Atlanta Falcons' 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2016 NFL Combine

By Jason Fletcher

Things started off well enough for new Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn as he led his team to a 5-0 start and wins in six of their first seven games of the season. Unfortunately, the Falcons couldn’t continue with that momentum as they limped to an 8-8 finish and were left wondering what could’ve been. As we head into the 2016 NFL Combine, the Falcons will be looking to upgrade at five positions so that they can reach the playoffs next season.

Atlanta Falcons\' 5 Biggest Draft Needs Heading Into 2016 NFL Combine
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5. Safety

Safety Credit: Getty Images
Somehow, the Falcons were able to finish in the middle of the pack in pass defense despite starting Kemal Ishamel and Ricardo Allen at safety for much of the season. The team desperately needs to find a ball-hawk who can cover center field.

5. Safety

Somehow, the Falcons were able to finish in the middle of the pack in pass defense despite starting Kemal Ishamel and Ricardo Allen at safety for much of the season. The team desperately needs to find a ball-hawk who can cover center field.

4. Wide Receiver

Wide Receiver Credit: Getty Images
Julio Jones is arguably the best receiver in the NFC, but Matt Ryan relies on him entirely too much because Roddy White isn't the same player he used to be. It's time for the Falcons to grab a starting-caliber receiver opposite of Jones.

4. Wide Receiver

Julio Jones is arguably the best receiver in the NFC, but Matt Ryan relies on him entirely too much because Roddy White isn't the same player he used to be. It's time for the Falcons to grab a starting-caliber receiver opposite of Jones.

3. Right Guard

Right Guard Credit: Getty Images
Starting right guard Chris Chester is a free agent this offseason which will open a hole on the interior of the line. Bringing in a rookie to groom could be the way to go for the Falcons.

3. Right Guard

Starting right guard Chris Chester is a free agent this offseason which will open a hole on the interior of the line. Bringing in a rookie to groom could be the way to go for the Falcons.

2. Right Tackle

Right Tackle Credit: Getty Images
The Falcons' offensive line allowed 32 sacks in 2015 which was tied for eighth in the NFL, but a lot came from the right side of the line.

2. Right Tackle

The Falcons' offensive line allowed 32 sacks in 2015 which was tied for eighth in the NFL, but a lot came from the right side of the line.

1. Defensive End

Defensive End Credit: Getty Images
The Falcons' defense finished last in the NFL with only 19 sacks and although Vic Beasley should take a big step forward in his second season, he needs some help on the other side.

1. Defensive End

The Falcons' defense finished last in the NFL with only 19 sacks and although Vic Beasley should take a big step forward in his second season, he needs some help on the other side.

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