The NFL draft starts tonight in Philadelphia, and for Atlanta Falcons fans (even the new bandwagon variety) the anticipation is quite different from a year ago.
Need a refresher? A team with a first-year coach was coming off a horrible end to a season that started with such promise. The defense was a disaster, the offensive line nearly turned Matt Ryan into a meat puppet and the front office was being ripped apart.
The road to Super Bowl LI started with that maligned front office doing its best work by shoring up the defense with draft picks Keanu Neal, Deion Jones and De'Vondre Campbell to go with offensive free agent signings Alex Mack and Mohamed Sanu.
So how does last year's success translate into this year's draft plans?
It would seem front office gurus Thomas Dimitroff and Scott Pioli and coach Dan Quinn will change very little about the way they operate in this year's draft. In other words, if they see someone they really want, they will get him, rankings be darned.
Here are some questions and answers every Falcons fan should consider:
Q: Is Forrest Lamp worthy of a first-round pick for a team that desperately needs an upgrade to its pass rush?
A: The obvious answer is the Falcons believe so, or they wouldn't have spent so much time scouting the Western Kentucky offensive tackle-turned-guard. Here's why: The Falcons were fortunate - make that downright lucky - to go through an entire season with the same starting offensive line.
It likely won't happen again, so even if the Falcons are happy with 2016 draft pick Wes Schweitzer (who hasn't played a snap), Ben Garland (who made more plays on defense last season) or free-agent signee Hugh Thornton (yikes, deemed expendable by the Colts, who drafted him in the third round four years ago) manning recently retired Chris Chester's right guard spot, they still need depth.
Most scouting services consider Lamp a mid first-round talent and at least 40 spots higher than the next guards, Temple's Dion Dawkins and Indiana's Dan Feeney.
Q: What about the pass rush?
A: It's a glaring need opposite Vic Beasley, but this draft is deep with guys who can get after the quarterback. Most won't be three-down players, but that's OK in today's NFL.
The Falcons have plenty of depth on the defensive line and will get back last year's key free-agent signing, Derrick Shelby, as he returns from a leg injury. Add tackle Dontari Poe, this year's big catch, and the emerging Grady Jarrett, and it's safe to say the line is in good shape. Still, watching the likes of Brooks Reed trying to get upfield against quality tackles made it clear someone has to be added.
The Falcons have been linked to five rush ends - Michigan's Taco Charlton, UCLA's Takkarist McKinley, Missouri's Charles Harris, Kansas State's Jordan Willis and Youngstown State's Derek Rivers. Any would fit the bill and more than one will fall into the second round, but how far?
There are other rush options, however. Quinn loves versatility with his defenders, and that's where interest in Temple linebacker Haason Reddick and Wisconsin's T.J. Watt comes in. Each could be a three-down player, rushing when needed or dropping into coverage.
A linebacker corps of Campbell, Jones and Reddick/Watt would be one of the most athletic in the league.
Q: What is Plan C for the first round?
A: There is growing talk of the team going after a safety for the second consecutive draft, and it makes sense. Ricardo Allen is a decent player, but an upgrade at free safety could transform the defense.
Several reports have mentioned Washington safety Budda Baker, an elite athlete who lacks ideal size but has terrific instincts and isn't afraid to hit. Quinn, the former Seattle defensive coordinator, got his Kam Chancellor last year and now seeks his Earl Thomas.
Two other safeties to watch are UConn's Obi Meliwonfu and Utah's Marcus Williams.
Q: What are the other needs, and could we see a surprise or two?
A: Assuming the Falcons go, in some order, offensive guard, rush end/linebacker and safety in the first three rounds, that leaves three picks for depth.
Of course, adding another offensive lineman would never hurt, and some insist a tight end is a need. I wouldn't be surprised to see a running back in the later rounds, especially considering Devonta Freeman's impending contract issue.
I also think a quarterback could be in the plans, not necessarily as Ryan's replacement but as the future No. 2. Remember, Matt Schaub is 35 years old. The University of Tennessee's Josh Dobbs has been in for a workout, for what that's worth.
However it works out, it's hard to imagine the Falcons whiffing, considering their needs and the talent available. Personally, I hope Lamp is there at No. 31 and the defense gets the next three picks. Keeping Ryan on his feet and the running game flowing will be critical for another Super Bowl run.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.