The Atlanta Falcons created buzz in the 2024 NFL Draft with the selection of Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick right after signing Kirk Cousins to a big contract in free agency. Although a head scratching selection at the time, it has worked out to be a smart move by this NFC Squad.
In competing for a playoff spot in 2024, the Falcons eventually benched Cousins and went with Penix Jr. towards the end of the season. The rookie quarterback showcased his promise and had the offense looking potent. The problem for the Falcons was more on the defensive side which should be a major focus heading in to the 2025 NFL Draft.
As with every team in the NFL, the top 2 picks will be important selections and may help the team stamp their ticket into the playoffs.
Atlanta Falcons Key free agents in 2025:
The Falcons will have a decision to make on the defensive side of the ball. Key free agents include Richie Grant, Justin Simmons and Matthew Judon, who the Falcons acquired from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2025 third round pick. Judon recorded 5.5 sacks and could serve as a mentor for a younger edge rusher.
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Richie Grant | Safety |
Lorenzo Carter | Outside Linebacker |
Drew Dalman | Center |
Eddie Goldman | Defensive Lineman |
KhaDarel Hodge | Wide Receiver |
Matthew Judon | Outside Linebacker |
Kelvin King | Cornerback |
Rondale Moore | Wide Receiver |
Justin Simmons | Safety |
James Smith-Williams | Defensive Line |
Avery Williams | Running Back |
Kentavius Street | Defensive Line |
Top 2 picks in 2024 NFL Draft:
No. 8– Michael Penix QB | Washington: Penix Jr. was the surprise pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. It wasn’t where he was taken that shocked the NFL, it was the fact the Falcons selected him disputed paying big bucks for Kirk Cousins in free agency. It turns out the Falcons took a wise gamble as Penix jr. finished the season as the starting quarterback. Penix Jr threw for 775 yards and 3 touchdowns in three starts to end the season. The Falcons were 1-2 in those games, but two of those losses were in OT. Falcons fans are looking forward to the rookie as the starter in Year 2.
More Falcons 2025 NFL Draft coverage:
No. 35 – Ruke Orhorhoro DT | Clemson: The Falcons went defense with the NO. 35 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro. As one of the top interior rushers entering the draft, Orhorhoro didn’t record a sack in his rookie season. He did have a QB hit, but an ankle injury limited his impact in Year 1. The 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive tackle should have a bigger role in 2025.
Ideal top 2 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft:
No. 15 – Mykel Williams – EDGE | Georgia
The Falcons will have a chance at No. 15 to draft an impactful defender. The question is who and what position they will draft. If the best player available is at edge, Mykel Williams is a great fit for the Falcons. They may have a shot at other defensive prospects out of Georgia like safety Malaki Starks or linebacker Jalon Walker which will be solid selections as well, but for a team looking for that young edge rush disruptor, Williams fits the mold.
With rare power off the edge, Williams bulldozes his way to the quarterback with that pure power and ability to shed offensive line man. He does have the versatility to play along the defensive line and if the Falcons could bring back Judon, he will have a veteran to learn behind until he is ready to be the man off the edge
No. 46– Xavier Restrepo- WR | Miami (FL)
The Falcons will be in position to add another weapon to the mix and that weapon should be Miami’s Xavier Restrepo. The 5-foot-10, 198-pound receiver was big for Cam Ward in 2024 and would form instant chemistry with Penix Jr in the Falcons’ offense. As an effective wide receiver after the catch, his quickness off the line of scrimmage along with his high IQ in recognizing zone coverages makes him an ideal fit given the other weapons he will have around him.
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Adding Restrepo to a core that includes Drake London, Kyle Pitts Jr and Bijan Robinson will give the Falcons a balanced offensive attack in the NFC South.