Randy Gregory 2015

Nebraska defensive lineman Randy Gregory runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The Atlanta Falcons have no shortage of needs to address in the

, and they begin that process armed with the No. 8 overall pick. The offensive line, defensive backfield and defensive line could all be fair game early in the first round, so the name of the game for Atlanta will be value and where it might intersect with the team's needs.

In terms of upside and elite talent, it's a disappointing year for offensive linemen with arguably the top two tackle prospects, La'el Collins and Brandon Scherff, pegged as future guards or right tackles, in a best-case scenario. But both players have the potential to help right away, and that has value for a Falcons team aiming for a quick turnaround after a disappointing 6-10 season.

With the No. 8 pick, Atlanta still has a chance to land one of the draft's elite pass-rushers. But there's much competition for the talented quartet of Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler Jr., Randy Gregory and Shane Ray, with the Titans, Jaguars, Raiders, Redskins, Jets and Bears all in the market for talented edge players. Could one of those elite talents slip through to the Falcons?

If so, Atlanta could pull the trigger to provide a much-needed boost to first-year coach Dan Quinn's defense. If not, the best available offensive lineman can lend a helping hand or, in more wild scenarios, the Falcons could trade down or land a potential star running back in Georgia's Todd Gurley. A trade down could fetch picks while keeping Atlanta in the mix for top defensive backs.

Here's a look at five possibilities with the No. 8 pick, should the Falcons stay put. They're listed in our projected order of least likely to most likely.

5. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia:

Gurley has a chance to be a special, drawing at least one comparison as a college prospect to Adrian Peterson. That's a lofty standard, for sure, but the compliment is based in (some form of) reality. Gurley is a big back (6-1, 222 pounds) with speed, power and explosiveness, all traits that are worth a look anywhere in the top 15 picks. Despite the injury concern and the shift in NFL thinking that transformed running backs into replaceable, more cost-effective commodities, Gurley has the star power to be an exception to the rule. For the Falcons, he could make an immediate impact, should the front office not be ready to put a heavy burden on Devonta Freeman.

4. Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson:

Beasley surged up draft boards with an impressive showing at the NFL combine, where he ran a 4.53 in the 40, did 35 bench press reps and flashed a 41-inch vertical jump while standing at 6-3, 246 pounds. The Clemson product is a virtual lock for the top 10 picks, and his arsenal of explosive physical abilities could tempt teams much higher. A case could be made, given his explosive showing at the NFL combine, that Beasley has the highest ceiling among pass-rushers in the draft. If he slides to No. 8, the Falcons should be happy to pull the trigger and add the pass-rusher they need.

3. La'el Collins, OT/OG, LSU:

Collins is a versatile lineman with a mean streak, though it remains to be seen if he has the chops to play tackle at the next level. But with his experience and the ability to be a mauler inside, Collins could push Brandon Scherff to be the first offensive lineman off the board in the 2015 draft. The 6-4, 305-pounder is a clean prospect with the ability to make an immediate impact as a run-blocker, which should tempt teams in the top half of the first round. Dallas is a blueprint to follow, having converted fringe tackle prospect Zach Martin into a Pro Bowl guard as a rookie last season.

2. Brandon Scherff, OT/OG, Iowa:

Scherff is among the most powerful players at any position in this draft with a lofty reputation for his weight-room exploits. But he's also a decorated lineman with three years of starting experience and another year as a reserve guard as a true freshman at Iowa. The Outland Trophy winner as a senior in 2014, Scherff's ceiling might be as an aggressive, dominant right tackle at the next level. He's ready to contribute right away, though, and could serve the Falcons well right away, either in tandem with tackle Jake Matthews, last year's first-round pick, or perhaps as a higher-upside guard.

1. Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska:

Gregory's stock is falling after he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL combine, but it remains to be seen just how much. He's a gifted pass-rusher and, as ESPN's Todd McShay noted in mocking Gregory to the Jets at No. 6 last week, marijuana was "already a known issue" for Gregory with NFL executives, anyway. If he does slip past the Jets and Bears at Nos. 6 and 7, the Falcons could be in the market for his length and explosiveness to add a jolt to their pass rush. Among available pass-rushers, Gregory comes with questions about his frame and weight, but he has undisputed upside with coveted abilities as a threat off the edge.