The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the most active teams in the first round of the NFL draft since Thomas Dimitroff took over. Dimitroff could have another draft day up his sleeve, admitting that the Falcons could have another deal going on if the opportunity arises.
Atlanta has overall pick # 16 in the repechage, a selection of choices to trade up (or even down).
“I think there are going to be a lot of really interesting actions between (choices) 10 and 20,” said Dimitroff on Friday at 92.9. “And again, I would never count ourselves, because again, we are a team that has been active (in previous versions).
“Having said that, this is one of those temporary situations where, given the depth of some of these positions, it opens up the possibility of backing out. And you know, since I’ve been here, we ‘I don’t’ haven’t been a real active team going backwards. But again, this year could be one of those years where you could really watch this and obviously acquire a few other choices in different parts of the project to use to team up to get up, well sure in another round. “
The Falcons made five first round trades during Dimitroff’s 12-year period, going up each time, including twice in the second round in the top 32 picks.
- 2008: The Falcons traded two second round picks and a fourth round pick with the Washington Redskins for the No. 21 overall pick as well as third and fifth round picks. Atlanta chose offense tackle Sam Baker.
- 2011: The Falcons traded their No. 27 overall pick with second and fourth round picks as well as 2012’s first and fourth round picks to the Cleveland Browns for No. 6 overall pick. Atlanta selected wide catcher Julio Jones.
- 2013: The Falcons traded their No. 30 overall pick for the third and sixth round selections at the St. Louis Rams in exchange for No. 22 overall pick with a seventh round selection. Atlanta has selected cornerback Desmond Trufant.
- 2017: The Falcons traded their No. 31 overall pick and third and seventh round selections to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for No. 26 overall pick. Atlanta selected defensive end Takkarist McKinley.
- 2019: The Falcons traded a second and third round pick for the Los Angeles Rams. In exchange, the Falcons got overall choice # 31 and a sixth round pick.
Atlanta was active in the first round of the draft, moving to get a player it coveted. Based on Dimitroff’s story, it would not be surprising to see the Falcons trade rebound.
“I understand the conversation going on. I understand,” said Dimitroff as he stepped back into the project. “We have taken a big step forward for Julio [Jones] way back when.
“We spent a lot of time in 2011 analyzing our situation and knowing where the organization was, of course. Knowing the talent we had. Knowing where the contracts were and the length of the contracts. Decide if you want to make a transition in your career.
“Organizationally, you don’t make these moves all the time. These are really thoughtful decisions.”
