NFL Draft 2015: Atlanta Falcons Team Needs
By Zac Snyder
For a look at the Atlanta Falcons’ team needs entering the 2015 NFL Draft, I got together with Blogging Dirty’s‘s Sam Kweon. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
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1. How have the team’s draft needs changed since free agency opened?
"First of all, the team still has over 20 million dollars in cap space remaining, so team needs will continue to fill. But so far, GM Thomas Dimitroff has done a nice job filling needs. The Falcons picked up one of the best pass rushers on the market in Adrian Clayborn, and improved our linebacker core with Justin Durant, O’Brien Schiefield, and Brooks Reed."
2. What would you say are the top three needs remaining?
"1. Pass Rushers (DE/OLB): Clayborn is the only reliable player that can provide a pass rush.2. Running Back: Steven Jackson is not returning, and the Falcons still need a starting RB.3. Tight End: Dimitroff went into desperation-mode and signed tight ends (Jacob Tamme and Tony Moeki) that has shown nothing in their careers to prove that they deserve a starting spot in the NFL. The team still needs a receiving tight end that can give Matt Ryan another weapon."
3. Are there any prospects that have caught your eye so far?
"A prospect that has really caught my eye is RB Jay Ajayi. The Falcons will have a great chance to draft Ajayi early in the second round, and they must pull the trigger. If you watch his game film, he shows outstanding patience in his running and doesn’t just run straight into lineman when he has nowhere to go.Another is DE Alvin “Bud” Dupree. I’d take Dupree over Shane Ray or Randy Gregory. The University of Kentucky standout shows such a tremendous upside in both pass-rushing and setting the edge in the run. He’s big (6’4 267 lbs) which will give the coaches something serious to work with."
4. What do you think would make for a successful draft for your team?
"A draft that fills needs for the team is successful. So for the Falcons, they must address those needs listed above and do their best to draft at least one pass rusher, a free safety, and a tight end."
5. So much draft focus often goes to the first few rounds, but is there something you’d like to see your team do in the later rounds?
"Absolutely. Draft offensive linemen!!! Depth on the O-line was a serious problem for the team and they haven’t picked up many players in free agency to assure that problem won’t happen again. The Falcons should look to draft at least two OL’s in the later rounds."
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Next: Post-Free Agency Frenzy 2015 NFL Mock Draft