The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to draft a pass rusher in the first round of the NFL Draft. According to ESPN Draft Expert Todd McShay, the Falcons could grab anyone from Vic Beasley to Randy Gregory or Dante Fowler Jr. After failing to sign a homerun starter in free agency, Atlanta is banking on several talented players in the draft to fill their biggest need. After that, the Falcons could shift their focus back to the offense as they begin to eye several wide receivers.
According to the NFL Network, the Falcons have lined up a private workout with the fastest player entering the 2015 Draft. Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett out of Miami clocked a 4.25 40-yard dash time while impressing in position drills during his Pro Day. NFL Media Analyst Mike Mayock believes Dorsett is a borderline first-round pick, but will likely get taken high in the second round. Dorsett told the media that he has a workout scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons, something fans like want to hear.
The Falcons need to get younger at the wide receiver position. Julio Jones is the only player under 30. Roddy White and Eric Weems are reaching the end of their careers while Devin Hester is not consistent enough at the position. After releasing Harry Douglas, several mock drafts took leaps to say the Falcons might go big for Amari Cooper or Kevin White. That seems highly unlikely. The team will wait till the second round hoping to get someone with high value, high reward. Chris Conley out of UGA, Sammie Coates out of Auburn or Devin Smith from Ohio State could also be options.
They will also aim to do the same at the running back position. After letting go of Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rogers, the Falcons are left with Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith. Several mock drafts believe the Falcons could make a move for Todd Gurley out of UGA after watching his Pro Day. They could also aim to get either TJ Yeldon or Melvin Gordon if they favor drafting the position early.
The Falcons have plenty of cap space left to burn and getting younger at several positions is certainly not a bad idea. The team will re-sign Jones to a new contract, but White has struggled with injuries over the past two years and simply not an every-down player anymore. Getting younger bodies into the rotation can only help.