AP

The Falcons have made no secret of their desire to get tougher up front this offseason — on both sides of the ball.

But if they elect to go for a pass-rushing linebacker, they seem to have a preference.

According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the “word on the streets” at the Scouting Combine was that the Falcons prefer Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack to UCLA’s Anthony Barr.

They could have their choice of the two when they pick sixth, but there’s no guarantee that’s where they’ll stay. General Manager Thomas Dimitroff has already declared himself “open for business” with the sixth pick, and he’s not afraid to make a splash.

While either Mack of Barr could help them, they’d probably be better off moving up for a different player.

Whether it’s going to get South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, or their choice of the top tackles including Jake Matthews or Greg Robinson, the Falcons might be better served with a cornerstone piece of their lines than either of the dynamic linebackers.