Atlanta Falcons: 3 biggest needs following 2021 NFL Draft

Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kyle Pitts (Florida) poses with a jersey after being selected by Atlanta Falcons as the number four overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kyle Pitts (Florida) poses with a jersey after being selected by Atlanta Falcons as the number four overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons Need 2: Answers in the defensive backfield

The Falcons were one of the league’s worst pass defenses and it showed up especially in net yards per pass, in which they ranked No. 29.

A.J. Terrell had a solid rookie season and the Falcons are going to rely on him to take a bigger role. But what about that spot opposite-side of Terrell? Is Kendall Sheffield really the answer? We don’t think so.

Atlanta made a solid selection in S Richie Grant that could boost the backend, but that other cornerback spot is concerning. Perhaps there’s still a free-agent out there for the Falcons. If not, it could be another long season.

This is a league that is predicated on cornerback play because of the new advances in offense and without a solid option on both sides, your chances of having an above average defense are slim to none.