Blogging Dirty
FanSided

Atlanta Falcons News: Drafting defensive end early is important

By Freddie Boston

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd (98) celebrates a quarterback tackle during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Kevin Dodd (98) celebrates a quarterback tackle during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

We are now just eight days away from the 2016 NFL Draft, yet we are still none the wiser as to who the Atlanta Falcons might take with their first pick, should they even use the selection at all. A trade is very possible at this point.

Will the Falcons take a linebacker, a defensive end? Both of these topics are featured in today’s Dirty Bird Daily, as is a look at Julio Jones’ offseason. He has been working out with former Alabama running back Derrick Henry who will be eagerly awaiting a phone call in next week’s draft.

As you sip your coffee this fine Wednesday morning, enjoy these articles from the Falcons blogosphere.

Who will be the Falcons starting linebackers this season? — The DW of The Falcoholic

Who will start at middle, weakside and strongside linebacker this season? There are options available to the Falcons in the draft that could help shore up some of the weaknesses at the position. Here’s how it might shake out.

2016 Draft Needs: Falcons To Add Defensive End Early Or Not At All — Aaron Freeman of FalcFans.com

Fixing the pass rush is one of the top priorities for the Falcons this offseason. They should go after a defensive end early or not at all, according to Aaron Freeman. To find a significant upgrade to what the team already has, they will need to have a prospect in mind early in the draft.

Julio Jones gives draft advice to Alabama’s Derrick Henry, Reggie Ragland — Vaughn McClure of ESPN

Julio Jones likes to give some advice to draft prospects coming from Alabama, where Jones of course played himself. Jones has been working out with running back prospect Derrick Henry, and also spoke with inside linebacker Reggie Ragland. Who knows, maybe one of them will be a teammate in little over a week? Ragland is a candidate for the Falcons’ first pick at No. 17.

Next: Falcons Draft: Day one options at linebacker

DiMarco to announce one of Falcons’ draft picks — Kelsey Conway of AtlantaFalcons.com

Falcons fullback Patrick DiMarco will not only be looking forward to meeting his new teammates, but he will also be announcing which prospect is selected by Atlanta in the third round. That will be a pretty cool moment for him. The idea is to raise the profile of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award by allowing the nominees to announce draft picks.

Home/Atlanta Falcons News