With The First Pick
Fansided

NFC South Draft Needs

By Aaron Gershon

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Adam Humphries #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws his gloves to a fan after a 34-32 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Adam Humphries #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws his gloves to a fan after a 34-32 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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                                                                             Atlanta Falcons

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 09: Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after recording a sack during the first half of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 09, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 09: Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after recording a sack during the first half of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 09, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Draft Needs: EDGE, DT, OG, RB

Only two short years ago the Falcons had a 25 point lead in the super bowl. They lost that game and ever since there’s been a steady decline. 2017 saw the Falcons reach the playoffs but fail to win the NFC South and lose in the divisional round and 2018 saw a sub .500 season.

It’s easy to blame the lost season on injuries, but it also appears there was more too it. Like Tampa Bay, Atlanta has one of the better offenses in the league but a poor defense. Thus, most of their draft needs reside on the defensive side of the ball.

The biggest need for the Falcons is at edge rusher. Vic Beasley had a rough year as he’s only had five sacks and 15 total tackles this season. A big reason why is he is the only true threat on the Falcons defense and offensive linemen can double team him. The Falcons must select a second edge rusher early on in the draft. A perfect fit would be Kentucky’s Josh Allen if he slips far enough in the NFL Draft enough for Atlanta to nab him.

The second defensive need is at defensive tackle. Atlanta has one of the worst rushing defense’s in the NFL and badly needs a trench stopper. Look for the Falcons to select a big man up front sooner rather than later in the draft.

Despite having a dynamic offense, there are still some needs on that side of the ball for Atlanta.

The biggest is at offensive guard which has been a liability all season long. The Falcons need to add a run-stopper to create holes next season.

There will also be a need at running back. Tevin Coleman is set to hit the open market, and Devonte Freeman will be returning from a season-ending injury. Look for the Falcons to select a running back in the middle rounds such as Iowa State’s David Montgomery or Kentucky’s Benny Snell Jr.

All in all the Falcons aren’t too far from the team that reached Super Bowl 51, and a good draft could put them in the race to get back to the promise land.

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