Instant reactions to the NFL Draft are always hilarious to look back on, because it’s almost impossible to predict how most prospects will transfer to the next level, especially ones that go in rounds 2-7.
However, on paper, Falcons fans should be thrilled with the potential of their five-man draft class. Atlanta addressed their biggest need not once but twice in the first round in the form of Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. That was just the start of what Pro Football Focus considers an A- draft class for the Falcons.
“Walker brings natural athleticism at off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, providing a versatile defender to a Falcons defense in need of impact playmakers. Atlanta ranked 31st in pass-rush win rate (34.2%) and 29th in total quarterback pressures (230) in 2024, likely resulting in Walker finding a home on the edge. He earned an 83.0-plus PFF pass rush grade in each of the past two seasons.”
Jeff Ulbrich has already clearly defined Jalon Walker’s position ahead of his rookie season, which was a big question for him coming into the draft. He did a little bit of everything at linebacker for the Bulldogs defense, but his upside as a pass rusher is what makes him so intriguing at the next level, especially on a defense that’s struggled so mightily at getting after the passer. Walker, along with James Pearce Jr., could fix that issue overnight.
“The Falcons trade up into the first round to double up on athletic pass-rushers, as Pearce was the fastest defensive lineman at the NFL combine. Pearce defeats blocks exceedingly well, generating a 23.0% pass-rush win rate while also sporting an 84.1 run-defense grade. The Falcons had one of the worst pass-rushing defensive lines in the NFL in 2024 but immediately improved that tonight.”
Both have the potential to be double digit sack guys at the next level, and then the Falcons were able to grab potentially their starting safety next to Jesse Bates III in Xavier Watts in the third round.
“The Falcons again trade up to acquire a potential impact defender. Watts profiles as one of the best ball-hawking safeties in the class, showcasing excellent anticipation and football IQ. He racked up six interceptions in 2024, on his way to an 89.0 PFF coverage grade.”
Getting Xavier Watts towards the end of the third round might be my favorite move from the Falcons of the entire draft. He’s a second-round talent that should immediately contribute at safety, giving the Falcons a much more formidable secondary behind what should be an improved pass rush. That will only become more apparent if Billy Bowman Jr. — Atlanta’s fourth round selection — can win the starting nickel job.
“In an interesting move, the Falcons double up on safety after taking Xavier Watts with their previous selection. Bowman flies around the secondary and will form an interesting trio with Watts and Jessie Bates. Tackling has been an issue for Bowman, though, as he has missed roughly a quarter of his tackle attempts in all four years of his collegiate career.”
Bowman plays football with reckless abandon, and Jeff Ulbrich really wanted him when his name was still on the board in the fourth round. So much so, he was trying to get the Falcons to trade up; however, they didn’t need to. Doubling up on safeties seems kind of unnecessary, but Ulbrich sees him as more of a nickel corner than a safety, which should give him an opportunity to contribute immediately.
A lot of the conversation will center around the blockbuster trade the Falcons made to move back into the first round for James Pearce Jr., which cost Atlanta a 2026 first-round pick, and it should. It was a move that puts a lot of pressure on everybody in the organization to make the playoffs, but if three or four of these guys contribute to the defense in year one, they’ll have a great chance at breaking their postseason drought.
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Photo: John Adams/Icon Sportswire
