Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — After I published my seven-round mock draft, I got excited for what the draft's entirety beyond the first round could look like. So, for this second-to-last mock draft of the offseason, I decided to play around with the first two rounds instead of going through the first round alone.
What transpired was an intriguing opportunity for the Falcons to test the trade waters. Going as far as trading out of the first round completely only to find a way to trade back into it.
That's right: We're going two rounds with two trades for the Falcons in Mock Draft 7.0. The organization still prioritizes an edge rusher, but Atlanta finds more value down the road, too.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: QB, WR, EDGE, LB, S
Starter needs, per PFF: QB, WR, LB | Depth/future needs: EDGE, CB
Pick analysis: Go ahead and write this in stone.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: Long-term QB, OL, EDGE, RB, S
Starter needs, per PFF: WR | Depth/future needs: QB, OL, CB, EDGE, RB
Pick analysis: The biggest need the Browns have at this juncture is wide receiver. What's interesting is Hunter has made it quite clear that he wants to play both ways at the pro level. Will the Browns let him, though? That's a question I have.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, LB, CB, DL, long-term QB
Starter needs, per PFF: Technically, none | Depth/future needs: Long-term QB, OG, EDGE, DT
Pick analysis: As you will see when we get to the second round, the Giants feel as though they can still acquire a quality quarterback in the second round. Therefore, they don't reach for one at No. 3.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, DL, RB, TE, S
Starter needs, per PFF: OT, WR | Depth/future needs: EDGE, OG
Pick analysis: I continually go back and forth between giving the Patriots Campbell or Armand Membou. Either way, I have them taking a tackle.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: DL, CB, S, OL, WR
Starter needs, per PFF: DT | Depth/future needs: TE, RB, WR
Pick analysis: Like Ward to Tennessee, Graham to Jacksonville feels set in stone.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: RB, WR, CB, OL, LB
Starter needs, per PFF: CB, LB, WR | Depth/future needs: RB, OG
Pick analysis: Though running back isn't an immediate need for the Raiders, Jeanty is the type of player that changes an offense. And with the running back revolution happening, I think a team like the Raiders will value Jeanty extremely high.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, WR, TE, S, DL
Starter needs, per PFF: OT | Depth/future needs: WR, TE, CB, DT
Pick analysis: Another offensive tackle off the board.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, S, CB, WR, DL
Starter needs, per PFF: EDGE, S | Depth/future needs: LB, WR, OT
Pick analysis: I'm sorry y'all. I can't get Walker past the Panthers. I just can't!
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, OL, WR, DL, QB
Starter needs, per PFF: DT, potentially QB | Depth/future needs: CB, OT, LB
Pick analysis: This — to me — may be a gamble. The Derek Carr injury news has completely changed the way I think about the Saints strategy. They absolutely could take Shedeur Sanders here. In fact, that's probably how I legitimately see it falling next week. However, I wanted to try something else before I had the Saints drafting a QB. And taking a sure-fire starter at corner feels like the safest move to make.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, RB, EDGE, WR, TE
Starter needs, per PFF: RB | Depth/future needs: EDGE, S, OT, LB
Pick analysis: If the Raiders do not take Jeanty at No. 6, he's a Bear. I have no doubt. But that doesn't happen in this mock, and even though linebacker isn't an immediate need for Chicago's defense, I do think they could use an athlete and playmaker on defense. One could argue Campbell is the best player available at this time, so Chicago goes after him.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: DL, EDGE, OL, RB, CB
Starter needs, per PFF: EDGE, DT | Depth/future needs: OG, LB, OT, CB
Pick analysis: The closer we get to draft weekend, the more I am feeling this pairing of Stewart and San Francisco. Stewart has the look and abilities to be a big-time chaos creator. Can the 49ers be the defense that brings that success out of him?
TRADE
The Dallas Cowboys have traded the No. 12 overall pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for the No. 22 (first round), No. 55 (second round) and No. 181 (sixth round) overall picks.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: TE, WR, DL, RB, EDGE
Starter needs, per PFF: DT | Depth/future needs: EDGE, CB, TE, WR
Pick analysis: The thought process behind this trade is the Chargers' need to get an offensive weapon that will expand the scope of that unit immediately. If there is someone who draft experts think has the ceiling to do that, it's Warren. The Chargers feel like the only way to get the best tight end — let alone pass-catcher — in the draft is to leapfrog offensive-hungry teams like Indianapolis, Arizona, Denver and the Seattle.
Dallas is more than happy to be a trade partner because they feel like some of the receivers they are targeting will still be around at No. 22.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, DL, S, CB, TE
Starter needs, per PFF: CB | Depth/future needs: OT, DT, S
Pick analysis: For Miami, this pick feels like a toss up between defensive backs. Do you go with the best safety in the class? Or the second- or third-best cornerback? In this scenario, they grade Barron's abilities above that of the safeties. So, they get a starter outside.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: TE, OL, LB, EDGE, RB
Starter needs, per PFF: TE, LB | Depth/future needs: EDGE, IOL
Pick analysis: If there's anyone who is angry at the Dallas/Los Angeles trade, it's the Colts. They were in prime position to take Warren. They'll settle for Loveland, though.
TRADE
The Atlanta Falcons trade their No. 15 overall pick with the Chicago Bears for the No. 39 (second round), No. 41 (second round) and No. 148 (fifth round) overall picks.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, RB, EDGE, WR, TE
Starter needs, per PFF: RB | Depth/future needs: EDGE, S, OT, LB
Pick analysis: I will start this trade explanation by saying the Falcons are already working the phones to get back into the first round. So, don't fret yet. There are still a lot of defensive players on the board who the Falcons could use and value. As for offensive players, though, the Dallas/Los Angeles trade got the Bears a bit worried about who could fall to them in the second round, where they have two picks. They leverage those picks with the Falcons (who, let's be honest, need more picks) to get back into the first round to acquire a much-needed running back, afraid Hampton would not fall to them in the second round.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, WR, EDGE, DL, CB
Starter needs, per PFF: CB, LB | Depth/future needs: EDGE, DT, OT, WR
Pick analysis: Yes, the Cardinals need a starter at corner and linebacker. But I would argue the best player available at this point is McMillan. He also feels a future need for the franchise, too. So, McMillan? You're staying in Arizona.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, S, LB, OL, CB
Starter needs, per PFF: EDGE, OG, S | Depth/future needs: DT, CB
Pick analysis: The Bengals could have absolutely gone edge rusher here. But wouldn't they rather have the best interior offensive lineman instead of the third- or fourth-best edge rusher? I think so.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, WR, CB, S, DL
Starter needs, per PFF: OG | Depth/future needs: WR, OT, CB
Pick analysis: Ooooh buddy. We've got back-to-back guards taken off the board.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: LB, CB, EDGE, S, OL
Starter needs, per PFF: Technically, none | Depth/future needs: LB, EDGE, DT
Pick analysis: Jihaad Campbell to the Buccaneers feels like a match made in draft heaven. Too bad for the Bucs, though, he didn't still around long in this scenario. However, I wouldn't go as far as to say the Bucs "settled" for Green. He'd be an important figure for this defense very early on in his tenure, which is what you want.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: RB, WR, CB, TE, DL
Starter needs, per PFF: RB | Depth/future needs: WR, LB, DT
Pick analysis: Denver is a team Omarion Hampton has been linked to time and time again. However, few have the Bears heading up to No. 15 to leapfrog the Broncos in order to acquire one of the class' best running backs. With a need to bring in more offensive fire power, the Broncos stick with an offensive prospect and get a well-round receiver in Golden.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: QB, RB, DL, WR, OL
Starter needs, per PFF: At this moment, a QB | Depth/future needs: DT, RB, CB
Pick analysis: Call me crazy, and this very well might be crazy. But we all know Sanders and the Steelers have been having conversations and workouts. I will give it to Pittsburgh: Despite Aaron Rodgers waiting in the wings to make a decision as to whether he makes his way onto stage or not, they are doing their due diligence to account for the scenario of him not signing with them. If Sanders is there at No. 21 (meaning the Saints don't take him at No. 9, or the Giants don't figure out a way to get him themselves), then I think a strong case could be made for the Steelers.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: WR, RB, CB, LB, DL
Starter needs, per PFF: WR | Depth/future needs: DT, EDGE, LB, RB, OG
Pick analysis: The Cowboys feel really good about their maneuvering in the first round. They picked up some extra picks by moving down in the Los Angeles trade and they still had the opportunity to draft a receiver — something they wanted all along.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, WR, EDGE, DL, OL
Starter needs, per PFF: EDGE | Depth/future needs: CB, DT, LB, WR
Pick analysis: This seems like a very easy decision for the Packers to make. They have a hole at edge rusher. Williams more than fills that hole.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, OL, S, LB, DL
Starter needs, per PFF: Technically, none | Depth/future needs: CB, S, DT
Pick analysis: If you're like me, you're surprised Starks or Nick Emmanwori haven't been drafted yet. I couldn't really believe it, either. But you know who would love if that happened? Minnesota, for the simple reason they would have the opportunity to draft who they believe is the best safety in the class. In this scenario, it's Starks.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, WR, DL, S, CB
Starter needs, per PFF: OT | Depth/future needs: IOL, DT, WR, S
Pick analysis: Yes, the Texans need an offensive tackle. I am not overlooking that need. However, in the same vein of answering the question of what do you value, position of need or best player available? I think the Texans may lean towards a player like Zabel who fits the latter while also helping fill a future need problem.
TRADE
The Los Angeles Rams have traded the No. 26 pick (first round) and No. 90 (third round) overall picks to the Atlanta Falcons for the No. 41 and 46 (second round) overall picks.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, DL, CB, OL, S (ATLANTA)
Starter needs, per PFF: EDGE, S | Depth/future needs: DT, TE, C, ILB
Pick analysis: Never one to miss out on a potential trade away of a first-round pick, without any second-round picks or any overly glaring needs for starters, the Rams were more than happy to put this deal together with Atlanta. They pick up two second-rounders they'll use to tap into this deep class of secondary players, while the Falcons leapfrogging the final five teams picking in the first round, who all happen to want help along their defensive front. It's a win-win for Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Plus, the Falcons don't have to give up their No. 39 overall pick acquired from the Bears to move back into the first round. So, they have ample opportunity to bring in another top defensive playmaker in the draft.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: OL, CB, S, DL, EDGE
Starter needs, per PFF: OG | Depth/future needs: CB, DT, EDGE, LB, TE
Pick analysis: Conerly may be listed as a tackle by most draft sites, but he has the upside of being able to move inside at the pro level. For that reason, a team like Baltimore likes the idea of taking him instead of someone who projects as a a true guard, especially with Booker and Banks off the board already.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, OL, S, DL, WR
Starter needs, per PFF: EDGE | Depth/future needs: OG, WR
Pick analysis: I have gotten to the point where I am giving the best available edge rusher to the Lions every single week.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: EDGE, CB, WR, S, OL
Starter needs, per PFF: EDGE | Depth/future needs: CB, WR, RB, OT
Pick analysis: If Pearce would have fallen to them at No. 29, that's probably the move I would have had Washington make. He didn't, though, which has the Commanders trying to think outside the box. They take a practical and safe route in getting Simmons.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: CB, DL, WR, EDGE, S
Starter needs, per PFF: CB | Depth/future needs: DT, LB, RB
Pick analysis: The Bills feel as though they will be in a good position to get a corner in the second round. So, they build up their defensive interior with their first-round pick.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: DT, OL, EDGE, S, WR
Starter needs, per PFF: DT | Depth/future needs: OL, RB, TE, CB
Pick analysis: Another defensive tackle off the board. This time, it's a bit more straight forward than the Bills' pick of Harmon. Kansas City needs a tackle so so they get a tackle now. No reason to wait.
Biggest needs per NFL.com: S, DL, CB, EDGE, OL
Starter needs, per PFF: S | Depth/future needs: DT, TE, CB
Pick analysis: Like the Vikings, the Eagles are thrilled by the lack of safety picks on Day 1. This is their best case scenario.
SECOND ROUND
No. 33, Cleveland Browns: WR Luther Burden III | Missouri
No. 34, New York Giants: QB Jalen Milroe | Alabama
No. 35, Tennessee Titans: LB Carson Schwesinger | UCLA
No. 36, Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Mason Taylor | LSU
No. 37, Las Vegas Raiders: CB Maxwell Hairston | Kentucky
No. 38, New England Patriots: WR Jaylin Noel | Iowa State
No. 39, Atlanta Falcons (from Bears through Panthers): DT Walter Nolen | Ole Miss
With prospects like CB Trey Amos or S Xavier Watts still on the board (both of whom I took in my seven-round mock draft), the Falcons could have absolutely gone secondary with this pick. The more I thought about it, though, the more I felt like all of the recent signings the Falcons have made bringing back a lot of familiar defensive backs from the 2024 roster was a sign the Falcons should further prioritize the defensive front. That's exactly what they do with Nolen, who joins Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus and Zach Harrison as a young core in the defensive interior.
No. 40, New Orleans Saints: DT Tyleik Williams | Ohio State
No. 41, Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons through Bears): CB Trey Amos | Ole Miss
No. 42, New York Jets: WR Jayden Higgins | Iowa State
No. 43, San Francisco 49ers: OG Tate Ratledge | Georgia
No. 44, Los Angeles Chargers (from Cowboys): EDGE JT Tuimoloau | Ohio State
No. 45, Indianapolis Colts: IOL Jared Wilson | Georgia
No. 46, Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): S Xavier Watts | Notre Dame
No. 47, Arizona Cardinals: CB Azareye'h Thomas | FSU
No. 48, Miami Dolphins: OT Donovan Jackson | Ohio State
No. 49, Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Landon Jackson | Arkansas
No. 50, Seattle Seahawks: OT Aireontae Ersery | Minnesota
No. 51, Denver Broncos: RB Kaleb Johnson | Iowa
No. 52, Seattle Seahawks (from Steelers): WR Jalen Royals | Utah State
No. 53, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Shemar Turner | Texas A&M
No. 54, Green Bay Packers: DT Darius Alexander | Toledo
No. 55, Los Angeles Chargers: DT Alfred Collins | Texas
No. 56, Buffalo Bills (from Vikings through Texans): CB Shavon Revel Jr. | East Carolina
No. 57, Carolina Panthers (from Rams): WR Tre Harris | Ole Miss
No. 58, Houston Texans: WR Jack Bech | TCU
No. 59, Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Jordan Burch | Oregon
No. 60, Detroit Lions: OG Jonah Savaiinaea | Arizona
No. 61, Washington Commanders: EDGE Jack Sawyer | Ohio State
No. 62, Buffalo Bills: RB Treveyon Henderson | Ohio State
No. 63, Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE Nic Scourton | Texas A&M
No. 64, Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE T.J. Sanders | South Carolina
