/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32703051/20140224_ads_ss1_046.0.jpg)
The 2014 NFL Draft is finally here. The Atlanta Falcons have pick No. 6 tonight, and no one has the slightest clue exactly what they'll do their first round selection.
We like to make predictions, though. Our staff got together to guess how the first six picks will play out. Last year several of us predicted who the Falcons would select in Round 1. Guess who nailed it?
But this year is different. Last year it was obvious Atlanta needed to address cornerback. Now they could go either pass rusher or offensive tackle. Considering the pass rush was nonexistent in 2013, I think that's the way they go in Round 1.
Here's how everyone sees the top six picks going. Enjoy.
Dave |
Alex |
Jeanna |
Alec |
Caleb |
James |
Matt |
||
Pick | Team | |||||||
1 | ![]() |
Jadeveon Clowney TRADE TO ATL |
Jadeveon Clowney TRADE TO ATL |
Jadeveon Clowney TRADE TO ATL |
Jadeveon Clowney TRADE TO ATL |
Jadeveon Clowney | Johnny Manziel | Khalil Mack |
2 | ![]() |
Jake Matthews | Greg Robinson | Greg Robinson | Sammy Watkins | Jake Matthews | Greg Robinson |
Jadeveon Clowney TRADE TO TB |
3 | ![]() |
Khalil Mack | Khalil Mack | Khalil Mack | Khalil Mack | Greg Robinson |
Jadeveon Clowney TRADE TO ATL |
Greg Robinson TRADE TO ATL |
4 | ![]() |
Sammy Watkins | Sammy Watkins | Johnny Manziel | Mike Evans | Johnny Manziel | Sammy Watkins | Mike Evans |
5 | ![]() |
Greg Robinson |
Mike Evans TRADE TO PHI |
Sammy Watkins | Greg Robinson | Sammy Watkins | Khalil Mack | Aaron Donald |
6 | ![]() |
Johnny Manziel TRADE TO HOU |
Blake Bortles TRADE TO HOU |
Blake Bortles TRADE TO HOU |
Blake Bortles TRADE TO HOU |
Khalil Mack |
Mike Evans TRADE TO JAC |
Sammy Watkins TRADE TO JAC |
We're all over the place with these predictions. Projecting trades makes this process even tougher, but it's clear the consensus here is that the Falcons are moving up.
I have no doubt Atlanta wants to get out of the No. 6 spot. It's just a matter of who they can work out a deal with. Jacksonville seems like an unlikely target to me (no offense to Matt and James, actually, who cares what they think). Teams like Detroit might try to move up for a receiver. The Lions are considering vaulting up into the top three for Watkins. Either Jacksonville trades with someone looking at Watkins, or they stick with Mack, who fits perfectly into their defense.
Four of us believe the Falcons trade with the Texans for the top selection. This has been my prediction for several months, but I'm surprisingly less confident about it today. Houston can't decide on which player it wants. If it can move down to No. 6, Bortles would be a great match for Bill O'Brien.
Are the Falcons willing to give up enough? We've talked on this site about a trade for the No. 1 pick, and most of us have agreed it will take a first round swap, a 2015 first, plus a third rounder. The Texans might want another pick for such a coveted player. We'll see if Dimitroff pulls the trigger.
Looking at the big picture, I think a combination of Robinson, a pass rusher and a safety would be the best route to go. The offensive line needs help. The defensive line needs help. Who is playing free safety? Plenty of holes to fill.
Tonight is one of the most intriguing first rounds we've seen in years. How do you think it plays out?