The Atlanta Falcons had a disappointing season in 2019—finishing with a 7-9 record. Just three years ago, the Falcons found themselves up 28-3 in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.
What happened next is a topic that fans in Atlanta love to avoid speaking about. The Patriots came back to win in overtime 34-28—a comeback for the ages.
Now, the Falcons are trying to climb their way back up to the top and get back to the Super Bowl. The active part of free agency has passed and the Falcons still have a few holes on their team.
The NFL Draft is the main focus for all of the NFL franchises. Here are three needs that the Falcons still have after free agency this offseason.
3. Defensive End
One of the biggest needs for Atlanta this offseason is defensive end. With Vic Beasley heading into a contract-year in 2019, the Falcons may need to find his replacement this offseason.
Beasley has been inconsistent in his career at getting after the quarterback. In 2016, Beasley had 15.5 sacks but in his other three seasons, he has had five or fewer sacks.
Atlanta is hoping to get more sacks in 2019, after being 22nd in the NFL with just 37 sacks in 2018. Takkarist McKinley led the team in sacks with seven this past season.
The Falcons own the 14th overall pick in this year's draft. Drafting defensive end could be an option for Atlanta in the first round or sometime in the NFL Draft.
Brian Burns and Clelin Ferrell are two guys to keep an eye on if the Falcons attack the defensive end position.
2. Defensive Tackle
Most of Atlanta's biggest needs come on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle is another position that could be improved this offseason after free agency has passed.
This offseason, the Falcons placed their franchise tag on Grady Jarrett. Despite doing that, the Falcons could use someone to play alongside Jarrett.
Again, the Falcons possess the 14th pick in the first round with a few talented defensive linemen available in this year's draft. Someone like Christian Wilkins out of Clemson makes a ton of sense.
In 2018, Atlanta struggled to stop the run—ranking 25th against the run. Adding a defensive tackle to help Jarrett along the defensive line could prove to be beneficial going forward.
1. Cornerback
Arguably the biggest hole on the Atlanta roster after free agency is the cornerback position. Despite having Desmond Trufant, the Falcons struggled to hinder opponent's aerial attacks.
In 2018, the Falcons ranked 27th in the NFL in passing yards allowed. Drafting someone to play on the opposite side of Trufant would allow this defense to easily improve.
Atlanta could decide to use their 14th overall pick on a cornerback. Players like Greedy Williams or Byron Murphy would be perfect selections for the Falcons.
The offenses in the NFC South love to throw the ball downfield and the Falcons need to improve their secondary drastically. Covering Michael Thomas or Mike Evans isn't the easiest task so you could use the most firepower as possible to try slowing them down.
Regardless, no matter what position the Falcons decide to use their 14th pick on, their defense needs to be improved in the NFL Draft.
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