The Atlanta Falcons have accomplished a lot this offseason, but they still have some things they need to address if they want to make it back to the playoffs. The Falcons have made an effort to improve their offensive and defensive lines in free agency with the signing’s of Paul Soliai , Tyson Jackson, and Jon Asamoah.
However the Falcons still need to get a pass rusher in the draft and also an offensive tackle, along with looking at safety options to sure up the defensive backfield. These should all be early round needs if the Falcons are going to look to compete for the NFC South division title.
Major Needs
Offensive Tackle: With the recent injury history of left tackle Sam Baker and the poor performance of Lamar Holmes the Falcons may look address the offensive line need early in the draft even with the sixth overall pick. If the Falcons want any chance of winning this season they have to keep Matt Ryan of his back so he can use the offensive weapons they have on the outsides, at the very least look for the Falcons to a depth to help sure up that offensive line.
Pass Rusher: Last season the Falcons struggles to produce any type of pass rush with only 32 sacks on the season last year you can say a elite edge rusher would be a huge need. Simple said Osi Umenyiora is past his pass rushing prime, and the falcons need someone who can produce double digit sacks. Look for the Falcons to possibly explore a situation to move up and select the pass rusher of their choice.
Safety: After releasing Thomas DeCoud, the Falcons need someone who can be a playmaking centerfielder in their defensive scheme at free safety. They also need someone who isn’t afraid to come down in the run game and tackle somebody.
Tight End: Tony Gonzalez is now retired and that leaves a big hole in the Falcons offense. Losing a hall of fame player who consistently gave you 80 plus catches, 800 plus yards, and a redzone threat, along with being Ryan’s security blanket, makes all the sense for the Falcons to look at options at tight end to add some competition at the position.
Day One Targets
Jadeveon Clowney: Highly regarded as the best player in the draft, Clowney is a once in a generation type pass rusher who is a physical freak. At 6’5” and 266 lbs with a 4.53 forty yard dash, Clowney is more the often the most athletic player on the field and will cause issues for offensive lines for a decade to come. More than likely Flacons would have to make a trade to get the option to select Clowney.
Khalil Mack: The natural athleticism and raw power of Mack makes him a handful for any blocker. Top that with uncommon instincts as an edge defender, and you have yourself a difference-maker at the next level.
Jake Matthews: A day one starter at left tackle in the NFL, poses great pass blocking abilities with good hands and feet. If Matthews was in last year’s draft he would have been the first tackle taken off the board.
Day two Targets
Deone Bucannon: Bucannon stands near the top of this defensive back class due to impressive athleticism and physical traits. He has all the tools to become an All-Pro player, but he needs to develop some aspects of his game to get there.
Terrance Brooks: Brooks is a player rising up a lot of peoples boards this past month. He is a player that has good speed and plays hard, along with the great cover skills he has to go with it. Look at Terrance Brooks as a great second round option to help out that secondary.
Dee Ford: Ford can definitely get after the quarterback; He posted 10.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in his All-SEC 2013 campaign. He would be a great second round option for the Falcons to help generate a pass rush.
Day Three Targets
C.J. Fiedorowicz: Fiedorowicz is a great later round option at tight end, he is a player who can pass catch with strong hands , and also is a solid blocker in the run game. Fiedorowicz is a possible three down tight end that has the chance to be very productive.
Seantrel Henderson: Henderson is a player that is a little bit of a gamble, but it’s a gamble that could pay off in the right situation. His athleticism is amongst the best in the draft along the offensive line, with his 6’7”, 331-pound frame the potential is through the roof.
Carl Bradford: Bradford is one of the better edge defenders in the draft this year, and with the Falcons having that as an area of need look for them to take a shot at Bradford later in the draft.
Final Seven-Round Mock
1. Jake Matthews, Offensive tackle, Texas A&M
2. Dee Ford, Defensive end, Auburn
3. Deone Buccannon, Safety, Washington State
4. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Tight End, Iowa
5. Seantrel Henderson Offensive Tackle, Miami
6. Ricardo Allen Cornerback, Purdue
7. James Morris Linebacker, Iowa