Atlanta Falcons News & Rumors

Falcons Had Planned To Draft James Pearce Jr. At No. 15

April 29th, 2025 at 11:03pm CST by Sam Robinson

While the Jets carried the curse of John Abraham at edge rusher for over a decade, the Falcons also struggled mightily to replace the since-retired pass rusher. Despite first-round picks, notable free agency additions and a 2024 trade, Atlanta has come up empty in its search for consistent EDGE presences.

Abraham, whom Atlanta acquired in a three-team trade in 2006, signed with the Cardinals in 2013. The Falcons have sputtered in their attempts to locate edges since. Free agency additions (Osi Umenyiora, Dwight Freeney, Bruce Irvin, Dante Fowler, Bud Dupree) and a Matt Judon trade either provided stopgaps or ended up misfiring, while first-rounders Vic Beasley (2015) and Takk McKinley (2017) did not become long-term answers. Falcons have produced one double-digit sack season (Beasley’s outlier 2016) since Abraham’s 2013 exit.

This alarming trend heavily influenced Atlanta’s 2025 draft. The team had attempted to trade up for Laiatu Latu after its surprising Michael Penix Jr. pick last year, but no deal emerged. The Falcons did find a taker this year, sending their 2026 first-rounder to the Rams in a package that secured them James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. This came after Atlanta chose Jalon Walker at No. 15. The duo represents the biggest swing the Falcons have taken to stop this pass-rushing drought since Abraham’s Cardinals defection.

Although the Falcons have drawn criticism for trading their 2026 first to move into the late first round, they did so because they placed a high value on Pearce. The Tennessee edge presence would have been Atlanta’s No. 15 pick had Walker not been available, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer.

The Falcons did not expect Walker to be there at 15, leading to the Georgia hybrid linebacker being the choice. Walker had been linked to a few teams in the top 10 — from the Saints to the Panthesr to the Jets to even the Patriots at No. 4. Falcons GM Terry Fontenot said the team would have been “more than comfortable” taking Pearce at 15, per ESPN.com’s Marc Raimondi. Fontenot noted Pearce being off the board would have caused the Falcons to stand down, but they will be without their 2026 first-rounder because of a high grade on Pearce.

Even as Grady Jarrett returned from his ACL tear to team with Judon, the Falcons ranked 31st in pressure rate last season. Pearce, who registered 17.5 sacks over his final two Tennessee seasons and clocked a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, will join Walker and free agency addition Leonard Floyd in a beefed-up Falcons pass rush. Pearce had come up as a Falcons target at 15 during draft week. The team hosted him on a “30” visit as well.

It will be interesting to see how the Falcons use Walker, Pearce and Floyd. Walker’s work as an off-ball linebacker at Georgia creates some possibilities for the team to use all three together, but Floyd is a 49ers cap casualty on a one-year, $10MM deal. Walker and Pearce are in place to be Atlanta’s hopeful long-term answers to one of the NFL’s longest-running problems.

Falcons Sign 11 UDFAs

April 28th, 2025 at 12:22pm CST by Adam La Rose

After trading back into the first round on Thursday night, the Falcons made only five selections during the draft. That group of rookies has now been supplemented by an 11-man class of undrafted free agents:

Simeon Barrow Jr., DL (Miami)
Cobee Bryant, CB (Kansas)
Nathan Carter, RB (Michigan State)
Joshua Gray, OL (Oregon State)
Nick Kubitz, LB (North Dakota State)
Dontae Manning, CB (Oregon)
Nick Nash, WR (San Jose State)
Joshua Simon, TE (South Carolina)
Quincy Skinner Jr., WR (Vanderbilt)
Malik Verdon, LB (Iowa State)
Jordan Williams, T (Georgia Tech)

Manning is among the players who received a six-figure commitment upon going undrafted. KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports he received a $100K base salary guarantee in addition to a $10K signing bonus. Manning spent each of his five years at Oregon, totaling 54 games with the Ducks. He racked up 80 tackles in his career while notching one interception and six pass breakups during each of the past two seasons.

Skinner was also a clear Atlanta target given the financial commitment he received. The Falcons gave him a $15K signing bonus as part of his $150K guarantee package, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 6-2, 204-pounder will look to compete for a roster spot by adding size to the team’s WR room.

Nash represents an interesting addition at that position. After starting his college career as a quarterback, he converted to receiver; that move proved to be highly beneficial in 2024 in particular. Nash led the FBS in receiving touchdowns (16) last season while totaling 1,382 yards on 104 receptions. The fact he will turn 26 in July hurt his draft stock, but Nash will look to carry over the momentum of his ’24 production into a roster spot at the NFL level.

2025 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team

April 26th, 2025 at 10:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here is every team’s haul from the 2025 NFL Draft:

Arizona Cardinals

Round 1, No. 16: Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
Round 2, No. 47: Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 78: Jordan Burch (OLB, Oregon)
Round 4, No. 115: Cody Simon (LB, Ohio State)
Round 5, 174 (from Cowboys)*: Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State)
Round 6, No. 211 (from Cowboys)*: Hayden Conner (G, Texas)
Round 7, No. 225 (from Jets through Chiefs): Kitan Crawford (S, Nevada)

Atlanta Falcons

Round 1, No. 15: Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
Round 1, No. 26 (from Rams): James Pearce (DE, Tennessee)
Round 3, No. 96 (from Eagles): Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
Round 4, No. 118: Billy Bowman (S, Oklahoma)
Round 7, No. 218 (from Browns through Chargers): Jack Nelson (T, Wisconsin)

Baltimore Ravens

Round 1, No. 27: Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 59: Mike Green (OLB, Marshall)
Round 3, No. 91: Emery Jones (T, LSU)
Round 4, No. 129: Teddye Buchanan (LB, Cal)
Round 5, No. 141* (from Titans): Carson Vinson (T, Alabama A&M)
Round 6, No. 178 (from Titans): Bilhal Kone (CB, Western Michigan)
Round 6, No. 186 (from Jets): Tyler Loop (K, Arizona)
Round 6, No. 203: LaJohntay Wester (WR, Colorado)
Round 6, No. 210*: Aeneas Peebles (DT, Virginia Tech)
Round 6, No. 212*: Robert Longerbeam (CB, Rutgers)
Round 7, No. 243: Garrett Dellinger (G, LSU)

Buffalo Bills

Round 1, No. 30: Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
Round 2, No. 41 (from Bears): T.J. Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
Round 3, No. 72 (from Bears): Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
Round 4, No. 109 (from Bears through Bills and Bears): Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky)
Round 5, No. 170 (from Cowboys)*: Jordan Hancock (CB, Ohio State)
Round 5, No. 173*: Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)
Round 6, No. 177 (from Giants): Dorian Strong (CB, Virginia Tech)
Round 6, No. 206: Chase Lundt (T, UConn)
Round 7, 240 (from Vikings through Browns and Bears): Kaden Prather (WR, Maryland)

Carolina Panthers

Round 1, No. 8: Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
Round 2, No. 51 (from Broncos): Nic Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
Round 3, No. 77 (from Falcons through Patriots): Princely Umanmielen (OLB, Ole Miss)
Round 4, No. 114 (from Cowboys): Trevor Etienne (RB, Georgia)
Round 4, No. 122 (from Broncos): Lathan Ransom (S, Ohio State)
Round 5, No. 140 (from Giants): Cam Jackson (DT, Florida)
Round 5, No. 163 (from Ravens): Mitchell Evans (TE, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 208 (from Eagles through Broncos): Jimmy Horn (WR, Colorado)

Chicago Bears

Round 1, No. 10: Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
Round 2, No. 39 (from Panthers): Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
Round 2, No. 56 (from Vikings through Texans and Bills): Ozzy Trapilo (T, Boston College)
Round 2, No. 62: Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M)
Round 4, No. 132 (from Bills): Ruban Hyppolite (LB, Maryland)
Round 5, No. 169 (from Bills)*: Zah Frazier (CB, Texas-San Antonio)
Round 6, No. 195 (from Steelers through Rams): Luke Newman (G, Michigan State)
Round 7, No. 233 (from Bengals): Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers)

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1, No. 17: Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
Round 2, No. 49: Demetrius Knight (LB, South Carolina)
Round 3, No. 81: Dylan Fairchild (G, Georgia)
Round 4, No. 119: Barrett Carter (LB, Clemson)
Round 5, No. 153: Jalen Rivers (T, Miami)
Round 6, No. 193: Tahj Brooks (RB, Texas Tech)

Cleveland Browns

Round 1, No. 5 (from Jaguars): Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
Round 2, No. 33: Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
Round 2, No. 36 (from Jaguars): Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
Round 3, No. 67: Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, Bowling Green)
Round 3, No. 94 (from Bills): Dillon Gabriel (QB, Oregon)
Round 4, No. 126 (from Vikings through Jaguars): Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee)
Round 5, No. 144 (from Patriots through Seahawks): Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)

Dallas Cowboys

Round 1, No. 12: Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
Round 2, No. 44: Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE, Boston College)
Round 3, No. 76: Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
Round 5, No. 149: Jaydon Blue (RB, Texas)
Round 5, No. 152 (from Cardinals): Shemar James (LB, Florida)
Round 6, No. 204 (from Lions through Browns and Bills): Ajani Cornelius (G, Oregon)
Round 7, No. 217 (from Titans through Patriots): Jay Toia (DT, UCLA)
Round 7, No. 239 (from Packers through Titans): Phil Mafah (RB, Clemson)
Round 7, No. 247 (from Chiefs through Panthers): Tommy Akingbesote (DT, Maryland)

Round 1, No. 20: Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
Round 2, No. 60 (from Lions): R.J. Harvey (RB, Central Florida)
Round 3, No. 74 (from Panthers): Pat Bryant (WR, Illinois)
Round 3, No. 101 (from Rams through Falcons and Eagles)*: Sai’Vion Jones (DE, LSU)
Round 4, No. 134 (from Eagles through Lions and Eagles): Que Robinson (OLB, Alabama)
Round 6, No. 216 (from Browns through Texans)*: Jeremy Crawshaw (P, Florida)
Round 7, No. 241 (from Texans): Caleb Lohner (TE, Utah)

Detroit Lions

Round 1, No. 28: Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
Round 2, No. 57 (from Rams through Panthers and Broncos): Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 70 (from Jaguars): Isaac TeSlaa (WR, Arkansas)
Round 5, No. 171 (from Cowboys through Patriots)*: Miles Frazier (G, LSU)
Round 6, No. 196 (from Buccaneers): Ahmed Hassanein (OLB, Boise State)
Round 7, No. 230 (from Cardinals through Panthers and Broncos): Dan Jackson (S, Georgia)
Round 7, No. 244: Dominic Lovett (WR, Georgia)

Green Bay Packers

Round 1, No. 23: Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
Round 2, No. 54: Anthony Belton, T (NC State)
Round 3, No. 87: Savion Williams (WR, TCU)
Round 4, No. 124: Barryn Sorrell (DE, Texas)
Round 5, No. 159: Collin Oliver (DE, Oklahoma State)
Round 6, No. 198: Warren Brinson (DT, Georgia)
Round 7, No. 237 (from Steelers): Micah Robinson (CB, Tulane)
Round 7, No. 250*: John Williams (G, Cincinnati)

Houston Texans

Round 2, No. 34 (from Giants): Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
Round 2, No. 48 (from Dolphins through Raiders): Aireontae Ersery (T, Minnesota)
Round 3, No. 79 (from Dolphins through Eagles and Commanders): Jaylin Noel (WR, Iowa State)
Round 3, No. 97 (from Vikings through Jaguars)*: Jaylin Smith (CB, USC)
Round 4, No. 116 (from Dolphins): Woody Marks (RB, USC)
Round 6, No. 187 (from 49ers through Vikings and Jaguars): Jaylen Reed (S, Penn State)
Round 7, No. 224 (from Bears through Dolphins): Kyonte Hamilton (DT, Rutgers)
Round 7, No. 255 (from Browns)*: Luke Lachey (TE, Iowa)

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1, No. 14: Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
Round 2, No. 45: J.T. Tuimoloau (DE, Ohio State)
Round 3, No. 80: Justin Walley (CB, Minnesota)
Round 4, No. 127 (from Rams): Jalen Travis (T, Iowa State)
Round 5, No. 151: DJ Giddens (RB, Kansas State)
Round 6, No. 189: Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 190 (from Falcons through Rams): Tim Smith (DT, Alabama)
Round 6, No. 197 (from Broncos): Graham Mertz (QB, Florida)
Round 7, No. 232: Hunter Wohler (S, Wisconsin)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 1, No. 2 (from Browns): Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
Round 3, No. 88 (from Vikings): Caleb Ransaw (CB, Tulane)
Round 3, No. 89 (from Texans): Wyatt Milum (G, West Virginia)
Round 4, No. 104 (from Browns): Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Virginia Tech)
Round 4, No. 107: Jack Kiser (LB, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 194 (from Seahawks): Jalen McLeod (LB, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 200 (from Vikings through Browns): Rayuan Lane (S, Navy)
Round 7, No. 221: Jonah Monheim (C, USC)
Round 7, No. 236 (from Broncos through Eagles, Commanders and Texans): LeQuint Allen (RB, Syracuse)

Kansas City Chiefs

Round 1, No. 32 (from Eagles): Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)
Round 2, No. 63: Omarr Norman-Lott (DT, Tennessee)
Round 3, No. 66 (from Titans): Ashton Gillotte (DE, Louisville)
Round 3, No. 85 (from Broncos through Panthers and Patriots): Nohl Williams (CB, Cal)
Round 4, No. 133: Jalen Royals (WR, Utah State)
Round 5, No. 156: Jeffrey Bassa (LB, Oregon)
Round 7, No. 228 (from Cowboys via Lions through Patriots)*: Brashard Smith (RB, SMU)

Las Vegas Raiders

Round 1, No. 6: Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
Round 2, No. 58 (from Texans): Jack Bech (WR, TCU)
Round 3, No. 68: Darien Porter (CB, Iowa State)
Round 3, No. 98 (from Dolphins)*: Caleb Rogers (G, Texas Tech)
Round 3, No. 99 (from Giants through Texans)*: Charles Grant (T, William & Mary)
Round 4, No. 108: Dont’e Thornton (WR, Tennessee)
Round 4, No. 135 (from Dolphins)*: Tonka Hemingway ((DT, South Carolina)
Round 6, No. 180: J.J. Pegues (DT, Ole Miss)
Round 6, No. 213*: Tommy Mellott (QB, Montana State)
Round 6, No. 215*: Cam Miller (QB, North Dakota State)
Round 7, No. 222: Cody Lindenberg (LB, Minnesota)

Los Angeles Chargers

Round 1, No. 22: Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
Round 2, No. 55: Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss)
Round 3, No. 86: Jamaree Caldwell (DT, Oregon)
Round 4, No. 125: Kyle Kennard (OLB, South Carolina)
Round 5, No. 158: KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR, Auburn)
Round 5, No. 165 (from Commanders through Eagles): Oronde Gadsden II (TE, Syracuse)
Round 6, No., 199: Branson Taylor (T, Pittsburgh)
Round 6, No. 214*: R.J. Mickens (S, Clemson)
Round 7, No. 256*: Trikweze Bridges (CB, Florida)

Los Angeles Rams

Round 2, No. 46 (from Falcons): Terrance Ferguson (TE, Oregon)
Round 3, No. 90: Josaiah Stewart (OLB, Michigan)
Round 4, No. 117 (from Colts): Jarquez Hunter (RB, Arizona)
Round 5, No. 148 (from Bears): Ty Hamilton (DT, Ohio State)
Round 5, No. 172 (from Seahawks through Vikings): Chris Paul Jr. (LB, Ole Miss)
Round 7, No. 242 (reacquired from Falcons): Konata Mumpfield (WR, Pitt)

Miami Dolphins

Round 1, No. 13: Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
Round 2, No. 37 (from Raiders): Jonah Savaiinaea (G, Arizona)
Round 5, No. 143 (from Raiders): Jordan Phillips (DT, Maryland)
Round 5: No. 150: Jason Marshall (CB, Florida)
Round 5, No. 155 (from Broncos): Dante Trader (S, Maryland)
Round 6, No. 179 (from Browns through Texans): Ollie Gordon (RB, Oklahoma State)
Round 7, No. 231: Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
Round 7, No. 253*: Zeek Biggers (DT, Georgia Tech)

Minnesota Vikings

Round 1, No. 24: Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
Round 3, No. 102 (from Lions through Jaguars and Texans)*: Tai Felton (WR, Maryland)
Round 5, No. 139 (from Browns): Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DT, Georgia)
Round 6, No. 201 (from Rams): Kobe King (LB, Penn State
Round 6, No. 202 (from Texans through Steelers, Bears and Rams): Gavin Bartholomew (TE, Pittsburgh)

New England Patriots

Round 1, No. 4: Will Campbell (T, LSU)
Round 2, No. 38: TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
Round 3, No. 69: Kyle Williams (WR, Washington State)
Round 3, No. 95 (from Chiefs): Jared Wilson (C, Georgia)
Round 4, No. 106: Craig Woodson (S, Cal)
Round 4, No. 137 (from Seahawks)*: Joshua Farmer (DT, Florida State)
Round 5, No. 146 (from Patriots): Bradyn Swinson (OLB, LSU)
Round 6, No. 182 (from Jaguars through Lions): Andres Borregales (K, Miami)
Round 7, No. 220: Marcus Bryant (T, Missouri)
Round 7, No. 251 (from Chiefs)*: Julian Ashby (LS, Vanderbilt)
Round 7, No. 257 (from Chiefs)*: Kobee Minor (CB, Memphis)

New Orleans Saints

Round 1, No. 9: Kelvin Banks Jr. (T, Texas)
Round 2, No. 40: Tyler Shough (QB, Louisville)
Round 3, No. 71: Vernon Broughton (DT, Texas)
Round 3, No. 93 (from Commanders): Jonas Sanker (S, Virginia)
Round 4, No. 112: Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma)
Round 4, No. 131 (from Commanders): Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville)
Round 6, No. 184 (reacquired from Commanders): Devin Neal (RB, Kansas)
Round 7, No. 248 (from Eagles through Commanders): Moliki Matavao (TE, UCLA)
Round 7, No. 254*: Fadil Diggs (DE, Syracuse)

New York Giants

Round 1, No. 3: Abdul Carter (OLB, Penn State)
Round 1, No. 25 (from Texans): Jaxson Dart, QB (Ole Miss)
Round 3, No. 65: Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
Round 4, No. 105: Cameron Skattebo (RB, Arizona State)
Round 5, No. 154 (from Seahawks): Marcus Mbow (G, Purdue)
Round 7, No. 219: Thomas Fidone III (TE, Nebraska)
Round 7, No. 246 (from Bills): Korie Black (CB, Oklahoma State)

New York Jets

Round 1, No. 7: Armand Membou (T, Missouri)
Round 2, No. 42: Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
Round 3, No. 73: Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
Round 4, No. 110: Arian Smith (WR, Georgia)
Round 4, No. 130 (from Lions through Broncos and Eagles): Malachi Moore (S, Alabama)
Round 5, No. 162 (from Rams through Steelers): Francisco Mauigoa (LB, Miami)
Round 6, No. 176 (from Ravens): Tyler Baron (DE, Miami)

Philadelphia Eagles

Round 1, No. 31 (from Chiefs): Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
Round 2, No. 64: Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas)
Round 4, No. 111 (from Panthers through Broncos): Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
Round 5, Nos. 145 (from Jets): Mac McWilliams (CB, Central Florida)
Round 5, No. 161: (from Texans): Smael Mondon (LB, Georgia)
Round 5, No. 168: Drew Kendall (C, Boston College)
Round 6, No. 181 (from Patriots through Chargers): Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)
Round 6, No. 191 (from Cardinals): Myles Hinton (OL, Michigan)
Round 6, No. 207 (from Chiefs and Jets): Cameron Williams (T, Texas)
Round 6, No. 209 (from Chargers)*: Antwaun Powell-Ryland (DE, Virginia Tech)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Round 1, No. 21: Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
Round 3, No. 83: Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
Round 4, No. 123: Jack Sawyer (OLB, Ohio State)
Round 5, No. 164 (from Lions through Browns, Eagles and Chiefs): Yahya Black (DE, Iowa)
Round 6, No. 185 (from Bears through Seahawks): Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
Round 7, No. 226 (from Panthers through Chiefs): Carson Bruener (LB, Washington)
Round 7, No. 229 (from Falcons through Eagles): Donte Kent (CB, Central Michigan)

San Francisco 49ers

Round 1, No. 11: Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 43: Alfred Collins (DT, Texas)
Round 3, No. 75: Nick Martin (LB, Oklahoma State)
Round 3, No. 100*: Upton Stout (CB, Western Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 113: CJ West (DT, Indiana)
Round 4, No. 138*: Jordan Watkins (WR, Ole Miss)
Round 5: No. 147 (from Saints through Commanders): Jordan James (RB, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 160 (from Vikings): Marques Sigle (S, Kansas State)
Round 7, No. 227: Kurtis Rourke (QB, Indiana)
Round 7, No. 249*: Connor Colby (G, Iowa)
Round 7, 252*: Junior Bergen (WR, Montana)

Seattle Seahawks

Round 1, No. 18: Grey Zabel (OL, North Dakota State)
Round 2, No. 35 (from Titans): Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
Round 2, No. 50: Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
Round 3, No. 92 (from Lions through Jets and Raiders): Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)
Round 5, No. 142 (from Jaguars through Texans and Vikings): Rylie Mills (DT, Notre Dame)
Round 5, No. 166 (from Bills through Texans): Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State)
Round 5, No. 175*: Robbie Ouzts (TE, Alabama)
Round 6, No. 192 (from Dolphins through Bears): Bryce Cabeldue (G, Kansas)
Round 7, No. 223 (from Saints through Eagles and Steelers): Damien Martinez (RB, Miami)
Round 7, No. 234: Mason Richman (T, Iowa)
Round 7, No. 238 (from Chargers through Patriots)*: Ricky White (WR, UNLV)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 1, No. 19: Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
Round 2, No. 53: Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
Round 3, No. 84: Jacob Parrish (CB, Kansas State)
Round 4, No. 121: David Walker (OLB, Central Arkansas)
Round 5, No. 157: Elijah Roberts (OLB, SMU)
Round 7, No. 235: Tez Johnson (WR ,Oregon)

Tennessee Titans

Round 1, No. 1: Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
Round 2, No. 52 (from Steelers through Seahawks): Femi Oladejo (OLB, UCLA)
Round 3: No. 82 (from Seahawks): Kevin Winston (S, Penn State)
Round 4, No. 103: Chimere Dike (WR, Florida)
Round 4, No. 120 (from Seahawks): Gunnar Helm (TE, Texas)
Round 5, No. 136 (from Ravens)*: Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford)
Round 5, No. 167 (from Chiefs): Jackson Slater (G, Sacramento State)
Round 6, No. 183 (from Panthers through Ravens): Marcus Harris (CB, Cal)
Round 6, No. 188 (from Cowboys): Kalel Mullings (RB, Michigan)

Washington Commanders

Round 1, No. 29: Josh Conerly Jr. (T, Oregon)
Round 2, No. 61: Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
Round 4, No. 128 (from Texans): Jaylin Lane (WR, Virginia Tech)
Round 6, No. 205: Kain Medrano (LB, UCLA)
Round 7, No. 245: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Arizona)

* = compensatory selection

2025 NFL Draft Results By Round

April 26th, 2025 at 8:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2025 NFL Draft:

Round 1

1) Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
2) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns): Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
3) New York Giants: Abdul Carter (OLB, Penn State)
4) New England Patriots: Will Campbell (T, LSU)
5) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
6) Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
7) New York Jets: Armand Membou (T, Missouri)
8) Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
9) New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr. (T, Texas)
10) Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
11) San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
12) Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
13) Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
14) Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
15) Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
16) Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
17) Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
18) Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel (OL, North Dakota State)
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
20) Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
23) Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
24) Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
25) New York Giants (from Texans): Jaxson Dart, QB (Ole Miss)
26) Atlanta Falcons (from Rams): James Pearce (DE, Tennessee)
27) Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
28) Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
29) Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr. (T, Oregon)
30) Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
31) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chiefs): Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
32) Kansas City Chiefs (from Eagles): Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)

Round 2

33) Cleveland Browns: Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
34) Houston Texans (from Giants): Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
35) Seattle Seahawks (from Titans): Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
36) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
37) Miami Dolphins (from Raiders): Jonah Savaiinaea (G, Arizona)
38) New England Patriots: TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
39) Chicago Bears (from Panthers): Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
40) New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough (QB, Louisville)
41) Buffalo Bills (from Bears): T.J. Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
42) New York Jets: Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
43) San Francisco 49ers: Alfred Collins (DT, Texas)
44) Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE, Boston College)
45) Indianapolis Colts: J.T. Tuimoloau (DE, Ohio State)
46) Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Terrance Ferguson (TE, Oregon)
47) Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
48) Houston Texans (from Dolphins through Raiders): Aireontae Ersery (T, Minnesota)
49) Cincinnati Bengals: Demetrius Knight (LB, South Carolina)
50) Seattle Seahawks: Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
51) Carolina Panthers (from Broncos): Nic Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
52) Tennessee Titans (from Steelers through Seahawks): Femi Oladejo (OLB, UCLA)
53) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
54) Green Bay Packers: Anthony Belton, T (NC State)
55) Los Angeles Chargers: Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss)
56) Chicago Bears (from Vikings through Texans and Bills): Ozzy Trapilo (T, Boston College)
57) Detroit Lions (from Panthers through Rams and Broncos): Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
58) Las Vegas Raiders (from Texans): Jack Bech (WR, TCU)
59) Baltimore Ravens: Mike Green (OLB, Marshall)
60) Denver Broncos (from Lions): R.J. Harvey (RB, Central Florida)
61) Washington Commanders: Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
62) Chicago Bears (from Bills): Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M)
63) Kansas City Chiefs: Omarr Norman-Lott (DT, Tennessee)
64) Philadelphia Eagles: Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas)

Round 3

65) New York Giants: Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
66) Kansas City Chiefs (from Titans): Ashton Gillotte (DE, Louisville)
67) Cleveland Browns: Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, Bowling Green)
68) Las Vegas Raiders: Darien Porter (CB, Iowa State)
69) New England Patriots: Kyle Williams (WR, Washington State)
70) Detroit Lions (from Jaguars): Isaac TeSlaa (WR, Arkansas)
71) New Orleans Saints: Vernon Broughton (DT, Texas)
72) Buffalo Bills (from Bears): Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
73) New York Jets: Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
74) Denver Broncos (from Panthers): Pat Bryant (WR, Illinois)
75) San Francisco 49ers: Nick Martin (LB, Oklahoma State)
76) Dallas Cowboys: Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
77) Carolina Panthers (from Patriots): Princely Umanmielen (OLB, Ole Miss)
78) Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Burch (OLB, Oregon)
79) Houston Texans (from Dolphins through Eagles via Commanders): Jaylin Noel (WR, Iowa State)
80) Indianapolis Colts: Justin Walley (CB, Minnesota)
81) Cincinnati Bengals: Dylan Fairchild (G, Georgia)
82) Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks): Kevin Winston (S, Penn State)
83) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
84) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jacob Parrish (CB, Kansas State)
85) Kansas City Chiefs from Broncos through Panthers and Patriots): Nohl Williams (CB, Cal)
86) Los Angeles Chargers: Jamaree Caldwell (DT, Oregon)
87) Green Bay Packers: Savion Williams (WR, TCU)
88) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings): Caleb Ransaw (CB, Tulane)
89) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Texans): Wyatt Milum (G, West Virginia)
90) Los Angeles Rams: Josaiah Stewart (OLB, Michigan)
91) Baltimore Ravens: Emery Jones (T, LSU)
92) Seattle Seahawks (from Lions through Jets via Raiders): Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)
93) New Orleans Saints (from Commanders): Jonas Sanker (S, Virginia)
94) Cleveland Browns (from Bills): Dillon Gabriel (QB, Oregon)
95) New England Patriots (from Chiefs): Jared Wilson (C, Georgia)
96) Atlanta Falcons (from Eagles): Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
97) Houston Texans (from Vikings)*: Jaylin Smith (CB, USC)
98) Las Vegas Raiders (from Dolphins)*: Caleb Rogers (G, Texas Tech)
99) Las Vegas Raiders (from Giants through Texans)*: Charles Grant (T, William & Mary)
100) San Francisco 49ers*: Upton Stout (CB, Western Kentucky)
101) Denver Broncos (from Rams through Falcons and Eagles)*: Sai’Vion Jones (DE, LSU)
102) Minnesota Vikings (from Lions through Jaguars and Texans)*: Tai Felton (WR, Maryland)

Round 4

103) Tennessee Titans: Chimere Dike (WR, Florida)
104) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns): Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Virginia Tech)
105) New York Giants: Cameron Skattebo (RB, Arizona State)
106) New England Patriots: Craig Woodson (S, Cal)
107) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack Kiser (LB, Notre Dame)
108) Las Vegas Raiders: Dont’e Thornton (WR, Tennessee)
109) Buffalo Bills (from Bears through Bills and Bears): Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky)
110) New York Jets: Arian Smith (WR, Georgia)
111) Philadelphia Eagles (from Panthers through Broncos): Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
112) New Orleans Saints: Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma)
113) San Francisco 49ers: CJ West (DT, Indiana)
114) Carolina Panthers (from Cowboys): Trevor Etienne (RB, Georgia)
115) Arizona Cardinals: Cody Simon (LB, Ohio State)
116) Houston Texans (from Dolphins): Woody Marks (RB, USC)
117) Los Angeles Rams (from Colts): Jarquez Hunter (RB, Arizona)
118) Atlanta Falcons: Billy Bowman (S, Oklahoma)
119) Cincinnati Bengals: Barrett Carter (LB, Clemson)
120) Tennessee Titans (from Seahawks): Gunnar Helm (TE, Texas)
121) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Walker (OLB, Central Arkansas)
122) Carolina Panthers (from Broncos): Lathan Ransom (S, Ohio State)
123) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jack Sawyer (OLB, Ohio State)
124) Green Bay Packers: Barryn Sorrell (DE, Texas)
125) Los Angeles Chargers: Kyle Kennard (OLB, South Carolina)
126) Cleveland Browns (from Vikings through Jaguars): Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee)
127) Indianapolis Colts (from Rams): Jalen Travis (T, Iowa State)
128) Washington Commanders (from Texans): Jaylin Lane (WR, Virginia Tech)
129) Baltimore Ravens: Teddye Buchanan (LB, Cal)
130) New York Jets (from Lions, Broncos and Eagles): Malachi Moore (S, Alabama)
131) New Orleans Saints (from Commanders): Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville)
132) Chicago Bears (from Bills): Ruban Hyppolite (LB, Maryland)
133) Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Royals (WR, Utah State)
134) Denver Broncos (from Eagles through Lions and Eagles): Que Robinson (OLB, Alabama)
135) Las Vegas Raiders (from Dolphins)*: Tonka Hemingway (DT, South Carolina)
136) Tennessee Titans (from Ravens)*: Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford)
137) New England Patriots (from Seahawks)*: Joshua Farmer (DT, Florida State)
138) San Francisco 49ers*: Jordan Watkins (WR, Ole Miss)

Round 5

139) Minnesota Vikings (from Browns): Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DT, Georgia)
140) Carolina Panthers (from Giants): Cam Jackson (DT, Florida)
141) Baltimore Ravens (from Titans): Carson Vinson (T, Alabama A&M)
142) Seattle Seahawks (from Jaguars through Texans and Vikings): Rylie Mills (DT, Notre Dame)
143) Miami Dolphins (from Raiders): Jordan Phillips (DT, Maryland)
144) Cleveland Browns (from Patriots through Seahawks): Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
145) Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Mac McWilliams (CB, Central Florida)
146) New England Patriots (from Panthers): Bradyn Swinson (OLB, LSU)
147) San Francisco 49ers (from Saints through Commanders): Jordan James (RB, Oregon)
148) Los Angeles Rams (from Bears): Ty Hamilton (DT, Ohio State)
149) Dallas Cowboys: Jaydon Blue (RB, Texas)
150) Miami Dolphins: Jason Marshall (CB, Florida)
151) Indianapolis Colts: DJ Giddens (RB, Kansas State)
152) Dallas Cowboys (from Cardinals): Shemar James (LB, Florida)
153) Cincinnati Bengals: Jalen Rivers (T, Miami)
154) New York Giants (from Seahawks): Marcus Mbow (G, Purdue)
155) Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Dante Trader (S, Maryland)
156) Kansas City Chiefs (from Steelers): Jeffrey Bassa (LB, Oregon)
157) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Elijah Roberts (OLB, SMU)
158) Los Angeles Chargers: KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR, Auburn)
159) Green Bay Packers: Collin Oliver (DE, Oklahoma State)
160) San Francisco 49ers (from Vikings): Marques Sigle (S, Kansas State)
161) Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans): Smael Mondon (LB, Georgia)
162) New York Jets (from Rams through Steelers): Francisco Mauigoa (LB, Miami)
163) Carolina Panthers (from Ravens): Mitchell Evans (TE, Notre Dame)
164) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Lions through Browns, Eagles and Chiefs): Yahya Black (DE, Iowa)
165) Los Angeles Chargers (from Commanders through Eagles): Oronde Gadsden II (TE, Syracuse)
166) Seattle Seahawks (from Bills through Texans and Browns): Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State)
167) Tennessee Titans (from Chiefs): Jackson Slater (G, Sacramento State)
168) Philadelphia Eagles: Drew Kendall (C, Boston College)
169) Chicago Bears (from Bills)*: Zah Frazier (CB, Texas-San Antonio)
170) Buffalo Bills (from Cowboys)*: Jordan Hancock (CB, Ohio State)
171) Detroit Lions (from Cowboys through Patriots)*: Miles Frazier (G, LSU)
172) Los Angeles Rams (from Seahawks through Vikings)*: Chris Paul Jr. (LB, Ole Miss)
173) Buffalo Bills*: Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)
174) Arizona Cardinals (from Cowboys)*: Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State)
175) Seattle Seahawks*: Robbie Ouzts (TE, Alabama)
176) New York Jets (from Ravens)*: Tyler Baron (DE, Miami)

Round 6

177) Buffalo Bills (from Giants): Dorian Strong (CB, Virginia Tech)
178) Baltimore Ravens (from Titans): Bilhal Kone (CB, Western Michigan)
179) Miami Dolphins (from Browns through Texans): Ollie Gordon (RB, Oklahoma State)
180) Las Vegas Raiders: J.J. Pegues (DT, Ole Miss)
181) Philadelphia Eagles (from Patriots through Chargers): Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)
182) New England Patriots (from Jaguars through Lions): Andres Borregales (K, Miami)
183) Tennessee Titans (from Panthers through Ravens): Marcus Harris (CB, Cal)
184) New Orleans Saints (reacquired through Commanders): Devin Neal (RB, Kansas)
185) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Bears through Seahawks): Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
186) Baltimore Ravens (from Jets): Tyler Loop (K, Arizona)
187) Houston Texans (from 49ers through Vikings): Jaylen Reed (S, Penn State)
188) Tennessee Titans (from Cowboys): Kalel Mullings (RB, Michigan)
189) Indianapolis Colts: Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)
190) Indianapolis Colts (from Falcons through Rams): Tim Smith (DT, Alabama)
191) Philadelphia Eagles (from Cardinals through Broncos): Myles Hinton (OL, Michigan)
192) Seattle Seahawks (from Dolphins through Bears): Bryce Cabeldue (G, Kansas)
193) Cincinnati Bengals: Tahj Brooks (RB, Texas Tech)
194) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Seahawks): Jalen McLeod (LB, Auburn)
195) Chicago Bears (from Steelers and Rams): Luke Newman (G, Michigan State)
196) Detroit Lions (from Buccaneers): Ahmed Hassanein (OLB, Boise State)
197) Houston Texans (from Broncos): Graham Mertz (QB, Florida)
198) Green Bay Packers: Warren Brinson (DT, Georgia)
199) Los Angeles Chargers: Branson Taylor (G, Pittsburgh)
200) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings through Browns): Rayuan Lane (S, Navy)
201) Minnesota Vikings (from Rams): Kobe King (LB, Penn State)
202) Minnesota Vikings (from Texans through Steelers, Bears and Rams): Gavin Bartholomew (TE, Pittsburgh)
203) Baltimore Ravens: LaJohntay Wester (WR, Colorado)
204) Dallas Cowboys (from Lions through Browns via Bills): Ajani Cornelius (G, Oregon)
205) Washington Commanders: Kain Medrano (LB, UCLA)
206) Buffalo Bills: Chase Lundt (T, UConn)
207) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chiefs): Cameron Williams (T, Texas)
208) Carolina Panthers (from Eagles through Broncos): Jimmy Horn (WR, Colorado)
209) Philadelphia Eagles (from Chargers)*: Antwaun Powell-Ryland (DE, Virginia Tech)
210) Baltimore Ravens*: Aeneas Peebles (DT, Virginia Tech)
211) Arizona Cardinals (from Cowboys)*: Hayden Conner (G, Texas)
212) Baltimore Ravens*: Robert Longerbeam (CB, Rutgers)
213) Las Vegas Raiders*: Tommy Mellott (QB/WR, Montana State)
214) Los Angeles Chargers*: R.J. Mickens (S, Clemson)
215) Las Vegas Raiders*: Cam Miller (QB, North Dakota State)
216) Denver Broncos (from Browns through Texans)*: Jeremy Crawshaw (P, Florida)

Round 7

217) Dallas Cowboys (from Titans through Patriots): Jay Toia (DT, UCLA)
218) Atlanta Falcons (from Browns through Chargers): Jack Nelson (T, Wisconsin)
219) New York Giants: Thomas Fidone III (TE, Nebraska)
220) New England Patriots: Marcus Bryant (T, Missouri)
221) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonah Monheim (C, USC)
222) Las Vegas Raiders: Cody Lindenberg (LB, Minnesota)
223) Seattle Seahawks (from Saints through Eagles via Steelers): Damien Martinez (RB, Miami)
224) Houston Texans (from Bears through Texans): Kyonte Hamilton (DT, Rutgers)
225) Arizona Cardinals (from Jets through Chiefs): Kitan Crawford (S, Nevada)
226) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Panthers and Chiefs): Carson Bruener (LB, Washington)
227) San Francisco 49ers: Kurtis Rourke (QB, Indiana)
228) Kansas City Chiefs (from Cowboys through Lions via Patriots): Brashard Smith (RB, SMU)
229) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Falcons through Eagles): Donte Kent (CB, Central Michigan)
230) Detroit Lions (from Cardinals through Panthers and Broncos): Dan Jackson (S, Georgia)
231) Miami Dolphins: Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
232) Indianapolis Colts: Hunter Wohler (S, Wisconsin)
233) Chicago Bears (from Bengals): Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers)
234) Seattle Seahawks: Mason Richman (T, Iowa)
235) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tez Johnson (WR ,Oregon)
236) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Broncos through Eagles, Commanders and Texans): LeQuint Allen (RB, Syracuse)
237) Green Bay Packers (from Steelers): Micah Robinson (CB, Tulane)
238) Seattle Seahawks from Chargers through Patriots): Ricky White (WR, UNLV)
239) Dallas Cowboys (from Packers through Titans): Phil Mafah (RB, Clemson)
240) Buffalo Bills (from Vikings through Browns and Bears): Kaden Prather (WR, Maryland)
241) Denver Broncos (from Texans): Caleb Lohner (TE, Utah)
242) Los Angeles Rams (reacquired from Falcons): Konata Mumpfield (WR, Pittsburgh)
243) Baltimore Ravens: Garrett Dellinger (G, LSU)
244) Detroit Lions: Dominic Lovett (WR, Georgia)
245) Washington Commanders: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Arizona)
246) New York Giants (from Bills): Korie Black (CB, Oklahoma State)
247) Dallas Cowboys (from Chiefs through Panthers): Tommy Akingbesote (DT, Maryland)
248) New Orleans Saints (from Eagles through Commanders): Moliki Matavao (TE, UCLA)
249) San Francisco 49ers*: Connor Colby (G, Iowa)
250) Green Bay Packers*: John Williams (G, Cincinnati)
251) New England Patriots (from Chiefs)*: Julian Ashby (LS, Vanderbilt)
252) San Francisco 49ers*: Junior Bergen (WR, Montana)
253) Miami Dolphins*: Zeek Biggers (DT, Georgia Tech)
254) New Orleans Saints*: Fadil Diggs (DE, Syracuse)
255) Houston Texans (from Browns)*: Luke Lachey (TE, Iowa)
256) Los Angeles Chargers*: Trikweze Bridges (CB, Florida)
257) New England Patriots (from Chiefs)* Kobee Minor (CB, Memphis)

* = compensatory pick

Falcons Obtain No. 96 From Eagles, Draft S Xavier Watts

April 25th, 2025 at 10:03pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Eagles used this sector of last year’s draft to hop around the board, acquiring a host of 2025 picks. They are moving one of theirs to the Falcons, who will add No. 96.

Atlanta will send Philly No. 101, and Howie Roseman will make another play for a future asset. A 2026 fifth is also in the trade. The Falcons took Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts with the pick, adding one of the draft’s top free safety prospects after declining to re-sign Justin Simmons this offseason. The Eagles then moved back from No. 101 in a trade with the Broncos.

Watts could end up being one of the steals of the draft after entering Friday as a projected early second-round pick and the third-ranked safety behind Malaki Starks and Nick Emmanwori. Instead, Watts fell to the end of the third round and joins first-round edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in Atlanta’s defense. His NFL-ready intelligence and ball skills make him a candidate to start as a rookie.

Watts’ below-average athleticism and tackling limit his versatility and upside, but his 13 interceptions and 31 passes defended over his last two seasons at Notre Dame speak volumes about his ballhawking instincts. With the Falcons planning to give Clark Phillips a shot at nickel in 2025 (via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution), Watts could thrive in a split-safety role next to Jessie Bates.

Falcons’ Jalon Walker May Need Surgery

April 25th, 2025 at 6:03pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Jalon Walker was expected to be a first-round pick on Thursday night, but he fell to the Falcons at No. 15 due to concerns about a shoulder injury, according to Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline.

Atlanta will be happy to keep the versatile young linebacker in Georgia, but Walker may require surgery that could stunt his rookie year and hinder his transition to the NFL. At 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds, he was already considered an undersized edge defender by NFL standards, raising concerns about his physical upside and durability.

The Falcons may be less worried about Walker’s shoulder. They also could have taken his injury into account when they moved up 20 spots to take James Pearce with the 26th overall pick. If Walker missed part of the 2025 season due to injury, the Falcons can still count on Pearce to contribute to their pass rush right away.

Walker was long linked to the Panthers at No. 8, but they went with another top-10 talent in wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. The Jets at 7 and the Saints at 9 were also thought to be in the mix for the 21-year-old linebacker, but they both added offensive linemen.

Atlanta was widely expected to select an edge rusher with Pearce and Mike Green frequently named as likely targets. It seems the Falcons leapt at the chance to take Walker after he fell to 15, but still had such a high grade on Pearce that they jumped back into the first round for him as well.

2026 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

April 25th, 2025 at 2:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

NFL teams have until May 1 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2022 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th-highest salaries at their position:
- At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
- A 75% snap average across all three seasons
- At least 50% in each of first three seasons
Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position

We covered how last year’s Pro Bowl invites affected the 2022 first-round class. With the deadline looming, we will use the space below to track all the 2026 option decisions from around the league:

DE/OLB Travon Walker, Jaguars ($14.75MM): Exercised
DE/OLB Aidan Hutchinson, Lions ($19.87MM): Exercised
CB Derek Stingley Jr., Texans ($17.6MM): Extended through 2029
CB Sauce Gardner, Jets ($20.19MM): Exercised
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux, Giants ($14.75MM): Exercised
T Ikem Ekwonu, Panthers ($17.56MM): Exercised
T Evan Neal, Giants ($16.69MM): Declined
WR Drake London, Falcons ($16.82MM)
T Charles Cross, Seahawks ($17.56MM): Exercised
WR Garrett Wilson, Jets ($16.82MM)
WR Chris Olave, Saints ($15.49MM): Exercised
WR Jameson Williams, Lions ($15.49MM): Exercised
DT Jordan Davis, Eagles ($12.94MM)
S Kyle Hamilton, Ravens ($18.6MM)
G Kenyon Green, Eagles* ($16.69MM)
WR Jahan Dotson, Eagles** ($16.82MM): Declined
G Zion Johnson, Chargers ($17.56MM)
WR Treylon Burks, Titans ($15.49MM): Likely to be declined
T Trevor Penning, Saints ($16.69MM): Declined
QB Kenny Pickett, Browns*** ($22.12MM): Declined
CB Trent McDuffie, Chiefs ($17.6MM): Exercised
LB Quay Walker, Packers ($14.75MM): Likely to be declined
CB Kaiir Elam, Cowboys**** ($12.68MM)
G Tyler Smith, Cowboys ($20.99MM): Exercised
C Tyler Linderbaum, Ravens ($20.99MM)
DE Jermaine Johnson, Jets ($13.92MM): Exercised
LB Devin Lloyd, Jaguars ($14.75MM)
DT Devonte Wyatt, Packers ($12.94MM)
G Cole Strange, Patriots ($16.69MM)
DE George Karlaftis, Chiefs ($15.12MM): Exercised
DB Dax Hill, Bengals ($12.68MM): To be exercised
S Lewis Cine, Vikings: N/A

* = traded from Texans on March 11, 2025
** = traded from Commanders on August 22, 2024
*** = traded from Eagles on March 15, 2024; traded from Steelers on March 10, 2025
**** = traded from Bills to Cowboys on March 12, 2025

Falcons Acquire No. 26, Draft James Pearce

April 24th, 2025 at 10:09pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Falcons are the latest team to trade back into the first round. Atlanta has swapped picks 46 and 202, along with the team’s 2026 first-rounder, sending those to the Rams. In return, Los Angeles has sent Nos. 26 and 101 to Atlanta, per ESPN’s Field Yates.

With the newly acquired 26th pick, the Falcons have drafted Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce. The team has thus double-dipped along the edge. The team already added Georgia linebacker/pass rusher Jalon Walker earlier this evening.

The Falcons were reportedly hot for pass rushers heading into tonight, with Pearce and Marshall’s Mike Green frequently listed as potential fits. Things obviously changed when Walker unexpectedly fell all the way to No. 15, but the organization was apparently so enamored with Pearce that it swung a significant trade to add its second pass rusher tonight.

This will go toward addressing one of the NFL’s longest-standing needs, as the Falcons have been unable to generate a consistent pass rush in many years. The team also parted with its top rush presence, 10-year starter Grady Jarrett, who became a cap casualty.

Pearce is certainly deserving of the investment. The Tennessee product broke out in 2023, finishing with 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss en route to an All-SEC nod. He earned that honor again in 2024, finishing with another 7.5 sacks while establishing himself as a sure-thing first-round pick.

There have been some concerns about Pearce’s maturity heading into the draft, which probably explains why the prospect ended up landing late in the first round. The Falcons clearly believe their staff can get the most out of the prospect, and the team is likely hoping Walker may also coax some effort out of their second first-round pick. This trade comes a year after the Falcons attempted to move back into Round 1 for a pass rusher, after their shocking Michael Penix Jr. investment at No. 8, but could not swing a deal. Atlanta’s pass rush suffered, and Pearce will be expected to make significant contributions next season.

The Falcons finished with the second-lowest sack total in the NFL last year, so the team will be relying on both rookies to turn around their pass-rush fortunes. Leonard Floyd will be penciled in for one of those OLB spots, and the two rooks will temporarily compete with former second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie for the other starting spot. For what was once a weak position for the Falcons, the team has quickly turned their OLB corps into a strength.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Falcons Draft Jalon Walker At No. 15

April 24th, 2025 at 8:48pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Falcons have long been connected to targeting an edge rush addition in the first round. To no surprise, then, hybrid Georgia linebacker/pass rusher Jalon Walker is heading to Atlanta. We’ve known for a while that Atlanta was eager to make improvements all over the defense, so they’ll have their chance to decide how to utilize him in the NFL, but they did announce Walker as a “defensive end” when making their selection.

During his time with the Bulldogs, Walker spent time all over the defense. Coming into his final year of collegiate play, Walker’s time as an edge rusher outweighed his time as an off-ball linebacker, but in 2024, he played in the box more than he did the edge. He has incredible potential at both positions, but it sounds like the Falcons intend to tap into his pass rushing potential.

While lacking ideal size, Walker has good length and speed to rush on the outside, and his eye for the ball and change of direction ability make him much more useful than just a pure pass rusher in the backfield. He works well through the mesh of blocks along the line, but when in a one-on-one matchup, he can often get erased. Still, his tenacity and room for growth make for a strong potential future with the Falcons.

In Atlanta, Walker should slot in across from another former Bulldog in Leonard Floyd. The Falcons finished with the second-lowest sack total in the NFL last year, so Walker’s abilities will be very welcome among the edge rushing group. He’ll work against Arnold Ebiketie for pass rushing snaps, but even if he fails to secure a starting role there, he has the potential to be an upgrade in the linebacking corps, as well.

The Falcons have plenty of time now to see just exactly where Walker can do the most good on their defense. Atlanta should feel extremely fortunate that a likely top 10 talent fell to them at 15th overall.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Draft Notes: Jets, Panthers, Warren, Cousins

April 24th, 2025 at 6:53pm CST by Adam La Rose

Set to select seventh overall, the Jets sit in an interesting position as things stand. A number of options will be available to the new regime of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn, many of which have already been mentioned.

Another one has emerged as the countdown to the first round nears its end. SNY’s Connor Hughes reports receiver Tetairoa McMillan has specifically been named as a potential target. The Arizona product has seen his stock shift over the course of the pre-draft process, but hearing his name called early tonight remains a distinct possibility.

Glenn has been reported to be pushing a defensive addition on Day 1, but Hughes notes the selection of an offensive lineman or a skill-position player remains the focus of attention around the team. Right tackle represents a need, while selecting a receiver or tight end would add to an offense which has undergone plenty of changes this offseason. If McMillan is on the board at No. 7, it will be interesting to see how the team proceeds. A pursuit of running back Ashton Jeanty – the subject of trade-up efforts by the Bears – meanwhile, should not be expected, ESPN’s Rich Cimini adds.

Here are some other last-minute draft notes:

For now, at least, the Panthers are scheduled to select after the Jets. Trading down has long loomed as a possibility for general manager Dan Morgan, and that remains the case at this point. If Carolina stays at No. 8, The Athletic’s Joe Person reports Jalon Walker is still the “presumed pick” as things stand. That comes as no surprise given the long-running links to the Georgia linebacker/edge rusher. Otherwise, Person names Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham as an option, along with McMillan if the team is moved toward an offensive addition.
Tyler Warren is considered one of two first-round locks at the tight end spot. He is a strong candidate to be drafted in the top 10 as a result, but teams outside that range are interested as well. The Colts are among them, per Hughes. That comes as no surprise, given the constant connections made between Indianapolis and the team targeting a TE move with Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland. The Colts own pick No. 14, so a trade up the board would be required for Warren in particular.
Moves up and down the order have reportedly received consideration in the case of the Broncos. The latest update on that front comes from Person’s colleague Dianna Russini, who reports Denver is looking to trade up from No. 20. A running back or other skill-position player could be the target of such a move, depending on where in the order the team lands. Since the Broncos own the pick one spot before the Steelers (a potential QB landing spot), they will remain a team to watch closely in any event.
How things shake out at the quarterback position will be key as it pertains to Kirk Cousins. The veteran looms as an option for teams which are unable to select a rookie this weekend as he seeks a fresh start and starting opportunity. Underdog Fantasy’s James Palmer reports Cousins could waive his no-trade clause as early as tomorrow based on the QB landscape at that point. Day 2 looms as a time when many teams could add signal-callers, however, and Palmer adds a more likely scenario would be for the one-year Falcons passer to wait until after the first three rounds take place to decide on how he wants to proceed. Cousins, 36, wants to avoid a repeat of how Atlanta operated last offseason but by the end of the draft there could of course be few (if any) suitors left in need of a short-term addition under center.

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