Falcons 2021 mock draft: Using trades to fill out the roster

The Atlanta Falcons will have to rely heavily on the 2021 NFL draft to fill out the roster, and it will be tough with limited resources.

With limited resources, the Falcons will have to rely heavily on the 2021 NFL draft to fill out the roster. Free agency kicks off in a few weeks and the team has just 36 players under contract. Plus, Atlanta is approximately $16.4 million over the cap minimum of $180 million by my count.

Using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Machine with trade abilities, we looked at an idea of what the Falcons could do to really build the roster through the draft. By trading down, we were able to accumulate more picks.

Trade 1: Atlanta trades No. 4 overall to the Detroit Lions for No. 7 overall, their second-round pick (No. 41 overall) and fourth-round pick (No. 112 overall).

Trade 2: Atlanta trades No. 7 overall to the San Francisco 49ers for No. 12 overall, their second-round pick (No. 43 overall) and fifth-round pick (No. 173 overall).

Trade 3: Atlanta trades No. 41 overall to the Indianapolis Colts for No. 54 overall, their fourth round pick (No. 127 overall) and seventh round pick (No. 243 overall).

Trade 4: Atlanta trades No. 68 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals for No. 69 overall, and their seventh round pick (No. 227 overall).

Trade 5: Atlanta trades No. 218 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals for No. 240 overall, and their additional seventh round pick (No. 249 overall).