Atlanta Falcons Day 1 2014 NFL Draft Primer

The 2014 NFL draft is finally here. Atlanta picks sixth overall tonight barring any trades either up or down. If Thomas Dimitroff doesn’t deliver in this year’s draft and the Falcons fail again in 2014, he could be looking for work.

Matt Ryan needs some more protection, but pass rush should be Atlanta’s top priority. Looking for a replacement for the future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez should be important too. Follow along for all of your Falcons information in Thursday's draft.

Departures and Additions

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Departures

The Falcons lost some key starters due to releases, retirement and contract expirations. Free safety Thomas DeCoud, tight end Tony Gonzalez and cornerback Asante Samuel were vital to the Falcons' success in 2012. Unfortunately, only Samuel was adequately replaced before he was cut.

Guard Garrett Reynolds and fullback Bradie Ewing were both usurped of their starting roles before they were cut in the offseason. Add in Jason Snelling’s retirement, and the Falcons looked a bit bare going into free agency. Tackle Jeremy Trueblood is the final starter who isn’t back, but he was mediocre in 2013.

Additions

In free agency, Atlanta made sure to re-sign all of its possibly departing linemen. Keeping Mike Johnson and Joe Hawley on the offensive line and Jonathan Babineaux, Corey Peters and Peria Jerry on the defensive line really helps the Falcons’ depth.

With signings of guard Jon Asamoah, nose tackle Paul Soliai and defensive lineman Tyson Jackson to help beef up the lines, Atlanta is going to be tougher up front than they were in 2013. But it wasn’t just about toughness.

Atlanta needed to add some explosion. Bringing in Devin Hester on special teams will easily give Atlanta an explosive element it didn’t have. The rest of the signings were purely for depth—tight end Bear Pascoe and secondary members Javier Arenas, Dwight Lowery and Josh Wilson.

Team Needs

Pass-Rushing Edge Player

Atlanta hasn’t had a great pass rush since 1998. They have had some great pass-rushers in that time too with Rod Coleman, Patrick Kerney and John Abraham on the roster. They need to add someone who can get after the quarterback like those three did.

Free Safety

With how poorly Thomas DeCoud played at times last season, it’s not shocking that he was released. However, the Falcons need to find a competent replacement after not acquiring an upgrade in free agency. This could be a potential trade-down option.

Left Tackle

Sam Baker is injured too often, and Lamar Holmes played out of position at left tackle in 2013. Even though Baker is locked into a long-term contract, it’s easy for Atlanta to get out of should the veteran get injured yet again in 2014.

Tight End

With Tony Gonzalez heading into retirement and the only tight end brought in being Bear Pascoe, the Falcons need a receiving tight end to complement Levine Toilolo, or possibly supplant him. As it sits right now, there should be at least one tight end taken in the draft for depth at a minimum.

Depth Everywhere

Teams can always use better depth. Atlanta is just another one of those teams. They brought in quite a few free agents this offseason and could be looking at players who got a lot of experience in 2013 to build depth. They should add in some picks from this year’s class to the mix for competition.

Top Targets

1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, South Carolina

When it comes to great pass-rushing prospects over the last 20 years, Jadeveon Clowney stands in an elite group with just Julius Peppers and Mario Williams. The Falcons would have to trade up for him, but he is easily their best fit in the entire draft.

2. Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo

Khalil Mack is easily the second-best player in the draft for the Falcons. He’d be able to come in right away and play strong outside linebacker in the 3-4 looks and strong-side linebacker in 4-3 looks. He can do it all and would bring an aggressive streak to the defense again.

3. Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

Speaking of nasty, Greg Robinson is the epitome of that in this year’s draft class. He can play either tackle or guard but would be a left tackle for the long-term look of the Falcons offensive line. With Robinson at left tackle, the Falcons could have the next Walter Jones.

4. Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

As good as Robinson is, Jake Matthews could very well be better. Matthews is from a legendary bloodline and would be able to step right in and provide Pro Bowl-caliber play at left tackle. Sam Baker would have to be put on notice for his job with this selection.

5. Anthony Barr, DE/OLB, UCLA

If the Falcons can’t get any of the top four guys at No. 6, a trade down makes a ton of sense. Anthony Barr would be an option in a trade down to make sure they got their ideal pass-rusher for defensive coordinator Mike Nolan’s scheme.

6. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Another nasty tackle in this year’s class is Taylor Lewan. He’d have to start out as a right tackle before sliding to the left side. There’s a huge question mark related to an assault charge, though. Atlanta would have to feel comfortable with him off the field before they picked him.

7. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

Another trade-down target would be Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. He’s someone who could step in right away at free safety and be a massive upgrade over what Thomas DeCoud provided in 2013. The Falcons would have to make sure they got the right return on their No. 6 pick to trade down, though.

What Are the Experts Saying?

Mel Kiper, Jr.: OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan (subscription required)

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There's been some buzz about Atlanta as a team capable of moving up to take Clowney, but the problem with that is while pass rush is a major need, it doesn't protect the single biggest asset this franchise has, which is Matt Ryan. Yeah, they need a pass-rusher, but tackle is also a major need for the Falcons. If you don't move up and opt to stay here, you still have a chance to take a player capable of going that high -- I really think Lewan could have challenged for No. 1 had he entered the draft last season. Match that level of value with obvious need and you could do a lot worse. Lewan can play.

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Lewan would be an instant starter, and the godfather of the draft sees that the fit is right. However, there are off-field questions that could make this a deal breaker. If he's there, he seems more like a trade-down option.

Todd McShay: OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M (subscription required) 

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The Falcons need to improve at the tackle position, coming off a season in which franchise QB Matt Ryan was sacked a career-high 44 times (previous high: 28). Matthews would provide help as an experienced and effective blocker in the running and passing games. His versatility to play either tackle spot adds to his value because it would give Atlanta the option of keeping Sam Baker on the left side or moving him over to the right.

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This is yet another great fit. McShay picks a guy who's arguably the most likely Falcons pick if he's even available at this point. Matthews will be a 15-year starter and in the ring of honor by the time his career is over.

Matt Miller: LB Khalil Mack, Buffalo 

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The class of edge-rushers is very good, but none have the talent or upside of Khalil Mack...

...Mack would give defensive coordinator Mike Nolan the defensive weapon he lost when Atlanta released John Abraham. He's violent and fast. He also has amazing instincts for the football. Mack is good enough that the Falcons may just need to get up to pick No. 2 to land him.

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Khalil Mack is an ideal situation if the Falcons decide to stay at No. 6. Mack would be the instant starter as the strong-outside linebacker in both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. He'd provide Atlanta with someone who could enhance its pass rush and give them someone to force teams to scheme around.

Latest Rumors, Reports and Analysis

Will the Falcons Trade Up?

ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that the highly anticipated trade between the Falcons and Houston Texans is still being talked about among the teams (h/t Rotoworld’s Evan Silva):

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ESPN's Ed Werder on SportsCenter: "The dialogue between #Texans, #Falcons has been legitimate & continues as we speak."

— Evan Silva (@evansilva) May 7, 2014"

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More Werder: "Word on the street" is #Texans asking #Falcons for RG3-like haul to get from 6 to 1. (That was 3 1st-rounders & 2nd-rounder.)

— Evan Silva (@evansilva) May 7, 2014"

I’ve said since Jan. 1 that I think the Falcons will trade up for Jadeveon Clowney because it makes too much sense. However, I don’t think they will have to give up the farm to get him. Houston’s being greedy if they want an RGIII price for a guy who’s not a quarterback.

Negotiations always have a sweet spot where deals get done. The Falcons likely only want to spend this and next year’s first-round picks to move up. The compromise that I see happening is 2014’s No. 6 overall and third-round pick added to 2015’s first-round pick to move to No. 1. CBS’s Jason La Canfora has also agreed with this thought:

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Would not be surprised at all if ultimately a 2015 1st round pick and a 2014 3rd is enough to go from 6th to 1st. Stay tuned

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) May 7, 2014"

Taylor Lewan at No. 6 Overall

The Falcons are in need of a long-term solution at left tackle because Sam Baker can’t stay healthy. Taylor Lewan is just one name being kicked around, and NFL Network’s Mike Mayock seems to think there’s no way Atlanta goes with anyone else (h/t Atlanta Falcons.com’s Daniel Cox):

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It seems like no matter how I cut this, when I look at it, (Lewan) ends up in Atlanta at six. That makes a ton of sense. If Atlanta trades up for (Jadeveon) Clowney, all bets are off.

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Everybody and their brother thinks this pick seems to make sense. But that’s exactly why it just won’t happen. Atlanta is huge on character. Lewan has more arrests than every Falcon drafted over the last six years combined.

Now, it’s definitely possible that they change the character filters. But for a guy to get past that filter with any sort of arrest would be questionable at best. Expect this one to die if the Falcons trade up for Clowney at No. 1.

7-Round Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick 6: OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

The Falcons finally get their next Bob Whitfield or Mike Kenn here. While Jadeveon Clowney, Greg Robinson or Khalil Mack would have been preferred, they should all be off the board by the time Atlanta gets its chance to make its selection.

Jake Matthews is the best pass protector in the 2014 class and can play anywhere along the line. His best fit is at left tackle long-term. If the Falcons take Matthews, they will have a situation with Sam Baker’s contract that would be questionable though.

Round 2, Pick 37: TE Jace Amaro, Texas Tech

Losing Tony Gonzalez is going to be tough for the Falcons. While they could really love what Levine Toilolo brings to the situation, it’s unlikely they think the second-year receiver can duplicate everything that the future Hall of Fame tight end did.

That’s where Jace Amaro comes in. He’s a top-level receiving tight end who could give Atlanta more than what a late-run Gonzalez was giving them. However, he has to really improve his blocking to become Atlanta’s starting tight end.

Round 3, Pick 68: DE/OLB Marcus Smith, Louisville

Adding a rotational pass-rusher never hurts when trying to generate pass rush from a lack of raw, natural talent. Atlanta would be able to use Marcus Smith in a similar fashion to how he was used at Louisville. He would easily be able to play all over the front seven in a similar role to Kroy Biermann’s.

Round 4, Pick 103: RB Lache Seastrunk, Baylor

Adding depth at running back needs to be a priority with Steven Jackson’s injury history. Lache Seastrunk is a workhorse-type back who can break one the distance at any time. He’s used to working in a committee though, and should easily replace the retired Jason Snelling.

Round 4, Pick 139: S Dan Sorensen, BYU

Not much has been said about Daniel Sorenson, but his combine workout was insane for a safety. He also is an intelligent, instinctual safety that understands the different coverages. He has some deficiencies in tackling, but I’d gladly take Sorenson here over Jimmie Ward earlier.

Round 5, Pick 147: DT Justin Ellis, Louisiana Tech

Paul Soliai isn’t going to play 1,000 defensive snaps in a season. In fact, he’s likely only good for 450-500 snaps. Adding in Justin Ellis for four-man fronts and to compete with Jerry would be a good move here. The nimble Louisiana Tech defensive tackle could make an impact once Soliai is retired.

Round 6, Pick 182: LB Boseko Lokombo, Oregon

Adding depth everywhere would be the right move to make. Boseko Lokombo would be brilliant because he can play anywhere in the 3-4 or the 4-3. Atlanta would use him as depth behind their entire linebacker corps.

Round 7, Pick 220: WR Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State

Jeff Janis was on the North roster for the Senior Bowl. Atlanta has a tendency to take Senior Bowl players every year, and this should be no different. Janis would be a multi-year project that should contribute early on special teams.

Round 7, Pick 253: DE/OLB Shaq Barrett, Colorado State

Edge-playing defensive ends and outside linebackers would look a bit crowded with this pick. However, without a high pick on a pass-rusher, Atlanta needs to fortify their rotation. Shaq Barrett will do just that, as he can play end or linebacker depending on the scheme.

Round 7, Pick 255: QB Connor Shaw, South Carolina

Adding a solid backup quarterback is always a good move this late. Connor Shaw is from Flowery Branch and would be a great addition to the competition for the backup job. Dominique Davis and Sean Renfree shouldn’t like this pick, but that’s because Shaw could beat them both out.

All stats used are either from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats (subscription required), ESPN, CFBStats or the NFL. All combine and pro day info is courtesy NFL Draft Scout. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac and Rotoworld.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, College Football, NFL and the NFL draft. He also runs DraftFalcons.com.

Follow @ScottCarasik