Coming off a disappointing 8-9 season, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves holding the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Their contract situation with backup quarterback Kirk Cousins is far from ideal, meaning the Falcons must use their five draft picks wisely at the 2025 NFL draft. If not, they will be handcuffed in free agency and could slide to the bottom of the NFC South this season.
Atlanta Falcons Needs and Draft Strategy
Pass Rush:
The Falcons’ primary focus for the 2025 NFL draft should be reinforcing their pass rush. There are several talented EDGE rushers available at the 2025 draft, and the Falcons should strongly consider using their first-round pick on an elite pass rusher. Defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and Zach Harrison combined for just 3.5 sacks last season, as the three Falcons to secure 5+ sacks all came in the form of blitzing linebackers.
Wide Receiver
With Michael Penix Jr. cemented as their quarterback, the Falcons need to provide him with more weapons in the receiving game. While Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud all posted solid numbers, none have truly emerged as a top-tier, number-one wideout. Adding another playmaker at receiver would give Penix Jr. a stronger chance to succeed. With Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts already in the fold, adding a dynamic wide receiver would create a formidable trio in Atlanta’s skill positions.
Secondary
The Falcons defensive issues will not be fixed in a single draft, but adding a lockdown safety or corner could go a long way in improving their coverage. Atlanta struggled with deep balls last season, and outside of Jessie Bates III, their secondary is lacking. With just 18 turnovers forced in 2024, the team needs a corner or safety who can help tighten up the defense and make plays downfield.
How many picks do the Atlanta Falcons have in the 2025 Draft?
The Atlanta Falcons have a total of five picks at the 2025 NFL draft. If they don’t make any draft day deals, this would tie the lowest mark for the franchise since 2006, when they also had just five picks. Their selections are as follows:
- 1st Round: 15th Overall
- 2nd Round: 46th Overall
- 4th Round: 117th Overall
- 7th Round: 244th Overall
- 7th Round: TBD
Not only do the Falcons have their fewest number of picks in the last 20 years, but a pair of those picks are coming in the 7th and final round. Several of these picks will be sliding even further down the draft list, as the compensatory picks will be scattered across the 4th through 7th rounds. During the 2024 offseason, Atlanta traded away their third round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for linebacker Matt Judon, and their 5th round pick was stripped by the league due to free agent tampering last year.
Potential Atlanta Falcons Draft Picks 2025
1st Round, 15th Overall: James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)
If the Falcons are looking to improve their pass rush, they should seriously consider taking James Pearce Jr. with the 15th overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft. He racked up 7.5 sacks with a fumble last season after logging 9.5 sacks with three turnovers the season before. Pearce Jr. would instantly elevate the Falcons pass rush and is the second-best pass rusher available in the 2025 NFL draft. Abdul Carter is expected to be a top-five selection, but Pearce Jr. has the potential to become a cornerstone of Atlanta’s defense and could turn out to be the more well-rounded pass rusher over the next decade.
1st Round, 15th Overall: Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia)
Grabbing Mykel Williams with the Falcons first-round pick is another great option. Georgia fans will get to see their prized superstar stay in state on the Falcons, and Williams is the next-best EDGE rusher if Pearce Jr. gets scooped up earlier in the draft. His power and effectiveness in both the pass and run game make him a versatile asset. Williams excels at disrupting quarterbacks by using his strength to overpower offensive linemen and attack the pocket.
2nd Round, 46th Overall: Landon Jackson (EDGE, Arkansas)
Should the Falcons opt for a different position with their first-round pick, Landon Jackson would be an intriguing option in the second round. Despite his stock slipping in recent months, Jackson remains an impactful pass rusher. With back-to-back 6.5-sack seasons, Jackson has the potential to add depth and explosiveness to Atlanta’s defense, particularly if he’s still available by the time the 46th pick comes around.
2nd Round, 46th Overall: Denzel Burke (Cornerback, Ohio State)
Another potential selection at 46th overall is Denzel Burke, a versatile cornerback with the agility to excel in multiple defensive roles. Burke’s ability to adjust his coverage based on the receiver’s route makes him a valuable asset in the secondary. Pairing him alongside Jessie Bates III would strengthen the Falcons’ defense and provide the team with a dynamic, young cornerback duo.
