If Thomas Dimitroff has proven anything during his time as the Atlanta Falcons general manager, it is that he is not afraid of taking a risk every now and then. Back in 2011, the team traded up five picks to draft wide receiver Julio Jones at No.6 overall. The trade has been productive for Atlanta ever since. Now, as the 2013 draft approaches, Dimitroff might have another trade up his sleeves. The team is in need of a cornerback and Dee Milliner might just be the man they want.
The Falcons currently hold the No.30 overall pick. They are in need of a cornerback after parting ways with three of their top five players in that position. They cut Dunta Robinson who later signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Brent Grimes left for Miami and Christopher Owens signed with Cleveland during free agency. That leaves Atlanta with Asante Samuels, Robert McClain and Dominique Franks. While those are certainly quality options, it does not leave Atlanta with any depth at the position.
Milliner is considered the top cornerback in the draft and some may say the top overall player in the draft. He posted a 4.37 40-yard dash time and comes with an impressive stock of game tape proving he will bring a lot of quality to any team that drafts him. However, Milliner is expected to be gone by the fifth pick. A trade up for him could have the Falcons giving up most of their draft picks like they did for Jones.
So, if Milliner is not an option, who is? Desmond Trufant out of University of Washington and Xavier Rhodes from Florida State are considered the next best options outside of Milliner. Both players have been to visit the Falcons, but would also likely require Atlanta to trade up. They would not have to give up as much to get either player, but would still have to sacrifice a few picks.
If Atlanta decides not to trade up, but still wants to draft a cornerback, Johnthan Banks out of Mississippi State will be the best option. Atlanta has been scouting Banks for months and has plenty of game tape on the secondary stand out. Banks will around when the Falcons draft at No.30, if they decide to stay there.
Atlanta has a "win now" mentality. After getting Tony Gonzalez back for one more year and signing veterans Osi Umenyiora and Stephen Jackson, they are looking for one more piece to finish out what could be a championship team. A big trade up could get them just that.
