Julio Jones 'Haul' 2.0? Falcons Trade Up, Draft LSU QB Jayden Daniels in Latest Mock
The Atlanta Falcons are lining up their next plan for their quarterback, whether it be via the trade market or the draft.
If the Falcons opt for a rookie, they will likely need to trade up in the draft from the No. 8 pick.
Nov. 25, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during warmups before the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium.
Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
In The Athletic's latest mock draft, the Falcons sent No. 8, No. 43 and a 2025 first-round pick to the New England Patriots for the No. 3 pick to select LSU's Jayden Daniels.
"After years in salary-cap hell, would the Falcons be open to throwing a massive check at Kirk Cousins? Many in the league believe so, which speaks to Atlanta’s craving to upgrade at quarterback. But if Cousins elects to stay in Minnesota, the Falcons trading up to No. 3 feels like the next likeliest option," The Athletic writes.
"Owner Arthur Blank once signed off on a trade that surrendered a massive haul of draft picks to jump up for a wide receiver (Julio Jones). He won’t hesitate to do it again if it means landing the upgrade at quarterback his franchise has been coveting. Is Daniels that guy? It’s a strong possibility."
Trading up for Jones back in 2011 proved to be the right decision. Since then, the Falcons have been rather conservative on the trade market in the draft, but they might need to do something drastic in order to end a seven-year playoff drought.
The NFL Draft is set to take place from April 25-27.
