The Atlanta Falcons have historically ignored both defenders and Georgia Bulldogs in the first round of the NFL Draft. Will that change in 2025?
The Atlanta Falcons are staying local with their first-round pick in SI’s 2025 NFL mock draft, crafted by Daniel Flick of FalconsSI.
Flick highlights Mykel Williams, a standout edge defender from the Georgia Bulldogs, as a fitting selection for Atlanta’s anticipated 14th overall draft pick next April.
“While it’s possible that Williams could be selected higher than No. 14, he would be an ideal choice for the Falcons,” Flick mentioned on SI.com. “At 6’5″ and 265 pounds, Williams’s length and positional versatility would provide Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake with ample opportunities to innovate with pressure schemes. With both starting outside linebackers—Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter—set to become unrestricted free agents after this season, Williams could quickly step into a key role.”
Is this a smart move for head coach Raheem Morris and the Falcons?
Let’s take a closer look at what Williams has to offer.
The 6’5″, 265-pound Williams is from Columbus, Ga., and attended Hardaway High School. He was rated as the No. 2 player in the nation regardless of position by On3 and No. 7 by 247 Sports.
In his freshman year at the University of Georgia, he made a significant impact, earning First Team Freshman All-America honors from The Athletic. In his sophomore season, he ranked second on the team with 4.5 sacks.
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Additionally, he received All-SEC Second Team recognition.
This season, he has transitioned to a full-time role as an edge defender/outside linebacker, after spending his first two years at Georgia shifting between edge and other linebacker positions.
At only 20 years old, he has tremendous potential, and with the Falcons struggling in the pass rush department throughout 2024, this pick could be a major success.
With edge defenders Matt Judon and Lorenzo Carter poised to become unrestricted free agents this offseason, there is a pressing need for reinforcements in that area.
It’s important to mention that Atlanta has not drafted a player from the University of Georgia higher than the third round since the franchise’s inception in 1966.
The highest-selected Bulldog is linebacker Akeem Dent, who was picked in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
The idea of the Falcons selecting an edge rusher from the Georgia Bulldogs in the first round may seem unlikely, but Williams makes a compelling argument to break this pattern in next year’s draft.
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