NFC Notes: Falcons, Lions, Panthers

Falcons

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff spoke on Friday about potential draft moves during a radio interview on 92.9 The Game.

Dimitroff was asked about the possibility of trading up in this year’s draft, but he mentioned possibly moving back and acquiring more picks. 

“I think that’s something that we always consider. But I think with this draft … I think there is going to be a lot of interesting action between 10 and 20. Again, I’d would never count us out because, yeah, we are a team that has been active. With that said, this may be one of those draft situations, it does set up an opportunity to potentially move back. As long as I’ve been here, we’ve not been a really active team moving back. But again, this year, may be one of those years where you can truly look at that and acquire a couple more picks in different parts of the draft to used to pair together to get up in another round,” Dimitroff said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

As for potential draft needs, Dimitroff noted that defensive end and defensive tackle were positions to be addressed, as well as protection for QB Matt Ryan. He also stated that there would likely be some valuable running backs available starting in the third round.

“Do I think there are really good values at the running back position from three on, no question about it,” Dimitroff said.

Lions

• Lions’ free-agent S Tavon Wilson said he would be “happy coming back to Detroit,” but is also looking forward to examining his demand on the open market. (Michael Rothstein)
• Rothstein notes that Wilson is still “worth watching” for the Lions, given he fits well into HC Matt Patricia‘s defensive scheme and matches the team’s culture.  

Panthers

• Jourdan Rodrigue mentions that Panthers QB Cam Newton appears to have gotten some work in on Saturday with the help of a couple Panthers equipment/ops assistants.
• Rodrigue notes that those coaches are not allowed to work with players at this point in the offseason.