Heading into the 2015 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons have found themselves linked to a major trade deal that could potentially alter their plans to finish rebuilding with rookies. According to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press, the Falcons are one of six teams in the mix for Adrian Peterson, a trade that could cost them a lot. While the Falcons plan on featuring the run game heavily in 2015, is a deal for Peterson really necessary?
Tomasson and ESPN confirm that a trade for Peterson will be costly for any team. The Minnesota Vikings are aware of the power they hold in this situation and plan on demanding a first-round draft pick for the running back. Armed with the No. 8 pick in the NFL Draft, the Falcons would have to give that up for arguably one of the best running backs in the league. Yes, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan plans on running more in 2015, something Atlanta has struggled with in recent years. With just Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith on the roster, the Falcons do need another running back. However, Peterson comes with a huge salary cap hit and is approaching the wrong side of 30.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, general manager Thomas Dimitroff might explore the idea of a trade for Peterson, but fans should not hold their breath on this. Running backs are a dime a dozen in the NFL. The Falcons have worked out first-round options and second-round options. Spending a first-round pick on a young player like Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon would be more productive than spending it on an aging veteran.
Instead, the Falcons are likely to use that No. 8 pick on defense, another huge need for Atlanta. According to ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay, the Falcons will draft Randy Gregory in the first round despite his off-the-field issues. The Falcons need a pass rusher after falling into the bottom of the league in sacks. They have held pre-draft visits with players like Dante Fowler Jr, Vic Beasley and Leonard Williams. Any of those players will fit well into Dan Quinn's defense.
With Peterson likely out of the picture for Atlanta, expect the team to use their extra cap space on an extension for Julio Jones while also saving some in case signing must happen with injuries. The team will address the defense in the first round of the draft while potentially approaching the running back spot in the second round. In need of a major bounce back year, Dimitroff and Quinn will be smart in how they handle the coming weeks.
