Atlanta Falcons Target ‘Next Micah Parsons’ in ESPN 7-Round Mock Draft
In a bold move to strengthen their defense, the Atlanta Falcons focus heavily on defensive players in the first three rounds of ESPN’s latest seven-round NFL mock draft. With the NFL Draft just weeks away, beginning on Thursday, April 24th, many anticipate the Falcons will prioritize defense, following a trend of investing in the offensive side of the ball during general manager Terry Fontenot’s tenure.
The Falcons have needs across all defensive positions, with a particularly glaring hole in their pass rush, which has been underperforming for years. The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with promising pass rushers, and ESPN’s Matt Miller goes all in with his comprehensive mock draft. Rather than sticking to just the first round, Miller takes a bold approach by outlining all seven rounds, with the Falcons addressing their pass rush at No. 15 in a unique way.
Miller has Atlanta selecting Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell at No. 15. This choice is intriguing, given that the only edge rusher already taken when the Falcons pick is Penn State’s Abdul Carter, who goes to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2. While the Falcons addressed their linebacker corps by signing Divine Deablo in free agency, Miller argues that it’s not Campbell’s inside linebacker skills that make him special. Rather, it’s his potential to transition into an edge rusher, much like Micah Parsons did in the NFL.
“Campbell is a versatile player whose position remains up for debate among scouts. He’s a top-tier linebacker with untapped pass-rush potential (five sacks in 2024) that could define his career,” Miller writes. “Every team is looking for the next Micah Parsons, and Campbell has the potential to fill that role as a 3-4 outside linebacker.”
Miller compares Campbell to Parsons, noting that one of the reasons Parsons dropped to the Cowboys at No. 12 in 2021 was that he was viewed more as an inside linebacker with elite traits. Dallas then shifted him to edge rusher, and the rest is history. If the draft were redone, Parsons might go No. 1 overall.
Mock drafts spark curiosity about which players will be available when it’s time for a team to pick. In this mock, Miller has the Falcons passing on edge rushers like Mike Green (No. 16 to the Cardinals), Shemar Stewart (No. 29 to the Commanders), and Mykel Williams (No. 31 to the Chiefs), along with safeties like Nick Emmanwori (No. 17 to the Bengals) and Malaki Starks (No. 19). The Falcons had scouts at Green’s pro day, where he impressed, giving Fontenot a difficult decision to make at No. 15.
Fontenot has previously mentioned a desire to trade back and gain more picks. With so many appealing players available, a trade might be a good option if the right deal comes along.
If the Falcons can find their version of Parsons in Campbell at No. 15, it would go a long way toward fixing the pass rush, which has lacked consistency since John Abraham’s departure in 2012.
The Falcons also need help at defensive tackle and in the secondary, and Miller addresses these needs as well. At No. 46, he has them selecting Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins, a 6-foot-6, 332-pound force who can contribute immediately with his quickness and pass-rush upside.
Miller also suggests that the Falcons might use all of their picks on defensive players. Collins, who broke out in 2024 after waiting behind teammates Byron Murphy II and T’Vondre Sweat, is a versatile option who can play across the defensive front. He’s strong against the run and could even start in his rookie season.
Despite having Grady Jarrett, the Falcons’ defensive line still lacks size and physicality. While there’s optimism around second-year player Ruke Orhorhoro, a more pressure-focused player, Collins would bring much-needed bulk to the defensive front.
Miller also predicts the Falcons will take Texas edge rusher Barryn Sorrell in the fourth round, a player who posted 44 tackles and six sacks last season.
In the seventh round, with two picks, Miller has the Falcons adding depth to their offensive line, selecting Kentucky center Eli Cox at No. 218 and Clemson guard Marcus Tate at No. 242.
It’s difficult to criticize seventh-round picks, as making the roster is far from guaranteed. Still, players like safety Dan Jackson (No. 225) from Georgia and linebacker Shemar James (No. 228) from Florida could be available when the Falcons’ turn comes.
Miller’s seven-round mock draft gives the Falcons three potential contributors in their front seven. While there’s no immediate help for the secondary, which still has needs at cornerback and safety, the Falcons addressed key areas in the early rounds, notably with the potential to strike gold in Campbell.
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