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Atlanta Falcons: How team needs were addressed in 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Keanu Neal (Florida) is selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the number seventeen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Keanu Neal (Florida) is selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the number seventeen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) tackles Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Jesus Wilson (3) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State defeated Florida 27-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) tackles Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Jesus Wilson (3) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State defeated Florida 27-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

How did the Atlanta Falcons address their biggest needs in the 2016 NFL Draft?

The only guarantee entering the 2016 NFL Draft was that the Atlanta Falcons wouldn’t be able to fix all of their needs. No team can. This is especially true when you own just six selections over the three-day event and just four in the opening four rounds.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn knew he couldn’t get everyone he wanted, but he clearly had a plan entering the draft to add more speed and physicality to the roster, particularly on defense. That’s what makes the first two picks so interesting.

Safety Keanu Neal’s tackles show up on the Richter scale. One hit by Neal is one too many for pass catchers, and the Falcons hope he can be the enforcer on defense a la Kam Chancellor in Seattle.

Deion Jones adds lightning speed and athleticism. His coverage skills and ability to give chase will appeal to Quinn, and he is a good fit for the Falcons defense.

Two picks, two needs addressed. How did the Falcons go about fixing their other needs in the draft? Let’s work through them one by one.

Next: Pass rush

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