Despite only winding up with five total selections, the Atlanta Falcons had an eventful 2025 NFL Draft. They rebuilt the defensive line with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. and spent their next two picks on safeties, fully committing their resources to that side of the ball.
With a strong foundation on offense already set, it was wise for the Falcons' brass to try to rebuild the defense with potential young stars.
That said, Atlanta's final selection was spent on a talented tackle who could become a starter for this team sooner than later.
Atlanta Selects Wisconsin OL Jack Nelson 218th Overall
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 26, 2025
🔴 Only 1 Sack Allowed in 2024 (393 Pass Block Snaps) pic.twitter.com/fqU68t2Sop
Falcons 7th-Round OT Jack Nelson Could Become Future Starter
With pick No. 218, the Falcons took Jack Nelson out of Wisconsin. The six-foot-seven, 314-pound tackle was a four-year starter for the Badgers, helping anchor one of the country's best offensive lines throughout his tenure. Nelson started at guard before kicking out to tackle, and quickly established himself as an elite player.
He earned an 83.1 pass block grade in 2022, the highest of any Wisconsin lineman since 2019. Then he gave up just one sack in 393 pass-blocking snaps in 2024. With 50 career starts under his belt against difficult Big Ten competition, Nelson is battle-tested and has the experience to limit his growing pains at the NFL level.
ESPN had Nelson ranked as the 169th-best prospect and 17th tackle, so he represents great value for Atlanta. The Falcons have entrenched starters at the tackle positions, yet that'll give Nelson time to develop. Since he's played along the line, perhaps the organization envisions a kick back inside to guard in his future, too. There are plenty of options, and Falcons fans should be excited to see this kid grow as a player.
Of course, it's hard put large expectations on the shoulders of a seventh-round pick, as they fell that far in the draft for a reason. Nonetheless, Nelson is a player with long-term upside who should be given every opportunity to make the 53-man roster.