Alright, I’m wrapping up my look at NFL team needs ahead of next week’s NFL Draft, kicking off Thursday evening. Why? ‘Cause reasons. I feel like I have to justify that every time I write about a team that isn’t the Titans. We have a big footprint in Atlanta…so I want to make sure those folks are taken care of, too. Hence, Atlanta Falcons draft needs, LFG!
The Falcons just haven’t been the same since that Super Bowl run in 2016. The offense has been great – Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, and now Calvin Ridley continue to light the league on fire. The weakness in 2018 was undoubtedly the interior offensive line, but the Falcons addressed that with experienced free agents James Carpenter and Jamon Brown.
That should pretty well signify Dan Quinn and company’s plan to go defense-heavy in this year’s draft. The Falcons have to improve at all three levels of the defense in order to make this a more complete team and to get back to contending for Super Bowls.
Defensive Tackle
The Falcons need more pass rush help, but they have to add some bodies next to Grady Jarrett, too. Quinn has said he wants to get stronger and more stout along the defensive line, and at #14, they have the opportunity to take an elite prospect who would help bolster the defensive line and produce in the pass rush. Ed Oliver and Christian Wilkins both come to mind for their pass rush abilities. Rashan Gary is an interesting prospect who could line up at DT or DE, wherever the Falcons need him. That versatility is important, but Gary is still raw as a prospect. I think Oliver could be the guy,
Defensive End/Linebacker
There’s a real lack of depth behind Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley. The Falcons could use another high end pass rusher to add to the rotation. Also, while Deion Jones will likely get a big contract to stick with the team, there’s not a whole lot of depth in the linebacking corps either. Like I said, Atlanta needs pieces all along the defense.
Cornerback
The Falcons appear to have a solid starting safety tandem in the emerging Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen. But, opposite the steady and reliable Desmond Trufant, there’s a huge question mark at cornerback. Isaiah Oliver is the leading candidate for that role, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Falcons invest a high draft pick in the position.
Running back
Over the last several seasons, the Falcons have shown a propensity for utilizing a platoon at running back. Tevin Coleman is gone, and they signed Kenjon Barner to replace him. That’s not exactly an upgrade, in my opinion, and you wonder if this signing is an indictment on Ito Smith, who may not be ready to become a featured cog in this offense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Falcons draft a guy to come in and compete with the running back room to complement Freeman.
The Falcons currently have nine picks:
- Round 1: 14th overall
- Round 2: 45th overall
- Round 3: 79th overall
- Round 4: 117th overall
- Round 4: 137th overall
- Round 5: 152nd overall
- Round 5: 172nd overall
- Round 6: 186th overall
- Round 7: 230th overall
MORE 2019 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
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New York Giants Draft Needs (2019)
Quinnen Williams Explains Why He Should Be The Top Pick In The Draft And I Don’t Disagree
Tennessee Titans Draft Needs (2019)
The Arizona Cardinals Can’t Really Be Thinking About Taking Kyler Murray At #1, Right?
Who Should Be The Top Overall Pick In This Year’s NFL Draft?
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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