Falcons May Be Planning On Finding Their Defensive End In The Draft

November 17, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA LSU Tigers defensive end Sam Montgomery (99) against the Ole Miss Rebels during a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Ole Miss 41-35. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It’s great that the Falcons addressed the running back situation by signing Steven Jackson. If that was the only significant move they make in free agency, then that is satisfying, but what is going on with the lack of interest in defensive ends?

That is a question that is still floating around in Falcons fans heads, as they watch all of the defensive ends being signed.

The Falcons do have a need at defensive end after releasing both Ray Edwards and John Abraham.

There aren’t a lot more options in free agency at defensive end. The long-term type of guys that they could of used like Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, and Williams Hayes are all signed. The Falcons may end up regretting their decision by not going after one of those three later down the line because each one of those three can be a long-term option for any team at defensive end.

Maybe the Falcons are setting their sights on a short-term type of guy like Dwight Freeney or Osi Umenyiora. Even bringing back John Abraham isn’t out of the question either.

Seeing how the Falcons haven’t been very active in the defensive end market, the best guess would be that they will try to improve that position in the draft. They will certainly be in a position with the 30th overall pick in the draft to take a potential long-term answer at defensive end.

Signing a veteran defensive end could still be an option for the Falcons, as an insurance for if they do select a rookie defensive end early in the draft.