Falcons Free Agency: Remaining Positions of Need

While none of the moves the Falcons have made in free agency could be described as splashy, they have methodically begun to address positions of weakness on the roster with reasonable cap implications. The team went into this process with many glaring needs, however, and many glaring needs remain.

The Falcons added defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and O'Brien Schofield, and both guys are welcome additions to a roster that was very weak at this position, but with this area being such a weakness for the Falcons, adding an impact pass rusher should still be a priority.

After parting ways with veteran left guard Justin Blalock, the Falcons added guard Mike Person to the roster, but it's unclear whether he'll be a viable starter or will fill more of a backup role. A starting-caliber left guard who can provide stability and thrive in Kyle Shanahan's zone blocking scheme would be an ideal acquisition.

Many hoped that the team would acquire a veteran tight end in free agency, and most of the best chances for a quality addition have been signed by other teams by now. Tight ends factor heavily into Shanahan's offense, and the Falcons still need to find a tight end, either among remaining free agents or in the draft,  who is a reliable receiver and a sure blocker.

While the Falcons did sign Charles Godfrey for a decent chunk of money, they continue to sift through free agent options at safety. Godfrey didn't see the field much last season, which is at least partially because he was signed late in the season and had to learn Mike Nolan's complicated scheme, but he's aging, and it's reasonable to expect that there might be a better free safety option out there.

The Falcons did re-sign Antone Smith, and he seems particularly well-suited for Shanahan's scheme. Smith and Devonta Freeman give the Falcons two very good running backs to work with, and Shanahan has a history of getting the most out of his running backs, so it will be exciting to see how these two fare this season. I'm also happy that the Falcons didn't invest in any aging running backs to this point. Still, I'd expect the Falcons to add another running back, whether from remaining free agents or the draft.

What do you see as the Falcons' remaining positions of need, and how do you anticipate the team addressing those needs?