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It’s back to the drawing board for the Atlanta Falcons, who finished the 2015 season 8-8 after a 5-0 start and now find themselves in the same division as the new powerhouse team in the NFC. Atlanta will be on the lookout for impact players in this year’s draft, as they try to close the gap in the NFC South. Here is a prediction of what the Falcons will do in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Round 1, No. 17 Overall - Noah Spence, Defensive End, Eastern Kentucky
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 1, No. 17 Overall - Noah Spence, Defensive End, Eastern Kentucky
This is a risky pick considering the off-field issues Spence had throughout his college career, but Atlanta's defense needs another pass rusher who can play opposite Vic Beasley. If the Falcons have a dynamic pass-rushing duo like Beasley and Spence, it could make up for their other deficiencies on defense.
Round 2, No. 50 Overall - Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 2, No. 50 Overall - Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
Roddy White is gone, so the Falcons need a new No. 2 receiver. Fuller doesn't have great size, but he has the skills to be a big-time playmaker in the NFL. With teams having to pay so much attention to Julio Jones, Fuller could do a lot of damage if Atlanta is able to grab him in Round 2.
Round 3, No. 81 Overall - Christian Westerman, Offensive Guard, Arizona State
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 3, No. 81 Overall - Christian Westerman, Offensive Guard, Arizona State
The offensive line has to be a priority for the Falcons, so they can't let too many rounds fly by without addressing it. Westerman is a polished and experienced guard who should be able to challenge for a starting spot as a rookie. He also comes with the versatility to possibly move to center at some point, making him a valuable pickup in Round 3.
Round 4 - Keanu Neal, Safety, Florida
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 4 - Keanu Neal, Safety, Florida
Even if the Falcons add another great pass rusher, they still need help on the back end of their secondary. Neal played both safety spots in college, and while he still needs to improve playing deep in coverage, he's a good run stopper and has a nice upside as a starter a few years down the road.
Round 5 - Pearce Slater, Offensive Tackle, San Diego State
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 5 - Pearce Slater, Offensive Tackle, San Diego State
Taking one offensive lineman isn't going to be enough for the Falcons, and they'd be wise to take a chance on Slater. He has massive size at 6-foot-7, 333 pounds, as well as the arms and athleticism to be a right tackle in the NFL. It may take him some time to get up to speed, but he has the tools to develop into a long-time starter in the NFL.
Round 7 - Marteze Waller, Running Back, Fresno State
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 7 - Marteze Waller, Running Back, Fresno State
The Falcons are in need of some depth in their backfield outside of Tevin Coleman, and taking Waller in Round 7 is a good way to add some. Waller battled injuries in college, but when healthy he's capable of being a productive back and can make for a suitable NFL backup.
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