The Atlanta Falcons will go into another NFL draft with a glaring at the edge rusher position. It's been years since those around the league feared or even respected the Falcons defense. While we don't expect that to change overnight, the team should be able to find at least one quality edge prospect in this year's draft class.
Most assume Atlanta will target a front-seven defender in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL draft, but a new five-round mock from NFL.com's Chad Reuter has the team waiting until the fourth round to add an edge rusher. In Round 1, Reuter has the Falcons taking Michigan cornerback Will Johnson with 15th overall pick.
Johnson is arguably the second-best cornerback prospect in the draft behind Travis Hunter. Even though the Falcons re-signed Mike Hughes, Johnson has star potential and would be a good long-term fit opposite A.J. Terrell in the secondary.
"Johnson and A.J. Terrell would be an excellent outside duo for a team that ranked 31st in the league with 34 passing touchdowns allowed last season," wrote Reuter.
In Round 2, the Falcons take Georgia center Jared Wilson at pick No. 46. The team has yet to find a long-term replacement for Drew Dalman, who signed with the Bears in free agency. Wilson is an athletic center who could potentially start for Atlanta in Week 1.
Then in Round 4 of Reuter's mock draft, the team lands edge rusher Bradyn Swinson. The LSU standout had 8.5 sacks and 43 hurries for the Tigers last season. Swinson is the 47th-ranked player on the Pro Football Focus big board.
The Georgia native only has one year of starting experience, but PFF thinks he can develop into a starting edge in the NFL.
"Swinson didn't become a full-time starter until his final season, but in his current form, he shows very active hands and a good understanding of rushing the passer to yield consistently high pass-rush win rates," wrote PFF. "If he continues to get stronger defending the run, he can become a starting 3-4 edge player with impact pass-rush potential." ...
