The Atlanta Falcons finally made some worthwhile additions following a quiet first day of free agency. It began with Divine Deablo, who provides the Falcons with another athletic linebacker that could potentially see starter reps. Mike Hughes was signed to a three-year deal not long after, and then they addressed their biggest need in the form of Leonard Floyd. The former Georgia Bulldog is coming off a season in which he recorded 8.5 sacks for the San Francisco 49ers, a number he’s reached in each of the last five years. Floyd instantly gives the Falcons pass rush some juice, but there’s still a long way to go if Atlanta wants to compete in 2025, especially defensively.

1. EDGE

Even after the addition of Leonard Floyd, the Falcons still need to add multiple bodies off the edge that can get after the passer. Floyd isn’t the kind of guy that can carry a pass rush, and if he’s asked to, a lot of fans are going to wonder why his success did not transfer to Atlanta. He’s a piece of the puzzle but cannot be the biggest piece if Atlanta is going to finally address what’s been their single biggest need for as long as I can remember.

2. Defensive Tackle

Entering the offseason, the interior of the Falcons defensive line wasn’t in the worst shape, but it got really bad when they decided to release Grady Jarrett, and it could get even worse if they choose to cut David Onyemata as well, which is a legitimate possibility. Even if the Falcons keep Onyemata, they have to add at least one proven defensive tackle, but they are probably better off signing multiple.

3. Cornerback

It’s somewhat ironic that two of my top remaining offseason needs are the two that the Falcons addressed yesterday, but that’s how dire of a state both position groups were in before free agency began. Mike Hughes proved to be a formidable starter across from A.J. Terrell, but the Falcons still need to add one more starting caliber corner that can man the nickel, and their depth at the position is almost non-existent. It’s an area Atlanta could still look to address with their first-round pick.

4. Center

Given their cap situation, the Falcons were forced to make the difficult decision of letting starting center Drew Dalman walk in free agency, who signed a three-year, $42 million pact with the Chicago Bears. Part of the reason they felt comfortable enough to go that route is because of Ryan Neuzil, who performed admirably as Dalman’s replacement this past season. As of now, he appears to be the guy to take over in the middle of Atlanta’s offensive line, but at the very least, some competition needs to be brought in through the draft or free agency.

5. Safety

It’s possible that safety should be higher on this list, depending on what the Falcons think of DeMarcco Hellams, who missed last season after suffering an injury in the first preseason contest. It’s also a position where the Falcons must bring in competition, and they’re probably best off finding a starter in free agency.

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