Falcons, Jaguars swap defensive tackles ahead of NFL Draft

Teams across the NFL are closely evaluating their roster as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. For the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars, they decided a switch on their defensive line was necessary.

The Falcons have acquired defensive tackle Masson Smith from the Jaguars in exchange for fellow defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, via Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Due to 2025 draft trades, Atlanta nor Jacksonville has their first-round pick in 2026. Both franchises will have to do some deep digging to find the right draft prospects for them. In the meantime, each side is hoping their new defensive lineman can make an impact once training camp rolls around.

Smith was a second-round pick by the Jaguars in the 2024 NFL Draft. He appeared in 24 games with the team over his two seasons, making seven starts. Overall, Smith put up 32 tackles, four quarterback hits and passes defended and three sacks. All three of his sacks and QB hits as well as three of his PDs came as a rookie. The Falcons will hope a change of scenery gets him back on track.

Orhorhoro joined Smith as a second-rounder in the 2024 class. In his two years with the Falcons, the defensive tackle put up 36 tackles, seven quarterback hits and 3.5 sacks. His career has been flip flopped from Smith’s. After a quiet rookie season, all of Orhorhoro’s sacks and six of his QB hits came in 2025. Jacksonville will want that momentum to continue.

Despite their lack of first-rounder, the 2026 NFL Draft will impact both the Jaguars and Falcons greatly. They’re hopeful their pre-draft trade gives them an extra tool to work with.