As Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff prepares to call the shots for the first time in an NFL Draft, he brings a reputation as a superb talent evaluator. Saturday we'll see how he fares in the league's annual chess game.

Even a cursory look at the depth chart shows significant needs at quarterback, offensive tackle, defensive tackle and cornerback, and Falcons fans could make several valid arguments about which needs are greater. In the end, though, what matters is how deftly Dimitroff can proceed through each round.

For the sake of breaking down the chess game, let's assume that the Falcons don't make a draft-day trade (although the idea is tantalizing) and proceed as if they will exercise their picks at Nos. 3, 34, 37 and 48.

With that in mind, here's a plan for the first day:

• Pick at No. 3: The original thought here was to take offensive tackle Jake Long, but with Long now with the Miami Dolphins, the decision gets complicated. Offensive line is a tremendous need, but the greater quality is at defensive tackle — either Glenn Dorsey of LSU or Sedrick Ellis of USC, and there is little difference between them. The choice should be whomever Dimitroff values more, even if it means taking Ellis, should the Rams take Dorsey at No. 2.

Plan B: Matt Ryan or Chad Henne. (For an explanation, read further.)

• Pick at No. 34: Quarterback. At least one of the big four QBs — Ryan, Henne, Brian Brohm and Joe Flacco — could be waiting here, but maybe not at 37.

Plan B: A defensive or offensive lineman — possibly DT Trevor Laws of Notre Dame or OT Sam Baker of USC. The reason: Dimitroff doesn't want Brohm or Flacco, so he has to pick Ryan or Henne at No. 3 for fear that neither will be available at 34. Or, Dimitroff likes Brohm and/or Flacco but doesn't want to risk not getting either.

• Pick at No. 37: An offensive lineman — preferably Baker. Other possibilities are offensive linemen Duane Brown, Anthony Collins, Carl Nicks and Chilo Rachal.

Plan B: Waiting until this spot to take a quarterback because they aren't flying off the board and because taking an offensive lineman became necessary at 34, or taking a defensive lineman (preferably Laws) if the first two picks are a quarterback and an offensive tackle.

• Pick at No. 48: Cornerback. The Falcons can wait until here to pick DeAngelo Hall's replacement because the draft has several good cornerbacks. Also, getting a top-tier quarterback is more important than cornerback, and the Falcons have fewer resources at offensive tackle and nose tackle than at this position.

Plan B: Another offensive lineman because of immediate need, or a safety or a linebacker because someone at either of those spots is too good to let pass — and Falcons need help for the future at both positions.