Falcons and Jaguars Swap 2024 Second-Round Draft Picks

Two young defensive linemen get a fresh start with new teams.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented and overlapping shapes in navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the trade of two NFL defensive linemen between the Falcons and Jaguars.A trade of two young defensive linemen offers a chance for reinvention on both sides.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars have finalized a trade involving their 2024 second-round draft picks. The Falcons are sending defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jaguars in exchange for defensive tackle Maason Smith. Both players were high draft picks in 2024 but struggled to earn significant playing time with their original teams.

Why it matters

This trade represents an opportunity for both young defensive linemen to get a fresh start with new coaching staffs. The Falcons are looking to bolster their defensive line after losing a key player, while the Jaguars are hoping Orhorhoro can provide more production than the underutilized Smith.

The details

Orhorhoro was selected 35th overall by the Falcons in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Clemson, while Smith was picked 48th overall by the Jaguars from LSU. Neither player was able to establish themselves as a consistent contributor for their original teams. In 2025, Smith played in just 36% of the Jaguars' defensive snaps, recording 15 tackles in 13 games. The Falcons are hoping a change of scenery will help unlock Smith's potential as a 6-foot-5, 306-pound defensive tackle.

  • The trade was finalized on April 17, 2026.
  • Orhorhoro and Smith were both 2024 second-round draft picks.

The players

Ruke Orhorhoro

A defensive tackle drafted 35th overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 out of Clemson.

Maason Smith

A defensive tackle drafted 48th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 out of LSU.

Adam Schefter

An ESPN reporter who first broke the news of the trade.

Liam Coen

The new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Anthony Campanile

The new defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Kevin Stefanski

The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

David Onyemata

A defensive lineman who left the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Sources: the Falcons are trading DT Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jaguars in exchange for DT Maason Smith.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Falcons and Jaguars will hope their new defensive linemen can make an impact with their new teams starting in the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

This trade represents an opportunity for two young defensive linemen to get a fresh start with new coaching staffs, as both the Falcons and Jaguars look to improve their defensive fronts heading into the 2026 season.