ICYMI: Falcons shouldn’t forget draft while building roster

The Falcons made a big splash with the signing of center Alex Mack before signing a few others and bringing in others for visits. One player who signed is Mohamed Sanu. That signing drew criticism that the Falcons paid Sanu more than they had to.

In a column this week, Michael Cunningham advocated building through the draft, not by spending big money in free agency.

“They need a big talent infusion, and the most cost-effective way to do that is through the long-term process of drafting and retaining good players. Being increasingly lousy at that is the principle reason why the Falcons’ 36-12 record from 2010-12 deteriorated to 18-30 over the past three seasons.”

In the column, find out:

• What impact Cunningham thinks those players will have on the roster.

• Why drafted players are important in the NFL.

• How the NFL’s successful franchises build rosters.

Read the full column here.

In other Falcons news:

Sean Weatherspoon back where he started.

Falcons, O’Brien Schofield at contract impasse.

Vic Beasley declares shoulder healed.

Mohamed Sanu said he’s “not trying to fill anybody’s shoes.”