Questions about the cost of trading up, taking a corner at 14, Quinnen Williams, more

You've got questions about the Falcons and we've got answers – Straight from the Beek

Welcome to Straight from the Beek! The 2019 schedule is officially set, the draft is about a week away and you've got plenty of questions. So, let's get to them. Just remember that all opinions here are mine unless otherwise noted.

And we're off.

Peyton from Warner Robins, GA
Hey Beek, I read your mock draft 8.0 and did like the pick of Andre Dillard or even Cody Ford at 14. However, and this is just my thinking, but I have a strong feeling they are going to take a defensive back in the first round. However they view Greedy Williams, DeAndre Baker, or Byron Murphy, I think that is where they are setting up to go. I hope that if that's the plan they try hard to trade back and pick up an extra second. That would be a huge win!

Matt: I'd be surprised if they pick a cornerback with the 14th overall pick, Peyton. Mainly because I don't see them passing up on one of the better defensive ends, right tackles or defensive tackles in this class for a cornerback who is projected to go in the second half of the first round – and all three of those guys are low first-round picks in my opinion. As I've noted a few times in this space, I wouldn't mind seeing the Falcons package some of those later-round picks they currently have in order to gain another second- or third-round pick (and then take a corner, if one they like is still on the board).

Chance from Atlanta, GA
What do you think of Greedy Williams and our chances of drafting him at 14?

Matt: I think Greedy Williams is considered to be the best cover cornerback in this draft class, Chance. The one knock on him, at least according to this scouting report, is that Williams is a below-average tackler with "inconsistent strike and wrap technique." I think he'll be drafted in the first round, Chance, but I don't think he makes sense at 14 to the Falcons. Now, if the Falcons could package some picks and get back into the bottom of the first round or another second-round pick, I'd love to see them take a cornerback then.

Orjan from Tromso, Norway
What's my man Beek! Living in Norway and being a devoted fan ain't easy. Not getting to watch every game played in ATL or the US for that matter absolutely sucks. These Q&As really makes my day and are super fun to read but, however, you guys should make it easier for people living abroad to send in questions. This year's draft is going to be an interesting one. I really hope the Falcons either trade back in the first round after the 14th pick or trade down and get Ed Oliver or Jawaan Taylor. What's your personal favorite mock this far? Rise up.

Matt: Glad you're enjoying SFTB, Orjan! And thanks for the feedback regarding the form. I can't say I have a favorite mock draft that I've put together, but I'd love to see a scenario where the Falcons landed Quinnen Williams – that, in case you're wondering, is something I have not mocked. Why? I just think the price to trade up to land the Alabama defensive tackle would be too high. I think the two players you mentioned – Jawaan Taylor and Ed Oliver – would be fantastic additions, but I wouldn't want to give up too much for them. I just think the Falcons have a number of needs they must address and think they can land quality players with the picks they currently have. That said, I wouldn't mind seeing them package some of those lower round picks in order to get an additional Day 2 pick. In case you need a refresher or weren't sure, the Falcons have a total of nine draft picks at the moment.

• Round 1, No. 14 overall
• Round 2, No. 45 overall
• Round 3, No. 79 overall
• Round 4, No. 117 overall
• Round 4, No. 137 overall (compensatory)
• Round 5, No. 152 overall
• Round 5, No. 172 overall (compensatory)
• Round 6, No. 186 overall
• Round 7, No. 230 overall

Jerome from Dublin, GA
Hello, Beek. Based on the draft points system, what would it take for us to move into the top five? I know it would be expensive, but it shouldn't be as expensive as the Julio Jones trade up in 2011. In your opinion, what DT, edge rusher, or LB would be worth moving up for? I personally I think a first- and third-round pick in next year's draft, and a third- and fourth-round pick in this year's draft would put us high enough to get whomever we want. What do you think?

Matt: Well, to move up, you need a willing trading partner. That's the first and most important part of this hypothetical question, Jerome. Is there a team that would move down from the top five to No. 14 for that pick and a whole lot more? Remember, the Falcons picked Julio Jones with the No. 6 overall pick. So to break into the top five it would cost more, Jerome. Here is a link to the NFL trade value chart and you can see the points for yourself – the price is steep for any of the top-five spots, especially the top three. The 14th pick is worth 1,100 points. The top pick is worth 3,000. Who would I trade up for? I've said it a number of times, but I think Quinnen Williams is the best prospect in this draft class. I think when it comes to defensive tackles, I'd rank the top three as Williams, Ed Oliver and Christian Wilkins. I think the Falcons would have to trade up in order to land Williams or Oliver, but I think Wilkins will be available at 14. Williams is the only player I'd move up for, but I'm not making the pick, Jerome! I think there will be some excellent football players available at 14.