Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff speaks to the media in a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Falcons have shown that they are willing to be aggressive on draft day in order to add elite talent, and I’m sure everyone remembers their decision to send a boatload of draft picks to the Cleveland Browns in order to snag top-notch wideout Julio Jones to pair with Roddy White. Even though they gave up a huge price in picks, the move definitely paid off given just how great Jones has been in the NFL.
There has been some speculation that the Falcons could be open to trading up in this year’s draft, with the onus on South Carolina product Jadeveon Clowney, who is the consensus No. 1 prospect in the class and is an elite, dynamic pass rusher with scary physical tools.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Falcons are indeed open to trading up for someone in this class, and the St. Louis Rams look like a perfect trade partner for them. Les Snead loves trading down, and the Rams really do need to trade out of the No. 2 spot. It would make absolutely no sense for them to stay there given their needs, and trading with the Falcons down to the sixth pick would still allow them to have a chance at snagging Sammy Watkins.
The Falcons need an offensive tackle and could land a great one in either Jake Matthews or Greg Robinson at No. 6, but Clowney could be too good to pass up on. Remember, though, interest in trading up doesn’t equate to an actual trade, so it’s important not to get too carried away when projecting trade scenarios.