Raheem Morris Trades Up to Fix Falcons’ 8-Year Problem for Big Price and Adds 1,966-Yard WR for Michael Penix Jr. in Latest Mock Draft

As Kirk Cousins‘s trade situation lingers ahead of the NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons have several issues to address. Adam Schefter recently reported that the Falcons are “privately discussing” potential landing spots with other teams. Meanwhile, head coach Raheem Morris has five picks in the 2025 draft and could make major moves, especially with Michael Penix Jr. in the mix.

In the 2025 NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons have only five picks. Interestingly, only two of the Falcons’ five picks are in the top 100, with one in the fourth round and two in the seventh. Reflecting on their 2024 season, it’s clear the Falcons struggled defensively. According to Fox Sports’ defensive rankings, they didn’t even crack the top 15. They gave up an average of 341.5 yards per game and allowed a staggering 47 touchdowns. Given those numbers, the Falcons need to prioritize defense in the draft. So, who are the perfect fits for Atlanta?

Round 1 (Trade proposal for 3rd overall pick): Abdul Carter, Edge 

Trade proposal- As already discussed, to get a defensive player, the Falcons will trade up from the 15th overall position to the 3rd overall. The Falcons are supposed to get the 3rd overall pick and 3rd third-round pick of 2026 from the New York Giants. The trade will happen if the Falcons give the Giants two 2026 picks and the 15th overall pick of the 2025 season. That’s a huge price tag.

In this scenario, the Falcons could land a dominant edge rusher who wreaked havoc in college football—Abdul Carter. The last time Atlanta made the playoffs was in 2017, and drafting this defensive powerhouse with the third overall pick could be the move to end that eight-year drought.

At just 21, the 2024 Unanimous All-American is already seen as a force. Carter recorded 11 sacks and 43 solo tackles in the 2024 season alone. One of his standout performances came against Maryland, where he notched six tackles and two sacks on the Terrapins’ quarterback. It’s no surprise that multiple NFL teams are eyeing him.

The question is: can the Falcons trade up to get him? And if they miss out, they still have a solid opportunity at No. 46 overall.

Round 2 (46th overall pick): Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

The Atlanta Falcons ended the last season with only eight wins out of 17. Though it’s a bad score, the worst part was the Falcons’ defensive position. They were 19th in the overall rankings among 32. Just imagine if they had added young, strong, and reliable edge rushers? So, that’s why they would like to draft Mike Green of Marshall. 

This 6’3″, 251-pound defensive end from Marshall, who also played for the Virginia Cavaliers from 2021 to 2022, made a strong impression with the Thundering Herd. If there’s one thing that defines Mike Green, he can get to the quarterback. In the 2024 season alone, he racked up an impressive 17 sacks and totaled 81 tackles—38 of them solo.

In PFF’s draft coverage, draft specialist Khaled Elsayed said, “The Falcons come into another draft needing help off the edge, and Green offers tantalizing, elite production.” And his numbers? He added, “He graded above 90.0 as both a pass rusher and run defender, with a pass-rush win rate over 20% and a run-stop rate over 9%. He also eased concerns about his level of competition at Marshall with a standout showing at the Senior Bowl.” With the 46th pick, the Falcons have a clear path to adding their second key defensive player.

Round 4 (118th overall pick): Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland

This is what we were talking about when we said Raheem Morris’s gonna add a 1,966-yard wide receiver for Michael Penix Jr.: Kaden Prather. The Maryland Terrapins’ wide receiver turned heads when he played against the University of South Carolina in the 2024 season. In the October 20 game, Prather made 9 receptions covering 111 yards with a 12.3 average. In the 2024 season, he has made 56 receptions for 624 yards and scored four touchdowns.

At the combine, Kaden Prather showcased his athleticism, earning a score of 72. While he ranked outside the top 35 among wide receivers, he still shows promise as a potential rising star for the Falcons. With 1,966 career receiving yards, Prather could be a strong addition if Atlanta chooses to draft him.

However, these three prospects alone aren’t enough to carry Raheem Morris’s Falcons to the playoffs. Two key positions still need to be addressed: cornerback and center.

Round 7 (218th overall pick): Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky

A look at this Texas-born cornerback’s performance at the combine and throughout his college career gives a clear picture of his potential. Raheem Morris’s Falcons already have A.J. Terrell, Keith Taylor Jr., and Natrone Brooks at left cornerback, along with Mike Hughes, Mike Ford Jr., and Harrison Hand.

However, when it comes to consistent performance, Terrell stands out as the only reliable option. That’s why drafting Upton Stout in the 7th round could be a smart move. Stout ran the 40-yard dash in under 4.44 seconds at the NFL Combine. While his overall combine score was average, he certainly caught the attention of scouts. Now, the question is—will the Falcons make the move to get him?

Round 7 (242nd overall pick): Jared Wilson, center, Georgia Bulldogs

Jared Wilson stood out at the NFL Combine two months ago, showcasing his skills with a 4.84-second 40-yard dash. He earned a production score of 82 and an impressive athleticism score of 96, ranking first among return specialists. Scouts took notice as they closely evaluated special teams talent.

According to NFL.com, “He plays with inside hands and decent core strength in both phases but would benefit from better strain and a finisher’s mentality. He’s rangy and agile in protection and was rarely bull-rushed.” However, they also note, “Wilson could be targeted by teams in the middle rounds of the draft, but his potential to struggle against the power of NFL opponents lowers his floor.” The NFL Combine page highlights similar concerns, stating that Wilson’s initial contact lacks force and he shows below-average strain in the run game.

In conclusion, with uncertainty still surrounding Kirk Cousins and the NFL Draft fast approaching, the Atlanta Falcons are at a crossroads. Limited draft capital means the team must be strategic in addressing its top needs. While the quarterback situation involving Michael Penix Jr. remains a headline, the defense is the real concern. It’s up to Raheem Morris and the Falcons’ front office to make smart, calculated moves that can beef up the roster for a stronger season ahead.

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