Atlanta Falcons: 5 offseason needs

Wide Receiver

Atlanta knows exactly what type of receiving team it wants to be. It has a superstar at No. 1 in Julio Jones and one of the best No. 2’s in the game today in Mohamed Sanu. For the last two years, this one-two punch has played very well off each other. Atlanta has been a preeminent passing attack for nearly all the Matt Ryan era in Atlanta.

However, this Falcons passing offense could use an upgrade, or at least a look at, the tertiary receiving options. As stated before, No. 3 wide receiver Taylor Gabriel will be hitting free agency. He was originally brought over on the cheap as one of Kyle Shanahan’s guys formerly of the Cleveland Browns. While Gabriel was an explosive weapon in 2016, he was less than dynamic playing in Steve Sarkisian’s offense.

Sure, Atlanta does have other receivers on the roster, most notably in the form of third-year pro Justin Hardy. His sure-handedness and ability to make plays between the hash marks should make him a viable commodity in the back-half of his rookie deal with the team. However, Atlanta could lose its return man in receiver Andre Roberts in his impending free agency.

While the Falcons do spread the ball around well to wide receivers, running backs and tight ends, it would only serve them to look at either retaining Gabriel or finding a suitable replacement in free agency. Atlanta does not need to be a big spender at receiver, as this offense tends to elevate the players playing in it. The Falcons could look for another wide receiver in the draft, but a seasoned veteran might be the better option.