ESPN grades Falcons' trade with Jacksonville Jaguars

The Atlanta Falcons traded defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars for defensive tackle Maason Smith, the team officially announced on Friday afternoon. This trade was somewhat usual for a couple of reasons.

Not only are player-for-player trades extremely rare in the NFL, but Orhorhoro and Smith play the same position and were drafted just 13 spots apart from each other in the 2024 draft. Both former second-round picks underwhelmed over the last two seasons and could benefit from a fresh start.

Orhorhoro should provide the type of pass-rushing production that the Jaguars were seeking on the interior, while the Falcons will look to Smith for depth and, in theory, his run-stuffing ability.

However, ESPN's Seth Walder did not think Smith was an upgrade over Orhorhoro in either area and declared the Jaguars as slight winners in the trade. Atlanta received a B-minus, while Jacksonville earned a solid B.

ESPN declares Jaguars winner in trade with Falcons

"Both were also well below average in run stop win rate last season, though Orhorhoro was better in that category," wrote Walder. "Each team is wondering if it can get a little more out of the player it's bringing in. But if I had to choose a slight winner in this trade, I would go with the Jaguars. Orhorhoro has earned more playing time and produced more sacks over the past two seasons. He's also a better run defender than Smith."

The Falcons barely played Orhorhoro as a rookie, but he showed flashes in Year 2. Last season, the former Clemson standout received more playing time, but ran away with the starting job. Dorlus went on to record 8.5 sacks in 2025.