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****Atlanta Falcons**** And The NFL In General

Falcons Interested in Trading Up

Tuesday, April 28
Albert Breer of NFL Network noted Monday that the Falcons are “inquiring on trading up” for an “impact defender.”

Considering the Falcons were 32nd in total defense, 27th in scoring defense and 30th in sacks last season, this makes sense. The only way they will reach the 2015 playoffs is with an improved effort on defense, even with offensive players such as Matt Ryan and Julio Jones on the other side of the ball.

On Tuesday, April 28, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reported that the player most likely to see Atlanta trading up would be Leonard Williams.

However, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal Constitution recently reported that “it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Falcons will consider trading up to try and land Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., who was recruited by head coach Dan Quinn and played two seasons for him in Gainesville, Florida.”

Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff made a trade in each of his first seven drafts with the team, so this concept is nothing new to him.

This draft is loaded with potential difference-makers along the defensive line, including Dante Fowler Jr., Leonard Williams, Vic Beasley, Randy Gregory, Shane Ray and Bud Dupree. Atlanta has plenty of options available if it is interested in trading up to grab someone.

If Fowler really is the pick, Atlanta will receive a defensive asset who is versatile enough to play defensive line or linebacker with an explosive first step and impressive pursuit. Someone with that skill set can certainly challenge for immediate playing time as a rookie.
 
The 30-year-old former first round pick whose career has been largely derailed by injuries. He's spent his career with the Rams and Redskins, picking up nine sacks and generally grading out as a useful-to-very good run defender. He did not play for anyone in 2014, and catching the eye of an NFL team has to feel good considering his career appeared to be over.

For the Falcons, who could still use help and size up front, Carriker could represent a decent flyer with a chance to be a contributor assuming he's healthy. If he clocks in above 300 pounds, as he has in recent years, the Falcons would likely to be looking at him as an anchor end in 3-4 sets and a defensive tackle when they're using their 4-3 sets. If he's a little lighter or Dan Quinn and company want to get creative, he could be an option as a run-stopping end. Chances are he'd be little more than a reserve, particularly with Ra'Shede Hageman hopefully earning more snaps over the middle, but there's no risk in working him out, and certainly he offers a little bit of upside if he is truly healthy. Just don't set your expectations high.

As far as the remaining veterans go, there's a handful of interesting names, but two jump out at me given needs at their respective positions and past success.

Cox, 28, has spent time with the Jaguars, Chargers and Vikings, and was last seen starting 11 games for the Chargers before earning his release back in 2013. He's a big, aggressive cornerback at 6'1" and with 13 career interceptions in five seasons, but he isn't comfortable playing anywhere but outside and has had his struggles in coverage throughout his career. If the Falcons like what they see, he could be a reserve option for a thin cornerback corps.

Royster, 27, is an option chiefly because the Falcons only have two healthy, somewhat proven running backs on the roster. He did nice work in 2011 with the Redskins, compiling 328 yards on just 59 carries, but has been more or less a non-entity since. If he made the team, he'd be the third back, at best.

Jeanna Thomas is at minicamp this week and will hopefully have some impressions of these veterans and their chances.
 
Tony2X said:
Falcons Interested in Trading Up

Tuesday, April 28
Albert Breer of NFL Network noted Monday that the Falcons are “inquiring on trading up” for an “impact defender.”

Considering the Falcons were 32nd in total defense, 27th in scoring defense and 30th in sacks last season, this makes sense. The only way they will reach the 2015 playoffs is with an improved effort on defense, even with offensive players such as Matt Ryan and Julio Jones on the other side of the ball.

On Tuesday, April 28, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reported that the player most likely to see Atlanta trading up would be Leonard Williams.

However, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal Constitution recently reported that “it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Falcons will consider trading up to try and land Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., who was recruited by head coach Dan Quinn and played two seasons for him in Gainesville, Florida.”

Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff made a trade in each of his first seven drafts with the team, so this concept is nothing new to him.

This draft is loaded with potential difference-makers along the defensive line, including Dante Fowler Jr., Leonard Williams, Vic Beasley, Randy Gregory, Shane Ray and Bud Dupree. Atlanta has plenty of options available if it is interested in trading up to grab someone.

If Fowler really is the pick, Atlanta will receive a defensive asset who is versatile enough to play defensive line or linebacker with an explosive first step and impressive pursuit. Someone with that skill set can certainly challenge for immediate playing time as a rookie.
Click to expand...

I might break my TV if we trade up. Idiots
 
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