The Atlanta Falcons have several needs to fill during the 2025 NFL offseason but most of them are on defense. While many expect the team to target an edge rusher or cornerback early in the draft, Atlanta has yet to take a defensive player in the first round under general manager Terry Fontenot.
That could change in 2025 since the Falcons have multiple defensive free agents, including Matthew Judon, Justin Simmons and Mike Hughes. The team can’t afford to re-sign everyone unless Fontenot pulls out some last-second salary cap magic.
Atlanta will likely add some defensive talent, but the team has rarely done what those around the NFL have expected in the draft. Would the Falcons ignore their defense again in favor of another offensive playmaker?
That’s what the team does in Pro Football Focus’ new mock draft. PFF’s Mason Cameron has the team selecting Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden with the No. 15 overall pick:
With Michael Penix Jr. set to take over as the starter in 2025, surrounding him with more offensive firepower would be a smart way to set him up for early success. Luther Burden is a natural playmaker out of the slot, excelling with the ball in his hands. Over the past two seasons, he has ranked in the 87th percentile in yards after catch per reception, showcasing his dynamic ability in the open field. Pairing Burden with Darnell Mooney and Drake London, who is coming off his best season as a pro, would give Penix one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL. — Mason Cameron, PFF
Not only do the Falcons have two capable wideouts in Drake London and Darnell Mooney, but they have a running back in Bijan Robinson who excels at catching the football out of the backfield.
London went over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career while Mooney finished with 991 yards despite sitting out the season finale. Tight end Kyle Pitts had a quiet year, though, and some believe Atlanta will trade the former No. 4 overall pick during the offseason.
Burden is the 10th-ranked player on PFF’s 2025 big board. The 5-foot-11 wideout finished his final season at Missouri with 61 catches for 676 receiving yards and six touchdowns.