Considering Wednesday’s rumor that the Atlanta Falcons are potentially eyeing a trade up into the top ten, let’s take a look at four potential targets for the team if general manager Thomas Dimitroff pulls the trigger on a draft-day deal.
DE Chase Young – Ohio State
Draft range: Picks 1-3
Analysis: Young is the best defensive prospect in the 2020 draft class and it’s not even close. With Atlanta losing both defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and Vic Beasley in free agency, moving up to grab the draft’s top edge rusher is something Dimitroff must at least consider. The price to move up roughly 15 spots would be extremely steep and the Falcons only have six picks this year. Considering the team’s roster is already top-heavy, the risk in making such a move is extremely high. Plus, the need for another pass-rusher isn’t as great since the team signed Dante Fowler. If Atlanta wants to make a splash in a division that now contains Tom Brady, though, adding a guy that racked up 16 sacks and six forced fumbles last season would do the trick.
Probability: Extremely low
LB Isaiah Simmons – Clemson
Draft range: Top 10
Analysis: Simmons’ stock following the 2019 season has steadily risen. An impressive combine performance and the versatility to play multiple spots makes the Clemson star appealing to all NFL teams. The closer we get to the draft, the more likely it seems that Simmons will go somewhere in the top five. Would Atlanta really risk moving up that high for a player that’s not even the consensus No. 2 defensive player in this draft? The fit is a great one and Atlanta has had success with Clemson players under head coach Dan Quinn. I don’t see the team moving up into the top five for Simmons. However, if he falls somewhere past pick No. 8, trading up could be a realistic option for the Falcons.
Probability: Low
CB C.J. Henderson – Florida
Draft range: Picks 10-20
Analysis: Henderson is the second-best corner in this draft, and is someone that’s consistently been projected to the Falcons in mock drafts. With a need for a starting corner, Henderson makes a lot of sense. It’s tough to see two corners going in the top ten, and Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah will undoubtedly be the first one off the board. If Dimitroff feels Henderson won’t last until pick No. 16, moving up a few spots to assure the team lands him seems like a real possibility.
Probability: Medium
DL Javon Kinlaw – Southern California
Draft range: Top 15
Analysis: Kinlaw is an outstanding prospect, but has some injury concerns after sitting out of the NFL scouting combine with knee tendinitis. Even considering the potential knee issue, it’s hard to see Kinlaw falling out of the top 15. Getting a versatile interior defensive lineman to play next to Grady Jarrett may be exactly what Atlanta needs to maximize Dante Fowler and Takk McKinley on the outside. If Kinlaw is still available around pick No. 12, it’s possible Atlanta swings a deal to shore up its defensive front for years to come.
Probability: Low/medium
