NFL Draft 2017 preview: Atlanta Falcons' top needs, pick predictions

This is one in a series that covers each team, offering viewers information for homework, suggestions and then the opportunity to make a draft pick.

When the NFL Draft begins selections in Philadelphia April 27, the Atlanta Falcons have the No. 31 pick in the first round.

Here is an in-depth look at the team's needs, offseason changes, potential best fit and the selections by NFLDraftScout.com's experts.

Who would you pick and why?

Top five needs

1. Defensive end: The Falcons are looking for a traditional base 4-3 defensive end who has some pass-rush ability. They'd like to play him opposite of Vic Beasley in passing situations. The team has worked out Tennessee's Derek Barnett and UCLA's Takkarist McKinley. They could also address this need later in the draft, which is considered to be deep. Defensive line coach Bryant Young worked out Ohio University's Tarell Basham.

2. Right guard: The Falcons have heavily scouted Western Kentucky's Forrest Lamp with an eye toward converting him to guard. With the retirement of Chris Chester, the Falcons are in need of interior offensive line help. Also, center Alex Mack is 31 and left guard Andy Levitre is 30. The Falcons could select Lamp or Dan Feeney in the first round of the draft if they are available. Protecting quarterback Matt Ryan is the franchise's No. 1 goal as he enters what should be the prime of his career.

3. Tight end: The position is key to the Falcons' passing attack and they've scouted Mississippi tight end Evan Engram. The Falcons drafted Austin Hooper last season and re-signed Levine Toilolo. They elected not to re-sign Jacob Tamme. Joshua Perkins, who played for new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian at Washington, showed some promise in a limited role last season.

4. Free safety: Michigan's versatile Jabrill Peppers could be an intriguing prospect for the Falcons to take early. The draft is deep in defensive back talent. Converted free safety Ricardo Allen has been steady, but not spectacular.

5. Kicker: Matt Bryant is on the other side of 40 and will not kick forever. In the later rounds, the Falcons could make a move in order to find his replacement.

BEST FIT

T.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: The younger brother of NFL players J.J. Watt (three-time defensive player of the year) and Derek Watt (Chargers' fullback) will be available when the Falcons select with the 31st overall pick in the draft. At first glance Watt, a converted tight end, appears to be a first-round reach. He thrived for one season in Wisconsin's 3-4 defense when he finished with 63 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles last season. Watt, who is 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, needs to get stronger and has an injury history the Falcons must investigate. He has the frame to add the weight and a huge upside as a potentially sturdy and versatile pass rusher.

He went to Wisconsin from suburban Milwaukee in 2013 and red-shirted as a tight end. In 2014, he missed the season with a right knee injury. He then injured the left knee in the spring of 2015. In the summer of 2015, he was moved to outside linebacker and gradually became comfortable at his new position. While some scouts believe that Watt would have benefited from returning to school for another year, others like his upside as a potential game-wrecking pass rusher.

PREDICTION

Rob Rang: Budda Baker, FS, Washington. After surrendering a Super Bowl record 466 passing yards to Tom Brady, no one should be surprised if the Falcons opt to reinforce the secondary. At just 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, Baker does not possess ideal size but Dan Quinn has previously been willing to overlook that at free safety with the 5-foot-9, 185-pound Ricardo Allen currently starting in Atlanta and previously working with Earl Thomas (5-foot-10, 202) in Seattle. Baker has more range and quickness than Allen, projecting as a traditional centerfielder who can drop down to help at nickel, as well.

Dane Brugler: Tyus Bowser, DE, Houston. Misused in Houston's defensive scheme, Bowser has tweener size, but his athleticism, power and juice off the edge are the type of traits that NFL coaches want to develop.

Jim Miller: Taco Charlton, DE Michigan.

Frank Cooney, IMO: Agree with Miller. Vidauntae "Taco" Charlton can fill a need. He was only a one-year starter because he was lost on a talented roster and his talents fit the four-man line Michigan switched to last season. Plenty of untapped talent gives him upside to count on.

Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and 25th year on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee.