The Falcons are entering the draft with what many consider to be glaring needs at the cornerback and edge positions.
A.J. Terrell will man one boundary position, and a combination of Mike Hughes, Clark Phillips, Dee Alford, Kevin King, and Antonio Hamilton Sr. will occupy the other two corner spots.
Arnold Ebiketie will surely start on one side of the line of scrimmage, while some combination of Lorenzo Carter, Zach Harrison, and DeAngelo Malone will field snaps on the other side.
That’s a whole lot of hope and prayer from where I sit, but Terry Fontenot is confident in the roster as it currently stands, telling reporters at Tuesday’s pre-draft press conference that they could play a game today.
Now, I get what you’re thinking: “What is he supposed to say?”
You’re right. Fontenot would’ve turned a lot of heads had he said the Falcons have a lot of big holes to fill, but it’s true. This defense as currently constructed would undoubtedly cost the team a postseason game.
The Falcons’ roster looks a lot like those of Matt Ryan‘s tenure — offensively dominant with a questionable defense. At some point, there will come a time where Kirk Cousins has to rely on Jimmy Lake’s unit. Right now, I’m not sure how anyone can have confidence in that scenario.
The Falcons were average defensively last season and lost substantial pieces. Ryan Nielsen’s departure is just being glossed over, and it shouldn’t be. He got the absolute most out of that defense. The team’s co-sack leaders are also currently free agents in Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree.
Those guys aren’t world-beaters by any means, but the Falcons are putting a lot of faith in the development of some young pass rushers. A proven commodity in both the first and third levels would go a long way.
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