Atlanta is fortunate to only have a couple of major needs heading into the 2017 NFL Draft. They must use their first round pick to select an edge rusher.

The Atlanta Falcons head into Philadelphia’s Draft HQ for the 2017 NFL Draft in considerably better shape than other teams in the NFL. On the heels of a Super Bowl appearance and with just a couple of holes on their roster to address, the Falcons are well-positioned to come away from the draft process with a similar but more complete roster.

Throughout Falcons fandom you’ll find hearty and cogent debate over what Atlanta should do with its number 31 pick on Thursday. You’ll hear some of our red-and-black clad comrades arguing for offensive line help in the first round. You’ll find some of the Atlanta faithful advocating for a free safety in the Earl Thomas-mold to complement Keanu Neal. You’ll even hear some pundits continuing to contend that the Falcons will select a cornerback first overall for some bizarre reason.

They all have sound logic behind these assertions. And they are all wrong.

For the immediate impact it will provide the franchise and the boost that it will bring the entire defense, the Atlanta Falcons have to draft a true edge rusher with their first pick.

Here are five reasons why the Falcons must select a defensive end in the first round.