Speculation Building As Draft Approaches For The Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons would surprise even the most veteran of draft coverage outlets last year when they chose to go with a quarterback with the team's first-round pick, even though they had signed Kirk Cousins to a massive contract.

Experts predict that the team will likely select an edge rusher this year in the first round. Others speculate that the team may veer off course and go offense first and defense in the second round because this year's class is reasonably deep at the edge rusher position. 

As a recap, Atlanta's offensive assistants were told to stay home during the NFL Scouting Combine and that the team would only interview defensive talent during the combine. Yet, the team has hosted several offensive draftee hopefuls and has had plenty of visits with players on that side of the football. 

It is worth noting that the team is doing its due diligence regarding draft homework, but Atlanta has always been a team that does not let hints of who it plans to select slip. 

Will this be the year the Falcons finally select a Georgia Bulldog with the team's first-round pick? Will they choose more than one Bulldog? Will they go offense first? Will they trade back from the 15th pick to stack mid to late round selections they do not have thus far?

With Atlanta, nothing is ever off the table. Although it is unlikely that a move for Cousins will be made during the draft, the team could move on from Kyle Pitts on draft night.