Although we don't know whom exactly the Falcons will draft come April, we do know what head coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff are looking for, and that is speed.
ESPN draft expert Todd McShay agrees with Quinn's "need for speed" approach, saying he believes Atlanta will draft with that first in mind.
"I think linebacker is one spot they could try to upgrade to improve the speed of their front seven," McShay said at the NFL Combine. "To me, Jaylon Smith coming out of Notre Dame is a possibility; Darron Lee from Ohio State would make a lot of sense, he's a guy who can cover and run sideline to sideline. I think upgrading the speed of that defense is one of the priorities."
Smith is commonly viewed as one of the most talented linebackers in this year's draft class. Lee has quietly become one of the most intriguing prospects at this position, and a good performance at the Combine could give his stock a significant boost.
McShay also believes Quinn and Co. could add depth on the offensive line.
"At guard and tackle, there is a good amount of talent in the second and third rounds, on Day 2," said McShay. "Cody Whitehair from Kansas State is a really good offensive guard that you don't want to spend a first-round pick on but maybe could get in the second or third round range. At the tackle position, Jason Spriggs from Indiana has a lot of developmental potential, [he's] not there yet, but he's big, long and moves well. I think there is adequate depth at guard and tackle in this year's draft."
