Reader’s Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons are On the Clock
December 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter in the final regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL draft will be here before we know it. Now that Free Agency has settled down, team needs have come into focus. That could mean only one thing – it’s time for another mock draft! But rather than us sitting back and throwing darts at the wall, we thought we’d let you join in the fun. We’ll roll through the draft order and give each team choices based on team needs and the best players available and you’ll vote on the picks for each team. On with the countdown…
6. Atlanta Falcons 4-12
After a very disappointing 2013 regular season, the Atlanta Falcons are looking to make their team a contender again. They’ve had a fairly busy offseason. They lost a historically outstanding player and later signed one. Future hall of fame tight end Tony Gonzalez has retired and the nearly washed up yet best return man of all time Devin Hester has joined the team. However, it will take a lot more than an old kick returner to make the Falcons good again. GM Thomas Dimitroff says the team will be looking for “rugged” players.
Dec 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) catches a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
There is talent on this team, but last season was plagued with injuries and disappointing losses. It was a nightmare season. But this year, with Julio Jones coming back strong, the Falcons can likely boast a high powered passing attack. However, serious changes need to be made to address their league worst ground game. Steven Jackson was adequate at best for the team. Defensively, they were also pretty awful, ranking 27 overall in the league. The only team who gave up more yards per carry than them was the beloved Chicago Bears.