In this year's upcoming NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons will have the 6th overall pick in the first round. They've made clear in the past that they're not afraid to trade up for a higher pick if they see the player as someone who can make big contributions to the team.
In the past three years, the Falcons have traded up in the first round twice. First in 2011 to get wide receiver Julio Jones and most recently in 2013 to selected cornerback Desmond Trufant.
Personally I think they need to trade up with the St. Louis Rams to get the 2nd overall pick.
Here are some possible players the Falcons might selected with their 6th overall pick or with the 2nd overall pick if they were to trade up:
The only prospect in the draft worth trading up for would be defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina Gamecocks). Clowney would almost instantly improve the Falcond defensive line. He might have a work ethic problem but that can easily be fixed. He also fits in the defensive scheme of the Falcons perfectly.
"I wish they could trade up for me," Clowney told ESPN.com, "but I hope I don’t fall to No. 6. I like Atlanta – a lot. They’re pretty good. They’ve got some guys from South Carolina on the team, also. And it’s close to home."
Describe by some including myself as a dirty player, linebacker Anthony Barr (UCLA Bruins) would definitely be available by the time the 6th overall pick comes. The Falcons could also trade down a few picks to possibly fix their depth and still be able to draft Barr.
"I think definitely in the top 10, from what I got from the (NFL personnel) today," UCLA head coach Jim Mora said of Barr after the pro day. "And they understand that the ceiling is so high. He's only played the position for two years. And they see the talent."
Now on the other side of the ball. To fix the offensive lineman, which they've been trying to this offseason, the Falcons will have the option of selecting offensive tackle Jake Matthews (Texas A&M). Most likely to replace right tackle Mike Johnson if he were to be drafted by Atlanta, Matthews would add to an already improved Falcons offensive line.
"He's one of those coveted offensive linemen," said ESPN draft expert Todd McShay. "First off, you look at his frame at 6-foot-5, 300-pounds. He's got experience. He's got that versatility, having started 26 straight games at right tackle then moving the left tackle. Moving from left to right is not an easy thing to do. He's got no baggage. He eats, drinks and sleeps football. He's proven himself. Matthews has that quickness while remaining balanced and powerful. He has good athletic ability and mobility. Plus he's scheme versatile. If you're asking me whether he could fit with the Falcons -- and I'm not sure about their cap situation and all that -- but he definitely would be upgrade over Sam Baker."
In the past three years, the Falcons have traded up in the first round twice. First in 2011 to get wide receiver Julio Jones and most recently in 2013 to selected cornerback Desmond Trufant.
Personally I think they need to trade up with the St. Louis Rams to get the 2nd overall pick.
Here are some possible players the Falcons might selected with their 6th overall pick or with the 2nd overall pick if they were to trade up:
The only prospect in the draft worth trading up for would be defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina Gamecocks). Clowney would almost instantly improve the Falcond defensive line. He might have a work ethic problem but that can easily be fixed. He also fits in the defensive scheme of the Falcons perfectly.
"I wish they could trade up for me," Clowney told ESPN.com, "but I hope I don’t fall to No. 6. I like Atlanta – a lot. They’re pretty good. They’ve got some guys from South Carolina on the team, also. And it’s close to home."
Describe by some including myself as a dirty player, linebacker Anthony Barr (UCLA Bruins) would definitely be available by the time the 6th overall pick comes. The Falcons could also trade down a few picks to possibly fix their depth and still be able to draft Barr.
"I think definitely in the top 10, from what I got from the (NFL personnel) today," UCLA head coach Jim Mora said of Barr after the pro day. "And they understand that the ceiling is so high. He's only played the position for two years. And they see the talent."
Now on the other side of the ball. To fix the offensive lineman, which they've been trying to this offseason, the Falcons will have the option of selecting offensive tackle Jake Matthews (Texas A&M). Most likely to replace right tackle Mike Johnson if he were to be drafted by Atlanta, Matthews would add to an already improved Falcons offensive line.
"He's one of those coveted offensive linemen," said ESPN draft expert Todd McShay. "First off, you look at his frame at 6-foot-5, 300-pounds. He's got experience. He's got that versatility, having started 26 straight games at right tackle then moving the left tackle. Moving from left to right is not an easy thing to do. He's got no baggage. He eats, drinks and sleeps football. He's proven himself. Matthews has that quickness while remaining balanced and powerful. He has good athletic ability and mobility. Plus he's scheme versatile. If you're asking me whether he could fit with the Falcons -- and I'm not sure about their cap situation and all that -- but he definitely would be upgrade over Sam Baker."