FLOWERY BRANCH -- Working on a Sunday story on how the Falcons plan to address their roster moving forward.
But one quote from general manager Thomas Dimitroff jumped off the notebook. He doesn't feel there are no major holes in the roster.
“I really believe that we don’t have any major holes in this roster," Dimitroff said. " I think we are continuing to build the depth of this roster. We are continuing to get better and better along those lines. I don’t look at any (one) area on the field."
Thusly, with the 31st pick in the Falcons will be in a position to take the best player available (BPA) in the draft to improve the depth on the roster.
Last year, after cutting William Moore they had to go need and selected safety Keanu Neal higher than most folks had him rated. With Neal making the PFWA all-rookie team, drafting for need worked out in 2016.
However, we know the history of drafting purely for need can backfire. There was the defensive end Jamaal Anderson pick over linebacker Patrick Williams, cornerback Darrelle Revis and running back Marshawn Lynch back in 2007.
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There was the pick of defensive tackle Peria Jerry over Clay Matthews back in 2009.
Also, the Vic Beasley need pick over Todd Gurley, who Gil Brandt rated at the No.2 player in the draft, appears to be working out. Although a bigger back like Gurley, might not have gotten stuffed in the fourth quarter from the 22 yard line or he might have picked up the Hightower on the blitz.
The Falcons pick 31st overall. Most of the way-too-early (pre-combine) mock drafts have them going pass rusher. Our guy Bucky Brooks over NFL.com has them taking Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson.
The draft is set for April 27-29 in Philadelphia.
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