Can Dimitroff Repeat Last Year’s draft
The Atlanta Falcons were one of the surprise teams last season thanks to their draft. With the defense needed to be addressed this year can the Falcons pull it off again.
Falcons general manager Tom Dimitroff pulled off what most teams in the National Football League dream of. That being selecting a quarterback with their first pick overall, and have him perform right out of the gates.
In addition to quarterback Matt Ryan the Falcons also took offensive tackle Sam Baker and linebacker Chris Lofton within the first two rounds. Both turned out to be starters right out of the blocks.
This year the defense needs to be addressed as the Falcons lost five starters to free agency. Which means that there will be a lot of young players starting.
The Falcons did address the departures of linebackers Keith Brookings and Michael Boley. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, they did that by signing free agent linebacker Mike Peterson who will replace Brookings and Coy Wire who will compete with Stephen Nichols for the starting strong side linebacker position.
In the secondary cornerback Brent Grimes will be the starter next season for the departed Domonique Foxworth. Then to replace Lawyer Milloy the current plan is to use either Thomas Decloud or Jamaal Fudge.
The only problem right now is replacing the vacated starting defensive tackle spot. Most likely the Falcons will use their first round selection on that. Then their second round selection on a linebacker, since the linebacker position is looking deep this year.
However, the draft is unpredictable and who knows who wll be available when the Falcons draft 24th in the first round.
In any which case the Falcons are depending on young talent to perform right away to make the playoffs again. In the NFC South that is a tall order to fill.