The Atlanta Falcons' defense has been a serious topic of discussion throughout the 2024 season, especially after a tough year where they finished with only 31 total sacks — ranking them 31st in the NFL. While some might argue that sacks are overrated, it’s tough to ignore how the lack of consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks has plagued the Falcons, especially when you look at the bigger picture: the team has spent the majority of the last seven seasons in a playoff drought. And as the 2024 season came to a close, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is left with a big challenge to fix this defense in 2025, and it’s no easy feat.
First off, there’s the tricky issue of salary cap space. The Falcons have little wiggle room to make any big moves in free agency. On top of that, they have several key defensive players who are set to hit the free-agent market. If they want to keep their defense competitive, the Falcons will need to either re-sign or find replacements for some big names — Matthew Judon, Lorenzo Carter, Mike Hughes, and Justin Simmons all played starting roles in 2024, and their future with the team is uncertain. The pressure is mounting to figure out how to rebuild the defense with these constraints in mind.
But where do they turn for a solution? The 2025 NFL Draft could be their best bet for filling these gaps and addressing key weaknesses. With the 15th overall pick, the Falcons are in a position to make a splash, especially if they target players who could immediately improve their defense. ESPN’s Matt Miller, a trusted name in NFL analysis, suggests that the Falcons should seriously consider bolstering either their pass rush or their secondary in Round 1.
This brings us to one of the most exciting prospects for the 2025 Draft: Tennessee’s Pearce. Ranked ninth on Pro Football Focus' big board for the 2025 draft class, Pearce is a force to be reckoned with. He’s a high-potential pass rusher who has proven himself over the last two seasons with a whopping 21 sacks and 71 hurries. Those numbers make it hard to overlook him as a potential game-changer for the Falcons. If Pearce falls to the 15th pick, it would be a tough call for the Falcons to pass up on the opportunity to add this dynamic young edge rusher to their lineup.
Why is this such a big deal? Because the Falcons are in desperate need of someone who can create real pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A player like Pearce could bring an immediate impact to the defensive line, something the Falcons have been sorely lacking. The idea of pairing him with their existing defensive pieces could give Atlanta the boost they’ve been craving for years. In short, Pearce is the type of player who could drastically shift the course of the Falcons' defense, and if he’s available, they shouldn’t hesitate to make the move.
That said, the draft is full of potential surprises, and general manager Terry Fontenot has some interesting ideas of his own. At his end-of-season press conference, Fontenot hinted that the team might consider trading down from the 15th pick. This could be the first time in a while that the Falcons don’t have a top-10 pick, and it presents a unique opportunity. Trading down would allow the Falcons to gain more draft capital, giving them a better chance to fill multiple holes on the roster, especially in the middle rounds where they’ve struggled to make an impact in past years.
The Falcons’ first-round picks have largely been successful in the past four drafts, but their ability to make headway in the later rounds has been less consistent. If they move down in the draft, they could set themselves up for a better shot at hitting on those mid-round picks. With the 2025 draft expected to be deep in talent, this could be a golden opportunity for the Falcons to stockpile valuable assets that could pay off in the long run.
It’s clear that the Falcons are in a critical period for rebuilding their defense. Between free agency uncertainty, salary cap limitations, and the glaring need to improve their pass rush and secondary, the Falcons have a lot on their plate. The draft is likely to play a key role in shaping the future of this team, and how they approach their first-round pick could determine whether they can finally break out of their playoff slump. Whether they opt to grab a potential superstar like Pearce or choose a different route through a trade-down scenario, the Falcons’ decisions in 2025 could go a long way in determining how competitive they are moving forward.
So, what’s at stake? A lot. The Falcons have shown flashes of greatness, but consistency has been the major roadblock. The defense has too often been a weak link, and with a strong draft showing, they could be on the verge of turning things around. The 2025 NFL Draft could very well be the defining moment that determines the trajectory of this team’s rebuild. With so many needs to address, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities that await as the Falcons look to revamp their defense and hopefully get back into playoff contention.
It’s a fascinating time for Falcons fans, and the 2025 draft will definitely be one to watch closely.
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