Atlanta Falcons: Why Trading Down in the 2017 NFL Draft Makes the Most Sense

Trading down in last year’s draft worked out nicely for the Atlanta Falcons. Making the same move in the 2017 draft could produce even better results.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for since the free agent frenzy died down is finally here. On Thursday, the 2017 NFL Draft comes to us live from Philadelphia and yours truly will be on hand to see who the Falcons select with the 31st overall pick.

Or will we?

Thomas Dimitroff spoke candidly with the media last Thursday about his intentions with the pick and whether the team will stand pat or not. While TD has a long history of draft day move ups, he proved last year that he is not averse to moving down either.

More from Blogging Dirty

The Falcons moved down in the second round in 2016 and still nabbed their guy, selecting linebacker Deion Jones. In the process, Atlanta received a sixth round pick which they turned into offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer.

By executing that trade, Dimitroff acquired a superstar in Jones and a prospect with starter potential in Schweitzer. A similar opportunity presents itself in 2017.

As I mentioned in my best case draft scenario article, the Falcons have very few pressing needs to fill. Therefore, trading up in the draft doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Yet prognosticators continue to entertain the idea of a Falcons trade up, usually involving Western Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp. Yes, Lamp is a fantastic offensive line prospect with rare athleticism that can fit multiple positions and schemes.

But why surrender future draft capital when a player of similar value can be had by moving down? Indiana guard Dan Feeney is that player and the prevailing thought is he will still be on the board at the top of round two.

Feeney earned the nickname “The Great Wall of Bloomington” for his stellar pass blocking resume in college. The four-year starter allowed only one sack and three quarterback hits in 1,151 reps from 2014-2016.

As for his run blocking, Feeney helped pave the way for current Falcon Tevin Coleman’s 2,000 yard season in 2014. He would be a plug-and-play starter in the Falcons’ zone blocking attack and upgrade an already proficient offensive line.

To acquire the former Hoosier, the Falcons could work out a similar deal to the Deion Jones one and move down a handful of spots, netting another day three pick. With the way the organization has drafted recently, accumulating picks should be viewed as a priority in this loaded class.

However, don’t think Dan Feeney is the only reason moving down the draft board makes sense.

It’s no secret the Falcons are missing a pass rush partner for incumbent sack leader Vic Beasley. Dan Quinn values speed and quickness off the edges, which is why the abundance of Derek Rivers to Atlanta mocks make sense.

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Depending on who you ask, Rivers is one of the better edge rushers in this draft but because he played at an FCS school, he’s not viewed as such around league circles. The Falcons would be wise to make the 31 other teams pay doubly for this mistake, scoring both the coveted prospect and some extra picks.

Often times, teams drafting in the 25-32 range are prime candidates to swap out with quarterback-needy trade partners. We saw it happen in 2014 with Teddy Bridgewater and last year with Paxton Lynch.

The value of that fifth year option in a rookie’s contract is especially critical when it comes to quarterback. In a perfect world, the Jets would trade pick 39, 107 and 191 to the Falcons in order to secure their quarterback of the future.

The Falcons would walk out like bandits in this deal as they’d likely end up with their top choice in Rivers, plus two other contributors to their football team.

Pretty soon, the Falcons will be faced with a dilemma as to which in-house players to retain and which to let walk. In order to avoid a drop off, it is critical for the franchise to continue to draft well.

Must Read: Atlanta Falcons: Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman Need a Nickname

It is also unrealistic to expect the same level of draft success for the Falcons three years in a row. But by acquiring a few more picks, the franchise increases their odds of a hit.

So for fans already agonizing over the Falcons’ first pick, be patient. You may have to wait one extra day, but I promise it’ll be worth it.