We know the Falcons have problems. Ever since an almost-win in the Super Bowl, the Falcons have hemorrhaged talent despite unmitigated spending. A quick look at nearly every spot shows shows about five years of costly roster decisions.
At defensive end, former general manager Thomas Dimitroff replaced veteran Dwight Freeney with Takkarist McKinley. The bust not only cost Atlanta its first round pick, but the team was so enamored with McKinley, who was selected ahead of TJ Watt, it traded a third-round pick to move up to secure McKinley. With Vic Beasley and McKinley gone, the Falcons went into desperation mode and overpaid for Dante Fowler.