Last season is one Atlanta Falcons fans want to forget.

The Falcons' defense was near the bottom in almost every category. The Falcons' defense ranked:

  • 27th overall
  • 29th in passing touchdowns allowed
  • 31st in rushing yards against
  • 24th in takeaways
  • 31st in rushing yards per attempt allowed
  • 32nd in points given up per drive

In a nutshell, the Falcons couldn't stop a nosebleed last year. If Matt Ryan and the offense are going to get over the hump, win the NFC South, and advance in the playoffs, the defense is going to have to play much better. And not just better, but meaner and more aggressive.

The last few weeks, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been rumored to being "shopped" around by the Lions and the Falcons could be interested if they don't draft Jadaveon Clowney. With Atlanta coming off one of their worst defensive seasons in franchise history, and Suh not having the best relationship in Detroit, the Falcons might be a perfect fit for Suh.

Atlanta is a finesse team. They're looked at by many other teams as soft and non intimidating. Suh would definitely change that at the defensive line that was ranked second to last in rushing yards allowed last year.

Although Suh has shown great moments at the line of scrimmage, he is not without his flaws. He's been fined numerous times for late hits, and once even stomped on a player. He kicked Matt Schaub in the place no man ever wants to be kicked, and Suh has also been voted the dirtiest player in the NFL for two consecutive years -- by the players themselves. There's no doubt about it, Suh has a mean streak to him. But maybe that's exactly what this Falcons defense is lacking.

What could prohibit this trade from occurring, however, is Suh's current contract. Suh still has two years remaining on his contract, with next season paying him $11.55 million and 2015 paying $3.5 million. In 2016, Suh will become a free agent. The Falcons may not want to pay up, because Suh is due such a large amount next season, but he may be worth the investment in the long-term. In two years, the Falcons can decide what kind of contract to offer Suh.

Outside of fines and suspensions, Suh has had a great impact on the football field. In four seasons, Suh has recorded 27.5 sacks and hasn't missed a single game due to an injury. Suh is also only 27 years old and has a long career ahead of him. The Falcons may want to invest in a mean defensive tackle like Suh to turn around this defense.