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The Atlanta Falcons came up short once again for reaching the playoffs in 2024 but reached eight wins for the first time since 2017 in the first year under coach Raheem Morris.
Atlanta shocked the league by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft after signing Kirk Cousins to the biggest deal in free agency last offseason. That move proved to be the right one as Cousins struggled and Penix took over in the final three games to make a push for the playoffs.
The offense improved significantly from 2023 under Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Running back Bijan Robinson took a leap in his second year with 15 total touchdowns and his first 1,000-yard season. Wide receiver Drake London posted career-highs in catches (100), receiving yards (1,271) and touchdowns (9).
Will Kirk Cousins get traded? How Falcons plan to navigate QB conundrum
Things weren't the same on defense, though. That unit took a step back in points allowed and in pass defense. Atlanta finished 31st in the league in sacks (31) despite ranking middle-of-the-pack in pressures. Safety Jessie Bates III was one of the best at his position in the league but the rest of the unit lagged behind. The Falcons allowed 74 points in their final two games, both overtime losses that cost the team a chance at the NFC South title.
Unfortunately, the team doesn't have much in the way of draft capital in the 2025 NFL Draft. They spent in free agency to sign Leonard Floyd, Jordan Fuller, Morgan Fox and Divine Deablo to upgrade the defense but those aren't moves that will drastically change the defense.
Here's everything to know about the Falcons' draft outlook ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft:
The Falcons have five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's the complete list:
Atlanta's been looking for a reliable edge rusher for years. Vic Beasley was the last Falcons player to notch double-digit sacks in a season and he did so back in 2016. Luckily, this is a very deep edge rusher class and the Falcons are in a prime position in the first round to select a good contributor off the edge. If they can't manage it then, there should be prospects worth investing in on Day 2 or even Day 3.
Bates III is a star but there's not much around him besides outside cornerback A.J. Terrell, who had a bounce-back season in 2024. The team is slated to start Mike Hughes at the other outside cornerback spot and Dee Alford in the nickel. Neither keeps the team from investing with a draft pick at either spot.
Atlanta's starting center from the last few years, Drew Dalman, signed big money to be the Bears' center of the future. That leaves a void in the middle of the line. Luckily, the Falcons have one of the best guards in the league in Chris Lindstrom which eases the pressure on the center. There aren't many high-end center prospects in the class but investing late on in the draft in a potential low-cost option for the future could be an option.
Here's what the Falcons could do during this year's draft:
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Falcons NFL draft picks 2025: Round-by-round selections
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Atlanta shocked the league by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft after signing Kirk Cousins to the biggest deal in free agency last offseason. That move proved to be the right one as Cousins struggled and Penix took over in the final three games to make a push for the playoffs.
The offense improved significantly from 2023 under Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Running back Bijan Robinson took a leap in his second year with 15 total touchdowns and his first 1,000-yard season. Wide receiver Drake London posted career-highs in catches (100), receiving yards (1,271) and touchdowns (9).
Will Kirk Cousins get traded? How Falcons plan to navigate QB conundrum
Things weren't the same on defense, though. That unit took a step back in points allowed and in pass defense. Atlanta finished 31st in the league in sacks (31) despite ranking middle-of-the-pack in pressures. Safety Jessie Bates III was one of the best at his position in the league but the rest of the unit lagged behind. The Falcons allowed 74 points in their final two games, both overtime losses that cost the team a chance at the NFC South title.
Unfortunately, the team doesn't have much in the way of draft capital in the 2025 NFL Draft. They spent in free agency to sign Leonard Floyd, Jordan Fuller, Morgan Fox and Divine Deablo to upgrade the defense but those aren't moves that will drastically change the defense.
Here's everything to know about the Falcons' draft outlook ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft:
Falcons 2025 NFL Draft picks
The Falcons have five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's the complete list:
- Round 1, Pick 15
- Round 2, Pick 46
- Round 4, Pick 118
- Round 7, Pick 218
- Round 7, Pick 242
Falcons 2025 NFL Draft needs
Edge rusher
Atlanta's been looking for a reliable edge rusher for years. Vic Beasley was the last Falcons player to notch double-digit sacks in a season and he did so back in 2016. Luckily, this is a very deep edge rusher class and the Falcons are in a prime position in the first round to select a good contributor off the edge. If they can't manage it then, there should be prospects worth investing in on Day 2 or even Day 3.
Secondary
Bates III is a star but there's not much around him besides outside cornerback A.J. Terrell, who had a bounce-back season in 2024. The team is slated to start Mike Hughes at the other outside cornerback spot and Dee Alford in the nickel. Neither keeps the team from investing with a draft pick at either spot.
Center
Atlanta's starting center from the last few years, Drew Dalman, signed big money to be the Bears' center of the future. That leaves a void in the middle of the line. Luckily, the Falcons have one of the best guards in the league in Chris Lindstrom which eases the pressure on the center. There aren't many high-end center prospects in the class but investing late on in the draft in a potential low-cost option for the future could be an option.
Falcons 2025 NFL mock draft
Here's what the Falcons could do during this year's draft:
- Round 1, Pick 15: Edge Mike Green, Marshall
- Atlanta could be looking to trade down and recoup more picks from this spot. In the event they stay put at No. 15, Green makes sense as the most prolific pass rusher in college football from 2024. The Falcons have long needed help off the edge and Green could contribute immediately.
- Round 2, Pick 46: CB Azareye'h Thomas, Florida State
- The Falcons need help in the secondary opposite Terrell. After addressing edge, Atlanta opts for the long, toolsy Thomas who is a good press corner already.
- Round 4, Pick 118: S Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
- Round 7, Pick 218: C Jake Majors, Texas
- Round 7, Pick 242: DT Zeek Biggers, Georgia Tech
2025 NFL Draft: Every team's picks
- AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
- AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
- AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
- AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
- NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
- NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
- NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
- NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Falcons NFL draft picks 2025: Round-by-round selections
Continue reading...
