Falcons to Draft Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba After Jeff Okudah Trade?

The Atlanta Falcons filled another need at cornerback with the trade for Jeff Okudah. Does that change the draft board?

The Atlanta Falcons filled another need on Tuesday, trading for Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah, the ex-Ohio State Buckeyes star turned first-round pick.

Okudah projects as the second cornerback on the depth chart, starting opposite A.J. Terrell. 

Only giving up a fifth-round pick for a starting cornerback, one of the Falcons' biggest remaining needs heading into the NFL Draft, could be a potential steal and a draft board changer.

But, with the No. 8 overall pick, are they still willing to draft a corner after acquiring Okudah? 

Some would argue that since they paid a cheap price for the former No. 3 overall pick, they aren't fully committed to Okudah. Not to mention that Okudah has just one-year left on his rookie deal, meaning he could prove to be a stopgap. 

Yet as general manager Terry Fontenot has shown to this point, he is trying to cover all bases in terms of needs. He added a defensive tackle (David Onyemata), linebacker (Kaden Elliss), safety (Jessie Bates III) and even a tight end (Jonnu Smith).

That leaves pass rush and receiver as two needs that the Falcons could address with their No. 8 pick.

If it is a receiver that the Falcons want to target, then Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba would make the most sense. 

Smith-Njigba looked like he was on pace to be a top-five pick just a year ago after a breakout sophomore season, which concluded with a record-setting performance in the Buckeyes' 48-45 Rose Bowl win over Utah in which he caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. 

But after playing in just four games his junior year, Smith-Njigba's draft stock has slightly fallen. Yet, it might not be far, as the Falcons seem like a potential destination. 

Smith-Njigba would likely slide right into the slot for the Falcons' offense, pairing him with Drake London, the 2022 first-round pick, at receiver.

Drafting a starting wideout would be a cherry on top of a strong offseason for the Falcons, where they're trying to set themselves up to contend in the NFC South.

---

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.

Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.

Follow Harrison Reno on Twitter.

Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here.