Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2015 NFL Draft. Continuing with the NFC South, the focus shifts to the Atlanta Falcons. After hosting the NFC Championship Game in 2012, the Falcons have missed the playoffs the last two seasons. Holding the eighth pick in this year’s draft, Atlanta needs to address several needs on the defensive side of the ball.
Atlanta Falcons 2015 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Defensive Linemen
From 2006-2012, John Abraham and Jonathan Babineaux were the anchors along Atlanta’s defensive front. During that seven-season span, the Falcons made the postseason in four of those years (2008, 2010-2012). In those campaigns, five-time Pro Bowler Abraham eclipsed at least 10 sacks three times. At defensive tackle, Babineaux averaged 29.5 tackles and 3 sacks in those playoff-clinching seasons. Abraham left for Arizona after the 2012 season while Babineaux remained in a Falcon uniform. Babineaux amassed 30 tackles the last two years, but it didn’t make up for Abraham’s absence. Free agent acquisition Osi Umenyiora was present on the field, but absent on the stat sheets.
Atlanta needs youth along the defensive line. With Babineaux, Umenyiora and Paul Soliai all at least 30 years of age, fresh legs will definitely be needed. Kroy Biermann and Tyson Jackson were decent in 2014, but they are 29 and 28, respectively. The Falcons–along with their archrivals in New Orleans–are expected to be in the Dante Fowler Jr. sweepstakes on draft night.
Defensive Back
The Falcons were last in the league against the pass, surrendering 280 yards per game through the air in 2014. Much of their misfortune can be placed on a nonexistent pass rush, but the secondary has to cover the field at some point. With former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn installed as the new head coach, many analysts expected Atlanta to go after former Seattle cornerback Byron Maxwell. With the former “Legion of Boom” product signing with the Philadelphia Eagles early in free agency, the Falcons need to find someone in the draft to pair up with Desmond Trufant. Michigan State’s Trae Waynes would be a great place to start.
The Falcons should address the safety position as well. In 2012, much of their success was attributed to the Pro Bowl safety tandem of Thomas Decoud and William Moore. Void of the ballhawking centerfield element the last two years, Atlanta should be proactive in shoring up their back-end. The Falcons could definitely use a high-flying, ballhawking safety such as Cody Prewitt (Ole Miss).
Linebacker
Paul Worrilow is a productive and very talented young linebacker to build around, but much more help is needed on this defense’s second level. When he was healthy, Weatherspoon was as good as it gets at the linebacker position. With Weatherspoon now in Arizona, more depth and talent is needed to relieve pressure off of the defensive line. Outside of Worrilow, Prince Shembo is the next man up. As far as the draft is concerned, Atlanta should consider examining a disruptive edge rusher like Vic Beasley (Clemson).
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