The NFL Draft gets underway in Dallas on Thursday and continues through Saturday.
The Atlanta Falcons have a few needs, specially on both lines. But overall, they have a solid roster two seasons removed from a Super Bowl appearance and one season removed from almost defeating the eventual champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Playoffs.
Here are a few quick facts about this year's draft and what you need to know about the Falcons:
WHEN
April 26-28, 2018
Round 1: April 26, 8 p.m.
Rounds 2-3: April 27, 7 p.m.
Rounds 4-7: April 28, noon
WHERE
AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. The Falcons' war room will be at the team's headquarters in Flowery Branch, Ga.
FIRST PICK
The Cleveland Browns have the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive year. They are the fifth team in the modern draft era to have the first pick consecutive years. They were also the last team to have back-to-back No. 1 picks (1999 & 2000).
FALCONS PICKS
The Falcons have the 26th overall pick in the NFL Draft. There are 32 picks in each round. The Falcons' first pick will be late, with the first rounds of the draft historically lasting anywhere from two to six hours.
POSITIONS THE FALCONS SHOULD DRAFT
The most glaring need for the Falcons is defensive tackle. Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn both left in free agency, so the Falcons need a well-balanced force in the trenches that can stop the run while also contributing in the pass rush. Thomas Dimitroff said he feels there are six to eight defensive tackles who are first round draft talents, but wouldn't commit to saying that's who they will draft in the first round. Another possibility is offensive guard. The right guard position was a struggle for the Falcons last season. There are a few first round-caliber guards in the draft, but they are expected to be selected early.
Other needs for the Falcons that could be drafted in later rounds: WR, CB, FB, TE
WILL THE FALCONS TRADE PICKS?
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, as usual, said he's always willing to move up or back in the first round. There haven't been a lot of rumors headed into the draft of a possible draft day trade. However, with many believing the Falcons will take a defensive tackle in the first round, it may be necessary for them to move up. Top DTs such as Da'Ron Payne and Vita Vea are projected to go in the teens, so the Falcons may be willing to move up. However, Maurice Hurst and Taven Bryan could still be available.
FALCONS LAST 10 FIRST ROUND PICKS
2017: No. 26 Takk McKinley - DE
2016: No. 17 Keanu Neal - SS
2015: No. 8 Vic Beasley - OLB
2014: No. 6 Jake Matthews - LT
2013: No. 22 Desmond Trufant - CB
2012: No first round pick
2011: No. 6 Julio Jones - WR
2010: No. 19 Sean Weatherspoon - LB
2009: No. 24 Peria Jerry - DT
2008: No. 3: Matt Ryan - QB
2008: No. 21 Sam Baker - T
LAST TIME NO. 26
The Falcons last picked at 26th last year when they selected defensive end Takk McKinley. However, they traded up from 31 to secure McKinley because of fears the Dallas Cowboys may take the edge rusher out of UCLA. McKinley helped add depth to the position and came in for certain packages. He will likely have an increased role in 2018. He had 20 combined tackles and six sacks in his rookie season.
