Analysis: Falcons, Jags Trades Spice Up NFL Draft

NEW YORK (AP) — An unusual NFL draft, some unusual moves.

The Atlanta Falcons made perhaps the boldest maneuver in the first round of Thursday night’s draft, acquiring the No. 6 overall pick from Cleveland for four picks, including two first-rounders, and choosing Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones.

They hope he will complement All-Pro Roddy White and give Matt Ryan another game-breaking threat.

Four picks later, the traded up six spots with Washington, and went for Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert at No. 10. They also gave up their second-rounder this year.

Auburn quarterback Cam Newton was the No. 1 overall pick by the , but two other QBs were surprise top-12 picks — Jake Locker at No. 8 by the and Christian Ponder at No. 12 by the .

The draft began hours after a federal judge declared the NFL lockout illegal, and the league said players could report to team headquarters beginning Friday.

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