First-round-free and loaded — Why tonight favours the Falcons’ five picks

That strategy fits this part of the draft. The gap between pick 48 and pick 58 is smaller than between pick 13 and pick 23. Moving back ten spots could still land them a starter-level player while adding another selection.

The direction will depend on how quickly those three position groups come off the board in the first round. If all three go in a rush before pick 35, Atlanta may not have enough leverage at No. 48 to trade down as far as they want. There is also a limit to how far Cunningham can drop before giving up too much value.

The late second round looks weaker this year than usual — there could be over two rounds’ worth of difference between No. 48 and even No. 68, which was not true in previous drafts.

It’s also possible that teams shopping for quarterback or receiver help prefer targets projected for Round three instead of using premium capital in Round two on developmental options.

Falcons head into the draft with the flexibility that most teams don’t have

Teams making picks in the first round are under plenty of pressure. They’ve spent months tied to specific prospects, and those decisions will be judged immediately. The Falcons don’t face that scrutiny. With no first-round pick, they aren’t locked into a particular player or need at No. 48, giving them more freedom to adapt as the night unfolds.

That’s leverage, and on draft night, leverage matters. Atlanta can let the board come to them, see which teams are eager to move up and set their price accordingly. If someone unexpectedly drops to 48, they have the flexibility to make a move without second-guessing.

The Falcons won’t be picking in round one but will certainly be active behind the scenes once the early second round begins. That’s when players with first-round grades start sliding down boards, and trade offers begin piling up for general managers across the league.

Cunningham has positioned himself well because he isn’t boxed into any one approach this year. That kind of flexibility could prove valuable for a team looking to add depth across multiple spots on its roster.

Read more:

• Luxury block: Why the LA Rams could grab an offensive tackle at 13
• Draft-Day gamble: Teams to move up to snag QBs nobody’s high on
• Broderick Jones’ neck injury made the Steelers’ 21st pick a first-round pivot point