"Walker and Pearce Jr. are expected to inject life into a pass rush that's been historically nonexistent. Watts and Bowman are already penciled in as starters in a secondary that features Second-Team All-Pros Jessie Bates and A.J. Terrell. And Nelson, despite an uneven preseason, will almost certainly be called upon to contribute in some fashion until Storm Norton returns from injury."
"For a refresher, Atlanta's five draft picks were: Georgia LB/EDGE Jalon Walker (Round 1, Pick 15) Tennessee EDGE James Pearce, Jr. (Round 1, Pick 26 via trade w/ LAR) Notre Dame S Xavier Watts (Round 3, Pick 96) Oklahoma S Billy Bowman (Round 4, Pick 118) Wisconsin OT Jack Nelson (Round 7, Pick 218) Here's the thing, though, if not for brutal injury luck on the right side of the offensive line, Atlanta probably wouldn't be on this list."
Only eight NFL teams had every 2025 draft pick survive roster cuts and make the initial 53-man roster; Atlanta was one of them with five rookies. The five picks are Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Xavier Watts, Billy Bowman, and Jack Nelson. Brutal injury luck on the right side of the offensive line increased rookie reliance. The defense has ranked 23rd or worse in points allowed five of the last seven seasons. Walker and Pearce are expected to bolster the pass rush, Watts and Bowman are slated as starters, and Nelson will fill in until Storm Norton returns. General Manager Terry Fontenot has been inconsistent since 2021 and is relying on this rookie class to perform immediately for a chance at .500 and the playoffs.
Read at The Falcoholic
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