Report: Falcons 'Exploring' Trade Down in 2023 NFL Draft
As the 2023 NFL Draft kicks off, several teams are reportedly looking to trade down - including the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 overall.
According to Sports Illustrated, the Falcons are one of three teams who have been "active exploring moving down," joining the Arizona Cardinals (No. 3 overall) and Seattle Seahawks (No. 5).
This confirms SI's Falcon Report's previous scoop that Atlanta is "working on" trading down Thursday night.
The Falcons have been linked to Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith, Iowa defensive end Lukas Van Ness and Texas running back Bijan Robinson at No. 8, but all three players could certainly be available a few slots down.
As such, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, who stresses the idea of taking the best player available and not reaching for need, may maneuver the board to land his guy.
However, Atlanta's unlikely to move off of No. 8 until it's on the clock, eyeing a potential fall from a highly ranked prospect such as Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson or Illinois corner Devon Witherspoon.
But for now, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot is busy working the phones - with SI noting that each team in the 10-14 range has been active in trying to move up.
Could Atlanta be in for a slight trade down? That answer remains to be seen - but it's certainly "active" in the lead-up to being on the clock.
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