The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to be one of the teams to turn themselves around in 2015 after two straight dismal seasons following that lone trip to the NFC Championship Game. With new head coach Dan Quinn in place, the Falcons loaded up on depth in free agency while looking to grab a few stars in the draft. There are mixed opinions as to who the Falcons will target with their No. 8 pick as the team could easily go defense or find a skill-position player instead.
The Falcons have been spending a lot of time working out different pass rushers prior to the NFL Draft. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Falcons have visited with Vic Beasley out of Clemson. The linebacker/defensive end has the right amount of athleticism and power that Quinn is looking for while his Atlanta roots make this pick and easy one to support. During his Pro Day, Beasley even spoke highly of the Falcons organization and his desire to play for the team he cheered for as a kid.
ESPN's Todd McShay is confident the Falcons will chase a pass rusher in the first round of the draft. He and ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr have tossed around several names Atlanta would be wise to look at. Dante Fowler Jr is another player getting his name tossed around although he has dropped on the draft boards thanks to the rise of players like Randy Gregory. Fowler has ties with Quinn who helped recruit the defensive end to the University of Florida during his short tenure with the team.
While defense is an obvious need for the Falcons considering they ranked near the bottom in sacks last season, several draft experts believe that a running back or wide receiver might make the cut for the Falcons in the first round. According to NFL Media draft analyst Charles Davis via AtlantaFalcons.com, the team will select Todd Gurley with their No. 8 overall pick. A running back has not been selected that high in the draft since the Cleveland Browns drafted Trent Richardson, an experiment that failed in the end. Could the Falcons change all of that? Gurley is expected to be the first running back off the board and if Atlanta views him as the future of the position, the move could be made.
The Falcons are also working out several wide receivers, but likely will not select one until the second or third round. They have eyed speedsters like Phillip Dorsett and Georgia's Chris Conley. Both players should be around when the Falcons are ready to select one in an early round. With Julio Jones being the only receiver under 30 for the team, Atlanta would be wise to get at least one younger option to help develop for the future.
