Here's a closer look at the positions the Atlanta Falcons could target at the NFL combine in Indianapolis:

Positions of need: Although the Falcons had much better success pressuring quarterbacks this past season, the defensive line still needs upgrades for rushing and run-stopping. Veteran defensive tackles Jonathan Babineaux and Tyson Jackson might not be in the plans moving forward, and former Miami defensive tackle Earl Mitchell visited the Falcons last Friday before signing a four-year, $16 million deal with San Francisco. Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney, 37, could decide to retire. Plus, versatile defensive linemen Adrian Clayborn (biceps) and Derrick Shelby (Achilles) are coming off significant injuries. The other primary need is at guard, where the status of veteran starter Chris Chester remains uncertain as he decides whether to keep playing. The Falcons don't appear to have a right guard on the roster, although the coaches spent a lot of practice time working with 2016 sixth-round draft pick Wes Schweitzer. Coach Dan Quinn also stated that he'll always be mindful of targeting defensive backs. The Falcons are likely to look closely at cornerbacks and safeties for more competition in the secondary and more capable bodies on special teams.

Three players the Falcons could focus on at the combine:

Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee: Barnett (6-foot-3, 265 pounds) was tied to the Falcons in Mel Kiper Jr.'s early mock draft, although Barnett is expected to go much higher now. He would be an excellent choice on the opposite edge of Vic Beasley Jr., who led the NFL with 15.5 sacks. Watch highlights of Barnett and you'll see he rushes with speed and power off the right edge and is relentless. He had 13 sacks -- tied for sixth most in the nation -- and 19 tackles for losses for the Volunteers this past season, including multiple-sack games against South Carolina (three), Florida (two), and Georgia (two). Barnett became Tennessee's all-time career sacks leader with 33, breaking the mark of 32 set by the late Reggie White. Kiper's latest mock draft had Barnett going to the New York Giants at No. 23.

Takkarist McKinley, DE/OLB, UCLA: Pro Football Focus' latest mock draft had the Falcons taking McKinley (6-2, 265 pounds) with the 31st overall pick. It makes some sense, considering McKinley would be yet another productive pass-rusher to pair with Beasley. Plus, Falcons linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich, the former defensive coordinator at UCLA, recruited McKinley to the school. This past season, McKinley had 10 sacks, 18 tackles for losses and three forced fumbles. The biggest problem might be McKinley's injury history; he pulled out of the Senior Bowl with a torn labrum and reportedly is scheduled to have shoulder surgery after the combine that will sideline him five to six months. A red flag, of course. Then again, Beasley played through a torn labrum his entire rookie season and then had a breakout second year.

Damien Mama, OG, USC: The Falcons spent extensive time on the West Coast checking out talent last season and drafted three of those players -- Stanford tight end Austin Hooper (third round) Schweitzer out of San Jose State, and UCLA wide receiver Devin Fuller (seventh round). Mama was recruited to USC by new Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, formerly the Trojans' head coach. Word is, Mama has the power and athleticism to play in any system, so certainly he could fit right into the offense Sarkisian is trying to maintain with the Falcons. Mama is viewed as a mid-round pick, but the knock on him is being too heavy, at times. We'll see how Mama (6-4, 325) measures in at the combine. The heavier he is, the less likely he'll be able to run effectively in the outside-zone blocking scheme.