Yes, the 2024 NFL Draft just ended. Yes, we have no idea how this year's roster will look and where the holes will be. But that shouldn't stop us from having some fun surrounding the next crop of draft picks in the 2025 draft. Draft analysts have already started doing mock drafts and showing fans some of the top players in the 2025 NFL draft. So, with that in mind, take this with a grain of salt, but also let's have fun and see where analysts have the Atlanta Falcons going in next year's draft.
ESPN's Jordan Reid: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
Three of the Falcons' first four draft picks came along the defensive line, but Bralen Trice (Round 3) was the only edge rusher of the bunch. They haven't had an edge rusher reach double-digit sacks since Vic Beasley had 15.5 in 2016, so it's probably time to invest at the position. Scourton is a heavy-handed power rusher who can change up his repertoire to defeat blockers. At Purdue last season, before a transfer, he collected 10 sacks and posted a 16.8% pressure rate (11th-highest in the FBS).
The Athletic's Dane Brugler: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
A Purdue transfer, Scourton is 6-4, 260 and rushes with the big-man twitch that makes it tough to keep him blocked. If you’re looking for a breakout candidate in the SEC, this is your guy.
NBC Sports' Eric Froton: Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter
With EDGE’s Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson off to the NFL, Carter (6-3, 250 pounds) steps into the role for PSU. He lined up in the box for most of his reps last year (470-to-94), creating pressure on 20.7% of his rush snaps with a 5.5% sack rate and 90.3 pass rush grade. Carter’s a strong, impactful hitter who has noticeable flexibility, but flies so fast to the ball he overruns the play and leaves himself vulnerable to cutbacks. Carter would give the Falcons an instant impact defender on the edge, but he needs to clean up the 28% missed tackle rate.
PFF's Max Chadwick & Dalton Wasserman: Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter
Atlanta took a high-quantity approach to their defensive line in the 2024 NFL Draft. In 2025, they could add a dynamic pass rusher like Penn State’s Abdul Carter. Carter earned a 90.3 pass-rush grade as an off-ball linebacker, but he will move to the edge this season. Comparisons to Micah Parsons will be plentiful over the next year.
Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley: Florida State EDGE Patrick Payton
The 33rd Team's Marcus Mosher: Kentucky DL Deone Walker
The Atlanta Falcons need to continue to upgrade their interior defensive line, and Deone Walker is the best pure nose tackle in the class. At 348 pounds, Walker recorded an incredible 12.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. Productive nose tackles don’t last very long in the draft, nor will Walker.
CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson: Clemson LB Barrett Carter
Carter was the more versatile and athletic of the Clemson LBs -- comparable athleticism to Trenton Simpson, just not as big. He offers much more position flexibility than Trotter Jr., and while not as big as former first-rounder Isaiah Simmons, he is used in a similar jack-of-all-trades role.
AP News' Ralph D. Russo: Ohio State DT Tyliek Williams
Yes, the Ohio State defense is absolutely loaded.
Sports Illustrated's Richie Bradshaw: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
The Falcons made the most… peculiar pick by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick after paying Kirk Cousins $180million in free agency. Regardless of that situation, Atlanta must address their pass rush at some point. Scourton is coming off a 10-sack season and it feels like he’s only just getting started.
