2008 RECORD: 11-5

LAST SEASON: One of NFL's biggest surprises, they improved eight games over previous season to make playoffs and put Michael Vick debacle in rearview mirror. QB Matt Ryan was rookie of the year, and RB Michael Turner showed he could handle the load in first year as a starter.

THEY NEED: Help on defense. The line looks thin, even with DE John Abraham chasing down opposing QBs. Franchise stalwart Keith Brooking left in free agency, as did fellow LB Michael Boley. The Falcons also cut loose Lawyer Milloy, deciding to rebuild the secondary with youth. The only big hole on offense is TE.

THEY DON'T NEED: QBs and RBs. Ryan already has the look of a star, and Chris Redman is fine as backup. When bruising Turner needs a breather, Falcons can turn to speedy Jerious Norwood to flesh out one of league's best backfield tandems.

POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Picking much lower than a year ago (Ryan was No. 3 selection), Falcons will find it more difficult to land an impact player. They'll likely focus on defense, perhaps Jackson, Cushing or Jerry. But if Oklahoma State TE Pettigrew somehow fell all the way to 24th, Atlanta would have a hard time passing him up.

OUTLOOK: GM Thomas Dimitroff got an A-plus for his first draft, landing Ryan, OT Sam Baker, LB Curtis Lofton, CB Chevis Jackson and WR Harry Douglas. Falcons need their youthful leader to do it again, because they face a much tougher schedule as they try to get back to playoffs and break franchise's dubious streak of never having back-to-back winning seasons in 43-year history.