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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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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Best player available

The Falcons absolutely have needs to fill, but the draft is ultimately about value. It’s important not to make a habit of passing up on players at the top of the draft board, because doing so has a short-term outlook. If the player at the top of the board doesn’t fill a ‘need’ and you pass him up, another team will gratefully accept him.

Atlanta needs to work the draft favorably. If the Falcons are desperate for a specific pass rusher but his value fits at the bottom of the first round, they should do all they can to trade down. If not, they should take the top defensive player on their board, even if it isn’t a ‘need’.

This isn’t an approach often taken by the Falcons, but ‘best player available’ is commonly used by teams like the Packers. Why? Because it works. Stocking up on players you deem to be the best available means you’re not letting that talent go play somewhere else.

This draft is huge for the Atlanta Falcons. Get it right and they can make a serious push at the playoffs in 2016. Get it wrong, and it could be another frustrating year inside the Georgia Dome.

Next: Atlanta Falcons free agency tracker

Stay tuned to Blogging Dirty for all the latest Atlanta Falcons free agency news.