NFL: Falcons and Chargers work deal for #1

By Allison Stewart

Everything was laid in place so perfectly for Draft Day 2001. However, a major move was inevitable and they don’t come much more major than a team trading the number one pick, especially when there is a can’t miss prospect on the board. However, that is exactly what the San Diego Chargers did on Friday.

Faced with questions about quarterback Michael Vick’s playing ability and sign-ability and fresh off the Ryan Leaf disaster, the Chargers decided that trading was the better part of valor as they dealt their first overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons. The Chargers then received wide receiver Tim Dwight, the Falcons first round (#5) and third round (#67) picks in this draft, as well as a second round pick in the 2002 draft.

"We got this trade opportunity while we were working on the deal and it was too good to pass up," Chargers coach Mike Riley said. "It's going to help our team in so many ways. We know we'll get an impact player with the fifth pick in the draft as well as help from the third-round pick."

Meanwhile, nothing changes for Vick except his flight destination. The can’t miss number one pick remains that way, however he will be flying into Atlanta on Saturday night instead of the west coast. However, the 20-year-old reacted with some shock after being told of the Chargers swap of picks.

"I still have to talk to my agent to find out what really went down, why the Chargers came to the decision. I didn't know Atlanta was making the trade," Vick said. "I didn't know anything that was going on other than the San Diego deal so it's very shocking to me and I'm eager to find out what happened."

The Falcons told Fanstop.com that they would be working on the contract throughout Friday night and all day Saturday. The Chargers stated that one of the reasons for dealing the pick was sign-ability, however there were other factors that went into the deal also. The Falcons meanwhile are ecstatic to have a chance to draft a player of Vick’s caliber. While he wanted to play in San Diego, Vick realize there are many things going on this weekend.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I was disappointed. I really like Coach Riley. I really like Coach Norv Turner. I would have loved being down there. But things do happen," Vick stated. "I don't think they had any doubts about me, but there are some business decisions that have to be made also."

Certainly the Falcons have no doubt in Vick. However it remains to be seen whether this trade will work out like they want or like when the Bengals traded to number one to select Ki-Jana Carter.

Article courtesy of Sportsuperstarz.com