The Atlanta Falcons have a few options in the NFL Draft after acquiring Kirk Cousins in free agency. They might now shift what was once a pick that could draft their quarterback of the future in exchange for future compensation. Teams may be interested in going up, so if the Falcons think it would benefit them in the long run, it might be the wisest course of action. The front office may be interested in the mock draft that Matt Urben of The Falcons Wire posted, in which the Falcons trade the eighth overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for two first-round selections.
It’s possible that the Falcons will move the pick because Urben doesn’t think they’ll select a quarterback.
“In the NFL, the start of the new league year signifies both the unofficial and official beginning of free agency. It is improbable that the Atlanta Falcons will choose a quarterback with the eighth overall pick because they signed quarterback Kirk Cousins on the first day of free agency.
He had Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy selected by the Vikings with the eighth overall pick. The Falcons would have to pay a steep price to select McCarthy, as the trade would yield the No. 23 pick plus a future first-round pick.
“The Vikings give up a future first-round pick and pick No. 23 to Atlanta after losing Cousins, in order to advance for McCarthy. If given enough time to develop, the Michigan quarterback has exceptional potential and fits well with Minnesota’s style.
Vikings Seeking to Upgrade
On March 15, the Minnesota Vikings acquired a second first-round pick from the Houston Texans through a trade. In exchange for a second-round, sixth-round, and second-round pick in 2024, Minnesota obtained the No. 23 pick in the 2024 draft.
Their selection at No. 11 makes them an ideal option for a trade-up.
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly attempting to move up in the draft, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller.
The Vikings (No. 11) and Broncos (No. 12) are trade-up candidates since Cousins is in Atlanta and Russell Wilson is in Pittsburgh. There is a lot of talk about Minnesota attempting to get into the top five in order to land a quarterback like McCarthy, or if either of them misses New England, maybe Maye or Daniels.
The Texans sent the Vikings an extra first-round pick (No. 23) on Friday in exchange for two 2024 second- and sixth-round selections as well as a 2025 second-round pick. The Vikings now have the draft capital to go high in the first round for a quarterback with their two first-round selections.
Reasons for Moving the No. 8 Pick by the Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons should consider selecting No. 11 or No. 23 if they receive a future first-round pick in 2025. Obtaining a first in this draft enables them to still select a valuable player, even though the No. 8 pick might yield a promising player.
When you take into account the additional first-round pick they would receive from the Minnesota Vikings, the transaction is ideal. 2024 might be a difficult season for the Vikings with a rookie QB. Their future first-round selection might even be the first overall, much like the Carolina Panthers.
