Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — In her most recent mock draft, Tori McElhaney presented a scenario that involved the Atlanta Falcons not taking an edge rusher with the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Instead, she added a quality player to Atlanta’s secondary, turning that unit into a bona-fide strength. It's a decision that is entirely justifiable, but one that left plenty of fans responding with a familiar refrain — What about the pass rush?
Those fans will hopefully be relieved to learn that mock drafts are as much about presenting hypothetically scenarios than actually predicting what might happen. Could the Falcons select one of the many talented cornerbacks or safeties in the first round? Sure. However, they are just as likely to go a number of directions at this point.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot was hailed as a breath of fresh air when he first stated his preference for drafting the players they feel are the best rather than limiting their draft board to positional needs. Now, some of those same people believe Atlanta should narrow its aperture to focus on only a few key positions of need.
For those who want Atlanta to take a pass rusher in the first round for the first time since 2017, I have good news: This draft sets up remarkably well for the Falcons to find a pass rusher that meshes with their defensive approach.
While I am not privy to any information that might hint at who that could be, an understanding of this year's class is all it takes to make that claim. This year's pass rushers come in all sorts of different flavors, so let's take a deeper look at those who could still be on the clock at No. 15.
Editor's note: Penn State's Abdul Carter is largely expected to be a top-5 pick in the draft, so he is not included in this exercise but is an exceptional player.
Jalon Walker, Edge, UGA
Scouts inc.: No. 2 Edge (No. 6 overall)
Pro Football Focus: No. 2 LB (No. 28 overall)
Daniel Jeremiah: No. 2 Edge (No. 7 overall)
The Georgia off-ball linebacker is 6-foot-2, 245 pounds and has the versatility to impact the game in multiple ways. Those are all qualities that should make Walker an attractive player to Atlanta. The Falcons were among the most effective teams in the NFL last season at getting pass rush productivity from a true linebacker position. Kaden Elliss was the only player in the league with more than 130 tackles and four sacks, finishing the year with 151 tackles and five sacks. Walker's talents are even more suited to rushing the passer, and he'd be in a creative defense that should lean on the skills that make him unique.
Mykel Williams, Edge, UGA
Scouts inc.: No. 3 Edge (No. 13 overall)
Pro Football Focus: No. 5 Edge (No. 26 overall)
Daniel Jeremiah: No. 3 Edge (No. 20 overall)
Another Bulldog who looks impressive coming off the bus, Williams is a bit of a wild card in this year's draft because of an ankle injury that limited him throughout the 2024 season. That makes Williams even more of a projection than others, but the upside is undeniable. He has the length teams will covet, can set a hard edge in the run game and has multiple ways to win as a pass rusher. He's in the mold of a traditional defensive end more than Walker is, but that could be exactly what Atlanta is looking for.
Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Scouts inc.: No. 4 Edge (No. 19 overall)
Pro Football Focus: No. 6 Edge (No. 27 overall)
Daniel Jeremiah: No. 6 Edge (No. 27 overall)
When it comes to the combination of physical build and athleticism, Stewart is tops in this class. The 6-foot-5, 267-pound edge defender is long and strong, and he scored a perfect 10 relative athletic score for his NFL Combine performance. The issue, however, lies in Stewart's college production, or lack thereof. He had just 4.5 sacks in three seasons at Texas A&M, making him the ultimate litmus test for the production-vs-potential philosophies.
Join us as we take a look back on our favorite photos from the Atlanta Falcons' 2024-2025 season.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris travels from Los Angeles to Atlanta with his family on Saturday, February 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris poses for a photo at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. On Monday, February 5, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from the Bijan Robinson feature filmed in Austin, Texas on Friday, March 8, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Ray-Ray McCloud III poses for portraits in Studio B at Ticketmaster Studios inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, March 18, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 works out in the pool inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, April 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Matt Ryan poses for portraits for his retirement announcement inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, April 8, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons former quarterback Matt Ryan poses for portraits with team owner Arthur Blank in Studio B at Ticketmaster Studios inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, April 22, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from the 2024 Draft Party at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. On Thursday, April 25, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Bish/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 and his mom pose for a retail shoot at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
The 2024 Draft Pick Michael Penix Jr. poses for a portrait at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Friday, April 26, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
The 2024 Draft Pick Michael Penix Jr. travels from Detroit during the 2024 Draft to the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Friday, April 26, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during OTAs at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King #32 during OTAs at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Final Auditions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, May 20, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Bish/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 at his home in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, May 31, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Thursday, June 6, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud #34 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Monday June 10, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Thursday, June 6, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Monday June 10, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Monday, June 10, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Monday, June 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during OTAs at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 at his home in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is interviewed in his office at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 looks at the new locker room at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 during strength and conditioning Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Charlie Woerner #89 during the 2024 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 in a huddle during the 2024 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Monday, August 5, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins at Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. (Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris walks out to the field before the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during a team visit to Margaritaville at Lanier Islands in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. (Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Models pose during Sundays Retail Shoot at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga. on Tuesday August 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24, cornerback Dee Alford #20, safety Justin Simmons #31, safety Jessie Bates III #3, outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0, and outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 during the 2024 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 warms up before the Preseason Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, August 23, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Kyle Hinton #68 in the tunnel before the Preseason Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, August 23, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes during the Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Bish/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs before the play during the Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board during the Week 1 Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Todd Burandt/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores a touchdown during the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Team on the sideline during the national anthem prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 in the locker room prior to the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 during practice at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from the Dirty Birds Nest during the Week 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Bish/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players warm up before the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 and Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 tackle Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 during the Week 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 catches an interception during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/Atlanta Falcons)
TI performs prior to the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Samuel L. Jackson during the Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank Ring of Honor ceremony during halftime of the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 in the locker room before the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 returns an interception for a touchdown during the Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 speaks in the team huddle before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 make a tackle during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 talks to wide receiver Drake London #5 during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a field goal during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 prepares in the locker room before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris celebrates in the locker room after the win during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 celebrates in the locker room after the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Scenes from an Evening with Matt Ryan presented by Truist at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, Ga. on Monday, September 30,2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores a game-winning touchdown during the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Fan in the Dirty Birds Nest during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan looks on during his Ring of Honor ceremony at halftime of the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 after the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
The Coin Toss before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 leads the huddle before the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 before the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
View of the field painted in the throwback diamond style end zones before the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores the game winning touchdown in over time during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores touchdown during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons huddle during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 arrives prior to the Week 6 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, October 13, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 poses for portraits for Angry Runs after winning in week six in Studio B at Ticketmaster Studios inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Scene setter image before the Week 7 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Big Boy poses during the OutKast retail shoot at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs for a touchdown during the third quarter of the Week 8 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 27, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 in the locker room prior to the Week 8 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 27, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Players take the field prior to during the Week 8 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 27, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons assistant head coach of defense Jerry Gray poses for portraits for a feature in Studio B at Ticketmaster Studios inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 and Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 prepare in the locker room before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Portraits for Mifland collab in Studio A at Ticketmaster Studios inside the Atlanta Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Monday, November 11, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0 supports Future Farmers of America during the My Cause My Cleats initiative. Photos taken at Ticketmaster Studios in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Tuesday, November 26. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 during strength and conditioning workouts at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Players prepare to walk out prior to the Week 14 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, December 8, 2024. (Photo by Brad Rempel/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 walk out to warm ups before the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during the National Anthem before the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates a reception during the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 blocks a punt during the first quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defense celebrates during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 intercepts the ball for a touchdown during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Charlie Woerner #89 and Atlanta Falcons tight end Ross Dwelley #85 in the locker room before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the National Anthem before the Week 17 Game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field in Greater Landover, Maryland on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 huddle prior to the Week 17 Game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field in Greater Landover, Maryland on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs in for a touchdown during the Week 17 game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a touchdown pass during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Scouts inc.: No. 5 Edge (No. 21 overall)
Pro Football Focus: No. 2 Edge (No. 12 overall)
Daniel Jeremiah: No. 4 Edge (No. 21 overall)
Green has a high approval rating among the draft community thanks to his violent explosiveness and impressive college production. There will be questions about the level of competition Green faced at Marshall, but he dominated that competition and finished with 17 sacks to lead all FBS players last season. In his quiver, Green has an outside speed rush, a speed-to-power bull rush, a reliable dip/rip and a developing spin move. He looks like a player ready to go right out of the box.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Scouts inc.: No. 6 Edge (No. 26 overall)
Pro Football Focus: No. 4 Edge (No. 16 overall)
Daniel Jeremiah: No. 7 Edge (No. 30 overall)
Ezeiruaku finished just a half-sack behind Green last season with 16.5 quarterback takedowns during a dominant breakout senior year. At 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds, he's another player with a good frame for the next level. Among this year's prospects, Ezeiruaku has an advanced set of pass rush moves, and his long arms help him corral the quarterback consistently. On tape, Ezeiruaku shows the ability to drop in coverage, which would be beneficial in simulated pressure looks.
James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Scouts inc.: No. 7 Edge (No. 27 overall)
Pro Football Focus: No. 3 Edge (No. 15 overall)
Daniel Jeremiah: No. 5 Edge (No. 22 overall)
Pearce is one of the most unique pass rushers in this class. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, the former Vol has a narrow and agile frame, but his explosiveness makes up for that. Pearce is lightning-quick off the line of scrimmage before deploying an array of stutter moves that would make a wide receiver proud. He's also got more power as a pass rusher than his build might indicate. With 17.5 sacks the last two seasons for Tennessee, Pearce has production teams are looking for. As a pure pass rusher, he offers a lot of upside.
