FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons made a bold statement in the 2025 NFL Draft, emphasizing their commitment to strengthening their defense with two significant first-round selections. The Falcons kicked off their draft by selecting Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker with the No. 15 overall pick, followed by a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to secure Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. This aggressive approach reflects the team's urgent need to boost their pass rush, which finished near the bottom of the league last season.
Walker, a standout performer at Georgia, was awarded the Butkus Award in 2024 as the nation’s best linebacker. At 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds, he is viewed as a versatile player capable of fulfilling both linebacker and edge rusher roles. Walker's ability to play multiple positions is a key asset that Falcons' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich plans to exploit. "He stands for everything we think a football player should embody," Ulbrich stated, highlighting Walker's unique skill set.
Walker’s stats from his final season at Georgia are impressive, with 69 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, and 6.5 sacks. His experience playing both inside and outside linebacker—311 snaps at linebacker and 249 at the line of scrimmage—makes him an intriguing addition to the Falcons' defense. "If you tell me to go get the quarterback, I’ll go get him, no matter if I’m at the end of the line or off the ball," Walker said, expressing his readiness to contribute immediately.
The Falcons' second first-round pick, James Pearce Jr., also brings a wealth of potential to Atlanta's defense. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Pearce ran an impressive 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, showcasing his speed and agility. Over the past two seasons at Tennessee, he accumulated 17.5 sacks and led the SEC in quarterback pressures with 107. Pearce’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses is something the Falcons desperately need, especially after finishing 31st in the league with just 31 sacks last season.
However, Pearce's path to the NFL has not been without controversy. He faced legal issues in December 2023, when he was arrested for disobeying police orders during a traffic stop. While charges were later dropped, concerns about his maturity and commitment to the game lingered. The Falcons conducted extensive background checks, including a visit to Pearce's hometown, to ensure he would fit into their culture. "We did a lot of work on him on the field and off the field and feel great about the man that he is and the player that he is," Ulbrich said.
In the third round, the Falcons continued their defensive overhaul by selecting Xavier Watts, a safety from Notre Dame, with the No. 96 overall pick. Watts had a standout college career, leading the FBS with 13 interceptions over the past two seasons and earning consensus All-American honors. His ball-hawking skills are expected to complement the Falcons' secondary, which has struggled with turnovers in recent years. "I just think it’s who I am. I’m just a ballplayer at the end of the day. I go out there, and I make plays," Watts remarked, demonstrating his confidence in his abilities.
Atlanta then turned their attention to the fourth round, where they selected Billy Bowman Jr., a versatile defensive back from Oklahoma, with the No. 118 pick. Bowman, who recorded 11 interceptions in his final three college seasons, is expected to start his career primarily at nickel cornerback. His agility and intelligence on the field make him an excellent fit for the Falcons' defensive scheme. "I pride myself on being versatile and getting on the field in any way possible," Bowman said, eager to make an impact.
Finally, in the seventh round, the Falcons rounded out their draft class by selecting Jack Nelson, an offensive tackle from Wisconsin, at No. 218. Standing at 6-foot-7 and 314 pounds, Nelson brings size and versatility to the offensive line. He started his final 50 games at Wisconsin and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors. With veteran tackle Kaleb McGary entering the final year of his contract, Nelson could provide valuable depth and competition along the line.
General manager Terry Fontenot expressed satisfaction with the draft results, stating, "We truly were able to bring in impact players in all areas." The Falcons traded away their 2026 first-round and fifth-round picks to secure their top selections, a move that Fontenot believes will pay off in the long run.
As the Falcons prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on how quickly these new additions can gel with the existing roster and contribute to a much-improved defense. With a renewed emphasis on pass rushing and creating turnovers, Atlanta fans have reason to be optimistic about the potential impact of this draft class.
As the team looks to rebound from a disappointing previous season, the integration of Walker, Pearce, Watts, Bowman, and Nelson will be crucial in shaping the Falcons' identity in 2025. The Falcons are banking on these fresh faces to lead a defensive renaissance in Atlanta, and the excitement surrounding the new draft picks is palpable.
