Atlanta Falcons: Prioritizing 2016 NFL Draft needs
By John Buhler
Tertiary Needs
Tertiary needs for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2016 NFL Draft are at backup quarterback, offensive guard, and at tight end. These are all areas that the Atlanta Falcons could potentially look to procure depth in the NFL Draft, but there are more pressing needs for general manager Thomas Dimitroff to address.
Some of these tertiary needs could very well end up being solved during the impending free agency period before the 2016 NFL Draft. Atlanta will have to know if starting right guard Chris Chester is returning next season or if they can find another player as well-equipped to play in Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. Chester and left guard Andy Levitre helped the Atlanta Falcons finish with the No. 4 rated offensive line in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
Tight end is another position that the Atlanta Falcons could look at in the NFL Draft, as starting tight end Jacob Tamme isn’t more than a really good No. 2 tight end at the NFL level. Levine Toilolo hasn’t progressed as wildly expected after being a fourth round draft pick in 2013. Tony Moeaki has issues with staying healthy and his best years seem like they are behind him. Atlanta could address tight end in the draft, but this feels more like a position Dimitroff and company will attack in free agency.
However, if there is one tertiary need that the Atlanta Falcons could address in the 2016 NFL Draft, it could end up being backup quarterback. Matt Ryan is entering his ninth season in the NFL at 31 years of age. His backup Sean Renfree got his first taste of NFL action in 2015 after being a seventh round selection out of Duke University in 2013.
Ryan is one of the better starters in the league, but will Thomas Dimitroff target a backup passer in the 2016 NFL Draft. If he does, it would make sense for him to do it, as long as Atlanta acquires another draft pick. Going with a backup quarterback with only five draft picks is too risky of a move to make at this time.
Next: Secondary Needs