Three years ago, the Falcons made a bold move up the board in Round One to take wide receiver Julio Jones.
Now, it appears they are pondering trading up in the 2014 draft, too.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Falcons “are open” to dealing for an earlier pick in the first round.
The Falcons hold the No. 6 overall pick. The Texans (No. 1), Rams (No. 2), Jaguars (No. 3), Browns (No. 4) and Raiders (No. 5) select ahead of Atlanta.
Any move up the board would not be cheap for the Falcons, given the value of any of the early first-round picks in what is regarded as a deep draft.
The Falcons are not suitors for a quarterback. The big question, then, is whether any of the other five teams ahead of them are willing to take a passer, thus pushing the top talent at other positions down the board. The Falcons’ reported willingness to move up may suggest Atlanta believes it could have to grab an earlier spot to get its desired player.
Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson, South Carolina outside linebacker/defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack are among the top non-quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft, and all would fill needs for Atlanta.