Atlanta Falcons Draft Picks Predictions for Upcoming Season

With the NFL draft quickly approaching, football fans across the country are buzzing with excitement and anticipation. For Atlanta Falcons enthusiasts, this time of year is particularly thrilling as they eagerly await to see who will join their team as part of the upcoming season. In this post, we will dive into some predictions for the Atlanta Falcons' draft picks for the upcoming season.

The Atlanta Falcons 2024 season can only be described as a tale of two halves. After a promising 6-3 start, the team spiraled to a disappointing 8-9 finish. Quarterback Kirk Cousins late-season meltdown—throwing nine interceptions over five games—led to his benching in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. While Penix flashed potential as the future franchise QB, the season’s defensive struggles ultimately sank Atlanta's playoff hopes.

Now, holding the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Falcons have an opportunity to address their glaring weaknesses—particularly in pass rushing, linebacker play, and run defense. Here are some of the top prospects Atlanta could target to strengthen their defense and complement their offensive firepower.

1. Jalon Walker – LB, Georgia

Jalon Walker is a dynamic linebacker with the versatility to play inside or outside. Known for his explosive first step and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, Walker has been a key piece of Georgia’s defense. His blend of athleticism and instinct makes him a perfect fit for a Falcons defense that struggled with tackling and stopping the run. Walker could provide an immediate upgrade to Atlanta's linebacker corps.

2. Jihaad Campbell – LB, Alabama

Jihaad Campbell, a 6’3”, 244-pound linebacker from Alabama, brings speed, agility, and experience in a pro-style defense. His sideline-to-sideline range and ability to diagnose plays make him a valuable asset. Atlanta needs a reliable leader in the middle of their defense, and Campbell’s physicality and football IQ could help them take a big step forward in that department.

3. Leonard Taylor – DT, Miami

If the Falcons are serious about fixing their issues against the run, Leonard Taylor could be the answer. The Miami defensive tackle is a disruptive force in the trenches, capable of both stuffing the run and creating pressure on the quarterback. Pairing Taylor with Grady Jarrett would give Atlanta a dominant interior duo that could anchor their defense for years to come.

4. Chop Robinson – EDGE, Penn State

The Falcons' inability to generate a consistent pass rush has been a recurring problem, and Chop Robinson could help turn that around. The Penn State edge rusher combines speed, power, and technique to get to the quarterback. Robinson’s ability to wreak havoc off the edge would give Atlanta the spark they need to elevate their defensive line.

5. Travis Hunter – CB, Colorado

A rare two-way player, Travis Hunter is a game-changing cornerback who excels in coverage and has a knack for making big plays. His elite athleticism and ball skills make him a tantalizing prospect for a Falcons secondary in need of help. Pairing Hunter with A.J. Terrell could create a lockdown duo capable of neutralizing even the league’s top passing attacks.

6. Will Johnson – CB, Michigan

If the Falcons opt to focus on the secondary, Will Johnson is another strong candidate. The Michigan cornerback is a physical presence with the size and speed to match up against the NFL’s best wide receivers. His aggressive style and ability to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage could give Atlanta’s defense the edge it has been lacking.

The Bottom Line

The Falcons have the offensive talent to compete, but their defensive shortcomings have consistently held them back. Whether it’s addressing the linebacker position with Jalon Walker or Jihaad Campbell, strengthening the trenches with Leonard Taylor or Chop Robinson, or bolstering the secondary with Travis Hunter or Will Johnson, the 2025 draft presents Atlanta with a golden opportunity to shore up their defense.

Selecting the right player at #15 could be the key to turning their fortunes around and making a playoff push in 2025. Falcons fans, buckle up—this draft could be a pivotal moment in the team’s journey back to contention.