Falcons Trade Pick 16 for Pick 22, Pick 86, & Late Future 2021 Draft Asset
R1, Pick 22 (From Buffalo): DT Javon Kinlaw
In this scenario, Buffalo moves up to snag the crafty CeeDee Lamb to pair with Stefon Diggs while sending a 3rd back to Atlanta (Pick 86) and a future pick. Buffalo is a prime candidate to jump ALL of these teams — they will all be seeking WR help. Pretty similar to Atlanta moving up for Takk McKinley in 2017. I think we can still get our man at 22; the teams between 17 & 22:
Buffalo – Need WR in the worst type of way, just drafted Oliver
Miami – Way bigger needs than DT, just drafted Christian Wilkins
Dallas – Way bigger needs than DT, just drafted Trysten Hill
Oakland – Way bigger needs than DT, just drafted Maurice Hurst
Jaguars – *Maybe* but have way bigger needs than DT, DL is their biggest strength.
Eagles – Literally have one of the 3 best DTs in the game
If Atlanta can pick up an extra selection while still getting Kinlaw, that would be massive in a draft they absolutely HAVE to nail. With Dante Fowler Jr. on board, this defensive line just did a complete 180.
Falcons Trade Pick 47 & Pick 86 (From Buffalo) for Pick 35 (From Detroit)
R2, Pick 35 (From Detroit): CB Jeff Gladney, TCU
CJ Henderson would be ideal at this spot, but his draft stock is all over the place and I don’t see him lasting this long. Atlanta parlays the extra Buffalo pick and their own 2nd rounder into a guy who could potentially be the best cover corner in the draft. The best way to describe Gladney is rock solid — he does everything well and doesn’t have any major weaknesses. He does have a few knee injuries, and his 4.48 40 being slower than his 4.34 (timed by TCU) is a *tad* concerning. He’s not the longest corner, but he’s lightning quick with very excellent technique. He’ll be a factor in the CB rotation from day 1 with Desmond Trufant playing in Detroit.
R3, Pick 78: RB Cam Akers, Florida State
With their own pick, Atlanta snags a guy who I think has a chance to be the best RB in this draft. Once a part of an RB class at Alabama that featured Najee Harris & Brian Robinson — Akers flipped to Florida State at one of the worst possible times. Coaching turmoil and inconsistent QB/OL play derailed a promising college career, but Akers has the athleticism, body, and vision to make an excellent pro and complement to Todd Gurley in the run game.
R4, Pick 119: EDGE Jabari Zuniga, Florida
Zuniga has had issues recognizing plays off the bat, but his physical gifts are something to marvel at. When he’s coming off the edge standing up, his speed is very impressive. With his hand in the dirt — he tends to be a little slow. Learning under another former Florida EDGE — Dante Fowler Jr. — could be beneficial for Zuniga and help him take the next step as a rotational pass rusher.
R4, Pick 134 (From Baltimore): TE Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
Ironically enough, a tight end came along with this pick. Three Florida prospects in a row too! I went into depth on some tight end prospects here, and this is what I had to say about Bryant:
“Bryant won the 2019 Mackey Award as the top tight end in the nation, and he had an impressive season. You don’t rack up over 1,000 yards and seven TDs by mistake, and he’s feasted on smaller linebackers and safeties. He’s as sure-handed as they come but doesn’t offer much in terms of YAC just yet. He’s pretty well rounded as a blocker, and I think he’s 100% the safest choice out of this group.”
With Jaeden Graham still largely being a project, I think going the safe route and pairing him with Bryant behind Hayden Hurst is the wise move for Atlanta.
R7, Pick 228: OT Trey Adams, Washington
I’m borrowing this pick from Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft, and if we can get Trey Adams in the 7th round, we should be sprinting to the podium. I know I’ve largely neglected offensive line in this draft, but you can only throw so many resources at a position before you take a step back. We have been absolutely putrid at drafting offensive lineman over the past few seasons (not including Lindstrom/McGary, way too early to tell) and we’ve seen the likes of Ben Garland, Sean Harlow, and others come and go. Jake Matthews was a hit and we brought over Alex Mack in free agency. I don’t want to throw more draft capital at guard when we keep whiffing. Trey Adams was a 5-star prospect and projected top 5 pick in last year’s draft. He came back to school and made the wrong choice. He ran a meh 5.6 40 and is a mountain of a man at 6’8, 318 pounds. He’s as mean as they come in the trenches and is still oozing with potential. He has had a laundry list of injuries that has derailed a lot of his development. If he’s still available in the 7th, you have to roll the dice on a guy like this.
You must log in to post a comment.