Welcome to the low season for the 2025 Atlanta Falcons, women and gents. No one has a real bead on what the Falcons are going to do with the fifteenth decide in April’s draft, however there’s been a consensus that it needs to be on the defensive facet of the ball.
Don’t inform that to Sharp Soccer’s Ryan McCrystal, although. In McCrystal’s first mock draft of the 2025 offseason, the analyst had the Falcons choose dynamic large receiver from the College of Missouri, Luther Burden III.
Atlanta has already invested closely within the offensive ability positions, however the group has by no means been the sum of its components. Including one other weapon who can stretch the sector would assist Michael Penix‘s growth. Atlanta would possibly want Luther Burden III to Tetairoa McMillan, as McMillan’s skillset might be thought of an excessive amount of of an overlap with Drake London. Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka is an choice as effectively.
Now, on a really floor degree, there are causes that somebody may see a large receiver taken for the Falcons in some unspecified time in the future on this draft. Atlanta has a brand new quarterback to construct round and, as proven by the Philadelphia Eagles’ current Tremendous Bowl run, surrounding that quarterback with as a lot firepower as potential results in spectacular outcomes.
There’s just one downside with that considering: The Falcons protection was putrid final season.
The 2025 draft is affected by potential difference-makers on the defensive facet of the ball, the truth is, even on this mock draft, the very subsequent decide for the Arizona Cardinals was Georgia EDGE rusher Mykel Williams.
Even when discussing the “Key Stats & Notes” heading into the draft for Atlanta, McCrystal outlined some really regarding defensive struggles that Burden merely wouldn’t assist repair, regardless of his superb capability with the ball in his fingers.
Darnell Mooney accounted for 39% of the group’s receptions of 20 or extra yards, the fifth-highest fee within the NFL.
Compelled opponents into third and lengthy (seven or extra yards) on 19.5% of units of downs, ranked twenty seventh.
Generated strain in 2.5 seconds or much less on 18.5% of opponent dropbacks, ranked twenty ninth.
Transformed 18.7% of pressures into sacks, ranked twenty eighth.
Allowed 51.4% completion fee on throws 10 or extra yards downfield, ranked twenty seventh.
A.J. Terrell allowed a 56.5% completion fee when focused 10 or extra yards downfield, the fifth-highest fee amongst certified outdoors cornerbacks.
It is a weird decide that will border on malpractice for Normal Supervisor Terry Fontenot, one which loads of Falcons followers joke about however don’t severely anticipate. To forgo the protection on this draft, regardless of the clear want for a cornerback reverse A.J. Terrell, regardless of the necessity for athleticism on the second degree. regardless of the years of followers craving for a constant pass-rusher.
It will be a slap within the face to Falcons followers who’re hoping, praying, that possibly sooner or later they will subject a group that may dominate on each side of the soccer, to place it mildly.
