Rich Mckay Chief Executive Officer – Ambse; Chief Executive Officer – Atlanta Falcons | Atlanta Falcons Website
Rich Mckay Chief Executive Officer – Ambse; Chief Executive Officer – Atlanta Falcons | Atlanta Falcons Website
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Atlanta Falcons are preparing with a historically low count of draft picks, currently holding just five. This number matches the organization's previous low, set in 2006, although the situation could change if trades are made. Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot has indicated that possibilities exist to acquire additional picks. "We're picking at (No.) 15, so obviously we can move down and pick up more capital," Fontenot stated back in January.
The Falcons face the longest first-round wait since 2020, having the 15th overall pick. Additionally, they hold picks No. 46 in the second round, No. 118 in the fourth round, and picks No. 218 and 242 in the seventh round. Owner Arthur Blank acknowledged the draft pick situation, stating, "We can end up with more than that, but you just never know."
In the NFL, the Falcons tie with the Washington Commanders for the second fewest draft picks at five, with the Minnesota Vikings having the fewest at four. In contrast, the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers each have 11 picks—the most in the league. Fontenot emphasizes the importance of strategic decision-making, saying, "We have to be effective with each one of those moves so we can put this team in position to win."
Since joining the Falcons in 2021, Fontenot has yet to trade a first-round pick, but history from teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers showcases how trading down can net additional picks. It remains to be seen if Fontenot will capitalize on a similar opportunity. As his mentor, New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis, suggests, strategic trading is complex: "If you believe in your board, you believe in the evaluations that your staff has done, then it's just hard for me to grasp getting a lesser player, talent-wise."
Fontenot's track record includes trading back just once in his first year with the Falcons. Subsequent trades in 2022, 2023, and 2024 focused on moving up, often resulting in a loss of pick quantity. However, the team now seeks to benefit from advantageous trades, potentially increasing their number of picks through a favorable exchange.
Heading into the draft, Blank highlights the team's focus: "The emphasis during the draft will be certainly on the defensive side of the ball."
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