Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

In the offseason of little activity, I've gone back to looking at the draft. For easy access, the Falcons traded their first, second, fourth, and next years first and fourth do the browns to get Julio Jones.

I'm looking at what they could have done this year if they didn't draft Jones. At the first round spot they were at, Johnathan Baldwin was drafted. At the second rounder they gave up, greg little was drafted and randall cobb was still available.

Forget the other positions that were available, the Falcons clearly wanted a second WR in this draft. IMO the most sucessful passing teams in this league have depth at WR as opposed to having 2 all stars. I would personally rather have Greg Little (or randall cobb....or torrey smith if they were willing to part with that 4th to trade up) and Johnathan Baldwin over Julio Jones. And then you add in the fact that they gave up two more 4th rounders and next years 1st. And then you add in the fact that as the 6th pick Jones will make tripple what Little and Baldwin will make combined. It just seems like the worst draft swap strategy I've heard of since Ricky Williams.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

I moved this to the Draft Central Forum.

Not sure if this topic deserves it's own thread. It's pretty random considering the draft was months ago, but whatever.

It was a terrible trade to be sure, especially considering the FA WR's that will be available shortly and the other WR's in the draft. I'm a big fan of Julio Jones, but to give up that much was absurd, especially when you already have Roddy White in his prime.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

Falcons have decent depth after Jones and White. Harry Douglas' injury might still affect him this season though.

My view on fourth rounders is that you be expecting decent special teamers and depth players. The Falcons have one of the best special teams units in the league, so their 4th rounders are not major losses.

However, they might be passing up 3 good players for them for Jones. It seems like that they're "addressing" their D by keeping them off the field as much as possible with their O and forcing opposing teams to come back from behind.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

They gave up way too much considering they could have just signed a quality free agent WR and kept all those picks. But the trade will ultimately be judged on what kind of a player Jones turns out to be.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

It's kinda pretty early to determine that the trade was bad move for Falcons, don't you think? Suppose if Jones actually pans out and becomes a great receiver, then would you still believe that the trade is still bad move? Falcons have scouting team, coaches, and whoever else had the input in the trade, all combined presents a great intellect from the front office. Compared to fans altogether. However, I have to admit that Falcons did give up too much; what Falcons gave up, you would think they were trading for a franchise QB.

I remember reading an article about the move somewhere; Falcons' GM Dimitroff explained that they did extensive research on Jones, and based on interview with Jones and the results from research, convinced Dimitroff and FO that Jones was worth the trade.. We will see who's right in few years, but in my opinion, I believe Jones will flourish into a great receiver, only because he have GREAT supporting cast around him. Jones literally landed into perfect team; Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez (if he doesn't retire).

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

The only way this trade makes sense if Julio Jones has a breakout rookie year and ends up being the next Jerry Rice when it's all said and done. Anything short of that type of production and I would actually go as far as saying, he could end up being a bust. Again, in the context of what they gave up to acquire him.

Consider as good as Calvin Johnson was coming out of Tech, and he was the best we've seen in a while at that position, it took him a couple of years to adjust to the pro game. Even the extremely gifted Johnson continues to develop into a game changer at that position.

Sure anything could happen, Jones could be a beast but it was an overreach by the Falcons' front office by any objective measure.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

To add one more point about my Calvin Johnson reference, it wasn't until the Lions starting adding pieces on defense that they were considered a contender in the NFC.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

IMO they gave up to much, when FA opens up, they could of bidded for a Rice from the vikings. Only time will tell.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

Terrible trade.
A more boneheaded move than the Archuletta signing.
Now I feel better.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

No idea what the hell they were thinking. They needed additional help on defense and they blew their wad on a guy that most likely will end up a bust. It's moves like this that will cost a GM a job.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

I think Jones will be a bust and AJ Green will b the star

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

I think Hankerson is going to out shine the both of them.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

Ask again in week 14.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

[quote=NYCskinfan82;808449]I think Hankerson is going to out shine the both of them.[/quote]

I agree

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

[quote=NYCskinfan82;808449]I think Hankerson is going to out shine the both of them.[/quote]

I think you're right and I think it shows improvement in the way we draft.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

The Falcons have an extreme age issue throughout their entire roster that I'm not sure they can solve with free agency. They have Matt Ryan and Roddy White in the primes of their career, along with most of their OL. But 3 of the 5 OL members are going to be free agents, and costly to keep. And throughout the Falcon roster is a lot of age decline waiting to happen. Julio Jones will have a lot on his plate as a rookie.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

Good thread. If Jones turns out to be a Randy Moss, TO type of player then it was probably worth it. But the percentages of that happening don't weight in their favor. Plus wr seems to be the most risky position and the toughest to judge. They could've just drafted a guy like Hankerson and kept the picks. Overall probably a terrible trade that could hurt the Falcons future.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

[quote=skinsfan69;808495]Good thread. If Jones turns out to be a Randy Moss, TO type of player then it was probably worth it. But the percentages of that happening don't weight in their favor. Plus wr seems to be the most risky position and the toughest to judge. They could've just drafted a guy like Hankerson and kept the picks. Overall probably a terrible trade that could hurt the Falcons future.[/quote]

yeah, that about sums it up. Its always a gamble, but they're gambling w/a position that has been really tough for GMs & scouts to project success at. Jones had a lot of drops & I would expect him to continue to struggle w/that as a rookie. Otherwise he's a great prospect.

Ultimately gambles w/trades & picks comes down to how much the team can afford to do it. If it was the skins making that trade most of us would be up in arms as we too many needs & don't have the resources to justify it. Atlanta has a solid roster to build on but it's still a risky move, that kind of trade can get someone fired.

Re: Just how bad was the Falcons trade?
 

Risky move, but they are a contender and they may be able to afford such move. There will be a lot of pressure on Jones, because he is going to a good team loaded with talent. I'm curious to hear about a trade like this ever working out. Besides the Herschel Walker trade, I can think of the Roy Williams trade to Dallas, as another example where a team gave up a lot for a player they thought would be their last key to a SB puzzle.