The Falcons are looking to trade back in the NFL Draft. The only problem with that is every other team is as well.
This cycle has been dubbed the “starter” class. There aren’t many stars, but there are plenty of starting-caliber prospects. Moreover, the difference between the prospects that get selected from picks 5 to 10 and 15 to 25 isn’t significant.
Fortunately, at least one trade candidate is emerging. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote in his latest draft column that the Texans need offensive line help and might be willing to trade up in the draft.
“We have another team that has at least started sniffing around on a trade up,” Breer writes. “And that’s the Houston Texans. It’s no secret that Houston needs offensive line help, and I’d expect the Texans to target strong-character players as they continue to remake that room.”
Houston currently holds the 25th overall pick. Unfortunately, none of the top tackles are expected to get to the Falcons’ 15th pick. Will Campbell, Armand Membou, and Kelvin Banks will likely be gone, but Breer believes it could be for another offensive line prospect.
“The Texans have two teams in front of them, in the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, that could take an offensive lineman,” Breer continues. “Thanks to the Laremy Tunsil trade, the Texans do have three picks on Day 2 (58, 79, and 89) to work with, though they’re without fourth- and sixth-rounders. I could see where that sets up for a short move up, potentially to try to land someone like [NDSU’s Grey] Zabel; or, if they’re feeling froggy and include 2026 picks, maybe a more significant move up for Banks. One player I’ve heard the Texans have done plenty of work on is [Ohio State’s Donovan] Jackson.”
If the Falcons can pick up a second- or third-round pick by moving back 10 spots, that would be a massive move to get more draft capital. Moreover, the Texans are known to be aggressive under Nick Caserio. In 2023, after drafting C.J. Stroud 2nd overall, Houston traded back up from 12th to 3rd overall to grab Will Anderson.
Perhaps the Falcons can take advantage.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
