The 2025 NFL draft is almost here and all 32 teams are solidifying their big boards ahead of Day 1. The Atlanta Falcons will look to upgrade a defense that finished in the bottom-third of the league in both points and yards allowed last season. Since the team ranked 31st in the NFL with 31 sacks, many expect Atlanta to target an edge rusher.
With five total draft picks, and just two in the first 100 selections, the Falcons have limited resources to fix their defense. This makes their first-round pick more important than usual. Fortunately for general manager Terry Fontenot, the 2025 draft class has several high-upside defensive linemen and linebacker prospects to choose from.
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter released a new seven-round mock draft that predicts all five of Atlanta’s picks. Starting in Round 1, the Falcons were projected to take Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
Round 1 (pick 15): Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
“Campbell would be a great fit for the Falcons, who want to be more multiple on defense under new coordinator Jeff Ulbrich,” wrote Reuter. “Campbell has the speed to make plays inside the box, in coverage and as a blitzer.”
While Campbell isn’t an edge rusher, he can do a multitude of things that would make him a valuable addition to Atlanta’s defense in 2025. In 2024, he finished with 55 solo tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.
Round 2 (pick 46): Georgia center Jared Wilson
In Round 2 of Reuter’s mock, the Falcons took Georgia center Jared Wilson. This pick would make a lot of fans happy as the Bulldogs offensive lineman could be a Day 1 starter in Atlanta. Wilson has just one year of starting experience, but his athleticism tested off the charts at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Falcons are still looking for their replacement for Drew Dalman and Wilson is probably their best option in this year’s class.
Round 4 (pick 118): Cal safety Craig Woodson
The Falcons added veteran Jordan Fuller to start opposite Jessie Bates III this season. Still, the team could use more depth and Woodson is a good developmental option here in Round 4. Last season, Woodson recorded two interceptions while playing both safety spots. The Cal standout earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 88.5 and a coverage grade of 88.6. Reuter had to wait until Round 7 for Atlanta’s next pick.
Round 7 (pick 218): Western Kentucky CB Upton Stout
In Round 7, the Falcons were projected to take Western Kentucky cornerback Upton Stout with pick No. 218. Stout is a little undersized (5-foot-9), but he’s a capable slot defender who excels at stopping the run. Atlanta re-signed nickel cornerback Dee Alford but Stout could be a good developmental option and immediate special teams contributor.
Round 7 (pick 242): Maryland WR Kaden Prather
With their last selection, Reuter has the Falcons taking Maryland wide receiver Kaden Prather at pick No. 242. Prather has great size (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) and decent production (500-plus receiving yards in each of the last three seasons). The Falcons could use a little depth at the receiver position and Prather’s upside is worth a pick here in Round 7.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Falcons projected to take Alabama LB in 7-round mock