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The Atlanta Falcons are just a few weeks away from entering their fifth draft under general manager Terry Fontenot. Defense is the team's top priority and that isn't really up for debate. The Falcons need to find an impact player in Round 1 and add depth with the few other picks they have.
Even at pick No. 15, Atlanta should have a few quality edge prospects to choose from. The Falcons had one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL last season, and they've made only minor changes in free agency. This is why we continue to see NFL draft analysts project edge prospects to Atlanta.
In Round 1 of Pro Football Focus' seven-round Falcons mock draft, the team was projected to take EDGE James Pearce out of Tennessee. Pearce has the physical tools to become an elite pass rusher and the production to warrant a first-round selection.
"Reports of Pearce’s disappointing 2024 season have been greatly exaggerated," wrote PFF's Josh Liskiewitz. "He generated 59 total pressures — six more than his 2023 total — despite rushing the passer only eight more times. He also took a significant step forward in run defense, improving his grade by 17 points and not missing a single tackle in run support."
PFF has point about Pearce. The Tennessee standout is often overlooked within this year's group of projected first-round edge rushers. While Pearce may not excite the fan base as much as Georgia's Jalon Walker or Mykel Williams, he should not be overlooked.
In Round 2 of the mock, PFF projected talented South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori to Atlanta, praising his impressive coverage ability.
"Emmanwori delivered the best coverage performance of his college career in 2024, earning an 86.8 coverage grade at South Carolina," said Liskiewitz. "He recorded four interceptions (while dropping two other potential picks) and forced four additional incompletions."
After adding Central Arkansas EDGE David Walker in the fourth round (pick No. 117), PFF has the Falcons drafting the son of a former NFL star in Round 7. The team selects Texas A&M wide receiver Moose Muhammad III with pick No. 244.
"Muhammad’s production and role diminished as his time at Texas A&M progressed, but his pedigree—being the son of former Panthers and Bears standout Muhsin Muhammad—makes him an intriguing late-round prospect," wrote Liskiewitz. "His best season came in 2022 when he recorded 38 catches for 609 yards, with 20 of those classified as explosive plays of 15-plus yards."
Check out PFF's full seven-round Falcons mock draft here. And make sure to check out our 2025 free agency tracker to recap every move since the start of the new league year.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Examining Falcons 7-round projection from PFF
Continue reading...
Even at pick No. 15, Atlanta should have a few quality edge prospects to choose from. The Falcons had one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL last season, and they've made only minor changes in free agency. This is why we continue to see NFL draft analysts project edge prospects to Atlanta.
In Round 1 of Pro Football Focus' seven-round Falcons mock draft, the team was projected to take EDGE James Pearce out of Tennessee. Pearce has the physical tools to become an elite pass rusher and the production to warrant a first-round selection.
"Reports of Pearce’s disappointing 2024 season have been greatly exaggerated," wrote PFF's Josh Liskiewitz. "He generated 59 total pressures — six more than his 2023 total — despite rushing the passer only eight more times. He also took a significant step forward in run defense, improving his grade by 17 points and not missing a single tackle in run support."
PFF has point about Pearce. The Tennessee standout is often overlooked within this year's group of projected first-round edge rushers. While Pearce may not excite the fan base as much as Georgia's Jalon Walker or Mykel Williams, he should not be overlooked.
In Round 2 of the mock, PFF projected talented South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori to Atlanta, praising his impressive coverage ability.
"Emmanwori delivered the best coverage performance of his college career in 2024, earning an 86.8 coverage grade at South Carolina," said Liskiewitz. "He recorded four interceptions (while dropping two other potential picks) and forced four additional incompletions."
After adding Central Arkansas EDGE David Walker in the fourth round (pick No. 117), PFF has the Falcons drafting the son of a former NFL star in Round 7. The team selects Texas A&M wide receiver Moose Muhammad III with pick No. 244.
"Muhammad’s production and role diminished as his time at Texas A&M progressed, but his pedigree—being the son of former Panthers and Bears standout Muhsin Muhammad—makes him an intriguing late-round prospect," wrote Liskiewitz. "His best season came in 2022 when he recorded 38 catches for 609 yards, with 20 of those classified as explosive plays of 15-plus yards."
Check out PFF's full seven-round Falcons mock draft here. And make sure to check out our 2025 free agency tracker to recap every move since the start of the new league year.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Examining Falcons 7-round projection from PFF
Continue reading...
