The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as defensive previews from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
While offenses dominate NFL discussion, the other side of the ball plays a large role.
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Atlanta Falcons and preview how it might perform this season.
2025 Atlanta Falcons Defense
The Falcons only allowed 6 rushing touchdowns to running backs in 2024 (3rd), but they did allow 4.4 yards per carry to the position (20th) and 1.37 yards before contact per RB carry (18th).
A second-round pick last year, Ruke Orhorhoro opened his rookie season as a healthy scratch and then missed more time with an injury. He ended up playing just 148 snaps.
A fourth-round pick last year, Brandon Dorlus played in just two games as a rookie, logging 19 total snaps on defense.
Atlanta has gotten more out of 2023 third-round pick Zach Harrison, who was third on the team in run stuffs last season despite playing just 265 snaps overall, but they need a lot more from their recent draft picks with Grady Jarrett no longer on the team.
The Falcons were awful at getting after the quarterback last season, finishing 30th in pressure rate (28.5%) and 31st in sacks (31), so it is not surprising they added two pass rushers in the first round: Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.
The other big addition this offseason was Leonard Floyd, who is joining his fourth team in as many years.
Unlike many veterans who go on similar tours of service, though, Floyd has been good.
They also have Arnold Ebiketie, whose per-rush numbers have been solid the last two seasons on limited chances.
A third-round pick last year, Bralen Trice missed all of his rookie season because of a torn ACL he suffered in the preseason.
Kaden Elliss has opened his Falcons career with back to back solid seasons at linebacker.
Nate Landman is gone after playing the most snaps next to Elliss last season, and 2022 second-round pick Troy Andersen has played nine games over the last two years.
The Falcons added Divine Deablo on a two-year deal in free agency, and he should be the favorite to open the season next to Elliss.
The Falcons only allowed 6.9 yards per pass attempt last season (10th), but they allowed 34 passing touchdowns (31st) and a 5.9% touchdown rate (31st).
A.J. Terrell has been solid enough the last two seasons, but he has not been at the same level he was back in 2021 when he allowed just 4.8 yards per target and a 61 quarterback rating in his coverage.
Mike Hughes primarily played outside last season after working more from the slot on limited snaps during his first season with the Falcons.
Dee Alford had a rough 2024 after a breakout 2023, continuing the trend of a 2024 decline in this corner group.
Atlanta changed defensive coordinators this offseason, hiring former Jets DC Jeff Ulbrich, and it is likely the struggles in the secondary had something to do with that move.
Jessie Bates is back and remains one of the best safeties in the league.
Justin Simmons was the primary starter opposite Bates last season, but Jordan Fuller was brought in during free agency to take over that job.
He could compete with third-round rookie Xavier Watts or fourth-round rookie Billy Bowman for snaps.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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Warren Sharp's book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal: to prepare you for the 2025 NFL season with the smartest information delivered in the fastest, most direct way possible for optimal reviewing and retention.
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