2025 NFL Offseason: Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons (Last Year: 8-9)

NFL Draft Team Grade: A Grade

Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Falcons seem poised for a playoff run this year, assuming that Michael Penix Jr. can build on his strong finish in 2024. However, the Falcons need to address some areas. Multiple upgrades are needed on the defensive line to ensure that the pass rush we saw at the end of the year wasn’t a fluke. Cornerback must be addressed as well.

2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Atlanta was widely criticized for trading away next year’s first-round pick, but after thinking about it, the move makes sense. The Falcons simply used their first-round pick in 2026 now, rather than waiting 12 months. If they’re going to be as good as everyone they believe can be, then they’ll be picking in the 20s during the 2026 NFL Draft (check out the 2026 NFL Mock Draft here.) If so, then they likely won’t be able to nab someone as good as James Pearce a year from now, given that the Falcons were comfortable drafting Pearce at No. 15.

Instead of obsessing over the misappropriation of next year’s first-round pick, those critical of the Falcons should consider what the combination of Pearce and Jalon Walker can accomplish. They could both thrive as rookies, allowing Atlanta to make great strides, defensively. Third-round steal Xavier Watts should also be able to help.

The Falcons had just five picks, but they nailed all of them. They earned four “A” grades and a “B.” And it’s rather clear that their first three picks figure to have a massive impact on how deep the Falcons venture into the playoffs this upcoming winter.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

15. Jalon Walker, DE/OLB, Georgia – A+ Grade

The Falcons were deciding between Mykel Williams, James Pearce, and Shemar Stewart all day. Never in a million years did they imagine that Jalon Walker was available. This is incredible value and fills a need. Like the Tyler Warren pick, this is an easy A+.

26. James Pearce, DE, Tennessee – A Grade

The Falcons were debating Mykel Williams, Shemart Stewart, and James Pearce at No. 15 before Jalon Walker fell to them. They must have been absolutely shocked that he was there at No. 26. I’m not crazy about trading away first-round picks, but I think this makes sense. Pearce was one of the top players available whom the Falcons were considering in the opening half of this first round, and Atlanta is in win-now mode, given how bad the NFC South is.

96. Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame – A+ Grade

How did Xavier Watts fall to the third round? I thought he’d go in the middle of the second frame. This is a superb pick, as Watts is a dynamic play maker. This is a steal for the Falcons.

118. Billy Bowman, S, Oklahoma – B Grade

This range and need fit makes sense for the Falcons. Billy Bowman is a play-maker who will create some turnovers, but he allows plenty of big plays as well. As a gambler, I can appreciate this sort of play.

218. Jack Nelson, OT/G, Wisconsin – A Grade

Protecting Michael Penix Jr. is crucial as the Falcons try to become a long shot to win the Super Bowl. Jack Nelson should provide good depth because he can play tackle and guard. I thought he should have gone earlier.

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