1. Falcons Open to Trading Back:With a lower-than-normal amount of picks at their disposal, the Falcons may benefit from acquiring more selections in the next seven days. General manager Thomas Dimitroff mentioned he's not against trading back and has let other GMs know Atlanta is open to the idea of wheeling and dealing at the draft.
"We've looked at all the different scenarios, of course, and having fewer picks this year gives us an opportunity," Dimitroff said. "We think the draft has some really good strength from 15 on, as well as at the front of the draft, but we think there's some good opportunities all the way through to the third round. So it does present options to potentially move back. We have been aggressive here since 2008, but (we're) not against moving back at the moment."
2. Feeling Good About 17: While the Falcons are exploring different trade options, they're also excited about prospects who could be available at No. 17 overall.
"We have a number of players at 17 that we feel really good about," said Dimitroff. "I think that's the interesting thing about this year's draft: In the middle of the round, normally I feel like it gets a little bit sketchy where you start wondering, 'Will that player that we're truly targeted on be there?' And it feels good to know we have a handful of guys we think can seriously affect this team and be legit contributors in Dan's scheme."
3. Evaluating True Speed: The combine, pro days and private workouts can reveal a lot about an athlete, but the results from those events can be misleading. The 40-yard dash, for example, is more important for some positions than others; whether or not an offensive guard posts a good 40 time rarely matters. What's more telling is the speed that shows up on tape—in other words, "the speed you play with," as Quinn explained Thursday.
"There are so many players that may have a good time, but it's the instincts, it's the quickness that goes along with it," Quinn said. "It's something that shows up specifically on the defensive side—the word 'get-off' jumps out to me. You better be able to jump off the ball."
4. Which Areas Need the Most Attention?: Every team's needs change on a year-to-year basis, and this season is no exception. Dimitroff and Quinn noted that there are certain areas that need to be addressed in Chicago, especially on the defensive side of the ball. But there are two positions Quinn believes are always worth going after no matter the circumstances: cornerback and pass-rusher.
"I think that part of our game isn't changing," said Quinn. "When you're really at your best, there are going to be a number of guys who play at those spots. They're important positions, for sure."
5. Getting to Know the Prospects: Private workouts give the Falcons a valuable chance to get to know prospects on a personal level. On-field production can be easy to understand from afar, but an athlete's character is hard to assess without in-depth, face-to-face conversations. By bringing nearly 30 potential draft picks to Flowery Branch, Quinn and Dimitroff have been able to assess whether or not these athletes have the mental makeup to succeed in Atlanta.
"We are very upfront when we sit with the guys and say, 'Competition is the central theme of our program,'" Quinn said. "We want them to fully understand, being part of this organization, that's what we're striving to do—to find great competitors. It's not just us competing against one another, but (competing) against yourself, your team, all the guys. … (We ask) all sorts of questions to get to know guys. When they're here, in our building, it's for a long extending time, and we get the whole day together."
6. Honoring a Legend: Quinn closed the press conference by remembering the late Prince.
"Before we go, I think it's only appropriate with heavy hearts that we recognize Price today, who passed and was around for a lot of good times in a lot of our lives that are sitting here today," Quinn said. "So rest in peace."
