Julio Jones 'Haul' 2.0? Falcons Trade Up, Draft LSU QB Jayden Daniels in Latest Mock

The Atlanta Falcons could make a big trade in this year's NFL Draft.

Jeremy Brener | Mar 7, 2024

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Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are lining up their next plan for their quarterback, whether it be via the trade market or the draft.

If the Falcons opt for a rookie, they will likely need to trade up in the draft from the No. 8 pick.

Nov. 25, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during warmups before the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium / Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

In The Athletic's latest mock draft, the Falcons sent No. 8, No. 43 and a 2025 first-round pick to the New England Patriots for the No. 3 pick to select LSU's Jayden Daniels.

"After years in salary-cap hell, would the Falcons be open to throwing a massive check at Kirk Cousins? Many in the league believe so, which speaks to Atlanta’s craving to upgrade at quarterback. But if Cousins elects to stay in Minnesota, the Falcons trading up to No. 3 feels like the next likeliest option," The Athletic writes.

"Owner Arthur Blank once signed off on a trade that surrendered a massive haul of draft picks to jump up for a wide receiver (Julio Jones). He won’t hesitate to do it again if it means landing the upgrade at quarterback his franchise has been coveting. Is Daniels that guy? It’s a strong possibility."

Should Falcons Sign Kirk Cousins? Why or Why Not?

Trading up for Jones back in 2011 proved to be the right decision. Since then, the Falcons have been rather conservative on the trade market in the draft, but they might need to do something drastic in order to end a seven-year playoff drought.

The NFL Draft is set to take place from April 25-27.

Published Mar 7, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.