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NFL Draft 2025: Atlanta Falcons Picks, Team Needs, Targets, & Mock Draft

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By
Dan Girolamo
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Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other passion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

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Published18 Apr 2025

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Bijan Robinson holds the ball and runs.

The Atlanta Falcons will be looking to trade back in the 2025 NFL Draft. Expect Atlanta to be very active on the phones come draft night. View the Falcons’ picks, team needs, targets, and mock draft.

Atlanta Falcons Draft Picks

Last season, the Falcons pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the draft, selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick. Remember, Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins earlier that offseason to a four-year, $180 million contract.

Now, Penix gets the keys to the offense, with Cousins as the backup.

The Atlanta Falcons only have five draft picks, making them a prime candidate to trade out of the No. 15 pick to acquire more assets.

2025 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons Picks

  • Round 1: No. 15
  • Round 2: No. 46
  • Round 4: No. 118
  • Round 7: No. 218 (from Cleveland through Los Angeles Chargers)
  • Round 7: No. 242 (from Los Angeles Rams)

2025 NFL Draft: Atlanta’s Team Needs

Michael Penix Jr. throws a ball.
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Edge

Before the Falcons shocked the world by taking Penix, many draft experts predicted Atlanta would go defense and take an edge rusher.

Fast forward one year: The Falcons should take an edge rusher with their first-round pick.

Atlanta’s defense registered the second-fewest sacks (31) in the NFL last season. It’s time to get a great pass rusher.

Secondary

Atlanta’s secondary has one true shutdown cornerback in A.J. Terrell Jr.

The rest of the secondary is average at best, ranking 22nd against the pass (224.5 yards per game) last season.

Atlanta signed Dee Alford and Kevin King, but those players should not be relied upon to guard an opposing team’s No. 2 receiver.

Atlanta could either go for a defensive back or a safety to help their back four.

Offensive Line

It’s never a bad idea to protect a young quarterback.

The Falcons offensive line was solid in pass protection last season, allowing the eighth fewest sacks (32).

However, center Drew Dalman left for the Bears, meaning Ryan Neuzil will be his likely replacement.

Still, Atlanta could think for the future and find a lineman to work into the mix.

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Falcons

  • Round 1: No. 15 – Tennessee Edge James Pearce Jr.
  • Round 2: No. 46 – Iowa State CB Darien Porter
  • Round 4: No. 118 – Kansas OT Logan Brown
  • Round 7: No. 218 (from Cleveland through Los Angeles Chargers) – Clemson S R.J. Mickens
  • Round 7: No. 242 (from Los Angeles Rams) – Baylor Edge Steve Linton

The 2025 NFL Draft is April 24–26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.