago, he should be the birds second string Q.B., a very athletic young back up that could be successful given the offensive firepower at hand. Have the Falcons ever been so comfortable at this position in leadership and talent ?
Running Back – Triple. Jaquizz Rodgers got the touches that were predicted last preseason, and did not disappoint.
His role grew as the season progressed and now is firmly planted to a bigger role. The addition of Steven Jackson tops the departure of our friend, Turner the Burner, because I do believe Jackson can hit the hole a little quicker and it is well documented that he is a much better receiver out of the backfield. The screen pass was instituted last year over previous years and should only grow in the arsenal. It remains to be seen what Brady Ewing can bring. Antone Smith and Jason Snelling give decent required depth.
Receiving – Home run. With White and Jones each getting over a thousand yards and combining for seventeen touchdowns it is no secret the defensive nightmare Atlanta can field in the passing game.
The inspiring return of sure and steady Tony G not only keeps the potent offense of 2012 in order but
may also benefit the team in a tutoring role for a future replacement. Jackson and Jaquizz out of the backfield is a added bonus here and H.D in the slot should improve numbers from last year.
Offensive Line- Single. The hits keep coming when discussing the offense. The Offensive line with the re-signing of Baker and Reynolds, the veteran Clabo, the solid Blalock and the growth of Konz, Johnson and Hawley along with a promising Manley and Holmes gives the unit nice youth and better stability from the start of last season. The departure to the ring of honor by McClure will probably cost one draft pick in April to fill out the line. Only a single, but have the chance to steal a base by forming a cohesive unit early.
Kicking Game – Double. Bryant and Bosher were very sound in 2012. When the kicking game is not in the news or discussed on sports talk shows, it is doing a good job. Bryant’s fifty five yard field goal November 29th against the Saints was one of the years top five highlights. Just a double because I don’t think they both can leg out a combined year as they had last season, but this is not an area of concern.
Defensive Line – Line Out. I’m believing the Osi signing reports but look at that and Abraham’s departure as a wash. That leaves one of the biggest holes the birds must fix from that Championship game. They must pressure the quarterback and stuff the run, and hope for improvement of Massaquoi, Matthews and a year of health from Corey Peters. I trust Nolan already has a plan to address this area of concern. This is where the draft will be most valuable, and I hope two picks go to help shore the leaks. A top first round quality pick and some depth and the Line Out drops for a hit. This is without question the Falcons largest need.
Linebackers – Double. Weatherspoon, Nicholas, and Dent were fairly solid in 2012. Dent’s first full year and Spoon’s takeover of Lofton were major moves. Many rip the lack of tight end coverage during the season, and justifiably, but a better pass rush could help. Schiller has to take Peterson’s place and I suspect a draft pick is going to add depth to this group. Will be better with a year behind them.
Secondary – Single. Signing Moore to team with DeCoud was a solid move and stables the secondary for a few years. The departure of starter Robinson along with the loss of Owens and the corner back position is almost as in need as the defensive line. The draft will play a big role here as well, Taylor from Boise State or Slay from Mississippi State ( over Banks) would be nice second round picks. Peyton Thompson can add nice depth also with another year in camp. This single could stretch to a gap Triple if Grimes gets signed.
Coaching – Triple. Smith , Nolan and Koetter did better than expected in their first year together. That has to signal good things now that they have a year to work with and make adjustments. The new coordinators improved each unit they commanded from the start, and Smith’s “One game at a time” year long approach. Steadied every hiccup and gave the Birds a division title and almost a super bowl trip.
Intangibles – Home run. The schedule will be a little harder, but Ryan and crew proved they can win on the road. Then there is the Dome, where visitors’ know they are in for a rough time, and after seeing Football in January the fans are wild and some of the best. So far this off season, the birds have done the better job in the South division. With the new Stadium on the horizon, it’s the top of the first and Atlanta’s still Batting.

Jan 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates as he leaves the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 30-28 in the NFC divisional playoff game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Hello football fans. It is I, the blogger of all bloggers back to drive you insane with honesty and sarcasm. I apologize for my little blog nap but life was calling. So forgive me and let’s dive right into free agency!

The Falcons definitely addressed some glaring needs this off season after releasing Turner, Abraham, and Robinson. On the offensive side of the ball anyway. I love the addition of Stephen Jackson if he can stay healthy. I think with Gonzalez back in the fold, Atlanta boasts one of the scariest offenses in football. Jackson’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield should bolster an already star-studded offense.

That’s all great but my concerns are on the other side of the ball. We’ve still yet to add any player of note on defense other than retaining our own players like William Moore. I however have the utmost respect for Thomas Dimitroff and know he’ll cover all his bases. Getting younger on the D-line was necessary, I just hope we don’t draft another Jamal Anderson. There are still some pass rushing studs on the market, and TD will have it sured up by training camp. Bet your mama’s fried chicken on that.

So obviously I’m happy with the direction we’re moving! I’ll assess the situation again after the draft next month. Either way this team is going to score a lot and often. And that’s half the battle. Hopefully with another year under Nolan this defense can step up another level this year. I think it’s the only thing stopping us from being eventual Super Bowl champs in 2014. Thanks for reading and rise up.