Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Breaking down the top need for each team

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 26: A ball and helmets are seen in front of the podium prior to the start of the 2008 NFL Draft on April 26, 2008 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Eric Ebron #85 of the Detroit Lions runs against Ricardo Allen #37 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Ford Field on September 24, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Eric Ebron #85 of the Detroit Lions runs against Ricardo Allen #37 of the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Ford Field on September 24, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

. team. 44. . Free Safety. . Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons don’t have a bunch of needs heading into this offseason, but there are a few positions that could use an upgrade.

One of them is at free safety, where the incumbent, Ricardo Allen, is having a not-so-great year. Pro Football Focus gave Allen a 59.2 overall grade, which ranks 65th out of 108 safeties so far this season.

Allen hasn’t exactly been the rangy last line of defense in head coach Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme. In an ideal world, Quinn would have a player like Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas — an All-Pro-like talent Quinn enjoyed when he was with the Seahawks organization not so long ago.

The Falcons could use an upgrade at right guard too, although addressing this defensive need first should be tops on the list.