For the second straight season, the Falcons did some unusual things at the top of their draft. Of course, we all know about the decision to take Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. Then this time around, they made the choice to trade back up into the first round after taking Georgia’s Jalon Walker with the 15th overall pick to also add Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. with the 26th pick. The two edge-rushers came at premium prices — the Pearce trade cost Atlanta their 2025 second- and seventh-round picks, and their first-rounder in 2026.
Atlanta Falcons Hidden Gems: 3 secret superstars on the 2025 roster
