The Atlanta Falcons appear to be favoring defense with their first pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The team has been linked to everyone from Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack and Anthony Barr. General manager Thomas Dimitroff is not afraid to make a draft day deal that could involve moving up to the No. 2 spot or the team could actually move down in the draft, depending on what the Houston Texans do.
The Texans intend on using that No. 1 overall pick and will dictate what everyone else in the top 10 do. If the team drafts a quarterback with the first pick, every team will be calling the St. Louis Rams about trading up in order to get Clowney. The Falcons will be one of those teams that inquire about the price tag for a move up from No. 6. Everyone wants the premier pass rusher. However, what if the Texans opt to draft Clowney instead?
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Texans are very interested in possibly drafting the defensive end over a quarterback considering how deep this year's class is. If they take Clowney off the board first instead of someone like Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortles, most teams will trade up looking for a quarterback while the Falcons could be considering a move down.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting the Falcons are highly considering moving down in the draft and possibly going after safety Ha Ha Clinton Dix. The Falcons need depth at safety. The team released Asante Samuel and cut Thomas DeCoud, leaving them with veteran Dwight Lowery. Clinton-Dix could be an immediate starter for the team. He is ranked as the best safety in the class and moving down to get him means stocking up on draft picks for later rounds. It would be a win-win situation.
The team could draft down and also get someone like Barr or Mack who will likely be around outside of the top 10 while quarterbacks and wide receivers get swept up first. It is looking less and less likely that the Falcons stay put at the No. 6 slot. If they do not have a shot at getting Clowney, moving down a few spots is certainly a favorable option.
