After the 2025 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons' offense looks almost the same as last year's unit. However, the defense has undergone some significant changes in the key positions needed. The team added three potential long-term starters to Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts.
All three rookies should play key roles this season, as well as fourth-round draft pick Billy Bowman, but which players will start for the team in Week 1? Check out our latest Falcons post-start lineup predictions below.
The Falcons didn’t have any surprising quarterback draft picks at this year’s draft, and Michael Penix Jr. will be back as the team’s QB1. Penix showed great calm and aggressiveness in his rookie season. The top ten draft picks could last for a year with preparations as starters throughout the offseason.
Robinson is as good as he is at the defender. The former Texas star made the Pro Bowl after a incredible 2024 campaign in Atlanta. Robinson was as threatened in the pass game as he was in the running game, and he finished third in the NFL last season with 1,456 yards.
London recorded his first 1,000-yard season in 2024. Entering his fourth year, the former USC star is expected to throw the ball at Penix. The physical nature of the London game is very good with Penix's aggressiveness, which Penix is on display in the finale of this season.
Mooney recorded his second 1,000-yard season in 2024, and his future is bright in Zac Robinson's offense. His ability to obtain separation helps to open up for London and other weapons in the team. He can only be better in his second season in Atlanta.
McCloud has had ups and downs last season, but is still at a professional level. The top 49ers play the No. 3 receiver entering the 2025 season. Agnew is not a threat to take McCloud's place among the receivers, but he provides a deeper position for the team.
The Falcons didn’t draft the finale, so Pitts seems to be safe in 2025. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the top five draft pick has a chance to rebuild himself before hitting a free agent. Perhaps a more consistent QB game will help Pitts regain his rookie form.
Woerner is a solid blocker and a valuable piece in Atlanta's running competition. You won't hear his name being called a receiver, but it's much more than catching a pass.
Matthews signed a two-year extension that allowed him to keep him in Atlanta in the 2028 season. The veteran left tackle has been a consistent anchor to the offensive line for much of his NFL career. As long as he is in Atlanta, that won't change.
Although Bergeron is often forgotten, he has developed into a quality left-back in his first two NFL seasons. He is a monster in the running game and is improving as a pass protector.
The Falcons didn't add anyone to compete with Neuzil in the draft, so the job he lost in midfield was his job. The previously undrafted free agent has developed well as an internal deep player and will eventually have the opportunity to prove himself in a full-time starting role.
Lindstrom is arguably the best right-back among the best offensive wingers in the NFL and Atlanta. He did the Pro Bowl again last season and didn't seem to slow down. In running games, it's not much better than Lindstrom.
McGary was a former first-round draft pick, overcame some early careers to develop into a high-quality starter. He dominated the running game, and although he still struggled with passing protection occasionally, McGary is a valuable part of the offensive line.
The Falcons didn’t pick any internal defensive linemen in the draft, so I think Morgan Fox, Taquin Graham and a row on Kentavious Street will help replace Grady Jarrett in 2025. Fox has the experience starting, though, so I hope he leads the defensive line rotation in Week 1 starters.
The veteran defensive wingman is a lock-in lock to upgrade his position at the 2025 NFL Draft. Onyemata remains a high-quality indoor defensive winger, but he will have to step up his efforts to help make up for the losses of Jarrett and Eddie Goldman.
The 2024 second-round draft pick had an impressive rookie season, but he didn't have much chance to prove himself. Orhorhoro can play a key role in 2025, which could be the starter on Jeff Ulbrich's defense. He did play last season, and there were a lot of things he liked.
I swapped Arnold Ebiketie for first-round draft pick James Pearce Jr. Pearce is too talented to stay away from the court. However, Ebiketie should still play an important role. With such a young team, I hope the team will spin with the wet feet of the young players.
After the draft, Elliss' job is safe and he will start defending in the 2025 team. The former New Orleans Saints has indeed entered Atlanta's New Orleans Saints over the past two seasons and should rise with better talent around next year.
The battle between Troy Andersen and the divine Divine Deablo was chosen with Walker in Round 1. I think the team ultimately sees Georgia’s outstanding figure as the Fringe Stormtrooper, but because of his game this season, he may be lined up throughout the season because his experience is an outside linebacker and member.
Floyd is not the team's long-term answer, but he may be the lock that started this season. The veteran signed with Atlanta free agents and has recorded at least 8.5 sacks for three different teams over the past five NFL seasons. Floyd was brought in to beat the opponent's quarterback, which he obviously did well.
Terrell has performed well in the 2024 season and should continue to be a staple for the Falcons in high school in 2025. The previous first-round pick didn’t get a lot of interceptions, but he’s the one who can neutralize most of the opponent’s week-wide catchers. With the cornerback market growing, his expansion looks more affordable.
Hughes has performed well for most of the season and has won a three-year, $18 million contract to stay in Atlanta. He is not the No. 2 elite cornerback, but he is an affordable option for himself. That's the money spent.
The Falcons drafted Billy Bowman and will let him work at the nickel location. But veteran Dee Alford is still starting. The previously undrafted free agent has played 16 games in 48 games over the past three seasons. We also hope Clark Phillips will play an expanded role this season.
Jessie Bates is one of the best gaming safety in the NFL and since Atlanta adds Fuller, it should continue next season. Despite the lack of pressure from the first seven players in Atlanta last season, he performed well. Fuller seems to be more suitable next to Bates, which is great for next season's secondary.
This is very difficult. I think third-round pick Xavier Watts is obviously a long-term plan for the team to be safe, but the Falcons signed Fuller to replace Justin Simmons in free agency. Considering Fuller got familiar with head coach Raheem Morris during his time together in Los Angeles, we put him in the game for another starter next to Jessie Bates.
Agnew is a former All-Pro return specialist who has held a kick and pounce return position for most of his career. He can also contribute as a receiver, but will be featured primarily in special teams. Not only did he sign with the Hawks through Avery Williams, he also met the demand, but Agnew played for Marquice Williams, Detroit’s special team coordinator.
Koo fights with injuries and has a season in 2024. Considering that the experienced kicker has been very stable throughout the entire time in Atlanta, it's a sure bet that he will rebound in 2025. However, the team did sign Lenny Krieg to add some games to the camp.
Pinion is one of the most underrated bettors in the NFL. If you can't hear his name, it just means he's doing his job.
McCullough is the first Atlanta to re-sign in free agency. The veteran quietly accomplished his job, which is what you can ask for in any long snapper.