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2017 NFL Draft Team Needs: Breaking Down All 32 Teams

By George Stockburger

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn (left) celebrates with general manager Thomas Dimitroff (right) following their 26-24 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn (left) celebrates with general manager Thomas Dimitroff (right) following their 26-24 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons

Key draft needs: DE, DT, G

Record: 9-5

Defensive end – This season has seen the emergence of 2015 first-rounder Vic Beasley for the Falcons. Injuries have also caused the team to lean on veteran Dwight Freeney a little more than they prefer. Defensive end Dewaune Smoot out of Illinois provides size and explosiveness to team with Beasley as does hybrid linebacker/ defensive end Carl Lawson from Auburn. The mid-rounds can be the range for the team to find someone such as Ohio State’s Tyquan Lewis.

Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) celebrates a failed fourth down conversion by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (not pictured) in the fourth quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) celebrates a failed fourth down conversion by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (not pictured) in the fourth quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive tackle – This will not be a pure defensive tackle selection here as the Falcons employ a hybrid defensive tackle/strong-side defensive end. Backup Ra’Shede Hageman has not progressed as planned and a player such as Montravius Adams out of Auburn can be the ideal fit for the Falcons at defensive tackle in the early rounds. Middle round consideration such UCLA’s Eddie Vanderdoes can also be a welcoming addition.

Guard – The Falcons are not in dire need at the guard position with veterans Andy Levitre and Chris Chester. Yet, both have a few miles on their bodies and Chester has flirted with retirement in recent seasons. Even with a possible return in 2017 by both, building depth is never bad. Mason Cole of Michigan fits the mold of a Falcons lineman and will be available in the mid-rounds.

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