Falcons trade down in the draft, possibly out of the first round
Atlanta is one of the most talented teams in the NFL, with very few glaring weaknesses. They would ideally love one of the top defensive tackles to fall in their laps at pick #26, but there are a few top guys that will likely be taken before their pick and then a bevy of solid options that will be available in the second and third rounds. Some might think Dimitroff will pull off a trade to move up and snag one of those top defensive tackles, like he did last year with Takkarist McKinley and even more infamously with Julio Jones. That could very well be the case, but Atlanta could use the extra pick(s), that they would get by moving back, and continue to build depth for the future after only having six picks in the last draft.
Falcons draft TE Dallas Goedert with their first pick
It is no secret the Falcons had trouble scoring in the red zone in the first season under Steve Sarkisian, and it is even one of the few things they struggled with at times under Kyle Shanahan. Matt Ryan could use a big, go-to target in the red zone that he has not had since Tony Gonzalez decided to hang it up. Enter Dallas Goedert, who was an absolute stud with the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, catching 92 balls for 1,293 yard and 11 touchdowns last season. Sure, the competition was not anywhere near the NFL level, but this guy is a first-round talent. Austin Hooper is a below average starting NFL tight-end. The Falcons could use a guy like Goedert to complement their talented receivers Julio Jones and Mohammed Sanu.
Atlanta trades up to draft WR Calvin Ridley in the first round
Many people would not be surprised if the Falcons traded up. The overall consensus if they do trade up, however, is that it will be for a defensive tackle. That could change if Calvin Ridley slides towards the end of the first-round like many draft experts expect to be the case. Atlanta currently has two world-class wide receivers, but after that, there is quite a drop off with Taylor Gabriel departing to Chicago. This is a position that will likely be addressed at some point in the draft, and if the Falcons have the chance to go get Ridley, it would be hard pressed for anyone to blame them. Ridley is the best receiver in the draft, and if it was not for inconsistent quarterback play, he would probably be a sure-fire top-ten pick. Could you imagine a receiving trio of Julio Jones, Mohammed Sanu, and Calvin Ridley? Scary.