As the NFL inches closer to its annual draft, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves in an interesting position. The team simultaneously finds itself lacking positional depth and playmakers while being strapped for cash. Any rational person would immediately believe that team was among the worst in the NFL, but that's not exactly the case in Atlanta. The team won seven games and is picking in the top 10, but they were also very much alive in the playoff race as late as December. That, paired with the likely regression of the NFC South, means that the Falcons may be closer to pushing for the playoffs as soon as next season.
The Falcons very well could continue to rebuild the roster while winning games, but if, and only if, the Falcons win the NFL Draft in May says Chris Goforth.
"I think this draft is huge for the Falcons and their future," says Goforth. "You (the Falcons) better get four starters out this draft."
Free agency certainly comes first, with the NFL calendar rolling over in just over a week (March 14th), but the Falcons aren't exactly in position to chase many of the desirable targets that many will be looking at. However, don't expect the team to be completely dormant as that's where GM Terry Fontenot has historically cut his teeth.
"Because the salary cap situation being what it is... the Falcons will be mid-level shoppers or even more like bargain shoppers," Goforth continued. "But you gotta go get a difference-maker somewhere. You're not going to find that in free agency because you just don't have the money, but can in this draft, which is what makes it so important."
The facts are that Matt Ryan is here and under contract, but beyond that, leadership in the organization believes he can still play winning football. As long as he lining up under center, he gives you a chance. Just look at last season! Arthur Smith won seven games and made a run at the playoffs with the "island of misfit toys" at his disposal. Give him weapons on offense and Dean Pees a true difference-maker on defense, then who knows how high this team can shoot.
With the coaching acumen and stability under center both there, the onus is now on Terry Fontenot to capitalize in May.
Atlanta finds itself with serious needs at a plethora of positions. They could use an upgrade at wide receiver and offensive line, plus playmakers all over the defense. But the NFL Draft presents the opportunity to find value at every level. Producer Garrett Chapman pointed out that teams have found day one contributors and that they don't only exist in the early rounds. Atlanta's own Grady Jarrett was selected 137th overall (5th Round) and the Offensive Player of the Year last season was found at 69 (3rd Round). The value is always there to be found, Terry Fontenot and company just need to find it.
If the Falcons can capitalize on this class, winning may be a whole lot closer than many may realize.
