The Atlanta Falcons gave up a few draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including the team’s 2026 first-round selection. Which Falcons draft picks will reward the organization by contributing as a starter for doing so?
The Atlanta Falcons are under the microscope more so this year than in previous years, even if it is solely because the team gave up a lot, especially to get back into the first round of the draft to select another edge rusher. But, the Falcons are hoping that it was all worth it by a few earning full-time gigs to help keep this team atop the NFC South every year.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris revealed the possibility of a few rookies starting, but, given the early stage of camp and OTAs in the offseason cycle, he would not name anyone in particular.
“I’ve seen it happen a lot,” Morris said when asked about the timetable for a rookie to be able to start. “A.J. Terrell. There’s been a bunch of guys. I know he was a first-round pick, but I’ve seen a UDFA come in to start. I’ve seen a first-round pick come in to start, especially particularly really at corner.”
“The safety is usually the position where you talk about guys where they come in there that are special. I had Tanard Jackson, who was able to come in from a switch from a cornerback position to go to safety and end up starting for us at some point or had a starting role. I watched those guys grow and develop.”
Morris would also say, “So when you’re coming in and you’re locked in, and you do some of the things that we talked about earlier with the playbook, and you get a chance to get those installs three times, you never know.”
Atlanta is undoubtedly looking for first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. to start, but also wants to integrate Xavier Watts into the defense. Undrafted free agent Cobee Bryant is looking to come in and take someone’s job as a starter after not hearing his name called during the draft.
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