In continuing with this 32 article series, here's a look at the top needs for the Atlanta Falcons as well as a seven-round mock draft we ran through the FanSpeak mock draft simulator. We manually picked for Atlanta while the picks for all other 31 teams were selected by the simulator.

1. Pass Rush Help 

Atlanta racked up a total of 19 sacks a season ago, the worst mark in the National Football League. Not a single member of its defense recorded more than four sacks. These are two startling statistics. They also need to change in short order. While adding Derrick Shelby to the mix helps, it's not going to be enough to fix this issue. Atlanta better hope that one of the top pass rushers is still there when it selects with the 17th pick of the first round. 

2. Strong-side Linebacker

The team added veterans Philip Wheeler and Sean Weatherspoon to the mix to compete along the strong side next season. Neither one is going to be the long-term solution here. Atlanta could very well target a Darron Lee or Joshua Perry in the earlier rounds here, but there is some value to be had at the strong-side position later in the draft. This would be all about finding a project to potentially take over following the 2016 season. 

3. Middle Linebacker

Atlanta did retain Paul Worrilow, but there has to be some questions regarding his ability to be the long-term solution here. He struggled a great deal in 2015, especially in comparison to what were two stellar campaigns in 2013 and 2014. After that, there's not much to see here. LaRoy Reynolds can't be considered a long-term solution.

The one issue is that Atlanta wants a bit more athleticism inside. Does this mean that Reggie Ragland isn't an option in the first round? If so, will Darron Lee fit the mold here? That's the question Atlanta will have to ask itself, especially with the team potentially considering Lee along the weak side. 

4. Guard

As of right now, James Stone and Chris Chester would be competing for the starting right guard position in Atlanta. In addition to this, left guard Andy Levitre has seen his play drop off quite a bit since performing at a near Pro Bowl level for the Buffalo Bills back in 2011 and 2012. Levitre is still an above-average option and should be more than fine at left guard. It is, however, the right side that should be of concern for the Falcons.

The good news here is that the team should be in position to add a top-notch player here if it decides to do so on Day 2 of the upcoming draft. 

5. Safety

Safety play was a major issue for the Falcons a season ago. In fact, one could say that they need an upgrade at both cover safety and when it comes to in-the-box play.

A team that ranked in the bottom half of the NFL against the pass despite boasting one of the top cover guys in the NFL in the form of Desmond Trufant, Atlanta' biggest priority here should be to get someone that can cover over the top. Unfortunately, there simply aren't many players of that ilk available in the draft.