The Atlanta Falcons have had some great, and some not-so-great draft moments in the past. They’ve drafted stars like Julio Jones and Matt Ryan, and some others fans would like to forget. How did they stack up in 2025? Here’s the Falcons 2025 draft grades.
Atlanta Falcons 2025 Draft Grades
First Round (15th overall): Jalon Walker, EDGE
The wait is finally over, Georgia fans… Jalon Walker is now the first Georgia player in Atlanta Falcons franchise history to be drafted in the first round. With this pick, Atlanta managed to win in two separate ways: they got a phenomenal player, and they re-energized a fan base that really could have used it.. What better way to energize a fanbase than for them to draft a hometown player? The Detroit Lions proved this when they drafted Aidan Hutchinson 3 years ago. Even if he wasn’t from Georgia, Walker is an undeniable force. Many experts believe he would have been picked in the top ten, so for him to fall at 15 to the Falcons was a must to take. With Atlanta bringing in a top-ten talent without moving up and filling so many needs in one pick, nobody can grade it much better than this.
Draft Grade: A+
First Round (26th overall): James Pearce Jr., EDGE
What better way to cure a position deficit than to draft that position twice in the first round? Seriously, the Falcons just got All-SEC first team defensive lineman in James Pearce Jr., and All-SEC second team linebacker in Jalon Walker. Any question that the Falcons can rebound from years past and rush the quarterback just went out the door. The only thing that can drop the grade of this pick is what they had to give up to get to 26. Losing a first round pick next year will sting, but the Falcons not only aided their biggest need, they likely completely filled it. Pearce will be the perfect compliment to Walker, and with Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie there as well, Atlanta couldn’t have done much better filling this need.
Draft Grade: B+
Third Round (96th overall): Xavier Watts, S
Justin Simmons going back into free agency created a hole in the defense that needed to be filled. Xavier Watts fills that hole perfectly. However, Watts is not exactly the type of player Simmons was. He is more of a ballhawk and attacks the football while it is in the air. Watts joined the Fighting Irish in his freshman year as a wide receiver, where he then converted to linebacker sophomore year. After he converted to safety his redshirt sophomore year, that is where he stayed. He has had some issues with being inconsistent tackling, but with some development and learning behind All-Pro safety Jessie Bates he will make an impact almost immediately for Atlanta. Expect the former Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner and All-American to make some highlight plays early. He is the type of guy that will create turnovers and make big plays for the defense. This pick has the potential to be an absolute steal for the 3rd round.
Draft Grade: A-
Fourth Round (118th overall): Billy Bowman Jr., S
Billy Bowman Jr. is that consistent tackler in the secondary that the Falcons were looking for. Bowman was known in his time at Oklahoma for going down field and consistently making contact. Though smaller than Watts, he plays hard and wraps up ball carriers. He does well in off-man coverage and will be a good addition for the Falcons to contain RBs. His game will complement Watts’ extremely well moving forward. Atlanta probably could have waited longer to take another safety, but Bowman is a pick that still makes sense for the team. With plenty of ballhawks now in the secondary with Watts, Terrell, and Bates… Bowman will fit in perfectly with his ability to attack the line of scrimmage and sit in zone coverage. Overall, fans have got to love their team taking All-SEC team players with three of their four first selections.
Draft Grade: B-
Seventh Round (218th overall): Jack Nelson, OT
Wisconsin is known for their powerful offensive linemen, and Atlanta got one of those here. Jack Nelson redshirted in 2020 and then started every game for the Badgers. He was consistent and played well. In 2021 he played at right guard, so if the Falcons have injury problems on the offensive line this guy is very versatile. Nelson might struggle to withstand NFL power and speed coming out of college at first, but with enough repetition, he has the intangibles to become a solid safety net across the offensive line. It never hurts to pick up a guy in a late round who can play anywhere on the offensive line.
Draft Grade: B
Overall, the Falcons scored big on this year’s NFL draft. The 2024 offseason was almost entirely spent on revamping a struggling offense. Fans should love how much was spent into this offseason to correct a struggling defense that could not rush the passer for years. Two All-SEC edge players and one All-SEC safety should calm the hearts of lots of fans out there. Not to mention, an All-BIG12 safety in 2023 Billy Bowman and 2-year honorable mention All-BIG10 offensive lineman Jack Nelson. No picks were spent on unnecessary skill positions or flashy talent. The front office focused on critical needs first, and it cannot get much better than that. Atlanta should look back in the coming years and appreciate this class.
Overall Draft Grade: A
Main Image: Brett Davis – USA Today Sports
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