NFL rumors: Predicting the 6 teams interested in trading up with Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons could move up to draft best defensive player available at No. 3

I don’t think they are going to do it, but the Atlanta Falcons could be in the market to move up from No. 8 to No. 3. This is not about drafting a quarterback, although they have kicked the tires on Levis and Richardson in the interview process. Moving up five spots in an intra-conference deal is all about securing the best defensive player possible. That would be either Anderson or Carter.

Anderson played at Alabama but grew up in Metro Atlanta. Carter may hail from Florida, but he starred at UGA. While I would love nothing more than for Carter to end up in Atlanta, so he doesn’t go to the Philadelphia Eagles or something, I think if the Falcons were to move up it would be for Anderson. Atlanta has not had a consistent pass rusher since John Abraham. Anderson fixes this.

But beyond defensive front-seven needs, a reason to keep an eye on the Falcons is the Tennessee Titans connection head coach Arthur Smith has with new Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort. Their paths may have only briefly crossed in Nashville, but both men had a strong working relationship with Mike Vrabel previously. Therefore, a Falcons-Cardinals trade may occur.

Atlanta likely sits back at No. 8 to draft a defender, but the allure of Anderson or Carter is strong.

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