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Atlanta Falcons 7-round NFL mock draft: Gamble in Round One, a cornerback value, and prioritizing speed everywhere

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 11:25 AM ET

The Atlanta Falcons head into the 2025 NFL season in a very interesting place. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is ready to lead a new-look offense for the Falcons, and there is a lot of excitement on that side of the football. On defense, it is a much different story. There is a talent injection that needs to happen for the organization to take the next step.

The 2025 NFL Draft is an opportunity for head coach Raheem Morris and the Falcons staff to add talent to the roster. It might not be a top-heavy class, but there is a lot of value to be found. Defense was the priority early in the final mock draft, as well as adding speed everywhere.

Round 1, Pick 15: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

Is Stewart a bit of a gamble? Absolutely, but betting on traits is always a wise decision. If you can get the best out of Stewart, you are talking about a perennial Pro Bowler. He also has the combination of size and explosiveness to play up and down the line of scrimmage and make a huge impact.

May not be a trickier 2025 NFL Draft eval than Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart (#4). Combo of size, length, closing speed are outrageous… but production doesn’t match the traits (6 TFLs, 1.5 sacks in 2024).

Best position and scheme will also be a deep convo. Fascinating player. pic.twitter.com/v0yva0tidL
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) January 9, 2025

Round 2, Pick 46: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

If not for the injuries, Morrison would probably go a touch higher. He has some of the best instincts of any cornerback in the class, and possesses tremendous ball skills as well. Morrison is a future starter if he is able to stay healthy.

Round 4, Pick 118: Aeneas Peebles, DL, Virginia Tech

Peebles might be a smaller interior defender, but his first step is dynamite. There is real penetration upside here, and Peebles should at least find a way to impact the pass rush group. He fills a role even though there are some limitations physically.

Quick win for Virginia Tech DT Aeneas Peebles against Miami OL Jalen Rivers. Peebles’ quickness and low center of gravity has been tough to handle all week. pic.twitter.com/M4nHLzkWAo
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) January 31, 2025

Round 7, Pick 218: Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA

If you love linebackers with great instincts and eye discipline, then you will not like Medrano. If you love linebackers with impressive range and developmental potential, then you are in the right place. Special teams should be his sticking point early on.

Round 7, Pick 242: Arian Smith, WR, Georgia

Smith isn't a consistent player right now, but you just can't teach the speed that he brings to the table. That is worth developing, especially at this point in the draft. Hopefully Smith at least finds a role on special teams to stick.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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