Falcons Land Local Star in Ideal NFL Draft Prediction

Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot reacts during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot reacts during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons are heading into year two of the Raheem Morris era. They went 8-9 in 2024 and narrowly missed the postseason. They need to make changes over the next couple of months to improve the roster.

Free agency opens up in March with the NFL Draft happening in late April. The Falcons have five total picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including No. 15 overall. With the NFL Combine set to take place next week, draft season is heating up.

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah released mock draft 2.0 and had the Falcons taking Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams.

Falcons Land Mykel Williams in Daniel Jeremiah’s Latest Mock Draft

The Falcons have a big-time need for pass-rush help, as they ranked 31st in the NFL in team sacks (31) in 2024.

They also have Matthew Judon hitting free agency, only magnifying the need to add a pass rusher. Williams played the last three seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs and would land with the home-state team in this scenario.

Williams is listed at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, showcasing his big frame. The Georgia native is stout against the run while using his long arms to collapse the pocket. Although his sack numbers weren't crazy in college, he has shown the flashes and has the traits teams look for.

In 40 collegiate games, Williams compiled 67 total tackles, 23 TFLs, 14 sacks, and four pass deflections. This past season, he finished with a career-high 78.4 overall grade per PFF.

The Falcons need to add more athleticism to their defensive front and Williams could be the ideal selection. The drive from Athens to Atlanta is less than two hours, making this an easy transition for Williams.

He played his high school (Hardaway High School) and college ball in Georgia. Getting selected by the team in your home state would be a dream come true for Williams, and due to their need for edge help, it could become a real possibility.

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