FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Kenny Lofton Indians Jersey . -- The Atlanta Falcons have an advantage over most teams that have the No. 6 pick in the NFL draft. The Falcons already have their franchise quarterback. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said he appreciates being free to consider talented options he can add to an Atlanta roster that already includes Matt Ryan. "Rarely are you sitting at 6 when youre not looking for a quarterback," Dimitroff said. "The fact we have our franchise quarterback and were dabbling around in the top 10 is something that is very encouraging to me." Perhaps the most obvious option is to find better protection for Ryan by selecting one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. But Dimitroff said he also sees pass rushers, linebackers and wide receivers among the top 10 picks in the draft. "Its a very accomplished top 10," Dimitroff said. Ryan signed a $104 million extension before last season and then was sacked 44 times, a career high. The Falcons troubled offensive line couldnt protect Ryan or improve the leagues worst rushing attack. The Falcons could help protect the big investment in Ryan by drafting an offensive tackle. Texas A&Ms Jake Matthews and Michigans Taylor Lewan may be available at No. 6. Most mock drafts have Auburns Greg Robinson being selected in the top five picks. "Theyre all big, theyre all strong, theyre all athletic, theyre all really good football players with upside," Dimitroff said. "They all come to the table with something a little bit different." Here are five things to know about the Falcons draft: BOLD MOVE: Dimitroff has proved hes not reluctant to make bold moves in the draft. Perhaps his biggest gamble would be to pull off a monster trade with Houston, which has the No. 1 overall pick, to select South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. There is a definite need at the position after the Falcons had only 32 sacks last season, tied for the third fewest in the league. The Falcons have 10 picks, so they could offer a package to Houston. But an Atlanta team coming off a 4-12 season may have too many needs to afford committing a significant part of the draft to one player, even one as talented as Clowney. EXPECT A TRADE: Even if he doesnt move up to the top overall pick, expect Dimitroff to be active. The Falcons have made a trade in each of his first six drafts with Atlanta. Usually the GM has moved up with trades. This year he could look to add even more depth to his draft by trading down -- especially after the first round. Dimitroff said being near the top of every round "is important for us." "Weve rarely had that," he said. "The opportunity to be at the top of (the second through fourth rounds) is something that could be very beneficial for us. Not only the opportunity to draft there but the opportunity to potentially move back because a lot of teams will be interested in messing around up in that area, so to speak." TOP 10 HITS: Dimitroff has had success in his only other chances to select a player as high as No. 6. In 2008, his first draft with the Falcons, Ryan was the No. 3 overall pick. In 2011, he traded a package of five picks to move up and select receiver Julio Jones, who made the Pro Bowl the following year. Some say Jones season-ending foot injury in 2013 supported criticisms that Atlanta gave up too much for the receiver. Dimitroff said he remains "completely at ease" with the trade for Jones, who is expected to be ready for the 2014 season. LOOKING FOR A RB: Backup running back Jason Snelling has retired. Starter Steven Jackson will be 31 at the start of the season and missed four games with a hamstring injury last season. Jacquizz Rodgers returns behind Jackson, but help is needed at the position. NEW FACE IN DRAFT ROOM: Dimitroff has been reunited with Scott Pioli, the teams new assistant general manager. The two began their careers together in Cleveland, working under coach Bill Belichick in the early 1990s. Pioli and Dimitroff also worked together on New England staffs that won Super Bowls in the 2003 and 04 seasons. Pioli was let go as Kansas Citys general manager following the 2012 season. Vada Pinson Jersey .C. -- Kurt Busch put his chances at "70 per cent" at running the Indianapolis 500 this year because of recent developments that have pushed a potential program along. Mike Freeman Indians Jersey . Altidore strained his left hamstring in the Americans opener against Ghana on June 16 and didnt play in their next two games. "We dont know how much because we need to see how hes going, but hes available," U. https://www.cheapindiansonline.com/1118u-carlos-carrasco-jersey-indians.html . According to a report from ESPN, Lynch wants a new contract from the Seahawks, and will likely skip all off-season workouts until he can renegotiate his deal with the Seahawks.ATLANTA - Right-hander Gavin Floyd was activated from the disabled list on Sunday and will start on Tuesday against St. Louis as a replacement for Ervin Santana, who has swelling below his right thumb. Santana, a right-hander, said he jammed the thumb on an inside pitch from Cincinnatis Homer Bailey on April 25. He said the thumb felt fine after that game. He said he had swelling on his hand below the thumb in his last start against the Marlins on Wednesday. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Santana is expected to miss only one start. Gonzalez said he tentatively expects Santana to start on Saturday against the Cubs. Santana said the swelling is improving each day. He said hes never had a similar injury. "No, this is my first time hitting," he said with a smile. Santana played in the American League with the Angels and Kansas City before signing a one-year deal with the Braves. Santana, 3-0 with a 2.41 ERA, had a light wrap on his right hand on Sunday. The Braves optioned left-handed reliever Ian Thomas to Triple-A Gwinnett, clearing a roster spot for Floyd. Santanas injury temporarily clears a spot for Floyd in the rotation. When Santana returns, Gonzalez faces another difficult decision only days after moving David Hale to the bullpen to clear a rotation spot for left-hander Mike Minor. "We always talk about how it will take care of itself," Gonzalez said. "It will take care of itself for a week, and then well make a decision. Were not going to go with a six-man rotation." Floyd signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Braves in December after his 2013 season with the White Sox wwas shorted by an elbow injury. Bob Feller Jersey. He had surgery last May to repair the ulnar collateral ligament and a torn flexor muscle in his right elbow. At the time of the surgery, there were projections that Floyds rehabilitation would last longer than a year. "I just went out and did all the work I had to do and did all the things I could," Floyd said. "A year later, Im active and healthy and real happy about that. "Im excited about pitching and excited to get out there Tuesday and after that what happens will be dealt with." The rotation includes Santana, Minor, Julio Teheran, Alex Wood and Aaron Harang. Gonzalez said this week he doesnt want to move Wood, a left-hander, to the bullpen — at least not immediately. Gonzalez kept that option open for later in the season as the team might need to limit Woods innings. Harang had the NLs best ERA before giving up nine runs in a loss to the Marlins in his last start. Floyd, 31, has a 70-70 career record with Philadelphia and the White Sox. His best season came in 2008, when he was 17-8 with a 3.84 ERA with Chicago. He hasnt won more than 12 games or had an ERA under 4.00 since 2008. Thomas was 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA in 10 games. Gonzalez said he wants Floyd to work as a starter at Gwinnett so he can develop his slider. "Its hard to work on your secondary pitches when its second and third and youre facing Bryce Harper," Gonzalez said, referring to the typical situation Thomas faces as a reliever in the major leagues. The move leaves Luis Avilan as the Braves only left-handed reliever. Avilan is 3-1 with a 7.04 ERA. ' ' '