Falcon fans can't help but look ahead

It's no time to panic in Atlanta. Sure the Birds are going to miss the playoffs, a major disappointment after last year's surprising success, but the future still looks pretty good.
So what does Atlanta need to do in the offseason?
Free agency shouldn't hit too hard. Linemen Tyson Clabo and Harvey Dahl will be looking for big raises, but most of the team's key players are tied up for at least another year. That means Atlanta can concentrate on filling established needs instead of putting out fresh fires.
Right now the Falcons have five of their seven draft picks. They traded a two for Tony Gonzalez and a seven for Tye Hill. They should add at least three compensatory picks, based on the players they lost last year. One of those could be as high as a three since Dominique Foxworth got the big bucks to go to Baltimore.
The extra choices should pay off as much needed depth. Right now the Falcons are very thin at some positions and need reinforcement. For instance, a young TE who can run would be nice.
The Falcons first pick should fall somewhere in the middle of round one. It's supposed to be a deep draft, so adding a starter is very possible. Everybody seems to be talking DL and OL, but don't be surprised if a run at those positions have the Falcons looking at some very alluring possibilities at other positions.
The Birds should also get a boost from the return to health of 2009 top picks Peria Jerry and William Moore. Jerry was starting at DT when he got hurt. He showed some good things and could make an interesting duo with Babineaux. (Using a high pick on another DT would be smart as well.) Moore was on the field less before getting hurt. But he should get a chance to show off what he can do at safety. (I thought the Falcons should have taken Louis Delmas in the first round last year, but liked Moore as well.)
If I was calling the shots on draft day, I'd look at cornerback, DE and wide receiver.
The secondary is clearly overmatched right now, a situation made worse by the struggling pass rush. Drafting the corner or DE whould could make the biggest impact here right away makes the most sesnse.
If the top pick goes for offense -- unlikely -- the Falcons should go after a wide receiver. A speedy target teamed with Roddy WHite would give the offense a much bigger boost than what Michael Jenkins provides.
After round one Dimitroff needs to add depth just about everywhere. A young TE, as I mentioned before, could learn from Gonzalez. A young center is needed. The DL is thin at tackle and the OL would get a boost from better competition.
Come the postseason, Atlanta should have the pieces it needs to get substantially better. That's how well run teams do it.