The Falcons have one of the NFL’s smaller classes to sign after taking only five rookies in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they’ll open up their signings with their top draft selection, outside linebacker Jalon Walker. The versatile defender’s first NFL contract will be a four-year, $20.56MM deal.

For much of the pre-draft process Walker was considered a top prospect at both off-ball linebacker and pass rusher. The 21-year-old spent time all over the defense throughout his time at Georgia. His first two seasons in Athens saw him spend more time on the edge than in the box. His final year with the Bulldogs, though, saw him shift to more of an off-ball role, though he still spent about 40 percent of his time on the edge.

When Atlanta announced his selection two weeks ago, they intentionally labeled him as a “defensive end,” giving some insight into how he could be used at the next level. He and fellow first-round, former-SEC pass rusher James Pearce should push Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie for some starting snaps on the edge. Even if they can’t unseat the veterans, their presence still provides a significant improvement in the depth of the position for the Falcons.

While lacking ideal size, Walker has good length and speed to rush on the outside, and his eye for the ball and change of direction ability make him much more useful than just a pure pass rusher in the backfield. He works well through the mesh of blocks along the line, but when in a one-on-one matchup, he can often get erased. Still, his tenacity and room for growth make for a strong potential future in Atlanta.

The team announced later in the day that third-round Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, fourth-round Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman Jr., and seventh-round Wisconsin tackle Jack Nelson all signed their rookie deals today, as well. After deciding not to bring Justin Simmons back, following a disappointing 2024 campaign for the veteran, Atlanta brought in two of the draft’s top-five safeties. Watts isn’t nearly as big as former teammate Kyle Hamilton, but he tries to play with a similar aggression that can cost him at times. Still, Watts was considered a fringe-Day 1 talent who projects to push free agent addition Jordan Fuller for a starting job soon.

Bowman seems to be a perfect complement to Watts. With his smaller size and quickness, Bowman excels where Watts can struggle: in the slot. He, too, can play a bit overaggressive, but when he gets the ball, he can be a danger to score. He’ll need to improve his tackling at the NFL level, but Bowman’s recognition and coverage ability could earn him a role as a nickelback early. Nelson is a typical, homegrown Wisconsin lineman. At 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds, Nelson looks like the usual product that the Badgers produce. He doesn’t excel in any one area, but he has a lot of good traits that good coaching and development could turn into a real steal of a pick.

With this being the team’s first draft pick signing of the class, here’s a look at the work they still have to do:

• Round 1, No. 15: Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia) (signed)
• Round 1, No. 26 (from Rams): James Pearce (DE, Tennessee)
• Round 3, No. 96 (from Eagles): Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame) (signed)
• Round 4, No. 118: Billy Bowman Jr. (S, Oklahoma) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 218 (from Browns through Chargers): Jack Nelson (T, Wisconsin) (signed)