It’s a short list this year, and there are really no familiar names for Falcons fans.
Every year I like to take a look at where the Atlanta Falcons are picking in the upcoming NFL Draft and see who they chose with those selections in the past.
Sometimes that’s a lot of fun—I got to zero in on how great the No. 8 pick has been last year and remember favorites like Stephen Nicholas and Jerious Norwood—and other years it’s vaguely depressing. I’m afraid we’re in the latter territory for 2025.
Trades will probably blow up this list when the draft arrives, but for now, “enjoy” the brief trip down memory lane.
No. 15
S Clarence Ellis, 1972
This is not particularly auspicious, but it wasn’t because of Ellis the player so much as the length of his career. The Falcons have only picked at 15 once before, and they got Ellis, a quality player who had an extremely short career. Starting 41 of a possible 42 games in his three seasons with Atlanta, Ellis had eight interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and a fine run. Following that, Ellis retired and went on to enjoy a career in technology and with the DeKalb Count School District.
Ideally, your first round pick plays more than three seasons, but Ellis was at least a quality safety in that short career.
No. 46
N/A
If the Falcons stay put, this will be the first time they’ve ever made a selection at pick No. 46.
No. 118
LB Mitch Davis, 1994
The Georgia linebacker was drafted by the local pro team but never appeared in an NFL regular season game. He and Akeem Dent are the only two Georgia linebackers ever drafted by the Falcons.
No. 218
N/A
The Falcons have also never made a pick at No. 218.
No. 242
DE Robert Speer, 1977
Like Mitch Davis, Speer never appeared in an NFL regular season game.