Quarterbacks: The team saw this position as a glaring deficiency when starting Michael Vick missed the first 11 games due to an ankle injury. Both backups Doug Johnson and Kurt Kittner floundered, so the team made it an off-season priority to add a veteran reserve. Ty Detmer was signed because of his experience and knowledge of the offense, but has not thrown a pass since January 2002. The team would prefer to add another veteran reserve, but if the right player in the draft is available, they could pull the trigger in the middle rounds.

Running Backs: Running back is fine with Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett platooning for another year. Dunn is coming off an injury he suffered when he was playing at his best since his Pro Bowl season in 2001. If he can return to form is unknown. T.J. Duckett flashed some things last year, but has yet to put it all together. He's not as good a fit in the new West Coast offense as Dunn is, so there is some concern. The team replaced Travis Jervey with James Fenderson. But it would not be shocking at all if the team tried to add a rookie back late in the draft, since neither Dunn nor Duckett are viewed as long term solutions. Dunn due to the cap and Duckett because he's a poor fit.

Fullbacks: Justin Griffith emerged as a rookie, proving that he's a capable offensive performer. His blocking improved as the season wore on, but he's still not considered to be a good lead blocker. The team brought George Layne back for what seems like an annual thing to provide some more power as a blocker. It's doubtful the team will address this position since both are young and improving.

Wide Receivers: Peerless Price was not as good as advertised, but part of that is because of the poor play at quarterback. With the new offense, his vertical abilities won't be as highlighted anymore. Also Brian Finneran has yet to solidify the other starting spot, which was a main reason the team added Dez White in free agency. But White is no star, and has battled through inconsistency in Chicago as well. For all these reasons, the team would love to come away from this draft with a player that is a better fit in the offense than Price, but is a much bigger playmaker than either White or Finneran. Depth is decent since Jimmy Farris proved he can play in a pinch. Terrence Edwards showed things last summer, but injuries and youth kept him out of the lineup. The team will draft a wideout for no other purpose than to boost depth, but it will definitely have its eye for a future starter.

Tight Ends: Alge Crumpler went to the Pro Bowl in his first year as the full-time starter. Crumpler has shown he is a reliable receiver and could see his numbers jump this year with a new pass-oriented offense. Depth was boosted with the addition of Hunter Goodwin. Goodwin offers little as a receiver, but is a top blocker. Sean Brewer is also more known for his blocking than receiving, but has unable to get on the field in three years in the league. The team may also try to add a pass catcher in the middle or late rounds of the draft, considering that they lack any receiving threat on the bench and Crumpler is entering his contract year. Getting a solid pass catcher adds insurance in case Crumpler's salary demands get too high next off-season.

Offensive Tackles: The team is expected to see some change here although last year's incumbent starters: Kevin Shaffer and Todd Weiner, should remain unchanged. Bob Whitfield is expected to return at this point, but only as a reserve. He might still get the ax in June, but that will likely depend on if the team can add another tackle in the draft. It is definitely an area the team would like to address since neither Shaffer nor Weiner have proven that they can function in Alex Gibb's blocking schemes. Although both should do fine, the team may want to add some insurance in case either gets out to a slow start.

Offensive Guards: This position might see two new starters this year. The team added free agents Eric Beverly and Steve Herndon. Neither are studs, but have proven capable of being starters in the NFL. Both those players will likely get work at left guard, while Kynan Forney continues to man the right side. Martin Bibla, who played well in two starts last year will push Forney. The team would like to add a guard in the draft, since it's unknown if any of the current players are going to be effective long-term. Forney and Herndon are both free agents following this year, plus Beverly has never been a consistent starter, and Bibla is still relatively unproven.

Centers: Todd McClure will return and it means that Roberto Garza's days in Atlanta are numbered. Beverly has proven he can play center, and Garza has not gotten much work at the position in his three seasons as a Falcon. The team could find itself drafting a center late in the draft for depth and to try and light a fire under Garza. But it's not a need, since both Beverly and Bibla can play here in a pinch.

Defensive Ends: The team wants to add a top pass rusher on the outside, and will likely be targetting a top speed rusher in the draft. Patrick Kerney should see his production rebound after a down '03 season now that the team is returning to the 4-3. In 2001, the last time the team employed the defense he had a career-high 12 sacks. Brady Smith is the other starter and is capable, but is not a consistent factor as a pass rusher. The team would prefer to have a better player to spell him on third downs. Two options are former linebackers Will Overstreet and Karon Riley. Both played end in college, but moved to linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. Both are good pass rushers, but it's unknown if they will be able to hit the ground running at end, since they haven't play there in two seasons. But the team will definitely try to add an end in the draft. Smith is unlikely to return in 2005, so if they can find a quality potential starter in the early rounds, they will likely pull the trigger.

Defensive Tackles: The team added Rod Coleman in the off-season, and even with the potential retirement and/or holdout of Ellis Johnson this summer, teh team is adequate with Coleman, incumbent starter Ed Jasper, and holdover Travis Hall as their top three tackles. But considering none of those four players are young guys, the team will likely target a defensive tackle in the draft that can also help the rotation and eventually develop into a starter further down the line.

Outside Linebackers: The team would like to upgrade in speed over Matt Stewart and Chris Draft. Both players have proven to be reliable, albeit unspectacular starters in the past and both should benefit with a return to the 4-3 defense. Keith Newman also returns and might be able to add some things as a pass rusher. Eric Johnson was added, and brings speed and ability on special teams. Although it's not a major need, the team wants to draft a quick weakside guy early in the draft. Also if the right player is there, the team will also try to get a more athletic strongside linebacker as well.

Inside Linebackers: Keith Brooking is the man in the middle, but depth is lacking since Artie Ulmer is the top backup. Terrence Robinson and Terrence Melton are camp bodies at this point. Draft could play here, but that is contingent on someone emerging on the outside, so it's doubtful he'll get many reps here. Depth is likely to be addressed in the latter rounds, as the team will likely target a more physical presence against the run than Brooking.

Cornerbacks: This position is a major need for the team. Although they added free agents Jason Webster and Aaron Beasley, neither are considered to be more than marginal to average starters. Tod McBride returns, but he's more of a nickel back than starter. Derek Ross is the big question mark. He has the talent to start, but has underachieved thus far in two years in the league. If he can emerge soon, the unit will be great boosted. But the team will likely try its best to add a quality cover man in the early rounds of the draf.

Safeties: Bryan Scott is the lone bright spot here after playing pretty well for a rookie over the second half of the season. Cory Hall battled through injuries most of the year and was nothing to write home about. Because of that, the team would likel to add a free safety in the draft that can push or supplant Hall as the starter. Keion Carpenter and Kevin McCadam return as reserves, but both are limited starters.

Kickers: Feely is back, but he's on the bubble. Although it's doubtful the team will try to add anybody significant to push him, the team is keeping a watchful eye on him. He's been decent, but unreliable in the clutch.

Punters: Mohr's '03 season was not as solid as his 2002, but it was still fairly decent. His leg strength has long disappeared, but in the Georgia Dome, it is his accuracy and hangtime that are most important. The team added some young roster fillers to push him, and that's likely to be the only significant additions at this position.

1997

• Falcons traded their 1st (#3) and 3rd (#63) picks to Seattle for the Seahawks' 1st (#11), 2nd (#41), 3rd (#70), and 4th (#100) picks. The Seahawks drafted CB Shawn Springs with the 1st pick, and traded the 3rd pick to Tampa Bay who selected G Frank Middleton. The Falcons drafted CB Michael Booker, RB Byron Hanspard, TE O.J. Santiago, and LB Henri Crockett with their acquired picks.
• Falcons traded their 4th (#98) and 6th (#165) picks to Houston for QB Chris Chandler. The Oilers drafted WR Derrick Mason with the 4th pick, and traded the 6th pick to New Orleans who selected TE Nicky Savoie.
• Falcons traded their 5th (#140) pick to Washington for the Redskins' 6th (#180) and 7th (#222) picks. The Redskins drafted CB Keith Thibodeaux with their acquired pick, and the Falcons drafted G Calvin Collins and SS Chris Bayne with their acquired picks.

1998

• Falcons traded their 2nd (#45) pick to Tampa Bay for the Buccaneers' 2nd (#53) and 4th (#114) picks. The Buccaneers drafted CB Brian Kelly with their acquired pick. The Falcons drafted G Bob Hallen and WR Tim Dwight with their acquired picks.
• Falcons traded their 5th (#137) pick to Pittsburgh for the Steelers' three 7th (#199, #203, and #215) picks. The Steelers drafted CB Jason Simmons with the 5th pick. The Falcons drafted T Ephraim Salaam and DT Henry Slay with the first two 7th picks, and traded the last one to San Francisco for a 6th round pick in 1999. The 49ers drafted WR Ryan Thelwell, and the Falcons selected LB Jeff Kelly with their 1999 pick.

1999

• Falcons traded their 2nd (#60) pick to San Diego for WR Tony Martin. The Chargers drafted FB Jermaine Fazande with their acquired pick.
• Falcons acquired a 7th round compensatory pick (#247) from the NFL. They drafted WR Rondel Menendez with their acquired pick.
• Falcons traded their 1st pick (#5) in 2000 to Baltimore for the Ravens' 2nd (#42) pick . The Falcons drafted TE Reggie Kelly with their acquired pick. The Ravens later selected RB Jamal Lewis with that pick.

2001

• Falcons traded their 1st (#5), 3rd (#67), 2nd in 2002, and WR Tim Dwight to San Diego for the Chargers' 1st (#1) pick. The Falcons drafted QB Michael Vick with the acquired pick. The Chargers drafted RB LaDainian Tomlinson, CB Tay Cody, and WR Reche Caldwell with their acquired picks.
• Falcons traded TE O.J. Santiago to Dallas for the Cowboys' 4th round (#102) pick in 2001 and 7th round pick in 2002. The Falcons drafted LB Matt Stewart and WR Mike Coleman with their acquired picks.
• Falcons trade their 7th (#205) pick to Tampa Bay for QB Eric Zeier. The Buccaneers drafted TE Dauntae Finger with their acquired pick.
• Falcons trade their 4th pick in 2002 to Denver for the Broncos' three 7th (#215, #219, and #226) picks. The Falcons drafted S Corey Hall, G Kynan Forney, and DE Ron Flemons with the acquired picks. The Broncos traded their acquired pick to Baltimore who selected P Dave Zastudil.
• Falcons acquired a 7th round compensatory pick (#236) from the NFL. The Falcons drafted WR Quentin McCord with their acquired pick.

2002

• Falcons traded their 1st (#17) to Oakland for Raiders' 1st (#18) and 5th (#158) pick. Falcons drafted RB T.J. Duckett and QB Kurt Kittner with their acquired picks. The Raiders drafted CB Phil Buchanon with their pick.
• Falcons traded 3rd (#88) in 2003 to Houston for Texans' 4th (#116) pick. The Falcons drafted G Martin Bibla with their acquired pick. The Texans drafted QB Dave Ragone with the acquired pick.
• Falcons acquired a 7th round compensatory pick (#244) from the NFL. The Falcons drafted T Kevin Shaffer with their acquired pick.

2003

• Falcons traded their 1st (#23) to Buffalo for WR Peerless Price. The Bills took RB Willis McGahee with the acquired pick.
• Falcons traded LB Mark Simoneau to Philadelphia for the Eagles' 6th round (#202) pick and a future 4th round pick (#125) in 2004. The Falcons took S Waine Bacon with their acquired pick. The 4th round choice from the Eagles was sent to the Indianapolis Colts who selected CB Jason David.

2004

• Falcons traded their 2nd (#38), 3rd (#69), and 4th (#125) to Indianapolis for Colts' 1st (#29) and 3rd (#90). The Falcons drafted WR Mike Jenkins and QB Matt Schaub with their acquired picks. The Colts traded their 2nd round pick to the Steelers and drafted LB Gilbert Gardner and CB Jason David with their acquired picks. The Steelers selected CB Ricardo Colclough.
• Falcons traded their 6th (#174) to Miami for Dolphins' 6th (#186) and 7th (#219) round picks. The Falcons acquired S Etric Pruitt and RB Quincy Wilson with their acquired picks. The Dolphins drafted C Rex Hadnot.