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NFL Draft: Three Possible Trade-Downs for Atlanta

By Raekwon Gilbert

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Atlanta Falcons general manager, Thomas Dimitroff looks on during a press conference for new head coach Dan Quinn at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility on February 3, 2015 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Atlanta Falcons general manager, Thomas Dimitroff looks on during a press conference for new head coach Dan Quinn at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility on February 3, 2015 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns

Atlanta Falcons: (Receive) 

  • 2nd Rd, Pick – 33rd overall
  • 3rd Rd, Pick – 65th overall
  • 5th Rd, Pick – 150th overall
  • 5th Rd, (2019 Draft)

Cleveland Browns: (Receive)

  • 1st Rd, Pick – 26th overall

The Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey has made it clear that they are going to select the best fit talent regardless of the round.

In this case, the Falcons take a more relaxed approach knowing contract extensions negotiations and limited cap space will restrict much of their free agent signings Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn have their eyes on a few players in the later rounds of the draft that could give them the same value as other top-rated players being over drafted.

Result Mock Draft: 

  • 2nd Rd, 33rd overall – IOL Billy Price (Ohio State)
  • 2nd Rd, 58th overall – DL Nathan Shepherd (Fort Hays State)
  • 3rd Rd, 65th overall – EDGE Chad Thomas (Miami)
  • 3rd Rd, 90th overall – IOL Wyatt Teller (Virginia Tech)
  • 4th Rd, 122nd overall – WR Deontay Burnett (USC)
  • 5th Rd, 150th overall – TE Jordan Thomas (Mississippi State)
  • 6th Rd, 186th overall – LB D.J. Calhoun (Arizona State)
  • 7th Rd, 218th overall – CB Shawun Lurry (Northern Illinois)

More from Atlanta Falcons Draft

Billy Price is highly regarded has one of the best interior offensive lineman in this year’s draft but his value as OL gets pushed down with the depth at other positions so making him the first pick of the second round wouldn’t be a bad start.

Nathan Shepherd exploded onto the scene at the Reese’s Senior Bowl but it ended quickly with a minor hand injury.

Shepherd has all the physical tools to come in and compete for a starting spot beside Grady Jarrett but will take a little time and development.

Chad Thomas out of Miami is more than likely the replacement for Adrian Clayborn but also a young edge-defender that instantly boosts a team’s run-defense with his ability to disengage blockers, quick, powerful hands at the point of attack, and lateral speed to chase down ball carriers.

Wyatt Teller, Deontay Burnett, and Jordan Thomas all come in the intent of having developing roles and fit within the system as plug-in needed players.

Teller is one of the most underrated guards in the draft and could enter training camp in competition with Ben Garland and Wes Schweitzer being the favorite to win out.

Burnett and Thomas both have to fight for backup roles players who’s name is called on for sparingly on passing downs giving the Falcons different elements on the field.

D.J. Calhoun and Shawun Lurry are players who instantly show up on film as star special players who could develop into eventual starters/scheme specific.

Calhoun and Lurry are a little shorter in stature (5’11 244 pounds – Calhoun, 5’8 184 pounds) than most of the protypical players drafted in previous years within the Falcons filter but each has blazing closing speed and well movements skills in space.

Next: The Atlanta Falcons need to win the Super Bowl…for Arthur Blank

What do you think the Falcons will do with their first round pick? Do you think this is the year they trade down? Comment below.