Falcons Could Be A Team To Watch Regarding Draft Trades

A few years ago, Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff made a bit of a controversial decision to trade all the way up from No. 27 overall to select WR Julio Jones. In total, Atlanta sent the Browns five draft picks including two first-round selections, to go along with a second-rounder and two fourth-round picks.

While there’s no question that the Falcons gave up a lot of draft assets in this trade, they clearly came away with the not only the best player in this deal, but also a top-five receiver in the NFL.

Dimitroff was asked about whether or not he would consider making more draft trades this year given that there are a number quality prospects in the 2014 draft class.

“If we deem on draft day that we think it’s best to move back and gain picks or move forward and land someone else, we will always consider that,” Dimitroff said, via ESPN.com. “I’ve said that time and again. I always want us, as an organization – me as a general manager and us as an organization – to be perceived as a group to pick up and call and make the offer and at least know that we’re open to discussion.” 

Dimitroff also offered his take on some of the best prospects including guys like (ESPN.com): South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney, Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews, Auburn OT Greg Robinson, and UCLA DE/OLB Anthony Barr. 

The Rams have already made it known that they will listen to offers for their No. 2 overall pick and really don’t have a need at defensive end like the Falcons do. This is just connecting dots on my part, but I don’t think it’s all that crazy to suggest that the Falcons could consider a move up for Jadeveon Clowney given that there is no question he is one of the best defensive prospects to come out in years, and he also fits an obvious need for Atlanta.

Here’s Dimitroff on Clowney:

“Who? When I first heard that he was the best that people had seen in 20 years or whenever, I was skeptical because I never fall into the trap of comparing people over that many years. But obviously, he is an incredible talent with wild upside. He’s going to be a very big contributor on a football team from Day 1. We all know that. The league knows that. He has the potential to be one of the marquee-type pass rushers.“

Dimitroff also mentioned that he doesn’t see Clowney’s speeding tickets as a red flag, which is really one of the few concerns regarding him.

Assuming that the Falcons stay put at No. 6 overall, there is a good chance that an offensive lineman such as Jake Matthews or Greg Robinson could be available to them.

For what’s it’s worth, we have Atlanta taking Robinson at No. 6 in our most recent 2014 NFL Mock Draft.