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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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Guard

The Falcons made a major free agent splash to bring in center Alex Mack. Mack was completely overpaid, and when you turn on the tape from 2015 you’ll notice he didn’t play to the level many are expecting of him in Atlanta.

Despite that, there’s no doubting the fact he gives the center position a major upgrade from what Falcons fans had to endure last season. For his talent and experience, the line’s improving play will continue to trend upwards.

The only remaining concern entering the draft was at the right guard spot. Chris Chester’s re-signing helped alleviate the immediate need, and the Falcons decided to add some insurance on day three of the draft with Wes Schweitzer. You can be forgiven if you hadn’t heard of Schweitzer when his name was called — not many had.

What Schweitzer offers is a project to groom into a starting job down the line. For the time being, the starting quintet (with the upgrade at center) is set and looks to be in good shape.

Next: Deion Jones will run Paul Worrilow out of town

Getting better in the trenches was a focus when Quinn arrived last season, and they have already achieved some good things along the offensive line.

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