If a team is going to trade up for the No. 1 overall draft pick, the Atlanta Falcons have been pegged as the one to make the move. General manager Thomas Dimitroff is not afraid to be aggressive during the draft. He has traded up multiple years including a jump to get Julio Jones and a move to get Desmond Trufant. Both paid off and he could be eyeing another draft day deal this year. However, if that deal is denied, a move down is the favored option over staying at No. 6.
Dimitroff just does not like to stay with the assigned pick. The Falcons are set to make their first selection at No. 6, but likely will not be staying put. The general manager wants to move up, but notes that if certain players are gone then they will trade down for more picks later on.
"We don't sit on our hands," Dimitroff said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "I've talked to many teams about many things and obviously trade situations come up. I think the biggest thing is getting an idea what compensation would be if in fact something should ever come to fruition during the draft."
The Falcons have their eye on Jadeveon Clowney. The defensive end would fit perfectly for Atlanta. He is the ideal pass rusher and versatile enough to fit their scheme. The Falcons have made defense a priority this offseason and still need a premier pass rusher to help get to the quarterback quickly. Clowney is considered the best overall player in the draft, so of course the Houston Texans are considering keeping him for themselves. The Falcons have not yet negotiated a move with the team, but are predicted to pick up the phone within 24 hours of the draft's first pick.
However, Dimitroff sees the depth in this year's class and notes that if a move up does not make sense, they will trade down. If the Falcons move down, it will not be out of the top 10 as Dimitroff says there really is no point to that kind of slide.
"I think you are going to have some really impact-driven football players in this top 10,' Dimitroff said. "I'm not saying you didn't' have that last year. But most of the (teams) in the top 10 this year more than likely want to stay in the top 10. They may want to trade within the top 10 but they want to stay within the top 10."
If the Falcons do not get Clowney, they will likely chase players on defense. Khalil Mack and Anthony Barr would be excellent options outside of the top defensive end. They could also grab a top offensive lineman like Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews anywhere in the top 10 picks.
