2017 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons Look to Move Up for Pass Rusher

Reports are emerging that the Atlanta Falcons are hoping to swap picks with the Seattle Seahawks in the 2017 NFL Draft to obtain a pass rusher

With mere hours now separating us from the 2017 NFL Draft, the rumors are coming in hot and heavy. One of the latest involving the Atlanta Falcons includes them moving up to secure the services of a potentially elite pass rusher.

There’s a belief growing that the team feels the need to jump some other defensive end-needy teams and according to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com, they’ve identified the 26th overall pick as the spit they need to go.

"“I’ve been told the Falcons want to jump ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys to ensure themselves of a top-rated pass rusher. The name being floated as their target is Charles Harris of Missouri.” — Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com"

To get to that spot they need to make a deal with the Seattle Seahawks. The question becomes whether or not it’s worth it. In order to make the move happen the reported compensation is a fourth-round pick. While in most drafts this seems like a small price to pay, this one is different.

The 2017 NFL Draft class is incredibly stocked at pass rusher. Barring a Taco Charlton from Michigan, or Derek Barnett from Tennessee drop, there’s not too many players worth jumping up for.

A player like Charles Harris — whom Pauline mentions as a target — doesn’t necessarily show much more upside than someone like Carl Lawson of Auburn, T.J. Watt of Wisconsin, Derek Rivers or Youngstown, Tyus Bowser of Houston or Takkarist McKinely of UCLA.

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While Atlanta’s desire to load up is admirable, this may not be the exact draft to do so. Of course time will tell if there’s any credence to this suggestion, but usually where there’s smoke — there’s fire.