- Adding juice to the move rush with a pair of first-round edge rushers: The Falcons aggressively upgraded their defensive entrance by choosing Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., injecting new life right into a move rush that struggled in 2024. Atlanta ranked thirty first in pass-rush win price (34.2%) and twenty ninth in complete quarterback pressures (230).
- Ball-hawking protection defenders: Atlanta’s protection profiles as probably the most improved items following the 2025 draft, not simply due to its first-round additions but in addition because of ball-hawking safeties Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr.
- Final likelihood to assert 25% off PFF+: Use code DRAFT25 and unlock entry to participant grades, fantasy instruments and the 2025 Draft Guide.
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Faced with critical wants on the defensive facet of the ball, Falcons normal supervisor Terry Fontenot approached the draft aggressively, buying and selling up twice to focus on key gamers who may make an instantaneous impression.
Although Atlanta completed with simply 5 choices, the workforce landed three of the highest 40 gamers on the PFF Big Board — a haul that earned excessive marks in PFF’s draft grades. The Falcons now look poised to construct a roster able to competing in 2025.
Atlanta Falcons 2025 NFL Draft Class:
1 (15): LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
1 (26): ED James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
3 (96): S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
4 (118): S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
7 (218): T Jack Nelson, Wisconsin
A pure athlete with versatility in Round 1: Jalon Walker brings pure athleticism at off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, offering a flexible defender to a Falcons protection in want of impression playmakers. Atlanta ranked thirty first in pass-rush win price (34.2%) and twenty ninth in complete quarterback pressures (230) in 2024, probably leading to Walker discovering a house on the sting. The Georgia product earned an 83.0-plus PFF pass-rush grade in every of the previous two seasons.
One of essentially the most spectacular pass-rushers within the class in Round 1: The Falcons traded up into the primary spherical to double up on athletic pass-rushers. James Pearce Jr. defeats blocks exceedingly effectively, producing a 23.0% pass-rush win price whereas additionally incomes an 84.1 run-defense grade. The Falcons had one of many worst pass-rushing defensive traces within the NFL in 2024, however that might change in 2025 with the addition of their two first-round picks.
Rookie to observe: S Xavier Watts
Watts is the most effective ball-hawking security on this class, because of his soccer intelligence and talent to interrupt on the ball. He recorded 13 interceptions over the previous two seasons, 4 greater than every other defender within the nation throughout that span. The Falcons wanted big-play protection assistance on the again finish after permitting the second-most passing touchdowns (34) within the NFL final season.
Position/function battle to observe: S Billy Bowman Jr. as nickel defender
Although Bowman is listed as a security, he brings the protection versatility and expertise to earn snaps within the slot. Over the previous two seasons, he earned a 71.6 PFF protection grade. While his tackling stays a transparent weak spot, Atlanta could also be keen to reside with the occasional miss in trade for his elite ball expertise.
Draft grade: A-