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Atlanta Falcons: Three first-round options in 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee gestures to the crowd in the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee gestures to the crowd in the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Falcons have a number of needs to fix this offseason. Here’s some options the team has with the No. 17 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Dan Quinn’s first season in Atlanta can be considered a success. The defense made improvements after ranking dead last in 2014. Devonta Freeman broke out as one of the league’s top running backs and the offensive line finally held up, particularly in run blocking. But this was just the beginning on a long journey to competing for championships.

Owning just five picks in this year’s draft sure doesn’t help, although this could change if the Falcons make any trades. The pressure is on to hit on these picks to help the team navigate through the league’s toughest schedule in 2016 and build on a solid debut season for Quinn.

Fixing a dormant pass rush is atop the list of priorities, but it’s expected the Falcons will look for help in free agency as well as the draft. Adding talent at middle linebacker and wide receiver is also high on the list of upgrades required.

When the Falcons hit the clock with the 17th overall pick in April, who could they select? Here’s three options.

Next: Fixing the pass rush is top priority