With the 2020 NFL Draft in the books, the Atlanta Falcons have successfully built a roster with elite talent on both sides of the ball.
As fans have learned over the past two seasons, though, talent doesn’t always translate to success. The presence of veteran players and locker-room leadership can be just as conducive to winning as anything else.
That’s why we’re highlighting three positions on the Falcons’ roster which, while not short on talent, may still benefit from a veteran addition or two before training camp.
Tight end
Hayden Hurst may very well become a viable replacement for Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper, but to assume the transition will be seamless would be naive. Hurst was one of three tight ends used in Baltimore’s high-powered offense in 2020. The former first-round pick has a ton of talent, but still must prove he can be a weapon at the position in Dirk Koetter’s offense.
Atlanta signed XFL standout Khari Lee, who has good upside and should provide depth. However, adding a veteran like Delanie Walker would help provide some leadership and a reliable target for Matt Ryan. For now, it’s up to Hurst to show he can be that No. 1 option at tight end.
Cornerback
A.J. Terrell, Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield will each be in the mix for the Falcons’ two starting corner spots. All three players have considerable upside, but the secondary struggled last year even when Desmond Trufant was healthy. With less experience at one of football’s toughest positions to play, this trio will have to perform at a high level despite just three years of NFL experience combined between them.
There are still some free-agent options for the Falcons to consider, including Darqueze Dennard and Logan Ryan. The team seems pretty confident with its current group, and safety Keanu Neal‘s return after missing basically two seasons should help Atlanta’s young corners in 2020.
EDGE
With Vic Beasley out of town, Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley has become the focus of fan scrutiny. But this isn’t an issue just based on McKinley’s uncertain future with the team. Atlanta let veteran Adrian Clayborn walk as well, losing a versatile end that also provided leadership.
Dante Fowler Jr. is a very good young player, and I fully expect him to be an upgrade over Beasley in 2020. However, is this essential swapping of Beasley for Fowler enough to get one of the NFL’s worst pass-rushing teams a year ago back on track? If not, Jadeveon Clowney, Everson Griffen and Markus Golden are still out there.
