What Atlanta Falcons should do in second round of NFL Draft

Nov 23, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) celebrates with fans after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium. The Georgia Bulldogs won 59-17. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away. The talk surrounds what the Atlanta Falcons will do with the eighth overall pick.

Every top-notch pass rusher is linked to the Falcons due to the team’s glaring need at the position. Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler or even Alvin Dupree are all in the discussion. Trading down, as Blogging Dirty’s Sam Kweon explained, would also be a wise decision.

Each team should conclude the NFL Draft’s first round with an immediate difference maker; ideally a potential All-Pro player.

This selection is crucial in order to see a franchise prosper. However, to become a successful team in today’s game, the following rounds are also crucial to the health of a franchise. The depth of a team’s roster must be addressed and it starts with the second round pick.

More from Atlanta Falcons Draft

• Atlanta Falcons trade up for a quarterback in this full mock draft
• Atlanta Falcons: 3 trade packages to land first-overall pick
• 4 QBs Atlanta Falcons could target in rumored trade for No. 1 pick
• 3 Things Atlanta Falcons fans learned from Terry Fontenot at combine presser
• NFL insider says Atlanta Falcons will make play for No. 1 pick in draft

Great talent is usually available during day two of the draft. Since 2008, many starters over the years have been picked in the mid-rounds, such as Curtis Lofton, Harry Douglas, William Moore, Corey Peters, Robert Alford or Ra’Shede Hageman.

The Falcons have several (not to say a lot of) holes within their roster. Different paths could make sense in this year’s draft. Let’s take a look at the directions the front office could or should dive into.

Next: The secondary needs help