The Atlanta Falcons signed a pair of veteran tight ends on Thursday in an attempt to upgrade the position for this coming season, but also seem to be looking further into the future.

According to a league source, the Falcons conducted a workout this week with the top tight end prospect in this year's draft class, Maxx Williams from Minnesota. The 6-foot-4-inch, 249-pound Williams is projected to go in the late first round or early second round.

Although the Falcons signed a true pass-catcher in Jacob Tamme and more of a blocking tight end in Tony Moeaki, that doesn't necessarily mean drafting a tight end is out of the picture. If a player of Williams' caliber happens to be available in the second round, he might be worth strong consideration.

The Falcons are expected to select a pass-rusher with their first-round pick, currently the eighth overall selection.

Williams impressed at the NFL combine with his athleticism. He's drawn some comparisons to Dallas Clark. Williams, an All-American, had 36 catches for 569 yards and 12 touchdowns during the 2014 season. He left Minnesota as a redshirt sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining.

Williams was asked during the NFL combine which players he wants to emulate.

"Jason Witten," he said, referring to the Cowboys tight end. "(Witten's) a complete tight end, in my opinion. He blocks. He runs routes. He makes plays for his team. That's what I want to be. I want to go to the NFL and be a complete tight end and make plays with my hands but also in the run game by making complete blocks."

The fact that the Falcons signed two veteran tight ends to go with the returning Levine Toilolo means they don't have to be desperate about addressing the position. But again, a top talent such as Williams could be hard to ignore if he's available at an unexpected spot.

The Falcons also have worked out Michigan's Devin Funchess, who also was a receiver with the Wolverines. Some of the other top tight ends in the draft include Miami's Clive Walford, Ohio State's Jeff Heuerman, Penn State's Jesse James, Notre Dame's Ben Koyack and Florida State's Nick O'Leary.