Falcons Guaranteed 8th Pick in 2014 Draft, 3rd Overall Pick Still in Reach

After last night's lost, the Falcons cemented their top ten pick in the 2014 draft. Going into last night's game, they were picking seventh, so they moved up one slot by letting themselves get Bowmaned once again. Huzzah!

At worst, they will pick eighth come April. At best, they will pick third. Sure, picking first or second would be great, but I'm personally thrilled the Falcons didn't tank for a higher draft pick. There's something to say about remaining competitive. It sets the tone for the following season, while keeping the players invested in the cause.

Here's the current draft order. In short, if the Falcons lose and the Redskins, Jaguars, Raiders, Browns, Buccaneers, and Vikings win on Sunday, the Falcons will pick third. Not exactly a likely scenario, but no matter what, the Falcons are in prime territory to nab a real game changer. We all know how badly they need to improve along the offensive and defensive fronts; they'll have their chance to do just that, even if Clowney is out of reach.

To be sure, nobody expected the Falcons to fail in such epic fashion this season. The silver lining, if there is one, will be this draft pick. Without a doubt, Thomas Dimitroff and his merry band of scouts are zeroing in on their draft strategy, even with the draft four months away.

Your thoughts?