Atlanta Falcons 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft to help Falcons build around Michael Penix Jr's future

The Atlanta Falcons (as per usual) went through a roller coaster of a season in 2024. The team started red hot with the offense humming under prized offseason signing Kirk Cousins, but crashed and burned at the end of the season, winning just two of their last eight games.

What seemed like a team destined to win the NFC South and make the playoffs for the first time since 2017 limped to the finish line with two losses in overtime to end the year. 

Fortunately, it seems like Michael Penix Jr. has the makings of a long-term franchise quarterback for the team that should provide hope for the future. However, the team has limited draft capital and cap space to work with this offseason. How can they best build around Michael Penix Jr and get back into the playoff picture?

Atlanta Falcons 7-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick 15: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

The Falcons' pass rush picked up steam to close the year, but they were still one of the worst teams in the NFL in terms of getting to the quarterback, finishing 25th in pressures and 31st in sacks. Atlanta will also have a key pass rusher slated for free agency in Matt Judon. They desperately need an influx of talent rushing the passer. 

Jalon Walker is a hybrid player, but that makes him the perfect fit for Raheem Morris's defense. He's an explosive athlete with good length, speed, and power to his game, while also having the range to offer some quality play as a spot dropper if need be. 

Round 2, Pick 46: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

The Falcons' linebackers got picked on repeatedly throughout the season, giving up the fourth-most completions and fifth-most yards of any unit. Since Atlanta wants to live in two-high shells, they need speed and coverage ability at linebacker. 

Carson Schwesinger hasn't picked up much steam with draft analysts, but he's in contention to be the first linebacker off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has all the traits to be a terrific WILL linebacker at the next level. 

Round 4, Pick 117: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas

The Falcons' secondary went through some truly embarrassing moments throughout the season, particularly their nickel corner spot. No team allowed more touchdowns than Atlanta when their slot cornerback was targeted.

Cobee Bryant is a tremendous playmaker with good length, speed, and ball skills, but his small frame might relegate him to the slot by NFL standards. He can start Day One inside for the Falcons. 

Round 7, Pick 238: Will Sheppard, WR, Colorado

Atlanta only has four picks this year, which makes adding any value on offense tricky with how many needs they have defensively. However, I would like to see them continue investing in the wide receiver room and giving Michael Penix Jr. as many targets as they can. 

Will Sheppard isn't the fastest wide receiver out there, but he has strong hands, good contested catch ability, and is one of the better run-blocking receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft.