The Falcons needed to see a vast improvement at the defensive end position in order for the defense to take a step forward. After the initial drafting in the 1st round of both Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley, it was believed that the Falcons had two starting caliber DEs that would have long and productive careesr. Both ended up being very underwhelming and are now both no longer part of the roster.
As a result, former GM Thomas Dimitroff signed Dante Fowler, Jr to a multiyear agreement to assist with the pass rush. However, outside of that, the position seemed to be neglected as it was obviously one of the thinnest position groups on the roster, and it got thinner when the Falcons moved on from Takk McKinley.