Falcons GM comments on Maason Smith trade, role on defense
Ian Cunningham reveals what new DT Maason Smith will bring to Falcons defense
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. " 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.