The Atlanta Falcons earned high marks for their 2025 NFL Draft class, focusing on defense and adding high-value players with just five picks.
General manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris targeted pass rushers and defensive backs, selecting Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker at No. 15 and Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. In the later rounds, they added Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts at No. 96 and Oklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. at No. 118. They finished the draft by picking Wisconsin offensive tackle Jack Nelson at No. 218 for depth.
Analysts praised the Falcons for finding potential starters like Pearce, known for getting to the quarterback, and Watts, a ballhawk in the secondary. Their undrafted free agent group, including cornerback Bruce Harmon and wide receivers J.J. Jones and Quincy Skinner Jr., also earned praise for adding young talent across key positions.
Falcons Finish 2025 NFL Draft With an A+ Grade
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 27, 2025Grading the Atlanta Falcons draft class
Overall Grade: A+
1.15 LB Jalon Walker (A-)
1.26 ED James Pearce Jr. (A)
3.96 S Xavier Watts (A+)
4.118 S Billy Bowman Jr. (A)
7.218 OT Jack Nelson (A)
Every player here we grabbed at TREMENDOUS value. Two of ‘my guys' in Pearce… pic.twitter.com/glNQyR14cI
The Falcons' strong draft showing was backed up by high grades across the board. According to NFL Draft Files, Atlanta finished with an A+ overall grade, with each of their five selections earning at least an A-. First-round picks Walker (A-) and Pearce (A) are expected to make early impacts, while Watts (A+), Bowman (A), and Nelson (A) were seen as excellent value picks in the later rounds. Analysts noted that Pearce and Watts, in particular, could become immediate contributors as rookies, adding needed speed and playmaking ability on defense.
With a mix of high-value picks and potential starters, the Falcons' 2025 draft class has fans excited for the future. If the rookies live up to expectations, Atlanta's defense could see a major boost right away.
