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The Atlanta Falcons traded Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars for defensive tackle Maason Smith. General manager Ian Cunningham discussed Smith's potential role in the team's defense during a press conference.
The Atlanta Falcons made a big move to trade for a new defensive tackle this weekend. Unfortunately, they didn't have the assets to make a deal for Dexter Lawrence, who went from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick in the draft.
Instead, the Falcons made an under-the-radar trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, sending over defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro in exchange for another defensive tackle, Maason Smith.
It's easy to see why Atlanta ditched Orhorhoro, who has underperformed for a second-round pick. However, it's less clear why they wanted Smith and exactly how he fits into Jeff Ulbrich's defense.
General manager Ian Cunningham shed some light on that in today's pre-draft press conference with new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
"I've evaluated him for awhile, since his time at LSU," Cunningham said of Smith. "Obviously, everybody knows the measurables, but he's a player who can play nose tackle and 3-tech for us. We really are excited about him in an attacking front and being able to get up field. He's strong, he's physical. We're excited about his upside and getting him with coach Ulbrich."
The Falcons traded Orhorhoro due to his underperformance and sought to acquire Smith to strengthen their defensive lineup.
Ian Cunningham provided insights on Smith's fit within Jeff Ulbrich's defensive scheme during a pre-draft press conference.
Dexter Lawrence was traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick, which limited the Falcons' options in acquiring a top defensive tackle.

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For now we should probably assume that Smith will be taking over Orhorhoro's former spot in the starting lineup, sandwiched between Zach Harrison and Brandon Dorlus.
That state of affairs might not last long, though. Smith was a second-round pick in the same draft as Orhorhoro, but he was unable to secure a regular spot in Jacksonville's rotation, starting just seven games in two years.
Trading for Smith is unlikely to deter the Falcons from drafting a potential long-term answer at nose tackle, which they're expected to do in Round 2 and No. 48 overall. If they to take a DT at that spot, the Falcons would probably expect him to be starting right away, leaving Smith in another rotational role.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons GM explains Maason Smith trade, expected role