NFL draft

* ATLANTA: The Falcons are in rebuilding mode, and that starts at quarterback. They have the third overall pick and could take Boston College’s Matt Ryan, although a premier defensive lineman such as Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston or Louisiana State’s Glenn Dorsey might be too tough to resist. The team also needs a shut-down cornerback, having traded DeAngelo Hall to the Raiders, and a couple of offensive tackles.

* TAMPA BAY: The Buccaneers are in the running with Minnesota to trade for Kansas City defensive end Jared Allen. That might require Tampa Bay to give up its No. 20 pick in the first round. The Buccaneers, who lost Brian Kelly to Detroit, need at least one cornerback, and there are a lot of good ones at the top of this draft. They could also use a playmaking receiver.

* CAROLINA: Watch for the Panthers to bulk up on their offensive and defensive lines. They pick 13th, and the elite defensive linemen probably will be gone by then. There’s a good chance they will be in position to take Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey, though, and his stock has been on the rise. There’s also a possibility Carolina could take Boise State’s Ryan Clady, widely considered the second-best offensive tackle in the draft, although they might have to trade up to get him.

* NEW ORLEANS: With the way USC linebacker Keith Rivers performed at pro day, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were gone by the time New Orleans uses its No. 10 pick. The Saints do need a linebacker, though, even though they’ve improved with the free-agent acquisitions of Jonathan Vilma and Dan Morgan. The Saints could also use a cornerback, and either Troy’s Leodis McKelvin or Tennessee State’s Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie could be a fit.

* TOMORROW: AFC South. For more on the draft, go to latimes.com/nfl.