The Falcons have made free-agent and roster cut moves and are preparing for the NFL draft.

With those moves, here is a position-by-position breakdown of where things stand before next month's draft, in which the Falcons hold the No. 3 overall selection.

Quarterback

Chris Redman, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley, perhaps all best suited for backup roles, will battle for the top two jobs. Atlanta will draft a quarterback (Michigan's Chad Henne, Delaware's Joe Flacco, Louisville's Brian Brohm, San Diego's Josh Johnson), likely in the second round, to groom as the eventual starter. One of the veterans will be gone by the time the season starts.

Running back

Atlanta is set. The combination of Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood at tailback has major big-play potential. Second-year play Jason Snelling could contribute as the No. 3 tailback or as fullback Ovie Mughelli's backup.

Tight end

Ben Hartsock and Martrez Milner aren't going to make anyone forget released All-Pro Alge Crumpler. They will be used in different roles; Hartsock primarily as a blocker, Milner as a receiver. Milner is going to have to step up his game in his second season since he could play a varied and pivotal role. A third tight end likely will be added before training camp.

Wide receiver

This could be an area of strength. Roddy White blossomed last season. Michael Jenkins will be in the No. 2 or No. 3 role. Laurent Robinson is a potential big-time player. Veteran Joe Horn can play a variety of roles. Adam Jennings is the No. 5 receiver but talent could be brought in to push him.

Offensive line

The Falcons feel left guard Justin Blalock can only get better and right guard Kynan Forney will bounce back from a subpar season. Center Todd McClure is the glue, but he is getting up there in age. Help is coming at both tackle spots through the draft. Left tackle could be addressed with Jake Long in the first round, but USC's Sam Baker or Virginia's Branden Albert – a guard who projects as a tackle — could be available later on Day 1 of the draft. A right tackle also is expected to be drafted.

Kicking game

General manager Thomas Dimitroff has hinted about drafting a placekicker. Georgia's Brandon Coutu could be on that list. Morten Andersen is on speed dial in case things don't work out. Punter Michael Koenen, a restricted free agent, has been tendered (second round) and should be back.

Linebacker

Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder said Keith Brooking will be back in the middle between strongsider Michael Boley and weaksider Stephen Nicholas. Depth is needed at all three spots. They need a middle linebacker to take over for Brooking.

Defensive line

Defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey could be Atlanta's top pick and serve as Brooking's bodyguard. The stockpiling of defensive tackles, including Kindal Moorehead, was done more for depth. John Abraham, Chauncey Davis and Jamaal Anderson, who must make a significant leap after last season, are the frontline ends.

Secondary

Trade talk continues with cornerback DeAngelo Hall. If he's moved, his replacement might not be on the roster, although David Irons and Brent Grimes have impressed coaches. Erik Coleman takes over at free safety, and Chris Houston will start at one corner and will be backed up by free agent Von Hutchins. A strong safety will be drafted to take over for Lawyer Milloy. Where 2006 top pick Jimmy Williams fits will be one of the more intriguing developments.