The Falcons will enter free agency and the 2017 NFL Draft with no 'major holes' on their roster, according to general manager Thomas Dimitroff.
With that being said, Atlanta's primary focus is to add depth across the board. Several draft experts believe the Falcons will use their first-round pick to bolster their pass-rush and select a defensive end.
And with the 2017 NFL Combine less than a week away, here's a look at ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay’s top-10 defensive ends.
Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
Analysis: "Elite edge rusher who possesses rare explosiveness and the fluid-movement skills and agility of an NBA shooting guard. Good size, but he's never likely going to be a hold-your-ground run defender, and might be best suited as an outside linebacker. However, his ability to explode into the backfield through a gap or around the edge gives him disruptive potential on every snap. Garrett still needs to fine-tune his pass-rush strategy and could stand to give more consistent effort from the start of the snap until the whistle. But his pass-rush production and athletic traits point toward an All-Pro career." -- Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
Solomon Thomas, Stanford
Analysis: "Thomas has a very lean, muscular frame with the potential to add another 10-15 pounds. This is a fun player to study. He lines up inside and outside and he's extremely explosive. As a run defender, he can easily stack and hold the point of attack vs. single blocks but he will get washed down the line of scrimmage when double teamed. " Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com
Taco Charlton, Michigan
Analysis: "Charlton is an ascending prospect with the size, length, athleticism and pass-rushing potential that NFL general managers dream of. What you see today might not be what you get. While his production coming out of college will be modest, he could become a substantially better player as a pro if he's committed to the weight room and willing to absorb coaching. High-impact defensive end with all-pro potential is his ceiling. His floor is solid starter." – Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
Derek Barnett, Tennessee
Analysis: "Strong edge presence with NFL-caliber hand usage and play strength. Barnett is one of the most productive defensive linemen to come out of the SEC in quite some time despite lacking the length and twitch that teams usually look for off the edge. His awareness and play traits should keep him near the action and he has the talent to step into a starting base end spot right away. There could be coordinators who view him as an early down, outside backer in a 3-4 with the ability to put his hand in the ground on sub packages." – Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
Charles Harris, Missouri
Analysis: "High-cut pass rusher with good athleticism but concerns regarding his ability to drop anchor against the run. Ironically, Harris might be best suited as a penetrator which is something he fought against this season. His hands can be improved as pass rush weapons, but he has agility and footwork that can't be taught. Harris can play on the edge in a 4-3 or 3-4 front and should be the next in a line of early contributing defensive ends coming out of Missouri." – Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
DeMarcus Walker, Florida State
Analysis: "Walker became a starter midway through his freshman season at FSU. He has a thick, square build for the position. He was probably carrying about 10 extra pounds last fall. He lines up at defensive end primarily but he will slide inside as well. As a pass rusher, he lacks explosiveness but he's very polished and productive." – Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com
Carl Lawson, Auburn
Analysis: "Linear player with natural power and aggressiveness, but a lack of flexibility could hamper his potential as an NFL rusher. Lawson's twitch shows up in short, controlled bursts, but he struggles to finish if the play isn't right in front of him." – Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
Dawaune Smoot, Illinois
Analysis: "Duck-footed, face-up rusher able to generate some power in his rush, Smoot failed to put together the breakout season many predicted after a strong junior showing." – Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
Deatrich Wise Jr., Arkansas
Analysis: "Slow-twitch power player with rare physical attributes but a lack of functional athleticism to chalk up a stat sheet. Might have been miscast as a 4-3 defensive end considering his lack of quickness and rush talent." – Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
Keionta Davis, Chattanooga
Analysis: "Davis is well built with adequate power at the point of attack and outstanding college production, but he may lack the twitch and fluidity in space to make his mark as an edge player." – Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
