ANALYSIS: Atlanta would have loved for Peria Jerry to slip to them at this position of #24, but they weren't fortunate enough. They almost selected Glenn Dorsey over Matt Ryan last year which shows how badly they want a defensive tackle for the future. That being said, they also need help at the Linebacker position with Keith Brooking and Michael Boley leaving as Free Agents in the offseason. This presents an interesting predicament as the clear dropoff from Peria Jerry to Evander "Ziggy" Hood goes without question. However, Brian Cushing is the best Linebacker available, albeit as a projected Inside or Outside Linebacker.

James Laurinaitis is also a possibility, but he's best fit at Inside or Weak-Side, and Atlanta signed Mike Peterson as a Free Agent to cover the Weak-Side. Injuries and character issues (Facebook group) are a cause for concern with Cushing, but with the ability to draft a player who more than likely is the best "value" on their board (projected Top 20-25 overall) at a position of need, there is no way Atlanta doesn't jump at picking Brian Cushing, perhaps before even the 5 minute mark hits.