The defense has become the focus for the Atlanta Falcons in 2025. They have built their offense up with offensive playmakers over the past four years and need to do the same on the defensive side of the ball.
With a set-in-stone offensive lineup, Terry Fontenot needs to land either an elite pass rusher, cover corner, or safety in the first round of the 2025 draft—preferably a pass rusher. That side of the ball has held them back for decades and that must change to win a championship.
In this mock draft, I have them doing just that by drafting a high-upside edge rusher from the SEC.
Round 1, Pick 15: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
James Pearce Jr. is the athletic freak the Atlanta Falcons are looking for. He is a long and fast edge rusher who could run a sub-4.5 forty-yard dash.
NFL Draft Buzz compares him to Chop Robinson who had a fantastic rookie season with the Miami Dolphins this past season. Pairing Pearce with Arnold Ebiketie, a healthy Bralen Trice, and other role players will change the outlook of one of the weakest position groups on the Falcons.
Round 2, Pick 46: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
Jessie Bates III's complementary piece is not on the roster for the Atlanta Falcons. They hoped Justin Simmons would return to an elite level but that never happened and isn't likely to return.
The Falcons need to find someone who can cement the backline of defense for the foreseeable future. Andrew Mukuba can do just that after breaking out as one of the best players on the country's best defense.
Mukuba has elite athleticism that can pair well with Bates. He would allow the new defensive coordinator to move both guys around to confuse opposing quarterbacks.
Round 4, Pick 116: Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
The Falcons need to think about life after Kyle Pitts. Pitts hasn't earned another contract as he enters the final year of his contract so bringing in a young, receiving tight end to establish chemistry with Michael Penix Jr. immediately is important.
Jake Briningstool showed flashes of everything you would want from an NFL tight end while at Clemson. He proved he can block and make plays in the passing game but needs to develop into a more consistent player.
There is a strong possibility the front office targets a tight end in the draft to expand their future options. Pitts may end up getting traded so they need a receiving threat to replace him and pair with Charlie Woerner.
Round 7, Pick 238: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana
The Atlanta Falcons draft another former Indiana Hoosier at the quarterback position.
Even if Kirk Cousins is still on the roster come draft day, expect quarterback to be a potential position of target. They need a cheap backup because, despite what the front office says, Cousins won't be the season-long backup.
Kurtis Rourke would insert himself as Michael Penix Jr.'s backup. He led Indiana to their best season ever and an improbable playoff appearance. He has the potential to develop into more than just a good backup.
Just to note, the Falcons only have four picks right now. Expect them to trade for more picks at some point.