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The Atanta Falcons head into the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear mission, to strengthen a roster that showed promise in 2024, but fell short of a playoff expectations. Finishing the season at 8-9, the Falcons displayed potential on offense, especially once their rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr took the helm late in the season. On the other side of the ball a glaring defensive shortfall hurt their chances for any kind of post season play.
The 2024 season was a tale of two tales for Atlanta. A 6-3 start fueled optimism, but a late-season collapse, including four straight losses, exposed defensive weaknesses and inconsistency at quarterback. The decision to transition from veteran Kirk Cousins to Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in 2024, provided a spark, with the offense ranking 13th in scoring (22.9 points per game). Penix’s poise in his three starts, despite back-to-back overtime losses, offers hope for 2025 and gave the Falcons fans hope and faith in their QB of the future. The offense is returning with key pieces and former first round picks, running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts, but the defense could only muster to be 23rd in points allowed (24.9) and requires a major overhaul. The release of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and limited free-agency additions further signals the need for the defense to be addressed.
Now, as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, Atlanta's front office faces heading into Green Bay being very thin in the draft capital pool. Only having five picks due to prior trades and a forfeited fifth-rounder, means general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris have their work cut out for them entering the draft ranked 29th in draft capital. Starting with the 15th overall pick and several immediate needs across the roster, here is a deep dive into the Falcons' draft priorities for 2025.
Fontenot must address a chronic weakness for Atlanta. The Falcons’ pass rush has been a longstanding Achilles’ heel, and 2024 was no exception. Atlanta ranked 31st in sacks (31) and has the fewest sacks league-wide over the past decade (298) and two decades (606). The addition of veteran Leonard Floyd in free agency and the return of 2024 third-rounder Bralen Trice (who missed last season with a torn ACL) provide some hope, but the impending free agency of Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter signing with the Tennessee Titans creates uncertainty. Arnold Ebiketie showed late-season promise with five sacks in his final six games, but new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will need a strong game changer in the rotation.
Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia (Round 1): Is considered by most draft scouts to be Edge 2 in this class. Walker is an explosive edge rusher, and with 6.5 sacks and 17.1% pressure rate in 2024 makes him a fit for Atlanta’s scheme. His local ties and ability to disrupt from multiple alignments fulfills the Falcons’ need for “mayhem” from the edge. For Walker to hear his name called by Atlanta, certain things have to fall into place, one of them being that Carolina passes on him and goes in another direction.
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall (Round 1): Leading the FBS with 17 sacks in 2024, Green combines speed and power. Regarded by many as a plug-and-play starter, Green should boost Atlanta’s pass rush alongside Floyd.
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (Trade Back - round 1): Pearce’s athleticism and improved run defense make him a high-upside option. His 43 pressures in 2024 highlight his potential as a foundational piece.
The edge rusher class is deep, with Day 2 options like Mississippi State’s Princley Umanmeilen, Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer or Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart offering value if Atlanta prioritizes another position early. However, Fontenot’s history of avoiding defensive first-rounders may end, as the need is too glaring to ignore.
Reinforcing the secondary is integral in the rebuilding of the defense. Despite A.J. Terrell’s presence as a lockdown CB and the multi-year re-signing of Mike Hughes to secure their outside corners, the Falcons’ secondary struggled in 2024. The multi-year re-signing of Mike Hughes to secure their outside corner and starting nickel Dee Alford to set their starting cornerbacks. Fontenot added some depth with the signing of former Chief’s Kevin Taylor and re-signing Kevin King to a one year deal. But, the potential loss of safety Justin Simmons, who at this time remains a free agent and in question if he will return to the Falcons, puts questions and further strain on the rest of the backfield. Atlanta’s 28.5% pressure rate (third-lowest in the NFL) put extra pressure on the secondary, exposing depth issues and the need for safety help for Jesse Bates III beyond the signing of veteran Jordan Fuller.
While there is a clear top safety in the draft and should be available when Atlanta picks at No, 15, you just have to believe the Falcons are going to address a much bigger need. So, we will just pass by Georgia’s Malaki Stark who should go in the first round and the Miami Dolphins are in a big need of a safety.Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina (early round 2): There is a good chance that Emmanwori could be off the board by the time the Falcons pick at No 46 with both Miami and the Vikings in need of a safety, but if the former Gamecock is there, this would be the move. Being a fierce tackler and with elite speed he would line up nicely with Bates.
Xavier Watts, Safety, Notre Dame: Watts (round 2): a 2023 Bronko Nagurski Award winner, Watts is a physical, ball-hawking safety with 7 interceptions in 2023. At 6 foot and 200 pounds, he thrives as a strong safety, but would complement Bates by playing closer to the line, taking on tight ends and supporting against the run. His versatility to play in the box or cover slot would bring much needed aggressiveness against the run for the Falcons.
If the Falcons opt to address other needs (e.g., edge rusher or cornerback) in the first two rounds, they could target mid-round prospects like Darius, the Houston Texan’s Kamari Lassiter’s younger brother, Kamren Kinchens (Miami, projected 3rd-4th round), a rangy free safety with good ball skills, or Bryce Anderson (Texas A&M, projected 4th round), a versatile defensive back who can play safety or nickel. These players offer developmental upside but may not provide the immediate impact of Emmanwori or Watts.
Rebuilding the Interior must be addressed with the release of Grady Jarrett leaving a void in the defensive interior, particularly in run defense. David Onyemata is the only true nose tackle on the roster and the Falcons need a big man for the middle. This unit struggled to stop the run, ranking poorly in yards allowed. With limited cap space and lack of the positon in free agency, the draft is the best avenue to add a stout presence.
J.J. Pegues, DT, Ole Miss (Round 4) At 6’2”, 325 pounds, Pegues has the ideal nose tackle build. His 8.9% run-stop rate and 8.9% pass-rush win rate in 2024 makes him a Day 3 gem who can anchor the line.
Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon (Round 3-4): Caldwell’s size and disruption make him a developmental prospect with starter potential.
Simeon Barrow Jr., DT, Michigan State (Round 4): A run-stuffing specialist, Barrow could provide immediate depth.
Atlanta may wait until Day 3 to address the interior line, given their limited picks and more pressing needs at edge and defensive back. Pegues or Caldwell would be excellent value in the fourth round.
After Fontenot absolutely shocking the entire league with picking Penix in the first round last year, you can be assured that his selections this year will be much more subdued and to fill an immediate need in Atlanta.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Atlanta Falcons need a big defensive draft with limited draft picks
Continue reading...
The 2024 season was a tale of two tales for Atlanta. A 6-3 start fueled optimism, but a late-season collapse, including four straight losses, exposed defensive weaknesses and inconsistency at quarterback. The decision to transition from veteran Kirk Cousins to Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in 2024, provided a spark, with the offense ranking 13th in scoring (22.9 points per game). Penix’s poise in his three starts, despite back-to-back overtime losses, offers hope for 2025 and gave the Falcons fans hope and faith in their QB of the future. The offense is returning with key pieces and former first round picks, running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts, but the defense could only muster to be 23rd in points allowed (24.9) and requires a major overhaul. The release of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and limited free-agency additions further signals the need for the defense to be addressed.
Now, as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, Atlanta's front office faces heading into Green Bay being very thin in the draft capital pool. Only having five picks due to prior trades and a forfeited fifth-rounder, means general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris have their work cut out for them entering the draft ranked 29th in draft capital. Starting with the 15th overall pick and several immediate needs across the roster, here is a deep dive into the Falcons' draft priorities for 2025.
Fontenot must address a chronic weakness for Atlanta. The Falcons’ pass rush has been a longstanding Achilles’ heel, and 2024 was no exception. Atlanta ranked 31st in sacks (31) and has the fewest sacks league-wide over the past decade (298) and two decades (606). The addition of veteran Leonard Floyd in free agency and the return of 2024 third-rounder Bralen Trice (who missed last season with a torn ACL) provide some hope, but the impending free agency of Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter signing with the Tennessee Titans creates uncertainty. Arnold Ebiketie showed late-season promise with five sacks in his final six games, but new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will need a strong game changer in the rotation.
Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia (Round 1): Is considered by most draft scouts to be Edge 2 in this class. Walker is an explosive edge rusher, and with 6.5 sacks and 17.1% pressure rate in 2024 makes him a fit for Atlanta’s scheme. His local ties and ability to disrupt from multiple alignments fulfills the Falcons’ need for “mayhem” from the edge. For Walker to hear his name called by Atlanta, certain things have to fall into place, one of them being that Carolina passes on him and goes in another direction.
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall (Round 1): Leading the FBS with 17 sacks in 2024, Green combines speed and power. Regarded by many as a plug-and-play starter, Green should boost Atlanta’s pass rush alongside Floyd.
James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee (Trade Back - round 1): Pearce’s athleticism and improved run defense make him a high-upside option. His 43 pressures in 2024 highlight his potential as a foundational piece.
The edge rusher class is deep, with Day 2 options like Mississippi State’s Princley Umanmeilen, Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer or Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart offering value if Atlanta prioritizes another position early. However, Fontenot’s history of avoiding defensive first-rounders may end, as the need is too glaring to ignore.
Reinforcing the secondary is integral in the rebuilding of the defense. Despite A.J. Terrell’s presence as a lockdown CB and the multi-year re-signing of Mike Hughes to secure their outside corners, the Falcons’ secondary struggled in 2024. The multi-year re-signing of Mike Hughes to secure their outside corner and starting nickel Dee Alford to set their starting cornerbacks. Fontenot added some depth with the signing of former Chief’s Kevin Taylor and re-signing Kevin King to a one year deal. But, the potential loss of safety Justin Simmons, who at this time remains a free agent and in question if he will return to the Falcons, puts questions and further strain on the rest of the backfield. Atlanta’s 28.5% pressure rate (third-lowest in the NFL) put extra pressure on the secondary, exposing depth issues and the need for safety help for Jesse Bates III beyond the signing of veteran Jordan Fuller.
While there is a clear top safety in the draft and should be available when Atlanta picks at No, 15, you just have to believe the Falcons are going to address a much bigger need. So, we will just pass by Georgia’s Malaki Stark who should go in the first round and the Miami Dolphins are in a big need of a safety.Nick Emmanwori, Safety, South Carolina (early round 2): There is a good chance that Emmanwori could be off the board by the time the Falcons pick at No 46 with both Miami and the Vikings in need of a safety, but if the former Gamecock is there, this would be the move. Being a fierce tackler and with elite speed he would line up nicely with Bates.
Xavier Watts, Safety, Notre Dame: Watts (round 2): a 2023 Bronko Nagurski Award winner, Watts is a physical, ball-hawking safety with 7 interceptions in 2023. At 6 foot and 200 pounds, he thrives as a strong safety, but would complement Bates by playing closer to the line, taking on tight ends and supporting against the run. His versatility to play in the box or cover slot would bring much needed aggressiveness against the run for the Falcons.
If the Falcons opt to address other needs (e.g., edge rusher or cornerback) in the first two rounds, they could target mid-round prospects like Darius, the Houston Texan’s Kamari Lassiter’s younger brother, Kamren Kinchens (Miami, projected 3rd-4th round), a rangy free safety with good ball skills, or Bryce Anderson (Texas A&M, projected 4th round), a versatile defensive back who can play safety or nickel. These players offer developmental upside but may not provide the immediate impact of Emmanwori or Watts.
Rebuilding the Interior must be addressed with the release of Grady Jarrett leaving a void in the defensive interior, particularly in run defense. David Onyemata is the only true nose tackle on the roster and the Falcons need a big man for the middle. This unit struggled to stop the run, ranking poorly in yards allowed. With limited cap space and lack of the positon in free agency, the draft is the best avenue to add a stout presence.
J.J. Pegues, DT, Ole Miss (Round 4) At 6’2”, 325 pounds, Pegues has the ideal nose tackle build. His 8.9% run-stop rate and 8.9% pass-rush win rate in 2024 makes him a Day 3 gem who can anchor the line.
Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon (Round 3-4): Caldwell’s size and disruption make him a developmental prospect with starter potential.
Simeon Barrow Jr., DT, Michigan State (Round 4): A run-stuffing specialist, Barrow could provide immediate depth.
Atlanta may wait until Day 3 to address the interior line, given their limited picks and more pressing needs at edge and defensive back. Pegues or Caldwell would be excellent value in the fourth round.
After Fontenot absolutely shocking the entire league with picking Penix in the first round last year, you can be assured that his selections this year will be much more subdued and to fill an immediate need in Atlanta.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Atlanta Falcons need a big defensive draft with limited draft picks
Continue reading...
