Since the 2018 offseason, the Atlanta Falcons have been searching for answers on the defensive side of the ball. Those same questions will be asked again in 2025 as the team looks to pair an explosive offense with a defense that is at least competent.
Atlanta’s pass defense gave up two passing touchdowns per game in 2024. Only the Carolina Panthers allowed more touchdown passes last season (2.1 per game). In 2023, the Falcons defense allowed less than 1.5 TD passes per game.
Despite the additions of Pro Bowlers Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons, the team allowed 10 more touchdown passes and 21 more passing yards per game in 2024.
CBS Sports highlighted one thing that each NFL team must do during the 2025 offseason. For the Falcons, CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr suggested the team improve its pass defense:
The Falcons allowed 34 passing touchdowns this season, second most in the NFL (only the Panthers allowed more). Opposing quarterbacks had a 100.2 passer rating targeting Atlanta. Perhaps Jeff Ulbrich can turn things around, but they need more help next to Jessie Bates and A.J. Terrell. — Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports
There is also the need for another cornerback to play opposite A.J. Terrell. To field a more competitive team, the Falcons have to find a way to improve their stable of defensive backs. Mike Hughes and Dee Alford are both free agents in 2025, which creates an even bigger issue.
Hughes had a solid season but isn’t exactly a lockdown cornerback. Alford is the team’s starting nickel. The team may need to find replacements for both players, but that still leaves the pass rush, which is arguably an even bigger issue on defense.
Circling back to the pass-rushing woes, the Falcons defense tied for the second-lowest pass-rushing grade in the NFL with a 59.0, according to Pro Football Focus. They also finished 31st in the league with 31 total sacks.
The team may look to the draft to upgrade its pass rush in 2025. Mykel Williams from Georgia and Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M could both be available for the Falcons at pick No.15 if the team decides they don’t want to trade up or down.