Atlanta Falcons assess recent first‑round draft picks and rising safety Xavier Watts

Over the past decade the Atlanta Falcons have rebuilt their offense through a series of first‑round draft selections. Notable picks include guard Chris Lindstrom, who has earned multiple All‑Pro honors; running back Bijan Robinson, who amassed more than 3,900 rushing yards and 190 receptions in three seasons; cornerback A.J. Terrell, a consistent defender with over 350 tackles; tight end Kyle Pitts, a 1,000‑yard rookie; and wide receiver Drake London, the team's leading receiver. The team also drafted offensive tackle Kaleb McGary, who later retired.

The Falcons entered the 2024 season under new head coach Kevin Stefanski and team president Matt Ryan after previous staff departures. Defensively, the club has struggled, but 24‑year‑old safety Xavier Watts, a third‑round pick in 2025, posted a strong rookie campaign with 96 tackles, 11 pass deflections, a fumble recovery and five interceptions. An NFL coordinator praised Watts, suggesting he could become one of the league’s top safeties, especially with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich returning for continuity.

These developments highlight the Falcons' ongoing efforts to balance offensive talent from recent drafts with emerging defensive playmakers as they aim for playoff contention.