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Re-Grading the Atlanta Falcons 2025 Draft

Originally posted on Football Analysis | By Aaron Sauter | Last updated Mar 15, 2026 10:24 PM ET

During the 2025 NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons planned to make significant upgrades to their defense specifically improving their pass rush. Analysts gave mixed reviews of the Falcons’ draft decisions, but ultimately, the Falcons accomplished their goal of adding a collection of young defensive playmakers. However, due to inconsistent quarterback play, the Falcons still finished 8-9, leading the franchise to clean house with its coaching staff and general manager.

While the Falcons only had five overall picks in the 2025 draft, they did have two first round draft picks after making an aggressive trade on draft day. Atlanta intentionally used both first round draft picks to give their pass rush a boost of energy by selecting edge rusher Jalon Walker and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. to add to their defense. Walker ended up becoming a major contributor to the Falcons defense including reinforcing the Falcons run defense and recording 5.5 quarterback sacks.

Atlanta Falcons 2025 Draft Class

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
1	15	Jalon Walker	EDGE/LB	Georgia
1	26	James Pearce Jr.	EDGE	Tennessee
3	96	Xavier Watts	S	Notre Dame
4	118	Billy Bowman Jr.	S	Oklahoma
7	218	Jack Nelson	OT	Wisconsin

James Pearce Jr. was also a big hit, posting 10.5 sacks during his rookie season, which was the most for a rookie since Micah Parsons’ rookie season. On the other hand, Pearce has shown he does not make good decisions off the field, leading many to question his longevity with the Falcons. In addition to the pair of edge rushers, the Falcons also got outstanding value from safety Xavier Watts, who was a regular contributor on the Atlanta defense during his rookie season.

Atlanta also had immediate success with safety Billy Bowman Jr., but while Bowman played with an all-out attitude, he did get banged up. Those injuries forced Bowman to miss significant time on the field, which reduced his overall value to the Falcons during his rookie season. Offensive lineman Jack Nelson was also a success for the Falcons’ offensive line as a swing tackle for Atlanta. While Nelson never had a chance to become a starter for the Falcons during his first season, he did give the Falcons good value on their offensive line, which is outstanding for a 7th-round draft pick.

Atlanta Falcons 2025 Draft Re-Grade = B-

While the Falcons’ efforts to upgrade their defense during the 2025 draft were successful, those draft picks did not lead Atlanta to overcome its history of mediocrity. The lack of success led to the removal of head coach Raheem Morris and set the stage for former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski to take over where the Falcons left off last season during the 2026 NFL draft. Atlanta did a great job of maximizing their limited draft capital, but their overall draft grade dropped with defensive end James Pearce Jr. dealing with legal issues after making poor decisions early in the offseason.

Make sure that you check out, Re-Grading the Cincinnati Bengals 2025 Draft

This article first appeared on Football Analysis and was syndicated with permission.

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