Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff has suggested a couple times since the season ended that his team may be open to the idea of trading up from their No. 6 spot in the draft, and it appears the Falcons are sending the same signals privately as they are publicly. ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that Atlanta is the first team known to have some interest in trading up.
Given the talent and depth of this year’s draft class, teams have appeared far more inclined to trade down and acquire extra picks, so if the Falcons are serious about trading up, they could likely find a number of potential partners. Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com tweets that the Rams, whose No. 2 selection is one of two first-round picks held by the club, could make sense as a trade partner for the Falcons. If the Jaguars, Browns, and Raiders don’t have their eye on a specific quarterback with picks three through five, they could also represent possible fits for the Falcons.
While Schefter doesn’t specify who the Falcons would be targeting if they decided to move up, the team is set at quarterback with Matt Ryan. The general belief is that defensive end Jadeveon Clowney will be at or near the top of Atlanta’s draft board, and Clowney is unlikely to still be available at No. 6. Offensive tackle Greg Robinson could also be a target for the club.