Atlanta Falcons: Will this defense be Top-10?

The Atlanta Falcons defense looks much better on paper heading into the 2017 NFL season, but could they wind up being one of the ten best?

As the 2016 NFL Season progressed, the Atlanta Falcons started to look like a much improved defense. They were able to corral superstar quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers and Tom Brady of the New England Patriots for much of their contests against them in the post season.

Of course we all know that didn’t last. While the team held the Packers off despite a late surge by Rodgers, they weren’t able to do the same in the Super Bowl against Brady and the Patriots. In an attempt to become more powerful for the entire game, the Falcons have worked hard to build their depth on defense — especially along the line.

They added former Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe and also drafted UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley and LSU linebacker Duke Riley. These additions will help, especially when they’re put on the field with 2016 NFL Sack leader Vic Beasley, Jr.

While these additions will help, Derek Snyder of NFL Spin Zone thinks it can do more than that. He believes the team could finish in the Top-10, and said the players added aren’t the only reason why.

"“Heading into this season, I expect a humongous jump from being one of the worst defenses in the league, to being one of the very best. There are many reasons why, but none are as significant as the hiring of [defensive coordinator] Marquand Manuel.” — Snyder, NFL Spin Zone"

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and new defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel have been close for a long time. The two worked together with the Seattle Seahawks before joining forces in Atlanta, but their time together goes back to their days in college with the Florida Gators.

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It’s no secret that Quinn has made some positive changes, and now the belief is Manuel will help push them forward even more. It won’t be surprising to see some improvement by the team, but is top-10 possible? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Twitter and let us know if you think so.