The Atlanta Falcons entered Week 18 with an opportunity to qualify for the postseason. It didn’t end up mattering that they were defeated 44-38 in overtime by the Carolina Panthers, because the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched the NFC South with a victory. The Falcons will now attempt to reload in the offseason.
A massive offseason looms. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. took over as the late-season starter, and general manager Terry Fontenot will be tasked with getting rid of Kirk Cousins while limiting the financial damage.
As they begin focusing on improving their roster, the Falcons own the No. 15 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. With just four total picks, they'll have to be efficient. We conducted a seven-round mock draft that achieves that.
Round 1 (No. 15 overall): James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
The Falcons recorded a 31st-ranked 31.0 sacks this season. That will displease defensive-minded head coach Raheem Morris. Over the previous three drafts, Fontenot drafted six pass rushers with selections ranging from 35th to 110th overall. Those players combined for nine sacks this year, with Arnold Ebiketie accounting for six of them. The Falcons need to keep swinging on pass rushers until they finally hit. Furthermore, both Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter are on expiring contracts.
Fontenot needs to take advantage of this deep edge rushing class. The best one available at No. 15 overall may be Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. The Volunteers standout entered the campaign with top-pick potential, but he remains an unfinished product with questions about his ability to defend the run. Pearce Jr. did record 7.5 sacks, showcasing athleticism and first-step explosiveness.
Round 2 (No. 46 overall): Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami
Drake London is a go-to boundary receiver. Darnell Mooney enjoyed a bounce-back season, but the Falcons could use more production from the slot wideout when in 11 personnel. It'd be one way to further invest in Penix Jr.'s sophomore development.
Xavier Restrepo would immediately address that need. He became the first Miami Hurricanes receiver in program history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Restrepo uncovers with quickness and diverse release packages. Drafting him would complete Atlanta's offense.
Round 4 (No. 117 overall): Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska
The Falcons lack depth at cornerback outside of elite superstar A.J. Terrell. It was Mike Hughes, who played on an expiring contract, that earned the majority of boundary snaps opposite Terrell. Dee Alford played the nickel. Morris will pursue upgrades this offseason.
Nebraska's Tommi Hill is a talent worth monitoring at the Senior Bowl. Hill is a long and physical corner that showcases well-developed instincts and ball skills. His frame is designed to thrive in one-on-one practice reps. Expect him to establish himself as a top 120 selection in Mobile.
Round 7 (No. 238 overall): Tyreem Powell, LB, Rutgers
Kaden Elliss was a one-man band at linebacker for the Falcons throughout 2024. Troy Andersen dealt with injuries and inconsistent play. Nate Landman, who is slated for free agency, is not an effective off-ball linebacker in coverage.
Expect this to be a defense-heavy draft for Morris, with linebacker receiving some much-needed TLC. Rutgers' Tyreem Powell is an athletic, playmaking defender with coverage-versatile upside. Powell totaled 102 tackles and eight pass breakups for the Scarlet Knights.
