2025 NFL Draft: Top players available, biggest needs for Falcons on Day 2

A quick look at the players Atlanta could target in the third round as well as the biggest remaining needs for the Falcons on Day 2.

Apr 25, 2025 at 08:00 AM

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons did indeed make a first-round trade on Thursday night, but it wasn't in the direction many expected.

The Falcons traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft after selecting University of Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker with the No. 15 pick to double up on pass rushers and take University of Tennessee edge defender James Pearce Jr. with pick No. 26.

MORE FROM DAY 1

To move back up, the Falcons sent pick No. 46 and No. 242 in this year's draft as well as their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Los Angeles Rams for pick No. 26 and pick No. 101 at the end of the third round. That trade has repercussions for the Falcons on Day 2 of the draft, as it means their first pick of the evening will be the second-to-last pick of the third round instead of the middle of the second round.

That makes it a bit more challenging to pinpoint which players will still be on the board at pick No. 101, but we've come up with 10 prospects who could be available that fans should keep in mind.

Before we get to the players, here's a quick look at how a few main sites currently view the Falcons' top needs after Day 1 of the NFL Draft.

Falcons top remaining needs

ESPN: Defensive tackle | Center | Safety | Wide receiver
CBS Sports: Center | Defensive line | Cornerback | Safety | Wide Receiver
The Athletic: Cornerback | Offensive tackle
The Ringer: Defensive tackle | Linebacker

Day 2 prospects Atlanta could target

Jared Wilson, Center (UGA) — Wilson might go before the Falcons get a chance at him, but he'd be a perfect player to grow under offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford. Athletic, smart and impressive last season at Georgia, Wilson would be a nice fit in the middle of Atlanta's offensive line.

Charles Grant, Offensive tackle (William & Mary) — Grant is a high-upside developmental tackle prospect who has grown by leaps and bounds as a four-year starter at William & Mary. A former wrestler, Grant has a really nice foundation for NFL success, it just might take a year or two.

Chris Paul Jr., Linebacker (Ole Miss) — In his only season at Ole Miss, Paul led the Rebels in tackles and made plays all over the field for one of college football's best defenses. He's a good interior run defender who could add depth and play special teams.

JJ Pegues, Defensive tackle (Ole Miss) — Another Rebel, Pegues is one of the most interesting players in this class. At 310 pounds, Pegues can play all over the defensive line, and he even lined up in the backfield for Ole Miss and scored seven touchdowns. He's fun to watch.

Jaylen Reed, Safety (Penn State) — Reed has the potential to become a starting safety in the NFL, but in the short-term he can be a core special teamer and develop in Atlanta's secondary. He's a passionate player who leaves it all on the field, but he needs to be more consistent and not give us as many big plays as he has.

Ty Robinson, Defensive tackle (Nebraska) — After shoring up the speed off the edge with their first two draft picks, the Falcons could still use some size within the defensive interior. Even though Robinson isn't the biggest body available, he plays with a toughness and tenacity that would play well within this defensive rotation, which could always use more bodies.

Joshua Farmer, Defensive tackle (FSU) — Weighing in at 305 pounds and with significant arm length, Farmer is a player who could be an asset in clogging up run lanes. He knows how to use his long arms and upper body strength to his advantage. He could pair well within the young core of defensive tackles the Falcons already have coming along.

Vernon Broughton, Defensive tackle (Texas) — Yes, another DT. For all the same reasons as have been listed for Pegues, Robinson and Farmer. What makes Broughton stand out amongst the bunch is his size. He's the biggest of the group. Oh, and he's a violent tackler which will more than show up in the run game.

Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback (Notre Dame) — Is this wishful thinking? Yes. But could the Falcons use a playmaker like Morrison in the secondary? You bet. Morrison is coming off a hip injury that saw him miss the final 10 games of his last college year. Maybe he slides. Experts say he is as technically sound as they come. The Falcons could use that.

Bill Bowman Jr., Safety (Oklahoma) — A four-year starter at Oklahoma, Bowman has seen and experienced a little bit of everything. He has played free safety as well as some nickel and in the box, too. When it comes to Bowman, what he may lack in size and speed, he makes up for with instincts and football IQ. This player's intelligence is palpable.