At this point, most draft rumors point to the Atlanta Falcons either selecting a pass rusher or a running back. The question is whether or not general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn are reading the pre-draft hype. According to ESPN's Todd McShay, running back Todd Gurley is the best overall player in this year's draft. The Falcons would be primed to take him at No. 8, but will the need for an elite defensive end push them in a different direction?
The Falcons have stayed with most predictions. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the team has worked out pass rushers like Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler Jr and Randy Gregory. That was the assumed prediction for the Falcons according to most mock drafts. The team ranked almost dead last in sacks last season and failed to truly fill the need in free agency. They signed plenty of depth, but no one that is a clear starter. Any of those three pass rushers could start Week 1 for the franchise and be productive.
However, the Falcons are also looking at running backs. While already taking a look at Gurley at his Pro Day, the Falcons have also worked out Nebraska star Ameer Abdullah according to Ross Jones of FOXSports.com. Gurley is a first-round running back. If the Falcons do not take him, either the Dallas Cowboys or Baltimore Ravens might. Abdullah is a second-round back. That could be the ideal move for Atlanta. The team could easily select a pass rusher in the first round while looking at a running back in the second.
Do the Falcons need a running back that early? Offensive coordinator has voiced his support in favor of second-year pro Devonta Freeman as the workhorse of the team. Freeman showed plenty of promise last season and could excel with more responsibility. Behind him is 2014 breakout star Antone Smith who re-signed in free agency. The Falcons do lack depth at the running back spot, but is it bad enough they need to draft a running back early?
Atlanta is also eyeing top wide receivers in the draft. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Falcons have looked at players like Phillip Dorsett, Chris Conley and even Amari Cooper. They are in need of getting younger at the spot considering Julio Jones is the only receiver under 30. This year's class is deep at the position and Atlanta could get someone in the third round, but do they risk it?
Tis the season of draft rumors as teams are still two weeks away from making their first selection. The Falcons have a lot of holes still left to fill, it is just a matter of how early they opt to take care of them.
