Falcons’ Hidden Weapons: Two Players Could Shape 2025 Season

The Atlanta Falcons aim to return to the playoffs in 2025. The franchise knows it can’t lean solely on their stars and will need to rely on some of their under-the- radar players to step up.

In a recent piece by CBC Sports writer Zachary Pereles, two Falcons —defensive end Leonard Floyd and offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil— earned spots on his “50 Under the Radar Players Who Could Shape the 2025 Season” list.

The recognition of the two budding Falcons isn’t just flattering, it’s telling.

For a team trying to claw its way back into the NFC playoff race, having two players flying low throughout the season may pay its dues in full.

Neuzil Brings Grit And Versatility

With flashy names and stars dominating the headlines, players like Leonard Floyd and Ryan Neuzil bring the goods to the trenches.

Offensively, Neuzil enters into the offensive line fold as the starting center heading into the season.

Neuzil takes the role that Drew Dalman held for the previous three seasons.

Dalman held strong along the line of scrimmage, coming out with a top 5 grade in 2023 and 2024, per PFF.

Neuzil will now look to help sustain the effective run game the Falcons had last season. Atlanta was 10th in the NFL in rushing last season with 2,219.

“Atlanta had a historically good running game, and the center-quarterback connection is especially important for young quarterbacks, putting a lot of weight on Neuzil’s shoulders,” said Pereles.

Floyd Gives Falcons Defense An Edge

On the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons didn’t just sign Leonard Floyd—they brought him in to finish games.

The Falcons had one of the lower-ranked pass rush units in the NFL last season.

HC Raheem Morris and DC Jeff Ulbrich want to unleash a new brand of aggressive football this season and bringing in Floyd will help fit that bill.

Additionally, with the Falcons having spent two first-round picks on Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Floyd keep up, or even outpace the two rookies.

“He’s had at least 8.5 sacks each of the last four seasons, and while that may not sound like much, the Falcons haven’t had a player with more than 6.5 in a season over that span,” said Pereles.

The Atlanta Falcons need to get back to the brand of winning football games.

They’ll need glue guys like Floyd and Neuzil to show up every snap and give the Falcons an edge.

Both players represent exactly what the Falcons need to climb the NFC ladder—hungry, unselfish, under-the-radar players who do their jobs better than most people realize.

Floyd brings the chaos of hunting down quarterbacks and igniting a starving pass rush unit.

Neuzil brings calm and will help steady the protection for QB Michael Penix and provide support for RB Bijan Robinson.

If the Atlanta Falcons end up making some noise this season, keep an eye on Leonard Floyd and Ryan Neuzil.

Together, they won’t just be part of the story—they’ll be a big reason why it happens.