The Sports Xchange

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — With the draft approaching, first-year head coach Dan Quinn has been pleased with the re-tooling of the Atlanta Falcons’ roster this offseason.

The Falcons focused on improving their defense, the tight end position and offensive line as they signed 10 free agents, re-signed eight players from last season and cut four players.

The major free-agent signees were linebacker Brooks Reed, linebacker Justin Durant and defensive end Adrian Clayborn. The Falcons also added tight ends Jacob Tamme and Tony Moeaki.

Other free-agent signees included guard Mike Person, wide receiver Leonard Hankerson, defensive end O’Brien Schofield, cornerback Phillip Adams and offensive lineman Jared Smith.

Last season, the Falcons spent $80.5 million in free agency when they added defensive tackle Paul Soliai ($33 million), defensive end Tyson Jackson ($25 million) and right guard Jon Asamoah (projected $22.5 million).

In 2015, the Falcons spent $48.3 million on the 10 free agents, which included $15.16 million in guarantees.

“We’ll always be looking for ways to keep digging and grinding to help our team,” said Quinn. “For the most part, the focus has kind of shifted to the draft. Really, it’s always about our own guys and self-development.”

Late in free agency, the Falcons re-signed outside linebacker/defensive end Kroy Biermann, after the team parted ways with several other more productive veterans, such as wide receiver Harry Douglas and left guard Justin Blalock.

“Well, he was somebody that we always wanted back,” Quinn said. “I’m thrilled that he is back.”

Biermann, who was battling back from Achilles surgery last season, led the team with 4.5 sacks in 2014.

Biermann, who signed a one-year deal, will get a shot to play at the Leo hybrid linebacker/defensive end position. He received a $500,000 signing bonus, $325,000 roster bonus with $1.1 million in base salary, which amounted to a 50 percent pay cut from last season’s $4.082 million salary.

“I can’t wait to get started with him,” Quinn said.

Biermann’s expected to contribute on special teams and earn a reserve role on the defense.

Person and Smith will help along the offensive line, where Quinn said that Sam Baker, who is returning from knee surgery, will compete at tackle and guard. The former first-round pick has played mostly at left tackle for the Falcons.

The next big order of business will be signing wide receiver Julio Jones to a contract extension.

While most were underwhelmed by the Falcons’ moves, Quinn was not in that group.

“What we were really trying to say is can we add speed,” Quinn said. “Can we add toughness in terms of adding to the team that we already had? That was the real factor going into it. How many more guys can we add and it was our job as coaches, how would these guys fit on our team? I thought in that way, we nailed it.”

The Falcons have had near 100 percent attendance for the offseason program.

“The turnout has been outstanding,” Quinn said.

2014 Record: 6-10, 3rd in NFC South

First Draft Pick: #8 Overall

BEST FIT: DE Bud Dupree, Kentucky.

This is assuming that Dante Fowler, Shane Ray and Vic Beasley are off the board. Dupree is a good fit for the left defensive end spot. The Falcons love his speed and agility numbers and are not bothered by his inconsistent play on film.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Defensive end: The Falcons had trouble setting the edge in the running game last season and want to get stouter at that position as they move back to a 4-3 scheme. End Osi Umenyiora was not re-signed and Kroy Biermann is being moved to the Leo linebacker position. The Falcons want to get bigger against the run and take a player who will improve the pass rush.

2. Inside linebacker: The Falcons need an enforcer in the middle of the defense. They are working out free-agent signee Justin Durant at weak-side and middle linebacker. The need a faster player who can make plays and get to the ball quicker behind their defensive tackles Paul Soliai and Jonathan Babineaux.

3. Tight end: The Falcons signed Jacob Tamme and Tony Moeaki in free agency to go with Levine Toilolo. Tamme is 30 and Moeaki has battled injuries after a strong start to his career. The Falcons use a lot of double-tight end formations, but don’t have an apparent pass-catching threat to keep defenses honest.