The Atlanta Falcons have traded Mohamed Sanu to the New England Patriots for a 2020 second-round pick.
Source: The #Patriots have traded for #Falcons WR Mohamed Sanu in exchange for a 2nd rounder. They tried during the draft, Atlanta held off, finally get him now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 22, 2019
After seven weeks, the Falcons are tied for the third-worst record (1-6) in the NFL, with a .143 winning percentage. They now have four picks in the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft, which include one first-round pick, two second-round picks and one third-round pick.
The #Falcons as of now will have four picks in the first three rounds of the draft with the acquisition of the Patriots' second-round pick. The way NE's season is shaping up, that will likely be later in the second round, but that's still nice ammo on Day 1 and Day 2. https://t.co/jGx7SJV2pM
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) October 22, 2019
Despite the hole the Falcons now have on their offense without their starting slot receiver, the Falcons will likely use these early draft picks to rebuild their struggling defense. The Falcons are one game away from becoming the first team in NFL history to fail to record a sack in five-straight games.
The Falcons only have five sacks this season, which is the fewest in the NFL. The last time they got a sack was against the Indianapolis Colts. In addition to their lack of being able to pressure the quarterback, the Falcons defense also struggles to produce turnovers. They only have two interceptions, which both came against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Falcons have placed defensive end/outside linebacker, Vic Beasley on the trade block and have been rumored to be in discussion with teams on outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell.
Falcons defensive ranks - 2019
- 31.9 points allowed per game (31st)
- -116.40 expected points contributed by all defense (32nd)
- 387.7 total yards allowed per game (27th)
- 274.0 passing yards allowed per game (28th)
- 113.7 rushing yards allowed per game (20th)
- 4 total takeaways (31st)
- 2 interceptions (t-30th)
- 2 fumbles recovered (t-25th)
- 5 sacks (32nd)
I appreciate everything the organization has done for my family & I. Mr. Blank, TD, Coach Q, & everyone through the organization, I am forever grateful for the opportunity. To my Teammates & fan y’all know how I feel about y’all love y’all to death. #ThankYou
— Mohamed Sanu Sr. (@Mo_12_Sanu) October 22, 2019