NFL Draft 2013: Atlanta Falcons Trade up to #22, Select Desmond Trufant

Dec 22, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Desmond Trufant (6) breaks up a pass intended for Boise State Broncos receiver Mitch Burroughs (20) in the third quarter in the 2012 Maaco Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. Boise State defeated Washington 28-26. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Dimitroff got his guy.

In the days leading up to Thursday’s 1st round of the NFL Draft, there were swirling rumors concerning Dimitroff’s desire to move up in the 1st round, and when the draft order reached #22, it was time for the Falcons GM to shine. The Falcons dealt their 1st-round (#30), 3rd-round (#92), and 6th-round (#198) picks to St. Louis in exchange for the #22 overall pick and a future 7th-round pick.

Following the trade, the Falcons selected Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant, and with the selection, immediately addressed the most pressing need on the roster for 2013. Trufant has great size (nearly 6-feet, 190 pounds), speed (sub-4.4 in the 40 yard dash), and instincts which will come in handy as he is penciled in as a starting CB alongside Asante Samuel.

If there is a weakness in Trufant’s game, it is with his ball skills, but with Samuel being known as a “ballhawk” and a playmaker on the opposite side, it will be important that Trufant is able to be solid as a rookie. Trufan’t skillset seems to be one of a player who will make the transition in an effective way, and that was surely a reason that the organization felt confident in moving up to select him.

Coming into the night, it was imperative that Atlanta addressed a defensive need (at CB or defensive end), and with Trufant, they’ll get a starter from day one at a premium position. All hail Thomas Dimitroff.