Atlanta Falcons first-round draft picks Jalon Walker, left and James Pearce Jr., right, hold up their jerseys during a news conference, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
By 680 The Fan Staff
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 NFL Draft class received a wide range of grades from national analysts, highlighting both optimism and skepticism about Atlanta’s aggressive approach to rebuilding its defense.
Pro Football Focus gave the Falcons their highest grade, awarding an A- and praising the team for adding impact defenders. “Atlanta immediately improved one of the worst pass-rushing defensive lines in the NFL,” PFF staff wrote.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com handed the Falcons a B-, noting that while the team took a risk trading up for James Pearce Jr., it was partially offset by gaining a 2025 third-rounder. Reuter added that Billy Bowman Jr. “could play nickel in 2025 if asked.”
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports also graded Atlanta a B-, calling Xavier Watts “about as high floor as a deep safety prospect can get.”
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN was more critical, giving the Falcons a C and questioning the cost of trading a future first-round pick. “The real hit — the key reason I have Atlanta this C — was trading away the 2026 first-rounder,” Kiper wrote.
Charles McDonald of Yahoo! Sports issued the lowest grade, a C-, writing that while Jalon Walker and Pearce were needed additions, “giving up a future first-round pick for Pearce was asinine.”
The Falcons’ draft class included Georgia EDGE Jalon Walker (No. 15), Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr. (No. 26), Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts (No. 96), Oklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (No. 118) and Wisconsin offensive tackle Jack Nelson (No. 218).
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