Dimitroff talked at length about the process of retaining Grady Jarrett and making that the team’s top priority this offseason, even over retaining Tevin Coleman. It’s all but certain Coleman will be gone, but Dimitroff’s confidence about bringing back Jarrett should ease the minds of Falcons' fans.

Listening to Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff talk, two things are very clear: they want to bring back Grady Jarrett and they still acknowledge that getting better in the defensive trenches is essential this offseason.

At the same time, Dimitroff also said it’s a “strong year for defensive lineman” in the 2019 class, while Quinn raved about Ed Oliver’s traits as a pass rusher and how the Falcons evaluate the interior DL position.

“250 pounds to 350 pounds, if you can get to the QB, you’re a fit for the Falcons," Quinn said. "In my early evaluation, Oliver’s first step quickness and burst really stand out.”

The top two needs in Atlanta are really obvious - defensive line and interior offensive line - and nothing Dimitroff or Quinn said would suggest the team’s first round pick will be used on a position outside of those spots.

Take offensive tackle off the board early

I asked Quinn about the team’s belief in Ty Sambrailo after his recent new contract. He made it clear the team believes Sambrailo has starting ability, took huge advantage of his playing time down the stretch and has the inside track to start Week 1, with Ryan Schraeder competing for his old job. Quinn also noted Sambrailo’s positional flexibility as a big positive for the team moving forward, as the veteran played well at guard last year in addition to his starts at right tackle.

Still, Dimitroff believes the offensive line should be addressed, saying “we know we need to fortify the offensive line”. Either guard spot could be a target, but based on the way Atlanta has built their roster for years now, I would be surprised if they go offensive line in Round 1. If they feel set at the tackle spots and center, the team will likely prioritize the defensive line with the no. 14 overall pick.

Don’t rule out cornerback early

Everyone knows Dimitroff and Quinn have an affinity for defensive backs, and with Robert Alford moving on and Brian Poole likely to follow, the team will be looking at cornerbacks extensively this offseason. Even if Isaiah Oliver steps into a starting role across from Desmond Trufant and Damontae Kazee plays slot, the Falcons’ depth is non-existent behind those options.

It’s a good spot to be in, as the depth of the class is a lot easier to digest as a drafting team than the high end talent. One player I would look at as a mid-round option for Atlanta: Kentucky defensive back Mike Edwards.

The Falcons don’t care that much about timed speed for defensive backs, rather emphasizing defenders who play fast and aggressive. That’s Edwards to a ’T’, as the Kentucky safety/nickel brings blitzing ability, ball skills and sharp mental processing to the position. He’s also a highly competitive, well-spoken leader who would bring a lot of the intangibles to the position that Atlanta loves. He’s the exact type of player Dimitroff has targeted in past drafts, and would star on special teams immediately.

Another player to consider is Oregon’s Ugo Amadi, a diminutive slot with corner/safety versatility. Either way, Atlanta will be looking to build out at least the depth of their roster at slot and outside corner this offseason, most likely through the draft.