At last week’s NFL Draft, defense took center stage as the house specialty, and for good reason. The Falcons' defense, which allowed an alarming average of 27 points per game, will face a tough lineup of elite quarterbacks in 2025 when the schedules are released later this month.
Outside their division, Atlanta will encounter Drake Maye, Tua Tagovailoa, rookie of the year Jayden Daniels, and reigning league MVP Josh Allen. This will undoubtedly present Raheem Morris with his biggest challenge yet. The Falcons are banking on the saying 'defense wins championships' to still ring true. As seen in Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles managed to sack Patrick Mahomes six times, marking the most times #15 has ever been taken down. Consequently, the first four draft picks at 15, 26, 96, and 118 were all focused on strengthening the defense.
I had the opportunity to speak with former Falcons QB and current radio color commentator David Archer for his insights on the draft now that everything has settled.
Craig: How were the selections generally received by the fan base as a whole?
Archer: I think this might have been one of the best reactions to the draft from fans that I've seen. The Walker pick as you can imagine was next level, and I was really shocked he was there at 15. I love how GM Terry Fontenot secured Waker and then was able to get the guy they had originally targeted all along in James Pearce Jr.
Craig: Of course, they not only beefed up their presence up front, it looks like they grabbed some real gems to assist with the secondary as well.
Archer: I think Billy Bowman might actually end up starting in the nickel. Both safeties, Watts and Bowman, were a potential stroke of genius. When was the last time you saw a team draft two guys that had 24 career interceptions between them? They potentially drafted four immediate starters for their defense.
Craig: I would only add that this particular grouping of guys are guys who like getting after people, they enjoy the physicality of the game.
Archer: They were looking for difference makers. I actually called them hunters. They needed guys who could hunt the QB and go after the ball. These four guys all have demonstrated the ability to do just that.
