Atlanta Falcons Gear Up for 2025 NFL Draft After Playoff Drought
The Atlanta Falcons are setting their sights on the 2025 NFL Draft, armed with five picks, including the 15th overall selection, as they aim to break a seven-year playoff drought.
Falcons’ Draft Capital and Needs
Atlanta holds the 15th, 46th, 118th, 218th, and 242nd picks in the upcoming draft, presenting opportunities to address key areas of need following an 8-9 season that saw them finish second in the NFC South.
Offensive Firepower Hampered by Turnovers
Despite boasting the sixth-best offense in total yards and the fifth-best passing attack, led by Kirk Cousins’ 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns, the Falcons were plagued by turnovers, ranking third-worst in the league with 18 interceptions.
Defensive Shortcomings and Special Teams Struggles
Defensively, Atlanta allowed the 10th-most total yards and struggled against the pass, ranking as the 11th-worst in the NFL.Special teams woes, particularly a poor field goal percentage, forced the team to attempt fourth-down conversions at the sixth-highest rate in the league.
Free Agency Additions address Weaknesses
To address these weaknesses, the Falcons have been active in free agency, adding players such as CB Keith Taylor, CB Mike Ford, TE Feleipe Franks, WR Jamal Agnew, S Jordan Fuller, K Lenny Krieg, and TE Teagan Quitoriano.
Atlanta Falcons Eye Edge Rusher, Defensive Upgrades in 2025 NFL Draft
The Atlanta falcons are expected to prioritize defensive upgrades, particularly at edge rusher, in the 2025 NFL Draft. Experts agree that bolstering the defense is crucial for Atlanta’s success.
Edge Rusher identified as Top Priority
Strengthening the edge rusher position is paramount for the Falcons. While the team has added veteran Leonard Floyd, the need for young, promising talent remains. Floyd’s experience is expected to guide and mentor any prospective draftees. Two names frequently mentioned as potential Falcons’ picks are Mike Green and Jalon Walker. Currently, Floyd is the onyl player on the roster at this position.
The edge rusher role demands versatility, requiring players to defend against the pass, tackle running backs, and pressure opposing quarterbacks. Quality players in this position can considerably impact game outcomes.
Addressing Additional defensive Needs
Beyond edge rusher, the Falcons must reinforce their defensive line. Atlanta ranked second-to-last in the league in sacks last season, highlighting the need for improvement. Defensive linemen Kenneth Grant and Shemar Stewart are potential targets.
Pass defense also requires attention. Cornerbacks Will Johnson and Jahdae Barron are potential candidates to support safety Jessie Bates III. Last season, opponents completed 69.9% of their passes against the Falcons, the worst rate in the NFL.
Falcons Eye Defensive Reinforcements in NFL Draft Amidst Limited Selections
ATLANTA (AP) — With limited draft picks, the Atlanta Falcons are strategically targeting defensive upgrades, potentially focusing on a linebacker after fielding one of the league’s most secure ball-handling teams last season. Jihaad Campbell is reportedly a player of interest.
Linebacker a Priority for Atlanta?
Following a season were ball security was a strength, the Falcons, now under the leadership of Raheem Morris, are looking to bolster their defense through the draft. Adding a linebacker like Campbell could provide needed depth and talent.
Navigating Limited Draft Capital
The Falcons’ front office faces the challenge of maximizing their limited draft selections. Identifying and securing the right players will be crucial,especially with other teams reportedly eyeing the same prospects.
Could the Falcons trade up or down from their 15th overall pick, and what would be the rationale behind either move?
Atlanta Falcons 2025 NFL draft: Q&A
Frequently asked Questions
What are the Atlanta Falcons’ draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Falcons have five picks: 15th 46th, 118th, 218th, and 242nd. This limited number means they’ll need to be strategic!
What positions do the Falcons need to address the most?
the article highlights several areas: edge rusher, defensive line, and pass defense (cornerback). The team is also expected to consider a linebacker. The team is hoping to improve in these areas to strengthen their defense.
Who are some potential draft targets mentioned in the article?
The article mentions several potential draft targets: mike Green and Jalon Walker (edge rushers), Kenneth Grant and Shemar Stewart (defensive linemen), Will Johnson and Jahdae barron (cornerbacks), and Jihaad Campbell (linebacker).
How did the Falcons’ offense perform in 2024, and what were its weaknesses?
The Falcons had the sixth-best offense by total yards and the fifth-best passing attack. However,they struggled with turnovers,ranking third-worst in the league with 18 interceptions.
How did the Falcons’ defense perform in 2024?
The Falcons’ defense allowed the 10th-most total yards and struggled against the pass, ranking as the 11th-worst in the NFL. They were also second-to-last in sacks, highlighting areas for improvement.
What free-agent additions did the Falcons make to address weaknesses?
The Falcons added several players in free agency, including CB Keith Taylor, CB Mike Ford, TE feleipe Franks, WR Jamal Agnew, S Jordan Fuller, K Lenny Krieg, and TE Teagan Quitoriano.
What is the role of Leonard Floyd on the Falcons?
Leonard Floyd is a veteran edge rusher who is expected to guide and mentor any younger draftees at the position. he is currently the only player on the roster at the edge-rusher position.
Why is edge rusher such a critical position?
Edge rushers need to be versatile, able to defend the pass, tackle running backs, and pressure the quarterback. Quality players in this position significantly impact game outcomes.
What will be the biggest challenge for the Falcons in the 2025 draft?
Maximizing limited draft selections will be the biggest challenge, as the front office must identify and secure the right players to address key needs.
What is the meaning of the Falcons’ playoff drought?
The Falcons haven’t made the playoffs in seven years, making the 2025 draft and the team’s overall strategy crucial to ending this drought and returning to postseason contention.Fans are certainly hoping for a change!
Stay tuned as the falcons gear up for the 2025 NFL Draft, and follow the team’s progress as they aim to build a competitive roster.
