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2016 NFL offseason: Atlanta Falcons needs

By John Buhler

Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Atlanta won 39-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Atlanta won 39-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff shown on the sideline against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff shown on the sideline against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The Falcons’ best draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft is the No. 17 overall pick in the first round. While Atlanta has major needs at both safety and center, expect the Falcons to grab either the best defensive front seven player available or the best scheme fit at No. 17.

Players like Alabama Crimson Tide inside linebacker Reggie Ragland, Ole Miss Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, and Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson are a few options the Falcons could go with at No. 17. While it would be out of Dimitroff’s character to trade back in the draft, his advisers may advocate for the Falcons to trade back for additional picks to lessen the burden of having to knock all five of their selections out of the park.

Should the Falcons stay pat in the draft and use all five of their picks accordingly? Expect Dimitroff, Quinn, and the rest of the Atlanta front office to select a player in the defensive front seven, an interior offensive lineman, a wide receiver, and a defensive back in no particular order.

Besides Moore and Durant who have already been cut by the Falcons, some other players of note that could leave in free agency are right guard Chris Chester, linebacker Philip Wheeler, linebacker Paul Worrilow, and possibly right tackle Ryan Schraeder.

Atlanta needs to pay Schraeder to hopefully re-solidify the Falcons’ solid offensive line. Losing Chester would be tough as well, as he was the best interior offensive lineman on the team in 2015. With Durant already being cut, Atlanta is incredibly weak at linebacker, so expect either Wheeler or Worrilow to re-sign with the Falcons for 2016, possibly both.

Next: Who's coming in?

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