Report: Broncos and Falcons have talked swapping top picks
Apr 19, 2021, 12:41 PM
Should the Denver Broncos decide to move up from No. 9 to draft a quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft, one recent report suggests the team already has a trade partner with the Atlanta Falcons at No. 4.
The question is: Will Broncos general manager George Paton pull the trigger?
Per The Denver Gazette’s Woody Paige, Paton has already “made the first call to the Falcons” and could do a deal to move up “if he’s willing to pay the price.”
According to Paige, that cost of trading up would be something along the lines of shipping off Denver’s top pick, a third-round pick and a first-round pick in 2022 in exchange for Atlanta’s No. 4 pick and a fifth-round pick.
However, whether the Broncos fall in love enough with Justin Fields, Trey Lance or Mac Jones to move up to grab him is another question, as is if Denver’s willing to pay a premium.
Also, Denver will have to likely compete with the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears and the Washington Football Team, who all may be looking to move up as well.
Two mock drafts released on Monday had the Broncos opting to draft Mac Jones with its top pick — Pro Football Focus with Denver taking him at No. 9 and USA Today with them moving up to No. 6 to take the Alabama quarterback.