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2017 NFL Power Rankings: Los Angeles Rams benefit from NFL Draft

By Dan Parzych

Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates after a game against the against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates after a game against the against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive end Takkarist McKinney poses with photo of his late grandmother Myrtle Collins and commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 26 overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive end Takkarist McKinney poses with photo of his late grandmother Myrtle Collins and commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 26 overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Atlanta Falcons

As bad as it sounds, the only way the Atlanta Falcons will truly overcome what happened against the New England Patriots last February is if they find a way to win the Super Bowl next season. On paper, there’s every reason in the world to believe the Falcons are talented enough to make another appearance thanks to having one of the league’s top offenses led by Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, but the defense is going to be the difference maker.

Prior to their collapse in the Super Bowl, Atlanta’s defense actually put together some impressive performance in the playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers, as the young unit seemed to have a bright future. But at the same time, it was the young and inexperienced defense of the Falcons that looked gassed when it matters the most against the Patriots, which is why Dan Quinn focused on defense with the team’s first two picks.

Trading up to land former UCLA star edge rusher Takkarist McKinley was a genius move by Atlanta, and based off his reaction from the draft, he’s certainly thrilled to be part of the organization. Assuming McKinley brings that same energy to the football field, the Falcons’ defense should be in much better shape than a year ago, and they’re certainly going to need it for playing in what should turn out to be a very competitive NFC South.

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