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Falcons trade down, fill needs in latest 7-round NFL mock draft
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- Falcons trade down, fill needs in latest 7-round NFL mock draft
The 2025 NFL draft is less than a month away and those around the league are making final tweaks to their big boards. The Atlanta Falcons have been busy attending pro days, making appearances at Ohio State , Marshall and Louisville over the last week. The team has plenty of needs on the defensive side of the ball and one glaring hole at center.
In our latest seven-round mock draft, the Falcons trade back in Round 1 and add an additional third-round pick before filling multiple needs. Check out the full mock below.
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Round 1, pick 19: OLB James Pearce Jr. - Tennessee (Trade)
After trading back four spots with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and picking up an additional third-round pick, the Falcons take edge rusher James Pearce. The Tennessee standout could immediately contribute as a speed rusher while developing his all-around game as he adds more size and strength. Last season, Pearce had eight sacks and 43 hurries for the Volunteers.
Round 2, pick 46: CB Maxwell Hairston - Kentucky
Sep 21, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston (1) runs onto the field before the game against the Ohio Bobcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
The Falcons re-signed veteran Mike Hughes , who should continue to start on the outside in 2025, but adding Hairston here at pick No. 46 is solid value. The Kentucky defensive back missed some time with injury in 2024, but he has all the physical tools and the right amount of aggressiveness to develop into a quality starter at the NFL level. Hairston could eventually take over as the No. 2 cornerback.
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Round 3, pick 84: C Jared Wilson - Georgia
With the third-round pick acquired in the trade with Tampa Bay , Atlanta takes Georgia center Jared Wilson . Drew Dalman left for the Chicago Bears in free agency and Wilson fits the same type athletic profile that the Falcons have targeted along their offensive line under GM Terry Fontenot.
Round 4, pick 118: EDGE Ashton Gillotte - Louisville
Atlanta got a first-hand look at Gillotte during Louisville's pro day, and I think he makes sense here in Round 4. Even after taking James Pearce in Round 1, the Falcons lack depth along the edge and Gillotte's a perfect developmental prospect. In 2024, Gillotte finished with a pass-rushing grade of 89.9 from Pro Football Focus. The Cardinals standout finished with over 40 hurries each of the last two seasons.
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Round 7, pick 218: S Dean Clark - Fresno State
Sep 4, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Kent State Golden Flashes safety Dean Clark (3) tackles Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Ainias Smith (0) during the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons signed veteran Jordan Fuller to take over next to Jessie Bates , but the team still lacks depth after losing Richie Grant in free agency. Clark could contribute right away on special teams and be eased into a backup strong safety role.
Round 7, pick 242: DL Ty Robinson, Nebraska
Oct 5, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive lineman Ty Robinson (9) celebrates after a sack against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Robinson is a 6-foot-6, 310-pound defensive tackle who improved quite a bit in 2024. He finished the season with 25 hurries and six sacks. The Falcons don't have a true nose tackle on the roster and Robinson is nice developmental option who could contribute in a rotational role.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons 2025 NFL mock draft: Atlanta trades down in Round 1
