Breaking down the draft schedule, picks, and team needs.
Every draft is a pivotal draft, but this one feels extra important for our Atlanta Falcons. With seven straight losing seasons, general manager Terry Fontenot’s job security looking grim without a return to winning ways, and the team facing a draft where they only have five selections, getting the class right is critical.
With the draft days away, here’s what you need to know about what’s ahead for the Falcons, especially if you’re planning to watch the draft live.
Falcons 2025 draft picks
Round 1, pick 15
Round 2, pick 46
Round 4, pick 118
Round 7, pick 218
Round 7, pick 242
Team needs
Immediate needs
Edge rusher
Leonard Floyd is a one-year rental and Arnold Ebiketie is a quality player who is a 2026 free agent. This team badly needs help.
Center
The Falcons currently only have Ryan Neuzil as a starting option at center, so they could use help.
Safety
Jessie Bates is great and DeMarcco Hellams and Jordan Fuller are perfectly fine competitors for the other starting job, but a young upgrade would be very welcome.
Cornerback
The Falcons have plenty of bodies, and Mike Hughes was a fine starter last year. But Dee Alford faltered at nickel, Clark Phillips is relatively unproven, and the team could use a high-end, long-term starter in the group.
Defensive tackle
Everyone in this group is unproven, older, or a role player; even if you expect Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus to be great, the Falcons could use more help.
Long-term needs
Tight end
The Falcons don’t have Kyle Pitts under contract past this year and have no inspiring options beind Charlie Woerner; they could use help.
Tackle
The team does not have a long-term option with Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary on the wrong side of 30 and McGary taking over as the blind side protector for Michael Penix, and could use one.
Inside linebacker
Divine Deablo is a short-term add, Troy Andersen is entering year four and has been hurt often, and Kaden Elliss is winding down his contract. I don’t think it’s crazy to suggest that while the group looks relatively deep on paper, they could use a future starter to groom.
Wide receiver
The team’s depth chart beyond their top three options is pretty unproven, and Ray-Ray McCloud’s contract is up after this year.
Draft schedule
Round 1: April 24, 8 p.m. EST
Rounds 2 and 3: April 25, 7 p.m. EST
Round 4 through 7: April 26, 12 p.m. EST
Undrafted free agent signings: Can begin on Sunday, April 27 after noon