2020 NFL Draft: The Falcons draft needs and the need to trade down

We know it. They also know it. The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2020 NFL Draft looking to add some considerable talent and end a 2-year playoff drought. While there are several needs, ranking those needs in level of importance is a different conversation. Between defensive end, cornerback, interior offensive lineman, linebacker, safety (maybe), and running back (maybe), and only being equipped with six draft picks total, the Falcons may benefit from a tactic that they have rarely done during the Thomas Dimitroff era. You know exactly what I’m going to say, don’t you?

The Falcons should trade down.

Sitting comfortably in the middle of the first round, the Falcons are in prime territory. For the playoff teams in the latter half of the first round, some that are interested in trading up in the first round view the Falcons as a reasonable landing spot. Why? Based on potential trade value, the trade capital may not be as large compared to trading with a team in the top-10, and there will be good players available at 16.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

For Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn, this upcoming season is a clear make it-or-break it campaign. So the aspect of trading up in the draft (which has been a clear pattern of theirs in the past) is a considerable gamble with very few picks and numerous voids on the roster. But of course, the draft is never it’s normal self unless there is a Falcons rumor here or there about the possibility of climbing the draft order for a prospect.

Taking care of the defense on all three levels before day three of the draft is pretty much a must. Finding a capable prospect that is able to possibly start during their rookie season or their second year is greatly needed at this point, and the more you can get, the better. But when it comes to shoring up depth on the roster across the board, which is never a bad thing, the Falcons will need more ammo than what they currently have.

Yes, I am pretty aware of the trade history involving the Falcons. It is about as rare as the Saints defense getting a much needed stop in the playoffs in recent seasons. But when it comes to Dimitroff and Dan Quinn, you should never rule anything out, even a most unlikely (and necessary) move.