Atlanta Falcons Seven-Round 2015 Mock Draft

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell begins the draft and puts the Houston Texans on the clock at the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons have a lot of work to do if they are to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2012. With the chaos of free agency coming to a close, the focus for general manager Thomas Dimitroff turns to the 2015 NFL Draft.

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Despite finishing 6-10 in 2014, the Falcons were actually a Week 17 victory away from a playoff berth. Although Falcons fans would have loved an opportunity to make a run in the playoffs, the odds of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy this past February were slim.

Instead, they will hit the clock for the first time with the eighth-overall pick in this year’s draft, which kicks off on April 30.

The Falcons’ priorities lie on fixing a defense that struggled majorly last term. According to ESPN Stats, the Falcons ranked dead last in total defense and pass defense. They simply must improve in this area to have any chance of competing next season.

A positive to come out of last season was on the offensive side of the ball. The Falcons ranked eighth in total offense and fifth in passing offense. With a little help to their ground game, they will be set to build on an impressive campaign.

So, who could the Falcons target in each of the seven rounds?

Next: The Falcons need a pass-rusher