Atlanta Falcons Strengthen Defense With Two First-Round NFL Draft Picks

The Atlanta Falcons, under first-year head coach Raheem Morris, achieved an eight-win season in 2024 but again missed the playoffs. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they made aggressive moves to strengthen their defense by selecting linebacker Jalon Walker and trading up to draft edge rusher James Pearce Jr., a high-risk strategy that drew mixed reactions but earned a strong B-plus offseason grade from analysts. These defensive additions aim to address the Falcons' long-standing pass rush struggles, with the front office investing most of their salary cap space into defense, limiting offensive improvements. The full 2025 NFL schedule will be released on May 14, revealing the Falcons' opponents, including divisional and non-conference matchups. Meanwhile, other NFL teams like the Washington Commanders are planning future developments such as a new stadium and hosting the 2027 NFL Draft in Washington, D.C. The Falcons' offseason approach reflects a commitment to rebuilding their defense with high-impact draft picks despite limited draft capital and cap space.