Tue, Mar 21, 2006 at 8:00pm

ABRAHAM GETS HIS WISH: ATLANTA

In a three-team trade, the Atlanta Falcons acquired defensive end John Abraham from the New York Jets, as well as a third-round draft pick in 2006 and fourth-round draft pick in 2007 from the Denver Broncos; the Jets acquired a first-round draft pick

What does it give the Atlanta Falcons
A top-tier speed rusher in his prime. Abraham is a multiple Pro Bowler who is just entering his best years. The Falcons were only a middle-of-the-road team rushing the quarterback in 2005, and adding Abraham to play opposite Patrick Kerney will give the team a pair of Pro Bowler ends both under 30. The loss of the first-rounder (originally No. 15 and then No. 29) is not a major blow because the Falcons are a maturing team with no major holes. Atlanta also received two more picks from Denver in the deal: A third-rounder in 2006 and a fourth-rounder in 2007.

What does it give the New York Jets
A way to put the Abraham situation past them, and upgrade their draft. The Jets now have two first rounders to play with, which obviously gives them more options for their future. Abraham wanted out of New York since the Jets weren't willing to give them the long-term contract he wanted (and which he got from Atlanta, to the tune of six years and $45 million). The team is also rumored to be considering a 3-4 defense in 2006, so Abraham wouldn't have been an ideal fit. The trade ultimately lets the Jets take more risks with their top draft picks.

What does it give the
A chance to move up in the draft. They already own the No. 22 overall pick (acquired earlier from Washington), so at 15 and 22 they'll be able to pick up two quality prospects. The deal especially lets them nab a player they likely didn't think would be around at No. 22, which only adds to speculation about what they'll do in the draft. They're already a very deep team at most positions so the rich get richer here. All Denver needed to do to move up was give up the two mid-rounders (a third rounder in 2006 and a fourth rounder in 2007), an opportunity made possible by New York's need to get rid of Abraham.

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