There was a sense of urgency to Atlanta's approach to the NFL draft, creating the impression general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris believe the Falcons are ready to win in 2025. That all-in strategy,

The shock was when the Falcons traded up into the first round again for pick 26 where they selected another Edge rusher in James Pearce Jr. out of Tennessee. The shocking part was not the pick itself but the fact that the Falcons gave up their 2026 first round pick, which could be valuable if this young team does struggle at first.

The Atlanta Falcons have added plenty of speed to their defense in the NFL Draft, but they could still use some size in the trenches.