The Atlanta Falcons have multiple issues to address this offseason including TE, RB and the D-Line, but what do they need most?
It’s a good bet that TE Tony Gonzalez retires, but the Falcons can easily wait until the third round for a replacement.
RB Michael Turner is not expected back in 2013 unless he assumes a massive pay cut and while the Falcons absolutely need someone other than scat-back Jacquizz Rodgers, I don’t see them targeting a RB in the first round.
If Gonzo retires and Turner leaves, that affords Atlanta an additional $14 million dollars in “replacement money” to toy around with.
The D-Line, however, was just simply a mess and it's here we find the biggest team need for the Atlanta Falcons. Peria Jerry and Corey Peters are the worst of the bunch, leaving John Abraham and Jonathan Babineaux the only players worth mentioning.
The Falcons couldn’t stop the run and couldn’t get consistent pressure from the outside—in short, Jonathan Babineaux needs a friend next to him and I believe that guy could be SMU’s Margus Hunt.
This guy is a 6’8” monster with an 82 inch wingspan. But Hunt is also one of the better talents at the DE position. He’s just as talented off the snap in pursuit of the QB as he is in containing against outside runners.
Inside runners don’t stand a chance against him.
The Falcons are likely to also target a SLB since Stephen Nichols has yet to really show up. This move could go a long way in combination with a guy like Hunt up front.
I like what Hunt brings to the table. He may be a reach as a first round selection, but he has the pedigree of a potential standout franchise player someday, and that franchise could wind up being Atlanta.
Have your own idea on what Atlanta needs? Leave a comment below and be sure to follow my continued NFC coverage. Next up will be Tampa Bay.
NFC North 2013 Team Needs:
GREEN BAY PACKERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
CHICAGO BEARS
DETROIT LIONS
NFC East 2013 Team Needs:
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
DALLAS COWBOYS
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
NEW YORK GIANTS
NFC South 2013 Team Needs:
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
CAROLINA PANTHERS
