The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and without a third-round pick right now, the Falcons have to nail their first two picks.
With the 15th and 46th overall selections, Terry Fontenot should be able to get two rookies that can make an impact in 2025, which is something he’s really struggled to do since taking over in Atlanta.
The only instance where the team’s first- and second-rounders were Day 1 starters was in 2023, when the Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson 8th overall and Matthew Bergeron with the 38th pick.
Fortunately, this is one of the deepest classes in recent memory, and the latest ESPN mock draft, which features Mel Kiper and Field Yates alternating picks, has the Falcons doing just that.
15. Atlanta Falcons
Yates’ pick: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
“The Falcons registered the second-fewest sacks in the league last season (31), so edge rusher is still a problem even after signing Leonard Floyd. Green is explosive, powerful and pro-ready, and he should be able to get pressure on opponent QBs right away. He led the FBS with 17 sacks last season.”
I think the most popular first-round choice among Falcons fans is Mike Green, and it’s not hard to see why. The defense with the fewest sacks in the NFL over the last five years, 10 years, and 20 years drafting the country’s leader in sacks? Yeah, that’ll tickle fans’ fancy.
Mike Green went viral for a clip in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, where he ran over a Power 5 tackle. He plays with the type of aggression and attitude that the Falcons haven’t had in a very long time. If the Falcons can find a double-digit sack artist off the edge, it’ll make the entire unit look better. Green feels like that type of guy.
46. Atlanta Falcons
Kiper’s pick: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
“Morrison is coming off a hip injury, but he has really good press coverage traits and picked off nine passes in three seasons. The Falcons could slot him opposite A.J. Terrell.”
While the Falcons bolstered the cornerback room with the return of Mike Hughes and Dee Alford, they honestly need another starter, whether that guy is a boundary or nickel corner. If Morrison can step into the slot, Hughes can stay on the outside, and vice versa.
Maybe Alford can revert back to his 2023 play without Jimmy Lake in Atlanta, but I really don’t think hoping that happens is a good strategy. The Falcons can’t expect the defense to improve much under Jeff Ulbrich unless they give him the tools.
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Photographer: Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire
