And that's a wrap, folks!
After three drama-packed, edge-of-your-seat days, the 2025 NFL Draft has officially closed its doors. For the Atlanta Falcons, it was a weekend full of calculated moves, unexpected picks, and a whole lot of focus on beefing up their defense. Seriously, out of their five picks, four were used to snatch up defensive talent. Safe to say, the Falcons had a plan—and they stuck to it.
But wait, the action isn’t over yet!
Now comes one of the most underrated but crucial parts of the offseason: the undrafted free agency period. This is where teams go bargain hunting for hidden gems—players who slipped through the cracks but could still end up making a real impact. Think of it as the NFL's version of finding a rare collectible at a garage sale.
For the Falcons, this phase is absolutely critical. Atlanta needs depth in some major areas, especially along the offensive and defensive lines. And with a deep pool of undrafted talent out there, they've got plenty of options to beef up the roster.
Here’s a quick look at the Falcons' undrafted free agent signings so far:
🔹 Cobee Bryant (CB, Kansas) – A ball-hawking cornerback with great instincts.
🔹 Simeon Barrow (DL, Miami) – A disruptive force in the trenches.
🔹 Joshua Gray (OL, Oregon) – A sturdy offensive lineman who brings versatility.
🔹 Nick Nash (WR, San Jose State) – A speedy wideout who can also contribute on special teams.
🔹 Quincy Skinner (WR, Vanderbilt) – Big-bodied receiver with serious red zone potential.
🔹 Nick Kubitz (LB, North Dakota State) – A tackling machine from a powerhouse FCS program.
🔹 Nate Carter (RB, Michigan State) – Shifty runner with big-play ability.
🔹 Dontae Manning (CB, Oregon) – Athletic corner who brings some serious swagger.
🔹 Joshua Simon (TE, South Carolina) – A reliable target with a knack for moving the chains.
🔹 Jordan Williams (OL, Georgia Tech) – Local product who’s tough as nails.
🔹 Malik Verdon (S, Iowa State) – Versatile safety who’s not afraid to lay the wood.
Spotlight Moment:
It's worth noting that a few of these undrafted players could end up fighting for a real spot on the roster come training camp. History shows that undrafted guys often play with a massive chip on their shoulder—and that attitude fits perfectly with the gritty identity the Falcons are trying to build under head coach Raheem Morris.
Now, flashing back to their actual draft haul—it’s clear Atlanta had one mission in mind: Fix the defense, fortify the trenches, and add serious athleticism.
Let’s break down the Falcons' 2025 Draft Class:
👉 Round 1, Pick 8: Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
A tackling demon with elite speed. Walker can play inside, outside, and even blitz the quarterback when needed. Plus, being a Georgia Bulldog practically makes him a hometown hero. Atlanta fans are already buzzing about this pick.
👉 Round 1, Pick 31: James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)
Getting Pearce late in the first round was a straight-up steal. This dude was a nightmare for quarterbacks in college, racking up sacks like it was his side hustle. Expect him to make some noise early.
👉 Round 3, Pick 74: Xavier Watts (Safety, Notre Dame)
Watts is a playmaker, plain and simple. He has that rare nose for the football, always seeming to be in the right spot at the right time. Falcons desperately needed someone like him patrolling the back end of the defense.
👉 Round 4, Pick 113: Billy Bowman (DB, Oklahoma)
Another defensive back with serious ball skills. Bowman brings versatility—he can line up at safety, nickel, or even cornerback if needed. Think Swiss Army knife, but for defense.
👉 Round 7, Pick 238: Jack Nelson (OT, Wisconsin)
Finally, with their last pick, Atlanta dipped into the offensive pool and snagged Jack Nelson. A massive, road-grading offensive tackle, Nelson fits perfectly into the Falcons’ smashmouth vision on offense.
Random but awesome stat:
Jack Nelson allowed just one sack in his entire senior season at Wisconsin. That's the kind of protection any quarterback would kill for!
Why the heavy focus on defense?
Simple. The Falcons' defense last season was like a leaking boat—no matter how many holes they patched, more water kept pouring in. They needed fresh blood, new energy, and serious playmakers to turn things around. And judging by their picks, Atlanta’s front office wasn't playing it safe—they went all-in.
The bigger picture:
Even though fans tend to drool over first-round names, the Falcons’ late-round moves and undrafted free agents could end up defining this draft class. If even two or three of these UDFAs hit, it’ll massively boost the team’s overall depth—a key ingredient for any serious playoff contender.
Training camp battles are going to be wild.
Keep an eye on matchups like Simeon Barrow vs. the rookie offensive linemen, or Cobee Bryant fighting for a starting cornerback spot. It’s going to be intense, and honestly, it's these under-the-radar competitions that often shape a team’s heart.
Final Thoughts:
The 2025 draft was a huge opportunity for the Falcons to reset and reload—and they didn’t miss. They attacked the draft board with urgency and a clear blueprint. Now, the real fun begins as they prepare for training camp with a hungry group of draftees and undrafted underdogs all fighting for a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Atlanta isn’t just trying to get better—they're aiming to shock the league. And with this mix of talent, grit, and young firepower, don’t be surprised if they pull it off.
Rise Up, ATL! 🚀🏈
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