Atlanta Falcons: NFL analyst gives 3 potential trade partners for No. 4 pick

The Atlanta Falcons have the most desirable ‘open’ pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and there are going to be plenty of teams to come calling in hopes of moving up to that No. 4 overall selection.

For those who haven’t been paying attention, we’ve pretty much figured out that the first three picks of the draft- the Jaguars, Jets and 49ers- are going to be quarterbacks. Who’s next after that? The Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons aren’t expected to take a quarterback because of moves made with Matt Ryan’s contract and the fact of the matter is that there are several NFL franchises who pick later in the draft who are going to be enticed to move up to draft a quarterback who might become the ‘face of their franchise.’

ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that the Falcons have received trade calls from multiple teams and “are open to moving out of the No. 4 overall pick.”

ESPN Insider Field Yates gave three potential teams that the Atlanta Falcons might find themselves partnering with to get a trade done, if they chose to go that route

Yates pegged the Denver Broncos (who pick at No. 9), the New England Patriots (who pick at No. 15) and the Chicago Bears (who pick at No. 20) as three potential trade-up candidates and, honestly, they all make sense.

All three franchises are wanting a quarterback and this would be their opportunity to trade up and answer that need with a player like Justin Fields, Trey Lance or Mac Jones- depending on who is available.

The only question: How much do the Falcons want to move out of that spot?

You’re talking about a top-five spot and that’s why the franchise needs to be careful when they approach trade conversations. Two first-rounders and a couple of second-rounders would seem appropriate to start a conversation.

We’re most intrigued by that trade with the Broncos simply because that could still yield the Falcons a top-10 caliber player and likely give them another valuable pick later in the draft, as well.

It will be interesting to see how much the Falcons float that pick out there over the next couple of weeks as we get close to draft time and what that will mean for the franchise as it looks to make moves to compete this season.