Atlanta Falcons: Ten ways team can be fixed in 2016

8. Safety

The Falcons have not had two great safeties since the early days of William Moore and Thomas DeCoud when they were laying the lumber for Mike Smith’s defense. But, since DeCoud left, it hasn’t been the same, and, with William Moore looking like a cap casualty, the void will continue to be there if  this is not handled quickly.

In 2015, the safety position was defined by the opportunistic play of Ricardo Allen who has all but entrenched himself in this team’s secondary for the coming years. But, for a once practice-squad guy, there will be times when he is limited by his ability and it was shown on missed tackles and being out of position in a couple of key match-ups. Could he be great? Sure. But who is going to play beside him at Strong Safety once “Willy Mo” is gone?

This is why the area of concern must be addressed soon. This position may have saved them a few times, but, again, with one less pivotal player in the fold, this is about to become a liability to a defense that appeared to be shifting out of its less-than-pedestrian play.

There will be many good selection possibilities in May’s draft, but the Falcons need some sort of experience. They should look at bringing in a free agent for this role and then drafting a long-term option, too, before this pass defense finds itself at a dead-last position again.

Next: No. 7