The Atlanta Falcons concluded the 2024 NFL season with an 8–9 record under new head coach, Raheem Morris. Despite finishing second in the NFC South division, the Falcons missed out on a wild card spot, extending their playoff drought to six years. A key strength for the Falcons lies in their offensive skill positions, like running back Bijan Robinson, who led with 1,456 yards (ranked third) from 304 carries (ranked 4th) for 14 touchdowns. Wide receiver Drake London also contributed with 1,271 receiving yards (ranked 4th) from 100 receptions (tied ninth) for nine touchdowns (tied ninth). However, the Falcons failed to capitalize on their potential, particularly on defense. Atlanta will be looking to address their issues through the upcoming draft and improve their team performance.
Atlanta Falcons' top needs in the 2025 NFL Draft
Defensive End
Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, the most pressing issue for the Falcons is the pass rush. In 2024, the Falcons recorded only 31 sacks, of which 21 came after 11 games. They ranked at the bottom of the league in the first 11 games and finished as the second-worst. Of the 31 sacks, 15.5 came from edge rushers.
Edge Arnold Ebiketie led all defenders with six sacks. Matthew Judon had an unsuccessful season, as he finished the season with an injury and 5.5 sacks. His future with Atlanta remains uncertain. Although veteran pass-rusher Leonard Floyd was added in free agency, Atlanta still needs a dynamic edge rusher to consistently disrupt opposing offenses, as per Atlanta Falcons' official website.
Secondary
The Falcons allowed 423 points on defense, averaging 24.9 per game, ranking among the worst in the NFC. While cornerback A.J. Terrell continues to impress, Atlanta needs coverage support in the defensive backfield. Safeties Jessie Bates III and Richie Grant had their moments, but their overall production and impact plays were limited.
Offensive line
Despite signing veteran LT Jake Matthews to a whopping $45 million deal, the offensive line struggled with consistency. Although the Falcons have decided upon Michael Penix Jr. as their future, they need to find a suitable trade partner for Kirk Cousins, who is their highest-paid player, taking up 14.4% of the salary cap.
Who should the Atlanta Falcons draft?
The Atlanta Falcons have tried to tackle some of their issues through the signing of backup quarterback Easton Stick. They also re-signed cornerback Kevin King and tight end Teagan Quitoriano to bolster their defense and offense. The Falcons also hold five picks in the upcoming draft, including the 15th overall pick.
Round 1- Pick 15
Various mock drafts suggest that the Falcons may reportedly target Marshall’s edge rusher Mike Green with their first-round pick to address their need for a dominant pass rusher.
Round 2- Pick 46
Oregon’s CB Christian Gonzalez and A&M’s safety Antonio Johnson could be their second-round picks. For the offensive line, they could select Notre Dame’s center Jarrett Patterson.
FAQs on Atlanta Falcons
A: With five picks in the draft, the Falcons must select multiple defensive starters. More specifically, they need a presence on the edge. No Atlanta defender has reached seven sacks in the past five seasons.
A: Most expect the team to select a defender to aid a unit that struggled in 2024, especially in the pass rush. Even Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, said at the annual league meetings that the front office will be focused on defense in this draft.
A: The 2025 NFL draft (8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) begins April 24 and will be held in Green Bay, Wisc. The Atlanta Falcons are scheduled to make five of the draft's 257 picks, beginning with the No. 15 selection of the first round on Thursday night.
