Could it be possible that the Atlanta Falcons are already on the clock with the draft just about three weeks away?
There has been a gradual growing census that the first three picks in the draft are already locked in.
Speculation would have you believe that the Jaguars are selecting Trevor Lawerence, the Jets are selecting Zach Wilson and the 49ers are selecting Mac Jones.
That leaves Atlanta at number four overall with many different viable options.
In fact, just last week they made it clear they are listening to offers for the fourth overall pick.
The question remains, which teams should make an aggressive push at that potential trade?
1. New England Patriots
Most around the league would be in concurrence that the New England Patriots are the obvious choice.
Despite resigning Cam, the Patriots could and should be looking for a future quarterback.
Comp update: Patriots are finalizing a 1-year deal worth close to $14 million for Cam Newton to return to New England, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2021
Perhaps, that is why trading up makes so much sense.
If the top three picks play out as mentioned above, New England finds themselves in a perfect situation.
With the 4th pick, they can draft either Justin Fields or Trey Lance and have them develop for a year behind Cam Newton.
Last year, New England opened up its offense more for Cam and we can expect to see more of that this upcoming season.
Both Justin Fields and Trey Lance are two sturdy athletes who can almost resemble Cam and his playmaking ability.
2. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears franchise needs this trade more than any other NFL team.
Not only have they been haunted by passing up on both Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes, they also have struggled in acquiring franchise quarterbacks in the free agent market.
Last year, Chicago went and traded for QB Nick Foles — who most would agree, isn’t a franchise quarterback.
No knock against Foles either, who ultimately proved his capability when leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl win over the Patriots.
But, he’s more of a one hit wonder than anything else.
Chicago made "a very aggressive pursuit" of Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, per sources, and the Bears were told that Seattle is not trading him at this time.
The Bears were one of four teams Wilson's agent named as a place of interest. Now Chicago has an agreement with Andy Dalton.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2021
Nevertheless, Chicago tried hitting the lottery by trading for Seahawks QB, Russell Wilson.
But, they ultimately failed and settled for Andy Dalton.
Regardless, that doesn’t mean they can’t call up the Atlanta Falcons and make an aggressive push for the number four overall pick.
As they very well know, the 4th or 5th quarterback selected in the draft could end up being a generational talent.
3. Denver Broncos
Possibly the best team in a position to trade with the Atlanta Falcons are the Denver Broncos.
Holding the 9th overall pick, Denver presents an enticing deal to Atlanta for the following reasons.
First, Atlanta moves down only 5 spots and can very well end up getting who they wanted to get at number 4 (or another good prospect — say DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle).
Secondly, they will acquire more draft capital.
The Atlanta Falcons need a bunch of positional players on the defensive side of the ball and should be looking to accumulate all the draft capital they could possibly get.
ESPN's Todd McShay on Justin Fields: "If he's sitting there at nine, Denver could absolutely pull the trigger."
McShay said he thinks Denver still believes in Drew Lock's potential, which is why he mocked Patrick Surtain II to the Broncos.
— Aric DiLalla (@AricDiLalla) April 5, 2021
Despite the recent speculation about Denver believing in Drew Lock — primarily because Peyton Manning has thrown his support behind him — do not be surprised if Denver pulls the trigger in an aggressive push to get Justin Fields.
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