Trade Back Options For The Atlanta Falcons
By Jake Bennett
Dec 5, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Louisville Cardinals safety Calvin Pryor (25) prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
A large portion of the Falcons offseason can be summed up as fans clamoring for Jadeveon Clowney, myself included. However, during Dimitroff’s many interviews in the past several months, he consistently expresses a possibility of moving any direction in the draft.
There’s quite a few options in the event of a trade back, and Atlanta could potentially end up with an additional second or third rounder. And with many holes, that may very well be the best course of action.
Calvin Pryor or HaHa Clinton-Dix offer the Falcons a legitimate safety to lock down the secondary with it’s rising stars. Pryor is a hard-hitting safety out of Louisville that can bring the physical nature that the front office is seeking this offseason, whereas Clinton-Dix is an all around sound prospect. Either would be great pick-ups in the 10-20 range.
Taylor Lewan is a possible pick if we traded back with Buffalo or Detroit. Taylor has been linked to the Falcons in many mocks this offseason, and would be a scary addition to Atlanta’s line. I’m not necessarily a fan of taking a tackle in the first round, but Lewan offers huge value to a position of need at this point in the draft.
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive end Dee Ford (30) celebrates during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game against the Florida State Seminoles at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
In the bottom of the first, players such as Dee Ford, Jeremiah Attaochu, or Demarcus Lawrence could offer the Falcons a reliable pass rusher to play either 34-OLB or 43-DE.
Rumors of San Francisco trading up have gained attention recently, and Atlanta could be a potential spot for them to land WR Mike Evans. The Falcons would obviously demand a future 1st, but a 49ers club flowing with draft picks and depth may feel comfortable making a splash.
How would you feel about the Falcons moving back this Thursday?