A closer look at the positions the Atlanta Falcons could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:
Positions of need: The Falcons likely will prioritize the offensive and defensive lines because coach Dan Quinn always emphasizes winning the line of scrimmage battle first. The debate might be whether to prioritize either a disruptive defensive tackle capable of stopping the run and rushing the passer or an athletic and strong offensive lineman capable of solidifying the guard position. Guards typically don't get selected in the first round, although the Falcons pick late at No. 26. They also could use a speedy deep threat to complement Julio Jones if Taylor Gabriel is no longer part of the plans. They need more depth at cornerback, strong safety and linebacker.
Three players the Falcons should focus on at combine:
Isaiah Wynn (G), Georgia: Wynn is the guy ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has going to the Falcons in his latest mock draft. Wynn dominated at the Senior Bowl practices at guard after spending last season as the Bulldogs' starting left tackle. Most figured he'd make an easier transition to guard -- based on being a little shorter (6-foot-2, 302 pounds) -- than most tackles. He would be an intriguing option and an immediate fan favorite as a player in the Falcons' backyard. And Wynn coming off a torn labrum shouldn't be an issue, at least for the Falcons. Two of their past three first-round picks -- Vic Beasley Jr. and Takk McKinley -- had shoulder issues coming out of college.
Mo Hurst (DT), Michigan: Quinn wants everybody along his defensive line to have the ability to get after the passer. The Falcons have a solid foundation on the edges with 2016 sack champ Beasley paired with McKinley. Grady Jarrett will be a star interior lineman for years to come. Now the Falcons need to add another dominating defensive tackle to the mix, and Hurst would be a good fit. During his Michigan career, the 6-foot-2, 282-pounder accumulated 134 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two pass breakups and one blocked field goal.
D.J. Chark (WR), LSU: Again, the Falcons need a big-time deep threat, and Chark is a Day 2 draft prospect who could fill that role. If you watch him on film, you'll see that he breaks loose after catches, can go up and get the ball, excels in end-arounds, and shows tremendous concentration and ability to adjust to the ball. He's 6-foot-3, 187 pounds and has that length the Falcons always desire. And they seem to like LSU players, drafting one Tiger in each of the past three drafts. Chark was the co-Most Outstanding Player for the South at the Senior Bowl with five catches for 160 yards and a 75-yard touchdown. He averaged 20.5 yards per catch at LSU.