Key Finishing Touches to Elevate the Falcons in 2025

The Atlanta Falcons made several moves during the first half of free agency and had an eventful NFL Draft. These additions helped strengthen the depth chart. However, the Falcons still have a few finishing touches. Although the remaining questions are smaller after the draft, the front office must address some key issues.

Key Finishing Touches to Elevate the Falcons in 2025

Will Nick Nash and Ray-Ray McCloud be Enough?

Cobee Bryant was not the only steal Atlanta got as an UDFA. Nick Nash is one of four players in FBS college football history to receive the “triple crown”. He led the FBS in 2024 in receptions, touchdowns, and receiving touchdowns (104-1,382-16). What is shocking is that Nash played quarterback for San José State for 3 years before finally switching to receiver. Despite how well he played in 2023 and 2024, S is 26 years old and only has two years of experience at wide receiver. However, that did not stop him from performing well as a Spartan. He has excellent timing in his route cuts, and his experience as a quarterback has made route running and high-pointing the football a seamless transition.

Despite Atlanta bringing in a receiver who was a Biletnikoff Award runner-up last year, they still have one big question to answer: Will Nash and Ray-Ray McCloud III be good enough to round out the receiving room? 

Unless Amari Cooper is willing to sign on for cheaper than he is expecting, it does not get much better than this. With what is available in free agency as compared to what the Falcons already have, it would not make much of a difference. Cooper signing with the team would be a dream scenario. He would easily play WR2 behind Drake London, and Darnell Mooney can play the slot. Mooney fills in here better anyway with his quick movements and athleticism. Then, Nick Nash and McCloud can come in for 5-Trey formations or when Michael Penix is in must-throw situations. 

However, do not expect Cooper to be eager to take less than he wants. The Falcons do not have a ton of cap room to work with, considering they still have to take on Kirk Cousins’ massive $20 million roster bonus on top of his annual contract. If the market grows slim and he still does not have a destination by training camps, it might be possible. But as it stands now, the receiver room for Atlanta is about as good as it is going to get.

Defensive Tackle Woes

Other than Edge and Safety, Defensive Tackle was one of Atlanta’s biggest concerns going into the offseason. They more than filled the concerns of Edge and Safety in the NFL Draft. However, they still haven’t found a defensive tackle. They haven’t even signed an UDFA for the position yet. David Onyemata will be a solid player to fill the role of DT1, but what about after him? Kentravious Street did not do great in 2024, and Zach Harrison can play the role with his size, but it would not be ideal. 

It would probably be in Atlanta’s best interest to find a suitor for DT2. Rumors are circulating that they could be in negotiations with Montravius Adams after he was recently released from the Steelers. The Falcons could get him for relatively cheap, and for a position like DT2 in a primarily 3-4 defense, they can afford to experiment on a former third-round pick. Other than that, most solid defensive tackles that were in free agency have already been picked up by other teams. Unfortunately, this hole wasn’t filled sooner by the team, or at least for a late-round pick. However, they have players that, if all else fails, can move around that defensive line. 

Inside Linebacker Depth: Good Enough to Compete?

Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman were already a solid tandem in 2024. Elliss had undoubtedly the best season of his career, leading the team with 151 tackles and 5 sacks. However, Nate Landman left the team to go to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. With Landman leaving the team, will the depth at inside linebacker be sufficient for a playoff contender?

The Falcons still have versatile Divine Deablo, also being added for depth this offseason. Troy Anderson is primed to take on a bigger role in the absence of Landman. The former second-round pick from Montana State will have something to prove and potentially a breakout year similar to what Elliss had last season. It has the potential to be either Atlanta’s biggest Achilles heel in 2025 or one of their strongest position groups. Troy Anderson will be one of the biggest players to watch for Atlanta this season if they do not make any major trades before the season starts, which should not be expected. 

Atlanta seems content in that position group now, and there is no need to make any drastic moves to it. Expect them to have solid numbers going forward. Deablo should fill in nicely to the 3-4 scheme, and Atlanta has depth on the Edge now that can be expendable if injuries occur. Overall, no need to panic looking at the inside linebacker.