NW Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons may draft an offensive lineman in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft despite the current emphasis on enhancing the defense, indicated by team owner Arthur Blank. History shows that the Falcons have never dedicated a draft solely to one side of the ball, and the upcoming draft provides a chance to address future needs on the offensive line.

"The closest the Falcons have come in the past two decades was either 2006, when they chose one defensive player and four defensive players, or 2009, when they picked seven defensive players and one offensive player."

The Falcons' offensive line has maintained stability over the last two seasons. However, the departure of starting center Drew Dalman, now with the Chicago Bears, presents a potential shift in the lineup. The team placed a right-of-first-refusal tender on restricted free agent Ryan Neuzil, and his rights have reverted back to Atlanta, making him a tentative starter.

Neuzil has been with the Falcons since 2021 and gained regular-season experience starting in 2022. He "first saw regular-season action in 2022, with nine appearances."

Jake Matthews, at 33, is known for his durability, having started every game since joining the Falcons and holding the franchise record for consecutive games started. He recently signed an extension keeping him in Atlanta through 2028. Meanwhile, Matthew Bergeron, the youngest starting lineman at 25, will become a free agent in 2027.

Chris Lindstrom, 28, has been a reliable presence on the team, earning a contract extension in 2023 that made him the highest-paid guard in NFL history, while right tackle Kaleb McGary, 30, has been a consistent starter since 2019. McGary's contract, however, will expire after the 2025 season.

The current structure and experience of the offensive line offer "a wealth of knowledge a rookie could benefit from" in terms of health, on-field practices, and game-day advice. The draft represents an opportunity for the Falcons to build for the future by nurturing new talent and preparing for eventual departures, whether due to retirement, injury, or leaving the team. As the article suggests, "Best to take advantage of the opportunity while it exists, and that starts with the 2025 NFL Draft."