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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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Oct 27, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) before the game against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) before the game against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Since the Falcons have some cap room entering the offseason, they will likely look to improve at linebacker, safety, and wide receiver in free agency. A few players that the Falcons could target include linebacker Danny Trevathan of the Denver Broncos, strong safety Roman Harper of the Carolina Panthers and wide receiver Travis Benjamin of the Cleveland Browns.

While Atlanta’s passing game regressed in 2015 with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s West Coast system, the running game improved behind a Pro Bowl season of running back Devonta Freeman to give the Falcons’ offense a bit more balance. They’ll need to limit the turnovers, but the team should be better in the second season of Shanahan’s offense.

Defensively, the secondary is the Falcons’ best position group. They’ll need to shore up safety, but the team is strong at cornerback with Pro Bowler Desmond Trufant and the much-improved Robert Alford.

Atlanta has great teachers on its defensive coaching staff like defensive coordinator Richard Smith, defensive backs coach Marquand Manuel, and linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich. The front seven is improving, but an injection of both talent and scheme fit will only aid Quinn’s 4-3 under base defense in 2016.

Overall, the Falcons will again contend for an NFC Playoff spot in 2016. How the front office chooses to bring in complimentary pieces to the team will go a long way in seeing if the Falcons can contend with the NFC Champion Carolina Panthers in the NFC South in 2016.

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