Now, things get real.
This is the week that the broad scope of the NFL draft business for each team starts to narrow and teams trying to trade get down to brass tax.
With the Falcons holding the coveted No. 4 overall draft pick, things are going to really get serious.
The teams that have called to have preliminary talks about moving into Atlanta's draft slot will stop with the 'Well, what would it take?,' compensation conversations they've floated for weeks. There could be real offers made that could be too good for the Falcons to turn down.
Compensation is one thing, how far back Atlanta is willing trade is another.
Atlanta won't move too far back from where it now stands, based on conversations I've had with folks in the know from around the league.
Why wouldn't they if they get a multitude of picks?
If they get into the mid-teens or beyond, the chances of landing a difference maker in the short- and long-terms might not be worth the assets accumulated. Quality vs quality quantity, or lack thereof, is often the swing vote when it comes to moving off such a choice draft spot.
Then again, no bait could be tempting enough for the Falcons to trade back. Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, North Dakota State QB Trey Lance or Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields just might be the player Coach Arthur Smith and GM Terry Fontenot want to build with.
Don't overlook this: Is trading back how Smith and Fontenot want to make their presence felt in their first time leading a draft with a pick so potentially influential?
So, no, we aren't any closer to knowing who the selection is or when that pick will be, but let's look at some crucial factors that will play into the decision.
Let's start with quarterback. Atlanta is all but certain to draft one because Matt Ryan is the only QB under contract. That pick just might not come in the first round.
If the Falcons use a top-five pick on a quarterback, he isn't likely to play in 2021 with Ryan still in the fold. A blown opportunity to pick an immediate contributor? Maybe. Yet, a great opportunity to make a seamless transition once the team decides to move on from Ryan, 36 – or vice versa.
Could Smith's history of being part of a Titans' coaching staff entrusted with developing Marcus Mariota, the No. 2 selection in 2015, bring home the reality that there are costly misses with QBs at the top of the draft?
Remember, the top four picks in 2015 and 2016, QBs Jameis Winston, Mariota, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, are no longer with the teams that drafted them – and Tampa Bay, Tennessee and the Rams opted to import veteran players to enhance their fortunes – with resounding returns in Tampa Bay (Tom Brady) and Tennessee (Ryan Tannehill).
Then again, passing on a QB and having him thrive elsewhere – DeShaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes – could be a franchise and career crusher.
So maybe Atlanta waits until at least the second round to go QB. There are some quality prospects in Stanford's Davis Mills, Florida's Kyle Trask, and Texas A&M's Kellen Mond, all of whom are projected to be available after Day 1.
Another option at No. 4? Florida's Pitts.
So many NFL talent evaluators believe Pitts is an immediate game changer because he is that chameleon player – think of 49ers tight end George Kittle – who can line up inline, in the slot, at H-back or wide, and put defenses in conflict.
Case-in-point: should the opposing defense be in its base front, Ryan could audible to a pass because of favorable matchups spawned by Pitts' versatility. Conversely, if the defense is in a sub-package (five, or six defensive backs), Ryan could change the play to a run because Pitts is quite adept as a blocker too.
And then there is this: With Tennessee in 2020, then Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith ran 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) nearly 33 percent of the time, second only to Philly, according to NFL research. While in 12 personnel, Tennessee averaged 6.8 yards per play, a fraction less than league- leading Kansas City, when in one running back, two-tight end formations.
To compare, the 2020 Falcons used 12 personnel 13.9 percent of the time and averaged 5.7 yards, ninth worst in the league in that grouping.
It might not mean much come draft time, other than Smith likes to use 12 personnel. However, Pitts could be a dangerous weapon while on the field with Hayden Hurst, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Ryan.
That shiver you just felt came from collective opposing defensive coordinators.
Atlanta will not neglect its defense, where generating pass rush, adding cornerbacks and getting physically bigger up front are priorities.
The Falcons plan to add personnel that fits defensive coordinator Dean Pees' 3-4 front (the Falcons have played a four-man front for years). The moves won't all be made for the scheme structure though, since teams only play their base defense roughly 25 percent of the time.
With so much time spent in sub-packages, getting the best athletes for their roles is premium.
Based on Fontenot's history with the Saints, collecting players with the history of being effective, if not better, at the end of games and in big moments will be a goal. So will position versatility, especially along the defensive front.
The Falcons are going to rely a lot on young players to support the established players or that have been imported this offseason. While that No. 4 pick is the headline maker and creates the most splash, what comes after that in the draft could prove most important.
Welcome to Atlanta | See the new faces the Falcons have signed in 2021 Free Agency.
Chicago Bears' Cordarrelle Patterson tries to get past Green Bay Packers' Chandon Sullivan during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) scores a touchdown on a run against the Detroit Lions in the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) makes a catch before an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) warms up before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) in the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches the ball in warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) plays against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) in action against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson throws a football to a fan before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Nov. 16, 2020 in Chicago. The Vikings defeated the Bears 19-13. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
Detroit Lions strong safety Duron Harmon (26) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions defeated the Cardinals, 26-23. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Duron Harmon (26) intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon (21) runs after intercepting the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30) is tackled by Detroit Lions strong safety Duron Harmon (26) during an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions strong safety Duron Harmon (26) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions beat the Cardinals 26-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon (21) catches the ball prior to an an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Houston. Houston won 28-22. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Duron Harmon catches during drills at the Lions NFL football practice, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon runs back an intern option against the New York Giants during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
Washington Football Team cornerback Fabian Moreau (25) runs to the locker room at half time during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Jennifer Stewart)
Washington Football Team cornerback Fabian Moreau (25) intercepts a Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sep. 13, 2020 in Landover, Md. Washington defeated the Eagles 27-17. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau (31) tackles Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (19) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) misses the ball against Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau (31) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) tries to stiff arm Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Kyzir White (44) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis scores against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) leaves the field after an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 46-23. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) lies down in the end zone following a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis )
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis (28) flexes after a touchdown during an NFL football game between the against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis celebrates after scoring against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 with Houston Texans outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo #52 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday October 6, 2019. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
New Orleans Saints Deonte Harris (11) is tackled by Chicago Bears Barkevious Mingo (50) and Demetrius Harris (86) on a punt return in the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Chicago Bears linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) in action on defense against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. The Bears defeated the Panthers 23-16. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Chicago Bears outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) in action against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Chicago Bears outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) looks on from the sideline during the NFL game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Chicago. The Saints defeated the Bears 26-23 in overtime. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Chicago Bears outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) tackles Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (50) defends against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Copeland watches from the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots' Brandon Copeland before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) catches a Russell Wilson pass and is tackled by New England Patriots outside linebacker Brandon Copeland (52) for a 9 yard gain during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Patriots 35-30. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Jets outside linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Jets linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) celebrates after sacking Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is sacked by New York Jets outside linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) is tripped by New York Jets outside linebacker Brandon Copeland (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Las Vegas Raiders free safety Erik Harris (25) plays against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a pass over Las Vegas Raiders free safety Erik Harris (25) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Oakland Raiders free safety Erik Harris (25) poses for a photo before an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won, 14-3. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Oakland Raiders free safety Erik Harris returns an interception for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders free safety Erik Harris (25) during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 27-14. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oakland Raiders free safety Erik Harris (25) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. Oakland won 31-24. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith catches a touchdown pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith (85) rests against the Houston Texans in an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in Houston. The Texans defeated the Bills 22-19. (Greg Trott via AP)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith (85) runs for yardage after a catch during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. The Bills defeated the Patriots 38-9. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith blocks for quarterback Josh Allen, rear, in the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith (85) celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith (85) catches an 8-yard touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game Sunday, October 6, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Jets offensive lineman Josh Andrews is pictured during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 40-3. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
New York Jets guard Josh Andrews (68) lines up in a two-point stance during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. The Jets defeated the Rams 23-20. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Jets offensive lineman Josh Andrews looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Jets 35-9. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New York Jets center Josh Andrews (68) wear a salute to service shirt during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
New York Jets offensive guard Josh Andrews (68) celebrates after a win over the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is pressured by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) after releasing the ball in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. The Saints won 31-9. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Jonathan Bullard sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Chicago Bears defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) walks to the field prior to a week 2 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 in Chicago. Chicago won 24-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Chicago Bears defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) fires off the line during an NFL Week 16 game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Bears defeated the 49ers 14-9. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Chicago Bears defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90) looks on from the sideline bench during the NFL week 7 regular season football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 in Chicago. The Patriots won the game 38-31. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles' Carson Wentz (11) passes against Chicago Bears' Jonathan Bullard (90) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
