Why there are several risks for the Falcons if they trade their first-round pick

Why there are several risks if the Falcons trade their first-round pick
Photo credit Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons have a very tough decision in front of them about what to do with the No. 15 overall pick. The team could draft a potentially generational defensive tackle or pass-rusher or trade the pick and try to recoup one of the several picks they've lost. The team has several needs to fill, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Atlanta, once again, had one of the worst squads in the league when it came to sacking the opposing quarterback. The need for quality edge pieces cannot be overstated. But the team also has pressing needs at defensive tackle, linebacker, corner and safety depth. GM Terry Fontenot needs to weigh the value of getting one potentially dominant player or being able to fill several holes.

Fontenot has generally taken the best available player on the board when it comes to drafting talent. The team taking players like Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson when the team had greater needs on the defensive side of the ball has been questioned during his tenure. There is no easy answer here, but Fontenot needs to make a clear, concise decision when it comes to either taking the best player at No. 15 or trading the pick.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images