The Atlanta Falcons entered the offseason with a ton of holes and not enough resources to fill those holes. With an aging roster, no financial flexibility, and few draft assets, the Falcons didn't have too many ways to significantly improve the team that went 8-9 last season.
The 2025 NFL Draft is looming, and it likely provides the last chance for the Falcons to add true difference-makers before the 2025 season. Unfortunately, Atlanta only has five draft picks and only two in the first three rounds. This makes GM Terry Fontenot's job more difficult as the fanbase desperately wants to end the team's postseason drought.
While addressing the immediate needs like EDGE, cornerback, and safety will be the top priority, the Falcons also need to think about finding long-term replacements for their aging veterans.
Falcons Must Consider Finding a Replacement for David Onyemata in the NFL Draft
One of those veterans is starting defensive tackle David Onyemata.
Onyemata entered the offseason as a potential cap casualty as he still has one more year left on the three-year, $35 million deal he signed in 2023. The team surprisingly parted ways with fan favorite Grady Jarrett instead. This means that Onyemata, in his age-33 season, will continue to have a large role for the Falcons' defense.
The former fourth-round pick was a solid performer in his ninth season in the league, playing in every game, recording three sacks, eight tackles for loss, and five QB hits, and receiving a 66.2 grade on PFF.
However, this was still a notable decline from his performance from a season ago, resulting in a serious drop in his defensive snap count from 63% to 51%.
The Falcons should seriously consider finding a suitable, long-term replacement for Onyemata. He can be a backup in his rookie season, learn from the veteran, and take his place for the 2026 season when Onyemata's contract in Atlanta is up.
Atlanta had pre-draft visits with defensive tackle prospects TJ Sanders of South Carolina and Omarr Norman-Loft of Tennessee. This suggests that the Falcons are at least considering selecting a defensive tackle. If and when they actually go that route in the draft remains to be seen.