How The Falcons Look After The Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hery Acosta | Last updated Apr 28, 2025 7:06 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons are looking to improve from their 8-9 finish in 2024, where they had one of the worst defenses in the NFL. That is the main reason that Terry Fontenot focused so heavily on rebuilding the defense with the first four picks they had this year.

Jalon Walker alone is an upgrade from the defensive line of last season, and he can be a very important piece to this team as a rookie. He is also joined by James Pearce Jr. who looks to add some more edge rushing to this franchise.

The Falcons also spiced up their secondary with a couple of picks and have added the help of UDFA Cobee Bryant as well. They will all pair up well with Jesse Bates, as the Falcons will look to put up better numbers from the secondary this year.

The Kirk Cousins saga continues and only one team is really looking like a candidate by any means and that is Pittsburgh. They did not heavily address the quarterback position in the draft besides drafting Will Howard in the 6th round, so they might still be looking for Cousins.

The Falcons also still have Kyle Pitts on the roster who might end up being on the team for another season, for what will need to be his breakout year. They also are looking good with a star trio of Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson and Drake London who all can have pro bowl or all pro seasons if all goes well.

Fontenot is helping to turn this team around and a lot of it stemmed from the defensive picks in the draft.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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