The 2025 NFL draft is over two months away but the scouting combine kicks off next week in Indianapolis. The Atlanta Falcons have several needs to address during the offseason and the draft will be their best opportunity to find affordable talent.
The combine gives the draft class one final chance to impress scouts with their physical abilities. This is especially important for prospects from smaller schools who may not have received the same level of exposure during their college careers.
While those in the media continue to project Georgia players to Atlanta, the Falcons can’t afford to be picky when it comes to finding defensive help. In Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft, the team lands the NCAA sacks leader, Marshall’s Mike Green, in Round 1:
The Falcons have focused on offense with their last four first-round picks, and they haven’t selected an edge rusher in the first round since 2017. That changes here with the selection of Green, a highly productive pass-rusher who tallied 17 sacks, 10 quarterback hits and 32 hurries in 2024, giving Atlanta a much-needed playmaker on defense. — Jordan Plocher, PFF
Green’s raw ability is impressive, as he showcased at the 2025 Senior Bowl. The Marshall standout is PFF’s 12th-ranked player entering the NFL Scouting Combine.
Over the last two seasons, Green has recorded 23 sacks and 53 hurries at Marshall. In 2024, he earned a grade of 92.4 and a pass-rushing grade of 91.4.
Atlanta finished with 31 sacks last season, ranking 31st out of 32 NFL teams. Adding a pass rusher like Green could help the team create more consistent pressure.
The Falcons also have needs at cornerback, safety and potentially center if Drew Dalman signs elsewhere in free agency.