Atlanta Falcons’ Current Roster & Strategy

Before we explore the Georgia Bulldogs further, it’s important to review where the Atlanta Falcons stand heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The Falcons have made significant strides in the past few years under head coach Arthur Smith, but they are still in the process of building a competitive team that can contend for the NFC South title. As of now, their offensive and defensive lines, as well as the secondary, are key areas where improvement is needed.

The Falcons’ 2024 season showed progress, but inconsistencies in key positions held them back from making a playoff push. The offensive line, while solid in run blocking, still has issues with pass protection. The defensive line has been similarly effective against the run, but has struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, a vital factor for any NFL defense in today’s game.

Addressing Pass Rush and Linebacker Depth

The NFL is increasingly driven by quarterbacks who can create plays out of the pocket. To slow down these high-powered offenses, it’s critical for a defense to generate pressure with their front seven—especially edge rushers and linebackers who can disrupt timing and force hurried decisions. The Falcons’ defensive scheme requires an aggressive, fast-moving linebacker corps and defensive line to contain mobile quarterbacks and chase down ball carriers.

As a result, players like Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams become all the more appealing for the Falcons. Walker’s ability to line up at both linebacker and edge rusher makes him a versatile asset who can create mismatches on defense. His skill set as a pass rusher complements his solid ability to cover the field, making him a player who could help the Falcons both in pass coverage and getting after the quarterback.

On the other hand, Mykel Williams is a classic edge rusher, a player built to disrupt passing games, often by getting quick penetration off the line. His size, combined with his agility and ability to bend the edge, makes him a player that could immediately step into a starting role for the Falcons. If Williams is available at their pick in the draft, he could be a strong selection to address their pass rush concerns.

Mykel Williams’ Path to the NFL

Mykel Williams is particularly intriguing as he already possesses the type of physical attributes the NFL covets in an edge rusher. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 280 pounds, Williams has the strength to battle in the trenches while also showcasing the quickness and fluidity to get around blockers. During his time at Georgia, Williams made a major impact on the Bulldogs’ defense with his ability to generate sacks and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His 2024 season, in which he registered 9 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, is a testament to his ability to disrupt offenses at the highest level.

For the Falcons, a player like Williams would give them the edge presence they’ve lacked. With him alongside a healthy Grady Jarrett on the defensive line, the Falcons would have the ability to collapse pockets and make it harder for opposing quarterbacks to execute their game plans.

Jalon Walker’s Role as a Versatile Defender

Jalon Walker’s blend of athleticism and versatility is what truly sets him apart as a draft prospect. At Georgia, Walker played in multiple defensive schemes and roles, contributing both as a linebacker and as an edge rusher. His performances on special teams further demonstrate his high motor and ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. With the Falcons’ need for flexibility in their linebacker corps and pass-rush capabilities, Walker’s all-around skills make him a great fit for Arthur Smith’s system.

While Walker doesn’t have the same size as Mykel Williams, his ability to play in space and cover passing routes gives him a distinct advantage. Linebackers who can rush the passer are invaluable, especially in today’s NFL, where teams utilize more spread offenses and attempt to get their quarterbacks in rhythm. Walker’s presence could allow the Falcons to utilize creative blitz packages, much like other successful NFL defenses have done in recent years.

If Walker can refine his pass-rushing techniques and further improve his ability to track and cover running backs or tight ends in the open field, he would become a high-impact player for the Falcons immediately. In many ways, Walker represents the modern linebacker: fast, fluid, and capable of fulfilling multiple roles in both run defense and pass coverage.

Georgia Bulldogs’ Offensive Line Prospects

While the defensive side of the ball is clearly the Falcons’ most immediate concern, their offense could use some reinforcements as well—particularly along the offensive line. As stated earlier, the Falcons’ offensive line is decent in the running game but has been inconsistent when it comes to protecting the quarterback. This is a critical area of need given that the Falcons are heavily invested in quarterback Desmond Ridder’s development.

Dylan Fairchild and Tate Ratledge, both of whom hail from Georgia, are two players who could contribute to solidifying the Falcons’ offensive line. While both are guards, their size and technique make them effective in both the run game and pass protection. Fairchild, in particular, is known for his strength at the point of attack, and Ratledge has demonstrated good footwork and mobility. These traits are crucial for any guard, especially one tasked with protecting the pocket and opening up lanes for the running game.

A strong offensive line is crucial for the Falcons’ overall strategy, especially since they have an electric running back in Bijan Robinson and a quarterback who is still developing. The ability to control the line of scrimmage and keep Ridder protected is one of the quickest ways to help the offense stay on track and compete with other NFC teams.

The Importance of NFL Draft Fit: Georgia Bulldogs and the Falcons

In considering potential picks for the Falcons, the fit between a player’s skill set and the team’s needs cannot be overstated. Selecting players who can make an immediate impact is essential for a team that is still in the process of rebuilding its defense. Georgia Bulldogs’ prospects such as Walker, Williams, Fairchild, and Ratledge all offer different strengths that align with the Falcons’ current priorities.

The Falcons are building a defensive unit that can consistently pressure quarterbacks, stop the run, and defend against dynamic passing games. Walker and Williams, with their physicality and ability to create disruption, offer the Falcons two very different but complementary skill sets. Walker could offer flexibility and coverage abilities from the linebacker position, while Williams could serve as the team’s primary edge rusher.

On the offensive side, a player like Fairchild or Ratledge would provide the Falcons with a solid foundation up front to protect Ridder and create space for Robinson to run. The team could look to bolster its line even further, and selecting one of these Georgia Bulldogs would be a step in the right direction.

Will the Atlanta Falcons Select a Georgia Bulldog in the NFL Draft?

Given the Falcons’ need for defensive reinforcements, particularly in the pass rush, and their potential interest in strengthening their offensive line, the selection of a Georgia Bulldog in the 2025 NFL Draft seems highly plausible. Mykel Williams, with his explosiveness off the edge, or Jalon Walker, with his dual-threat potential as a linebacker and pass rusher, would both be excellent choices for the Falcons.

The Bulldogs’ offensive line prospects, including Dylan Fairchild and Tate Ratledge, could also be enticing picks to fortify the Falcons’ offensive line. The synergy between the Falcons’ draft needs and the skill sets of these players creates a perfect storm for one or more Georgia Bulldogs to be selected in this year’s draft.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on the Falcons’ draft positioning and how the draft unfolds. However, with Georgia’s proven track record of producing elite NFL talent and the Falcons’ strategic needs, a Georgia Bulldog is certainly likely to become a part of the team’s future as they continue to build a competitive roster. The 2025 NFL Draft could very well be the year the Falcons add a Bulldog to their pack.