Falcons Expected to Choose Ideal Edge Rusher, Though He Might Need Development Time
Ben Rolfe of Pro Football Sports Network forecasted that the Atlanta Falcons would select a promising edge rusher, though one who may require time to develop before contributing immediately. While it’s still uncertain whether the Falcons will prioritize an edge rusher in this year’s draft, assuming they do, they will face another challenging decision.
Should they focus on an edge rusher with the potential for a significant long-term impact but who might not be ready to play right away?
In his latest NFL mock draft from March 22, Rolfe predicted the Falcons would lean toward the latter, selecting Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams.
“Mykel Williams possesses the ideal size and length to seamlessly fit into a 4-3 defensive end role. His explosiveness off the line is impressive, and he can win as a pass rusher in various ways. This skill set is exactly what the Falcons need to address their biggest need,” wrote Rolfe.
“While the Falcons added Leonard Floyd to an underperforming pass rush last season, they still lack a complete group. The main concern is that they need a Day 1 contributor, and Williams may require some time to develop in the NFL.”
Williams is among several edge rushers predicted to be drafted by the Falcons this offseason. In Rolfe’s mock draft, the Falcons had their choice of all but one, with Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart being selected by the San Francisco 49ers at No. 11.
Instead of Williams’ college teammate Jalon Walker, Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., or Marshall’s Mike Green, Rolfe had Williams going to the Falcons.
Many draft analysts have praised Williams for his size and length, but opinions vary on whether he should be a top-15 pick. ESPN ranks him No. 13 in the 2025 draft class, while NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah places him at No. 20, and Bleacher Report has him at No. 28 overall.
“The Bulldog’s physical traits make him a strong bet for a team that uses a lot of even fronts and needs a hand-in-the-ground defensive end,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder. “However, it may take a year or two before he can become a reliable, every-down player.”
It’s worth noting that the Falcons might not believe Williams needs as much development as some analysts suggest. Not every expert has emphasized the need for his growth.
However, if Rolfe and Holder’s assessment is accurate and Williams does require time to develop, it raises the question of whether he’s a realistic option for a team whose general manager and head coach could be on the hot seat without a playoff appearance in 2025.
Despite this, the Falcons’ official website seems to view Williams as a feasible draft choice. In her first mock draft of the offseason, Tori McElhaney of Atlantafalcons.com predicted the Falcons would select him at No. 15 overall.
In his 40 games at Georgia, Williams recorded 14 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 67 combined tackles, four pass defenses, and three forced fumbles.
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