Bleacher Report identifies Big Ten pass rusher as best fit for Falcons in 2025 NFL draft

The 2025 NFL draft looks like a perfect opportunity for the Atlanta Falcons to continue to build their roster toward becoming a Super Bowl contender. Next year’s draft is brimming with talent at positions of need for Atlanta, from wide receiver and offensive tackle to cornerback and edge rusher.

The longest-standing need the Falcons can’t seem to get right is at edge rusher, but Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski found an answer in his 32 best team fits from the 2025 NFL draft, and he hails from the Big Ten. Sobleski identifies Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer as the best fit for Atlanta in next year’s draft.

The Atlanta Falcons should have finally solved the puzzle to the problems they faced on offense, with the signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and the selection of Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. in this year’s draft.
The defense isn’t complete. Far from it.
Atlanta’s pass rush requires a significant boost. Grady Jarrett can only do so much from the interior. Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree tied for the team lead in sacks last season. Neither re-signed.
Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer still has plenty of untapped potential. The former 5-star recruit has gradually improved each season. He benefitted last season when moving from a Joker role back into more of a traditional defensive end, though he can add that element to Raheem Morris’ defense in certain situations.

Other Fits: Edge Patrick Payton, Florida State; DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan; LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Notice a pattern in all of these fits? That’s right, every single one of them is a defender.

Atlanta has done a terrific job shoring up the offense (mostly), but the Falcons defense has a chance to be a massive liability in 2024.

Outside of the big names such as A.J. Terrell, Grady Jarrett and Jessie Bates, the talent on that side of the ball is either suspect or unproven, especially at the edge rushing position. Falcons fans have fixated on pass rushers for years, and hopefully, in 2025, they take the position seriously.