The Atlanta Falcons were in contention for the NFC South most of the season, but things fell apart near the end. The Falcons benched quarterback Kirk Cousins, and they missed the playoffs after a Week 18 loss.
Atlanta believes it can still compete sooner rather than later. The Falcons added depth in free agency to give themselves a better shot, but they’ll need to add more top-end talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. And PFSN’s most recent mock draft gives them that kind of talent.
15) Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
This Falcons mock draft starts off strong, with Atlanta taking standout Michigan cornerback Will Johnson at No. 15 overall.
“In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Johnson is the best remaining prospect at a position of need for the Falcons. His injury-impacted 2024 campaign has soured his stock a bit, but he’s still a top-flight coverage defender with vision, coverage malleability, and ball skills,” PFSN contributor Ian Cummings wrote.
Atlanta is bringing back its top two corners — A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes — from last season. Yet, there’s still room to add depth, especially with Dee Alford still unsigned. Johnson has big-time potential and, if he develops well, could form a strong duo with Terrell for years to come.
46) Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
This Falcons mock continues with more help in the secondary in Round 2, where Atlanta picks South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori, a three-year starter for the Gamecocks.
“Nick Emmanwori needs to improve his run support diagnosis, but he’s a tantalizing complement to Jessie Bates III with his coverage mobility and closing burst at his size,” Cummings wrote.
Emmanwori sees the field well in short-zone coverage, but his recognition skills can be inconsistent. He plays with size, speed, and physicality that should translate to the NFL. At the very least, he projects as a capable starter.
118) Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
Atlanta stays on defense with its third pick, selecting Maryland defensive tackle Jordan Phillips at No. 118 overall.
There’s a lot to like about Phillips. He wins 1-on-1 matchups, finishes tackles well, and uses strong hands to shed blocks. However, his snap timing can be inconsistent, which limits his impact at times.
The Falcons finished 31st in sacks last season, which is a long-running issue for the franchise. Adding more depth to the defensive line should be a priority the rest of the offseason.
218) Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse
Here’s where this Falcons mock gets interesting.
Atlanta takes a flier on Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord, who had success after transferring from Ohio State for the 2024 season. McCord shows good anticipation and has a solid arm, but he struggles in tight windows and sometimes misses targets in stride.
Some NFL teams believe in drafting a quarterback every year. It’s the most important position in football, after all. And if McCord drops to the seventh round, there’s little risk in taking a chance to see if he can develop, even if he ends up being a backup or trade piece down the line.
242) Johnny Walker Jr., EDGE, Missouri
This Falcons mock ends with another pass-rushing prospect, as Atlanta uses a late pick on Johnny Walker Jr., a two-year starter at Missouri.
Walker never flashed elite traits in college, but he improved steadily and built a solid base as a pass rusher. He may not play a big role in Atlanta’s rotation right away, but he’s a developmental player who could grow into a useful depth piece.
