Falcons Experts Roundtable
By Ben Sullivan
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
What will it cost the Falcons to move up and get Jadeveon Clowney in the draft and is it worth pulling the trigger?
Ben Grazebrook: Last year the Dolphins moved up to the number three spot in return for their 12th and 32nd pick. If the Falcons want to trade up for Clowney (Rams being the obvious trade partner) then it will most probably cost the Falcons at the very least a first and second round pick. If this is the cost then the Falcons should definitely pull the trigger. Clowney is a once in a generation type player whose talent and ability are a game changer on defence. Clowney would fit an immediate need for the Falcons and would transform the defensive line.
Ben Sullivan: I think the cost to move up for Clowney will be a ton. The Rams know how many teams covet him, so they’re going to keep the bidding going right up until the last minute. If the Falcons want him I think it will take the 6th pick, their 2nd rounder and either another late round pick or a 2nd or 3rd next year. That’s an awful lot for just one player, but he’s worth it. Clowney is an absolute game changer, and you just can’t get elite pass rushers cheap anymore.
Jake Bennett: Jadeveon Clowney would be more than worth trading up for. As a Vols fan, I watched him terrorize one of the best offensive lines in college football, and this was with double teams. He completely changes the entire offensive gameplan, and also gives Atlanta a defensive end who can set the edge. The cost of trading up for him is tricky, as Miami pulled off a jump from No.12 to No.3 with the Raiders at the cost of a single 2nd Round pick. However, the Rams aren’t the Raiders, and Les Snead knows what he’s doing.
Robert Stephens: I wrote an article about this a few days ago. If Thomas Dimitroff can cut a deal with former Falcon Les Snead for a trade that would cost a little less than it would cost anyone else, then he should go for it. Clowney is the best player in the draft and would be an immediate 10+ sack guy. But the most I could see Dimitroff spending for him is a first and second round for 2014 and a first rounder for 2015. Anything more would be infringing on the possibility to draft depth.