The NFL Draft is here! Without further ado, let’s preview the next three days from the Falcons’ perspective.
Vitals
Head coach: Dan Quinn
General manager: Thomas Dimitroff
2019 record: 7-9
2020 Draft Picks
Round 1, Pick 16
Round 2, Pick 47
Round 3, Pick 78
Round 4, Pick 119
Round 4, Pick 134
Round 7, Pick 228
Team Needs
Cornerback: Last year, the Falcons struggled. They had trouble on both sides of the ball, but especially in the secondary. The falcons let up a lot of big plays in 2019 which led to some games in the loss column. Atlanta will need to add new talent in 2020 to keep up with the talented NFC South. Drafting a cornerback would be a big boost for the Falcons’ defense.
Atlanta will need to pick a fast, physical, and smart player like Kristian Fulton from LSU. He would be a great fit for their defense and could help prevent some points against. If the Falcons could rebuild that defense, it would make them competitive, especially because they have solid talent on offense. If they can stop teams from scoring, they can be a threat.
Defensive Line: Atlanta could also use another defensive lineman. Last year, they struggled to get after the passer. This year, they need to put a lot of pressure on other quarterbacks to force fumbles, interceptions, and other mistakes. The Falcons will also need to be able to stop the run game.
Adding a big-bodied guy like K’Lavon Chaisson from LSU would give them help on the edge. Chaisson is fast and will be able to raise the team sack numbers in 2020. He will be physical and always able to put pressure on the quarterback no matter the situation. Atlanta needs an animal like this to help fulfill that defensive line.
Running Back: Yes, the Falcons signed Todd Gurley, but he only agreed to a deal for one year. Atlanta will need someone that can come in and play behind Gurley for the first year and step right into his shoes if he doesn’t re-sign in 2021. Also, bringing in a young running back would be beneficial because they get to learn from one of the better running backs in the NFC in Todd Gurley. Gurley and the coaching staff can help develop that young player into a solid NFL running back.
Adding a player like D’Andre Swift from Georgia would be a great pick. He is a strong, powerful, and fast back. The Falcons could also use him in different situations or when Gurley needs a rest. Both Swift and Gurley attended the University Of Georgia and could be playing in their home towns.
Atlanta’s Top Targets
C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
