Who is headed to Atlanta in the latest round ofm ocks?
The Senior Bowl is upon us and with it comes an emotion that Atlanta Falcons fans are all too familiar with: Hope.
Now, hope is a complicated emotion, because with it comes expectation. And if there’s one thing that you don’t put on a young, developing quarterback, it’s expectations. Even if Michael Penix, Jr. seems more than mature enough to handle them.
To take some of the load off him, this defense has to be more productive than the lifeless unit that limped out there in 2024. With the hire of new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, there looks to be more of a focus on getting more explosive play out of the defense.
With that in mind, experts don’t know how they’re initially going to add that explosion, but there were a few players that NFL draftniks seem to like the most.
Falcons Mock Draft Roundup (1/12 – 1/25)
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker
Atlanta simply needs to continue adding talent on defense. The Falcons have failed to generate much of a pass rush and Jalon Walker would help them do that although in an unorthodox manner.
Mel Kiper, ESPN: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
Expect to hear this name a lot more as we get into predraft events. Stewart still has some development ahead, but his athletic traits at 6-6, 290 pounds could push him up the board this spring. Atlanta was 31st in sacks (31) and 27th in pass rush win rate (34.1%) this season, and it hasn’t done nearly enough to clean up that weakness. The Matthew Judon trade in August was a step in the right direction, but he added just 5.5 sacks this season and is a free agent.
Stewart didn’t rack up sacks in college — 1.5 in 2024 — but he has the potential to break out in a big way in the pros.
Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports: Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
This defense desperately needs an impact edge rusher, and in this scenario, they don’t have to look far to get their man. Williams missed a chunk of the 2024 season due to injury, but when healthy, he was dominant force for the Bulldogs against both the run and pass. He’d be an ideal fit for a Falcons defense that simply doesn’t get enough splash plays from their pass rush.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network: Michigan CB Will Johnson
Johnson is a polarizing player around the league. He provides size and production, but some questions emerged about his tackling and top speed in 2024.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker
Jalon Walker is a do-everything linebacker/edge hybrid who’d be a welcomed addition to Atlanta’s relatively weak second level.
Rob Rang, Fox Sports: Michigan CB Will Johnson
While plenty criticized Atlanta’s selection of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. last year, few would quibble with the addition of Johnson at this point in the draft. Widely regarded as a possible top-10 talent prior to an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, Johnson has the look of a future Pro Bowl candidate.
Matthew Cannata, Pro Football Network: Michigan CB Will Johnson
There’s nothing in coverage that Will Johnson can’t do. He’s shown everything he needs to hear his name called early on that fourth Thursday in April despite missing a good chunk of the season.
Johnson has prototypical size, length, and reactive athleticism. If it weren’t for Hunter, we’d discuss Johnson’s ball skills among the best we’ve seen in recent times. He consistently shows he can turn, find the ball, locate it in the air, and elevate to its highest point while finishing the catch to the turf.
Johnson is a better true man coverage cornerback than Hunter, and he’s certainly no slouch playing with zone eyes, either.
Derek Tate, Pro Football Network: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce, Jr.
The move to acquire Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots entering the 2024 NFL season didn’t yield the returns the organization hoped for after finishing 31st in the league with just 31 sacks.
Fortunately for the Atlanta Falcons, this class is loaded with explosive edge-rushing threats, allowing the organization to land a toolsy, athletic prospect like James Pearce Jr. out of Tennessee.
Pearce has an immense amount of burst, power, and bend for a 243-pound prospect. But he could realize his true potential as a dominant pass-rushing force if he expands his arsenal of moves and proves more consistent with his hands at the next level.
Phil Perry, NBC Sports: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce, Jr.
Another year. Another push for the Falcons to address their pass-rush situation. Pearce is a freaky mover but likely a third-down specialist.
Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
Despite a late-season surge, the Falcons finished with 31 sacks, second-worst in the league. Stewart moves with unique athleticism and fluidity for a 6’6”, 290-pound defensive lineman, and he can move up and down the line of scrimmage. His raw numbers won’t impress—he registered only 1.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss this season—but he logged 39 total pressures and holds intriguing upside.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
The Falcons are back to needing more pass-rush pop, as their lack of a pressure defense caused them to move on from coordinator Jimmy Lake under Raheem Morris. Jeff Ulbrich worked with some better pass rush help with the Jets and can get the best out of Scourton.
Kevin Knight, The Falcoholic: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce, Jr.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
The Falcons need to boost their outside pass rush for Raheem Morris’ second season with a change in defensive coordinator. Scourton can be their sack leader right away.
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker
Atlanta’s defense should continue to come into focus in Year 2 under Raheem Morris. But the hiring of Jeff Ulbrich at defensive coordinator further underscores the needs of this group moving forward. Namely, they’ll need a lot of pass rushers. More than you probably think. That was the calling card in New York with the Jets — a high-volume rotation of capable and explosive pass rushers. That’s what the Falcons get with Walker, who can step in and rush off the edge but also potentially find some other roles within Morris’ defense as he matures.
Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
It is pass rusher no matter what for the Falcons. Scourton put some bad weight on during the 2024 season, but he is still a tactical rusher with outstanding power. If he can get into better shape, Scourton could end up being a huge value pick.
Jason McIntyre, Fox Sports: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce, Jr.
Reminds me a little of Nolan Smith, the undersized edge rusher from Georgia who went to the Eagles. He struggled as a rookie, but now, now he’s popping. Pass rush is the top priority.
Mason Johnstone, The Draft Network: Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker
Atlanta finally adds a true pass-rushing savant in Georgia’s Jalon Walker. A defense that has struggled to affect pockets for what seems like forever, Walker brings tenacity and motor to the Falcons’ pass rush, reminiscent of his eventual teammate Grady Jarrett. Walker is not just a taxing and overwhelming rusher, but he’s an elite ball-tracker and has the versatility to wear different hats for the Falcons’ defense.
JP Acosta, SB Nation: Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker
The Falcons shouldn’t let Walker leave the state, in my opinion. With his motor and versatility being unlocked in DC Jeff Ulbrich’s defense, Walker makes a lot of sense here for the Falcons.
Jaime Eisner, The Draft Network: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce, Jr.
The Falcons need to address their pass rush this offseason. James Pearce Jr. entered the season as the potential EDGE1 in the class but didn’t quite put it all together to be a top-10 pick. Pearce Jr. has some things he needs to work on defending the run, but he’s a stud on passing downs with the ability to make a major year-one impact. The Falcons can win the NFC South next season if they can improve their bottom-10 defense.
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: Michigan IDL Kenneth Grant
The Falcons’ future on defense seems to be in good hands with Raheem Morris, but Atlanta still needs to get more talent across the board. The hard parts on offense are secure, with talent at the skill positions, a sturdy OL and a young QB in Michael Penix Jr. The defensive line can help cut down on the yards and points by being better in the red zone (28th in TD%) and on 3rd downs (45.3% conversion was 31st in the NFL). Kenneth Grant brings more power, physicality, and pass-rush potential to a unit that currently boasts two aging veterans, Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata, both of which are expiring contracts after 2025.
Dave Clark, Cincinnati Enquirer: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
Pass rush will be among the Falcons’ most significant needs during the offseason.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
It will be fascinating to see how early Stewart goes on draft night. His production this season (5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks in 12 games ) was underwhelming, but NFL teams don’t draft stats — they draft traits. And Stewart has exceptional length and athletic tools for a player who’s 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds.
Will Helms, College Football Network: Michigan CB Will Johnson
What a dream scenario for the Falcons, who find a corner to go opposite of A.J. Terrell. Will Johnson is one of the top corners in the class, maybe the best pure corner in terms of NFL readiness. He falls here simply because there are several great corners in this class and teams at the top could prioritize thinner positions, planning to circle back later.
Johnson dealt with injuries in his final year in Ann Arbor, but he has the ability to step in and immediately contribute to a team that is hoping to get over the hump.
Aryton Ostly, USA Today: Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
Atlanta’s pass rush is a well-known weakness on defense and Matthew Judon is a free agent. They need to invest a top pick in the position for the first time since the 2017 draft. They won’t have to look far. Williams brings impressive power and movement skills at 6-foot-5 and 265 lbs. His tape in the Bulldogs’ first game against Texas in 2024 alone could likely make him a first-round pick. He’s still inexperienced due to playing in a rotation but can grow with time into a difference-maker the team’s been missing for years.
Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post: Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune: Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
The Falcons exhibited one of the worst defensive performances I’ve ever seen against the Panthers in their final game of the season. Atlanta’s pass rush has been dormant for years now. It was good to see Arnold Ebiketie come on strong the last month or so, but Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter will both test the waters of free agency soon. A former five-star recruit, Williams hasn’t put it all together yet, but it doesn’t require a lot of imagination to foresee him having success at the next level. He oozes the physical traits and talent defensive coordinators seek, and is already a plus-run defender. His biggest flaws, like gap discipline, can be coached up.
Theo Mackie, Arizona Republic: Tennessee EDGE James Pearce, Jr.
It’s defense, defense and more defense on the docket for the Falcons this offseason. Pearce didn’t quite live up to expectations this year but he still finished with 7.5 sacks and would fill a major need.
Nick Suss, The Tennesseean: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
The Falcons eventually will address their need to get to the passer, right? Scourton is a big, physical presence who can play inside if needed but specializes as a jumbo-sized outside backer. He had an up-and-down year at Texas A&M production-wise, but he’s got the kind of profile that defensive coaches drool over.
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
A run on edge rushers has already taken place but Atlanta is still able to get a powerful rusher midway through the first round. The Falcons could also address the cornerback room and do not be surprised if they consider one of the top tight ends, who are a little more well-rounded than Kyle Pitts.
Mike Renner, CBS Sports: Michigan IDL Kenneth Grant
Kenneth Grant is one of the best athletes in this defensive tackle class despite tipping the scales over 330 pounds. He’s only scratching the surface of what he could become on tape. The Falcons need all the help they can get along the defensive line.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
With Jeff Ulbrich expected to institute a 4-3 scheme and Matthew Judon bound for free agency, the Falcons could be starting over with their underperforming pass rush. Williams has followed in fellow former Georgia product Travon Walker’s path as an edge rusher who looks the part but has yet to play up to his abilities, though he should be alluring to an Atlanta roster that doesn’t have anyone with his level of upside.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker
Jalon Walker is a do-everything linebacker/edge hybrid who’d be a welcomed addition to Atlanta’s relatively weak second level.
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker
Atlanta simply needs to continue adding talent on defense. The Falcons have failed to generate much of a pass rush and Jalon Walker would help them do that although in an unorthodox manner.
Nate Tice & Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams
This might turn out to be one of the better value picks. Williams is still developing, but he came on strong after missing time with an ankle injury earlier in the season. He’s long, can line up across the defensive line and is an effective player against the run and pass. He needs to continue to develop his pass rushing arsenal, but he at the very least can consistently push the pocket and wear on offensive linemen as games go along.
AJ Cola, Raiders Wire: Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker
Falcons LB Kaden Ellis led all linebackers in pressures this season with 41, but the teams next most pressures from the position was just 4. Walker is a versatile player who can play off the ball or on the edge as a pass rusher. He’s still not great in coverage, and may never be at 245 pounds, but he made big strides in that area in 2024. The Falcons need any help they can get on defense, particularly with rushing the passer. Walker will allow them to be more diverse with their blitz and coverage packages.
By The Numbers
Prospects
- Tennesee EDGE James Pearce, Jr. – 16
- Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker – 14
- Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton – 8
- Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams – 5
- Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart – 4
- Michigan CB Will Johnson – 4
- Michigan IDL Kenneth Grant – 2
- East Carolina CB Shavon Revel – 1
- Georgia S Malaki Starks – 1
Position
- EDGE – 29
- LB/EDGE – 14
- DL/IDL – 6
- CB – 5
- S – 1