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 draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.

With 2025 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2025 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.

Let's look at the Atlanta Falcons, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.

Who are the Atlanta Falcons rookies?

  • Jalon Walker (EDGE, Georgia)
  • James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)
  • Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
  • Billy Bowman Jr. (S, Oklahoma)
  • Jack Nelson (OT, Wisconsin)

Atlanta Falcons Draft Class Grade:

The Atlanta Falcons received a B+ draft grade from Sharp Football.

Which Falcons Rookies Will Make An Impact?

Atlanta revamped its pass-rush unit with the selections of Jalon Walker (first round) and James Pearce Jr. (first round). 

Walker should be a fun defensive weapon for coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to move around.

Last year in New York, Ulbrich used three and four-man fronts at close to a 50/50 split, leaning on three-man fronts on passing downs and four-man fronts when he’s anticipating the run. 

Walker played a mix of edge-rusher and off-ball linebacker at Georgia, but never lined up with his hand on the ground. Since Ulbrich already leans on three-man fronts against the pass, this should be an easy transition for Walker, who can stick at his linebacker role on early downs while playing an edge position in a 3-4 alignment against the pass. 

Last year at Georgia, 50% of Walker’s pass-rush snaps came on non-blitzes, on which he generated a 20% pressure rate. So while he did play a unique role at Georgia, there’s plenty of evidence he can contribute as a traditional edge-rusher on passing downs. 

Pearce is more of a traditional edge-rusher, though he too saw most of his action from a two-point stance.

The transition to the NFL might be more difficult for Pearce, however, as he relied heavily on his raw athletic traits in college, and Tennessee’s top competition was able to neutralize him. 

Against opponents ranked in the top 50 of pressure rate allowed, Pearce only generated a 7% pressure rate 一 while feasting on the lesser offensive lines with a 23% rate against everyone else. 

Pearce’s lack of proven production is also concerning due to the perception of maturity and work ethic issues. If he isn’t committed to mastering his craft, this is a selection that is unlikely to pan out for Atlanta. 

Despite those concerns, Pearce likely factors into Atlanta’s game plan immediately. He’ll compete with Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie for snaps, but all three likely participate in the rotation. 

Xavier Watts (third round) will compete with Jordan Fuller for the starting free safety job and is likely the favorite to win. 

Watts thrived as the free-safety in Notre Dame’s single-high-heavy defensive scheme last year due to his range and anticipation skills. 

Last year with the Jets, Ulbrich used single-high coverage 64% of the time, so Watts should immediately be comfortable in that role in Atlanta’s deep secondary. 

Billy Bowman Jr. (fourth round) will probably see action on special teams while serving as a versatile backup in the secondary. 

Although he’s undersized, Bowman has played in both safety roles with plenty of experience in the slot. 

Dee Alford was re-signed to a one-year contract to play the nickel corner role this year, but if Bowman’s rookie year goes well, he would be a strong candidate to take over that spot in 2025. 

Jack Nelson (seventh round) was a five-star recruit who never fully met expectations at Wisconsin, despite starting at left tackle for three seasons. 

Obviously the talent is there for Nelson to develop, but he’s far too sloppy in his play to see the field as a rookie, as evidenced by 20 penalties over his final two seasons in Madison. 

When Wisconsin quarterbacks took a traditional dropback, Nelson’s 5.2% blown block rate ranked 12th out of 18 qualified left tackles in the Big Ten. 

This small draft class was a significant risk for the Falcons, who are trying to retool the roster while also remaining competitive in the NFC South. 

Terry Fontenot is betting heavily on Walker and Pearce to revive the Falcons' pass rush. If it works and the defense takes a significant step forward, the Falcons might emerge as favorites in the division. 

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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