NFL Draft 2011 Has Falcons Looking at Offensive Tackle, D-Line, Tight End

The Atlanta Falcons reportedly appear set to let offensive tackle Tyson Clabo test free agency, and that’s bad news for the organization.

Especially considering Clabo would be considered one of the top offensive tackles in free agency and would probably demand a lot of money for his services.

So it isn’t looking likely that the Falcons will retain Clabo.

In that case, upgrading the O-line would figure to be a primary concern for the team to protect rising quarterback Matt Ryan so he can throw to superstar receiver Roddy White.

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With the 27th pick in the draft, the Falcons have some options here. Most likely, Mississippi State’s Derek Sherrod or Baylor’s Danny Watkins would be the ones that could fall to the Falcons, and it would surely be enticing for the team to nab one of them.

But they also need to think about finding a replacement for John Abraham at defensive end, who turns 33 in May. With no legitimate difference-maker on the roster to replace him, the Falcons could nab Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward here, who figures to be around at No. 27.

There’s also tight end. Who’s going to replace the aging Tony Gonzalez? Notre Dame’s Kyle Rudolph sure could. He has injury concerns associated with him, but he fits the mold to be another athletic tight end who could star in the NFL. It’s going to be hard for the Falcons to pass him up.