With just over 72 hours until the NFL Draft, it is becoming more and more clear who each team is targeting with their first round pick. Four players have emerged as favorites for the No. 1 pick as many teams await to see what the Houston Texans opt to do with the No. 1 overall selection. After they decide their path, every other team operates under Plan A or Plan B. The Atlanta Falcons are fearing Plan B is what they will have to settle for.
The dream draft for the Falcons is making a trade into the top two picks and land defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. The team has made defense a priority and is still in search of a premier pass rusher to place on the line. General manager Thomas Dimitroff loves draft day trades and has not denied his interest in moving around this year. The Falcons could begin negotiations with the Houston Texans, but according to Sports Illustrated's Peter King, the team intends on holding on to the No. 1 pick instead of striking a deal.
The Texans will select either Clowney or Johnny Manziel. If they pick Manziel, then the Falcons will call the St. Louis Rams about a deal for Clowney. If they select Clowney that leaves Atlanta to figure out the best route to take. According to King, the Falcons could still make a deal to trade up, but for Khalil Mack. A trade for Mack might mean the Falcons have to get into the top five picks which will not cost as much as the No. 1 pick. Many believe that Mack is the better option of the two defensive stars. While it is too early to make that assumption, the Falcons appear to be content on landing Mack over Clowney.
According to Falcons beat writer Jay Adams, Dimitroff has talked to multiple teams about draft trades, but not all of them involve the Texans and Clowney. The Falcons general manager is trying to create multiple plans so he has options depending on what other teams do. Another option could be a move to land a lineman like Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews, but that is likely Plan C.
Meanwhile, the team's second and third round options could include a running back. With Steven Jackson on his last leg, draft insider Tony Pauline reports Atlanta is loving the idea of landing Jeremy Hill who was a standout for the LSU Tigers. He will be there in the second round, but maybe not the third. Carlos Hyde is also an option.