Empire of the South

Atlanta Falcons GM Tom Dimitroff addressed the media this week and made it clear that the Falcons will not further build this team through free agency, but rather focus on the NFL draft in May.

DT Albert Haynesworth is leaning towards signing with the Washington Redskins who appear to be the front runners in the best defensive tackle in the NFL. The Falcons certainly need some help on the d-line to take some pressure off John Abraham. Abraham had a bounce back season in 2008 and if he can stay injury free again this season the Falcons should manage on the line if they can’t make a splash and get a defensive tackle in the draft.

It also appears Keith Brooking is on his way out in Atlanta, which comes as a shock to some but to people who saw Brooking make perhaps a game changing mistake against the Arizona Cardinals could not be more estactic. I am one of the fans who fall under the “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out” mindset and could not be happier to see Brooking being released. The Falcons have relied on the inside linebacker for 11 seasons now and has been great, but his skills have greatly diminished over the years and not worth extending him for the future.

Lawyer Milloy is also another player who will not be back on the defensive side of the ball next season. Another player who was a liability all season at the free safety spot and got torched by Fitzgerald and the Cardinals offense in the postseason, but who didn’t right? Milloy is still a heavy hitter but his coverage mistakes all season long were very apparent and it may be time for Milloy to hang it perhaps this offseason.

The Falcons look to be going for defense in this draft along with building the offensive line. Expect a first round pick consisting of either a defensive tackle, linebacker, or secondary help.

This draft is loaded with defensive talent and the only offensive areas the Falcons need to address is at the Tight End position and offensive line and perhaps another reciever to pair with Roddy White.