Plus, what are realistic expectations for Falcons rookies overall?

Tori McElhaney

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. We're in the dog days of summer, y'all, and its a scorcher out there this week. If training camp later this summer is anything close to the near 100 degrees its been the last couple days, I fear for my sanity. But hey, no one said camp life was an easy life. I can assure, it is fun, though. Just have to make sure you're getting that hydration in.

Pro tip: Liquid IV is your friend. Become acquainted before the sun starts zapping you.

But we still have a few weeks before players and coaches report back to ye 'ole Branch for camp. Until then, let's get to some of your dog-days-of-summer questions.

We have content spaces to fill,so submit those Qs hereand I'll chat through them in the upcoming Mailbox installments. Let's goooo.

Steven T. from Ripley, New York

One of the big talking points following the draft was our UDFA's. How many UDFA's do you see having a shot at making the cut to 53?

Love this question, Steven, becauseyou're exactly rightthat there was a lot made about this specific UDFA class for the Falcons in 2025. I actually thought it was one of the most notable of any grouping across the league based on 1) the talent exhibited from the bunch, but also 2) the potential that a couple make the team itself.

I still really like the look and play of Joshua Simon, the tight end out of South Carolina. He caught my eye on the first day of rookie minicamp, and I have continued to appreciate his size (standing at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds) since. He could be an asset in both the run and pass game. He has good hands, but also can take on the physicality needed in outside zone blocking. Yes, you already feel pretty good about Kyle Pitts and Charlie Woerner, but Simon is a piece of depth that I don't think hurts your roster by keeping a spot open for him to slot into in the even something happens to Pitts or Woerner. I see a young player with a lot of upside.

Defensively, I think you still have to pinpoint Cobee Bryant. He was one of the most talked about UDFAs of the entire class. Many were surprised the Kansas cornerback went undrafted all together, and I think it was a big plus that the Falcons were the ones that were able to get him on an off-season roster. The issue with Bryant, though, is the depth the Falcons already have at defensive back, particularly. They brought back a lot of bodies who have already been in this building think Kevin King, Natrone Brooks, Lamar Jackson. They also already have their starters and role players penciled in think A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes and either Dee Alford, Clark Phillips III or Billy Bowman Jr. at nickel. Is there even room for Bryant on this active roster? I lean towards no, but considering the notoriety he had after the draft, perhaps the Falcons find a way to save him from being picked up by another team following a cut. Worth thinking about.

Zander D. from Port Orange, Florida

What do you believe is a realistic expectation for how these rookies will impact this upcoming year?

Despite this maybe being too lofty, I am going to state it nonetheless: I think the expectation for at least four of the five drafted rookies is to be a starter on defense. Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. all have the capabilities and fit to slot into a starting spot.

Now, I will add the caveat that "starters" within a defensive conversation are seen a bit different than that of their offensive counterparts. Because of the nature of rotating defenses, I often interchange the word "starters" with "significant role players." Most times it is less about who "starts" and more about who takes the most meaningful snaps. Still, I think you're looking at all four of those rookies I listed being meaningful and frequent contributors on this defense early. And therein lies the expectation.

Differing from last year's slate of drafted rookies, I do feel because of the nature of this defensive roster and the capital used on this 2025 draft class that the expectation should be to see them on the field and see them often.

What does actual production for the bunch look like? That can be debated.

I am not ready to put a number on how many sacks Pearce will get, or how many quarterback hits Walker accumulates or the total interceptions Watts comes down with. Putting numerical value behind those expectations is not something I am ready to do yet since I still have not seen any of these rookies working with the first-team in a more live setting. Still, I think a reasonable expectation for these rookies at this point in the offseason is to expect to feel their presence early. I believe that would be a boon for this unit, and would actually work to the numerical value of production if so.

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