Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft was released on Wednesday, predicting all 32 picks in the first round, including the Atlanta Falcons’ No. 15 selection.
For Falcons fans, there’s hope that this will finally be the year they address their pass-rush problem by drafting a first-round edge rusher.
That hasn’t been the case since the 2017 draft when they selected UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley at No. 26 overall. That pick still haunts Atlanta fans, as McKinley made just 21 starts during his four-year career with the team.
Last year, under head coach Raheem Morris, the Falcons once again bypassed a talented pass rusher, opting instead for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their No. 8 overall pick. They later added to the defensive front with players like Ruke Orhorhoro, Bralen Trice, Brandon Dorlus, and JD Bertrand, but injuries plagued the group.
The Falcons ended up as one of the worst teams in the league at pressuring the quarterback, which makes Kiper’s projected pick of Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart an intriguing option.
Expect to hear this name a lot more as we get into predraft events. Stewart still has some development ahead, but his athletic traits at 6-6, 290 pounds could push him up the board this spring. Atlanta was 31st in sacks (31) and 27th in pass rush win rate (34.1%) this season, and it hasn’t done nearly enough to clean up that weakness. The Matthew Judon trade in August was a step in the right direction, but he added just 5.5 sacks this season and is a free agent.
Stewart didn’t rack up sacks in college—1.5 in 2024—but he has the potential to break out in a big way in the pros.
– Kiper
Kiper ranks Stewart as his No. 21 Big Board overall top prospect and the No. 3 edge rusher in this draft. He may not be the top choice for Falcons fans, but with limited options ahead of them, a trade to move up could be necessary if they hope to secure one of the higher-ranked edge rushers.