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Atlanta Falcons: Trading back in the first round is best for business

By Colin Hubbard

Aug 30, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) tackles Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) tackles Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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The more draft picks the better

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

This is the no-brainer response you should give someone if they question why you would want the Atlanta Falcons to trade down in the draft. When you have just five picks to work with and at least three starting spots that need filling, the more picks you can get the better.

This draft may be the type where you get 2-3 players that are all more than capable of playing at a fairly high level right away rather than drafting one good player in the first round and gambling on some late-round picks.

The Falcons are likely going to have to rely on at least two of their 2016 draft picks to be the full-time starter. You would expect those two players to be their first and second-round picks but nothing is ever a guarantee in the draft. Having an extra second-round pick cuts down on the risk of the player you draft not living up to expectations.

If you look at the Falcons’ last two second-round picks, both were non factors in their rookie season. Ra’Shede Hageman and Jalen Collins were the picks and both need time to mature. Hageman is just now starting to come into his own and Collins still has a ways to go. The Falcons do not need another project player. They need someone who can come right in and make an impact and if that means trading down, then you do it.

Next: 5 players that could see expanded roles in 2016

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