The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft by meeting with several promising prospects. Recently, they held a formal meeting with Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish, who could be a good fit for their defense, especially if Dee Alford does not re-sign. The team is also interested in Charles Grant, an offensive lineman from William & Mary, who could develop behind Jake Matthews. Additionally, Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter was discussed as a potential addition to the backfield, even with Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson already on the roster.

With five picks in the upcoming draft, including the 15th overall, the Falcons aim to bolster their roster and add depth to key positions. Their approach indicates a blend of immediate needs and future planning, particularly in defense and offensive line depth, as they look to maintain competitiveness in the NFC South.

Dee Alford, the Atlanta Falcons' cornerback, earned a remarkable $835,394 in performance-based pay for the 2024 NFL season, ranking him 23rd in the league. This bonus reflects his impressive contributions, having participated in 16 games with 11 starts last season. Despite his success, the Falcons have opted not to re-sign Alford, who will enter free agency after the team re-signed starting cornerback Mike Hughes and added Mike Ford to bolster their defensive backfield.

Through his three seasons since joining the Falcons, Alford has made a significant impact, totaling 149 tackles, 24 passes defended, and an interception, demonstrating reliable skills in coverage. While it remains uncertain if he will return to the Falcons, the team's current strategy involves retaining key defensive players and enhancing their roster through free agency.

Austin Jeanty and Omarion Hampton lead the running back prospects for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, but Quinshon Judkins is quickly gaining traction among scouts, with some speculating he could be a first-round pick. Judkins’ impressive combine performance showcased his speed and explosiveness, highlighting him as a strong candidate for early selection. His physical playstyle is expected to attract teams in need of a dynamic running back, particularly the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, the free-agent running back market is softening, with many veterans signing low-value deals, reflecting teams’ eagerness to invest in younger talent.

Meanwhile, the status of Carolina Panthers' Jonathon Brooks remains uncertain as he recovers from a second ACL tear, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2025 season. As the Panthers sign Rico Dowdle, speculation arises regarding Brooks' long-term viability and development. Lastly, Kirk Cousins' future appears precarious, with potential trades on the horizon involving teams like the Browns and the Steelers aiming for a veteran quarterback.

Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft has the Atlanta Falcons opting for a cornerback over the expected edge rusher. With the 15th overall pick, Jeremiah predicts that the Falcons will select Will Johnson from Michigan. This choice diverges from the trend of the past mocks, where a pass rusher was the consensus pick for Atlanta. Johnson, standing at 6-foot-2 and with nine career interceptions, is considered a polarizing prospect due to concerns about his tackling and speed. With potential free agents Mike Hughes and Dee Alford underwhelming in 2024, the Falcons' need for a corner makes sense. Jeremiah believes selecting Johnson will be a strategic move, potentially pairing him with A.J. Terrell in a more aggressive defense under new coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

The Atlanta Falcons are focusing on strengthening their roster this offseason, particularly eyeing quarterback Kirk Cousins and the development of Michael Penix Jr. However, the team's attention should also turn towards enhancing their defensive lineup. One potential target is Jourdan Lewis, a cornerback from the Dallas Cowboys, who has been highlighted by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department as a fitting addition for the Falcons.

Lewis, who will celebrate his 30th birthday in August, has had a standout season, recording 19 defensive stops and achieving a commendable 77.0 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus through Week 15. His versatility makes him a valuable asset; he has played 110 snaps at wide cornerback this season and has also contributed significantly at the nickel cornerback position with 526 snaps, along with 95 snaps at safety.

In his 11 starts this season, Lewis has tallied 61 combined tackles, including three tackles for loss, seven pass defenses, and one interception. Drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, he has spent his entire eight-year career with the Cowboys. In contrast, Dee Alford, the Falcons' current nickelback, has struggled this season, earning a low PFF player grade of 60.1, indicating a need for improvement at that position. Lewis's performance, especially his 78.7 coverage grade, positions him as a strong candidate to bolster the Falcons' secondary, potentially providing a much-needed upgrade over Alford.