Should Atlanta Falcons Trade Back in Draft? Expert Explains Why

With no need at quarterback, the Atlanta Falcons could be presented with the opportunity to trade down in the NFL Draft.

For the fourth time in the last four years, the Atlanta Falcons will have a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft. The last three times they’ve been in this position, they focused on improving their offense with the selections of Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson. 

However, in this year’s draft, that streak of using their first-round pick on a weapon seems likely to end, as many mock drafts project the Falcons to fill one of their defense's needs. Yet, that selection ultimately may not be made with the Falcons’ current No. 8 overall pick. 

A trade-up wouldn't make sense for the Falcons without a major need at positions like quarterback or receiver. However, the same cannot be said of a possible trade-down. In his latest article, ESPN argued why the Falcons should trade down. 

“Unlike seemingly every other team in the top 10, the Falcons aren't in the market for a quarterback, wide receiver, or offensive lineman. If they stay put, there's a good chance they will be the first team to take a defensive player, …” ESPN writes. “Zigging when everyone is zagging isn't the worst idea, but in a draft in which there isn't a consensus No. 1 pass-rusher, the Falcons could move down a couple of spots and still have a decent shot of landing Dallas Turner (Alabama) or Laiatu Latu (UCLA).”

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot during the NFL

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The Falcons' well-documented need for an edge rusher or even a cornerback couldn’t have come at a better time. As Barnwell notes, they are among the few teams within the top-10 picks that do not have a glaring hole or even a question mark at quarterback. Franchises that may be looking for a quarterback are not limited to those in the top-10, as teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders could be interested in trading up. 

The Vikings specifically could offer the Falcons, or any team in the top-8 for that matter, an intriguing trade package. After acquiring the No. 23 pick in a recent trade with the Houston Texans, they now have two Day 1 picks, with their first selection being at No. 11. 

A possible trade with the Vikings would fulfill Barnwell's requirement to “trade down (but not too far).” Moving down to No. 11 and potentially also acquiring 23 would allow the Falcons to fill another need in the first round.