The Atlanta Falcons’ biggest shortcoming in the 2024 season was the absence of their edge rushers, which put them at a disadvantage. Now, their top priority heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is addressing that weakness in the first round—a move that would be a smart decision.
However, this strategy depends on how the rest of the draft unfolds, which is unpredictable.
Falcons Projected to Select Kenneth Grant in NFL Draft
Several factors can lead to a player not being selected or even replaced, one of the biggest being salary cap issues—a challenge the Falcons are also facing. As a result, the Falcons had to part ways with several key defensive linemen this offseason, including veteran standout Grady Jarrett.
In a mock draft released March 3, Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News predicted that the Falcons might look to find Jarrett’s replacement in the first round.
He projected that Atlanta will select Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant with the 15th overall pick.
“The Falcons hit on two-time Pro Bowler Grady Jarrett as a fifth-rounder 10 years ago, but they need a new disruptive inside anchor with Jarrett about to turn 32 shortly after the draft,” Iyer wrote. “Grant couldn’t do workouts like he wanted because of his hamstring strain, but he measured well and should crush with freakish athleticism during Michigan’s March 21 pro day.”
Grant, who stands 6’4″ and weighs 331 pounds, is considered one of the top three defensive tackles in the draft and is projected to be selected in the middle of the first round.
He has recorded 6.5 sacks in 41 career games, all of which came during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
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Despite their financial challenges, the Falcons are expected to release David Onyemata to free up cap space. However, even if they keep Jarrett, it may not be the solution they need, as he has struggled with form recently and will turn 32 next month.
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