The Atlanta Falcons are looking towards a transformative draft, potentially marking a departure from their trend of selecting offensive players in the first round. With the recent release of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, they've turned their focus to bolstering their defensive line. ESPN's latest mock draft by Field Yates suggests that the Falcons might take a hard look at edge defenders and defensive tackles as they hold the 15th and 46th overall picks. Key prospects include Marshall's Mike Green, who had an impressive 17 sacks in 2024, and Toledo's Darius Alexander, anticipated to be taken in the second round. Alexander, a powerful tackle at 6'4" and 310 pounds, is viewed as a solid replacement for Jarrett and would significantly enhance the Falcons' interior pass rush.

The Falcons have already signed Leonard Floyd and re-signed Ta'Quon Graham, but the addition of a high-upside prospect like Alexander could be game-changing. With only five draft picks in total, each selection will be crucial for Atlanta as they build a more formidable defense for the upcoming season.

The Washington Commanders are strategically positioning themselves for the 2025 NFL Draft, seeking to enhance their pass rush capabilities. General manager Adam Peters has been proactive in reshaping the team’s roster, yet a gap remains in bolstering their edge defense.

With a rich pool of talented edge rushers available in the upcoming draft, the Commanders can afford flexibility with their 29th pick. Former safety and current ESPN analyst Matt Bowen identified Mike Green, the standout edge rusher from Marshall, as a perfect fit for the Commanders' system led by head coach Dan Quinn.

Green possesses a diverse set of skills, including exceptional speed and an impressive 17 sacks in his last season, which aligns with Quinn's emphasis on creating mismatches within the defensive front. If any character concerns are resolved, Green could be a transformative player for Washington, making an immediate impact on their defense.

The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for the upcoming NFL draft, with a pivotal 17th overall pick that could reshape their roster. Recent mock drafts suggest a focus on defense, with Mike Green, an edge rusher from Marshall, emerging as a consensus favorite among analysts.

With the potential departure of Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals are under pressure to bolster their pass rush. Mike Green's impressive combine performance aligns well with this need. Alternatively, safety Malaki Starks from Georgia has been highlighted as a game-changer for their secondary. He brings an instinctive play style that could greatly enhance the Bengals' defensive scheme.

Offensive considerations also arise, particularly regarding the offensive line. Kelvin Banks from Texas is valued for his versatility and could provide much-needed support up front. Analysts emphasize that the Bengals should prioritize both immediate impact players and future stars to maintain their competitive edge.

ESPN's Matt Miller has released a comprehensive seven-round mock draft for the Arizona Cardinals, outlining key picks to bolster the team's roster. The Cardinals are expected to focus on both defense and offense with their selections, starting with EDGE Mike Green from Marshall in the first round. Green, touted for his exceptional pass-rushing ability and athleticism, could add vital strength to Arizona's defense, although questions linger regarding his past at Virginia.

In the second round, Iowa State's WR Jaylin Noel is highlighted, which might raise eyebrows due to his height under six feet, yet his speed and production make him an intriguing prospect for the Cardinals' receiving corps. Rounding out the selections are offensive lineman Emery Jones from LSU, defensive tackle Deone Walker from Kentucky, cornerback Jaylin Smith from USC, and linebacker Shemar James from Florida, filling crucial gaps in the team's lineup.

The Atlanta Falcons are actively seeking to fortify their defense heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, with a keen interest in bolstering their pass rush. After signing cornerback Mike Hughes, safety Jordan Fuller, and linebacker Leonard Floyd, they still recognize the need for a reliable edge rusher, a role that has remained unfilled since the departure of John Abraham over a decade ago.

Among the top prospects is Mike Green from Marshall, who not only led the nation with 17 sacks last season but has also drawn attention for his impressive showing at the university's pro day. With the Falcons having their head coach, Raheem Morris, present at the pro day, the interest in Green seems mutual. Analysts project that if the Falcons pick him at No. 15, he could become a game-changing addition to their defensive lineup.