Atlanta Falcons: Should they draft a tight end for 2016?

The Atlanta Falcons have been linked to just about every tight end in this years’ draft class but it might not be the smartest move to use one of their five picks on that position.

With only five picks to work with, addressing a position that doesn’t really need to be addressed until 2017 isn’t best for business. The Falcons’ tight end spot hasn’t been anywhere near as good as it was when Tony Gonzalez was patrolling around the field. However, they have a solid player in Jacob Tamme and as far as I know, he’s not injured or incapable of catching footballs so there is no need to replace him after his best career season to date.

Let’s also get something straight. This is an extremely weak tight end class outside of Arkansas’ Hunter Henry. This is a class that may have two or three future starters while the rest are just run-of-the-mill guys. It makes no sense whatsoever to burn a pick one someone who is by no means a guarantee to do anything in the NFL.

Henry is a solid player and if I had to pick the Falcons to draft a tight end, he would be the guy. However, Henry won’t make it out of the second round and that’s way too early to use a pick on a position that isn’t a dire need. With several spots to fill on defense, it isn’t best for business to waste a pick on an offensive skill player and start a scrub at one of your defensive spots.

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2017 is the draft that you use a pick on a tight end. The Falcons will be entering into their new stadium and the defense should be a lot better off. That will be the draft to go out and give Matt Ryan some more weapons and really make a push for a playoff spot.