How long have fans asked for the Falcons to draft another defensive end or a high-profile offensive linemen to protect Matt Ryan? We've seen Ryan rush passes due to opponents getting to him quickly or take a sack on a crucial third down because a lineman missed an assignment.
Truth is, the Falcons have been slow to address problem positions on the team.
Before this year, the Falcons have only drafted two offensive linemen since 2014 and three defensive ends since 2013. Super Bowl champs the New England Patriots have drafted 11 offensive linemen and 10 defensive linemen since 2014. The Philadelphia Eagles have drafted six offensive linemen since 2013 and eight defensive linemen since 2014.
It's not that the Falcons have drafted poorly. Calvin Ridley, Damontae Kazee, Deion Jones, and Jake Matthews have all been excellent pick-ups. The issue is the neglect of the two most important positions on the team in the offensive and defensive lines.
Thomas Mott talks about the three positions in which the Falcons have been slow to address.