South Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons are focusing on their defense as they prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft. With several key defenders approaching free agency, the team is looking to improve its defensive lineup. The draft is seen as a prime opportunity for the Falcons to enhance their defense due to the abundance of talented defensive players available this year.

Trevor Sikkema, lead NFL Draft analyst at Pro Football Focus, highlighted the need for a standout edge rusher. "This draft has some pretty good edge rushers," he said. Notable prospects include James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee and Mike Green from Marshall.

The Falcons hold the 15th pick in the draft and have five picks overall. Despite selecting four defensive linemen last year, they may continue to bolster this area given the talent pool at this year's Senior Bowl.

Sikkema noted, "It's a really deep D-line class." He mentioned Ohio State's Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau as potential Day 2 options for Atlanta.

In addition to edge rushers, Atlanta might also consider strengthening its secondary. Defensive back Will Johnson from Michigan was mentioned as a possible first-round pick if available.

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot acknowledged the possibility of trading back to acquire more picks: "We're picking at 15, so obviously we can move down and pick up more capital."

The team's strategy under Fontenot has been to select the best available player, which has resulted in recent offensive picks like wide receiver Drake London and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. However, with this year's draft depth on defense, Atlanta may focus on acquiring multiple talented players later in the event.

"If you've got multiple picks on Day 2," Sikkema stated, "it's going to be hard not look at your draft on paper when it's all said and done and not think, 'Man, they got some really good players here that could really help them out.'"