Atlanta Falcons 2015 Seven-Round Mock Draft

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Jake Matthews (Texas A&M) poses with a jersey after being selected as the number six overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Atlanta Falcons at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

We are just over a month away from the 2015 NFL Draft in Chicago. The Atlanta Falcons will be looking to build their roster after a disappointing 2014 season.

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Despite narrowly missing out on the playoffs in an underachieving NFC South, the Falcons did improve slightly on their 2013 campaign — 4-12 to 6-10.

A victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 17 would have sent the Falcons to the playoffs with a home game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals were forced to play third-string quarterback Ryan Lindley, and the Falcons would have been favored to win the game.

The loss to Carolina means the Falcons will hit the clock with the eighth-overall pick. While Falcons fans would obviously have rather seen the team make a run in the playoffs, the chances of winning the Super Bowl were low, so long-term they are probably better off with an earlier pick.

The Falcons have shown they can play offense; the defense is the issue. According to ESPN Stats, in 2014 the Falcons ranked eighth in total offense and fifth in passing offense. In contrast, they ranked dead last in total defense and passing defense.

Those stats alone highlight the areas the Falcons need to improve. What players might they select with their eight selections in the 2015 NFL Draft?

Next: Defense first is hardly a surprise