The Falcons didn’t have a homerun threat at WR last season to help stretch the defense.  That won’t be the case this year.  The Falcons traded their first, second and fourth round picks in the 2011 NFL Draft and their first and fourth round picks in the 2012 NFL Draft to the Cleveland Browns for the right to pick Julio Jones with the 6th overall pick.  Jones is lightning fast as he runs a 4.3 40 and he’s incredible after the catch.  RB Jacquizz Rodgers was picked up in the 5th round by the Falcons and he will give them a speed option in the backfield.  The Falcons’ defense was not good last year and they added only inside linebacker Akeem Dent and DE Cliff Matthews to the unit.  Dent could help them right away. 

PROJECTED GRADE:  B