Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff continues to build the rumor that the Atlanta Falcons will trade up from No.30 overall draft pick. The team is looking at all possible draft options with plan A involving a trade. Dimitroff has proved in the past to not be afraid to make a big draft day move and 2013 could be no different. Despite the return of tight end Tony Gonzalez, the team is targeting Tyler Eifert with their first pick. That leaves the team looking for a cornerback in the second round.
The Falcons will be looking for a successor to the Gonzalez tight end throne. The team knows they only have him for one more year and drafting a top tight end in this year's draft means they can learn under the future hall of famer during the upcoming season. So, if that remains their first-round plan, where does that leave the Falcons in the second round?
Atlanta lost three of their five cornerbacks to free agency in the offseason. It is a position they will intend on addressing early in the upcoming draft as the first rounds will prove fruitful for defensive talent. With players like Dee Milliner and Xavier Rhodes already off the board, the next best option will be Tyrann Mathieu.
Atlanta has taken a serious look at the Honey Badger, who some consider to be a risky overall pick. He has visited team facilities and worked out for the coaches. While Mathieu did sit out a year due to off-the-field issues, his comeback has impressed multiple teams. He ran an impressive 40-yard dash time at the combine and proved to still be in football shape during LSU's Pro Day.
Mathieu could bring a lot to the Atlanta Falcons' secondary. Mathieu is projected as a second round pick at best in the draft, mainly due to being slightly undersized and his drug related problems. The New England Patriots are considering Mathieu with their first-round pick, but if the team passes on him then the Falcons could be tempted to grab him.
A cornerback and a tight end seem to be the first two areas of need in Atlanta. Dimitroff has said he is keeping all possible draft options open and this is another likely scenario.
