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Atlanta Falcons: Updated draft priorities after first wave of free agency

By Freddie Boston

Oct 17, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) and Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Nate Crawford (55) battle during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Missouri 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) and Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Nate Crawford (55) battle during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Missouri 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

After the first wave of free agency, what are the Atlanta Falcons’ draft priorities?

I’ve long been a believer that free agency shouldn’t dictate your draft but rather the way around. But I also understand this isn’t always the case. For the Atlanta Falcons — who have just five picks in this year’s draft — filling holes on the roster in free agency was vital for easing pressure in the draft.

GM Thomas Dimitroff tends to fill needs in the draft rather than taking a ‘best player available’ approach, which means his actions in free agency have even more bearing on his selections in the draft. After a flurry of moves in Flowery Branch over the past week, what are the priorities for the Falcons moving forward?

The Falcons have made steps to fix the defense by re-signing Adrian Clayborn and adding defensive end Derrick Shelby. Offensively, they also look in much better shape with the addition of center Alex Mack and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu. A more balanced offense with better protection looks like a reality next term.

But what are the priorities the Falcons must make when drafting in April? Here’s what they need to do to make it a great offseason.

Next: Above all the rest