Falcons coach Mike Smith says second-year man Thomas DeCoud has a "great opportunity" to be the team's starting strong safety.
DeCoud and Jamaal Fudge will battle to replace Lawyer Milloy. DeCoud is a much more physically gifted player, especially in coverage, and is presumably the heavy favorite. The 2008 third-round pick looks like an IDP sleeper.
Mike Peterson will get the first shot at replacing Keith Brooking as the Falcons' starting weak-side linebacker.
In an ideal world the Falcons will find a better option in the draft. Peterson, 33, would be best utilized as a versatile fourth LB at this stage. http://www.ajc.com/services/content/spo ... 7&cxcat=21
If Mike Peterson doesn't start I'm going to be surprised.
