NFL Mock Draft: Falcons Trade Up for LSU's Jayden Daniels

The Atlanta Falcons could trade up in this year's NFL Draft to get the franchise quarterback they desperately need.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 23, 2024

In this story:

The Atlanta Falcons have many options when it comes to upgrading their quarterback situation, but if they want to do it right, they need to be aggressive.

With the No. 8 pick in the draft, the Falcons may not be able to get their top choice with potentially three quarterbacks starting the draft in Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels.

Jayden Daniels — Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

However, a trade up to the No. 2 pick with the Washington Commanders helps land Daniels in Atlanta in CBS Sports' latest mock draft.

"In this scenario, the Commanders had their hearts set on Williams, and once he's off the board, they decide to move down," CBS Sports writes. "The Falcons are more than happy to accommodate and swoop in to get the quarterback they hope can lead an offense with plenty of talent. Like every rookie QB, the reigning Heisman winner has kinks to work out, but his talent is enticing."

The Falcons haven't picked in the top three in a draft since Matt Ryan in 2008, and that worked out pretty well for them. Ever since Ryan left, the Falcons have been stuck in quarterback purgatory. However, a trade up to No. 2 in the draft to give them a choice between Maye and Daniels helps Atlanta out tremendously. It also allows them to pick a quarterback before the New England Patriots will have a chance to at No. 3.

NFL Betting Odds: Falcons Favorites for Fields?

All of this could be null and void if the Falcons opt to sign or trade for a veteran, but that could simply kick the rock down the road again. Being aggressive and getting a quarterback the Falcons can truly build around is paramount ... as long as he is the right one.

Published Feb 23, 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.