Grading the Falcons' draft

Field Level Media|published: Sat 26th April, 21:26 2025

Jan 18, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Xavier Watts (0) during 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day at Georgia World Congress Center, Building A. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Atlanta Falcons

Grade: B-

Best Pick: S Xavier Watts, No. 96 Overall

What we liked: The selections were impressive values in comparison to consensus; Jalon Walker (taken 15th) was seen by many as a potential top 10 pick thanks to his explosive nature; edge James Pearce's testing numbers make his potential impressive, and getting Watts at the back half of day two after a slide could change their secondary. The values on these guys was impressive, and the Falcons betting on upside is a great choice in a weak division where any team could cement itself as the front-runner for the next five years. If these players pan out along with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., they could be a perennial playoff team.

Not Sure About: Trading up with a future first-round pick for a player at a position you already took in the top 15 feels like a poor use of resources. That defensive line certainly needed sprucing up, but it only matters so much if they're not getting any interior pressure, and they certainly did not invest in defensive tackle as many expected. Not only that, they doubled up on doubling up. They took two safeties too! There are more holes on the roster than that! Solve your other problems!

--Dean Bruce, special to Field Level Media