Atlanta Falcons: Prioritizing 2016 NFL Draft needs
By John Buhler
Primary Needs
With regards to the Atlanta Falcons’ primary needs this offseason, the Falcons absolutely have to use a draft selection on these three positions: defensive tackle, middle linebacker, and center.
For the Atlanta Falcons to have the pass rush they covet, they will need to amp up their intensity on the interior of their defensive line. Not that these blue-chip prospects at defensive tackle will generate a pass rush solely on their own, but that a strong interior lineman will help the pass rushers on the edge get after the quarterback better. Many first round draft projections have the Atlanta Falcons going with a defensive tackle in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The other position that the Atlanta Falcons could use their No. 17 overall draft pick on is middle linebacker. Atlanta largely overachieved at linebacker last season as players like Paul Worrilow, Justin Durant, O’Brien Schofield, and Kroy Biermann all made big plays from the middle of the Falcons’ defense.
The problem is that linebacker is the most talent poor area on the Atlanta Falcons’ roster. If Atlanta strives to have a ferocious front seven, they could start by overhauling their linebacking corps by bringing in a great inside linebacker in either of the first two rounds of the draft.
Lastly, an area that the Atlanta Falcons absolutely need to improve in the draft is at center. Atlanta has had a miserable time trying to replace former long-time starter Todd McClure at center since he retired after the 2012 NFL season. From Peter Konz to Joe Hawley to James Stone to Mike Person, all have failed to live up to the expectations Falcons fan have had for the center position since the popular McClure retired.
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Atlanta could target a starting center as high as in the second round. The Falcons may opt to draft an interior offensive lineman that could play center or either guard spot, as head coach Dan Quinn likes players that can play multiple positions. Center needs rectifying, as starting quarterback Matt Ryan had tremendous difficulty with receiving snaps both under center and in shotgun in 2015. If the Falcons are lucky, they will find their next Todd McClure in the 2016 NFL Draft in the second to fourth round.