With the 2025 NFL Draft just two weeks away and the Atlanta Falcons continuing to visit with prospects ahead of making their selection with the 15th-overall pick, many mock drafts predict the Falcons focusing on the defensive side of the ball. Mike Johnson explained why there should be nearly no shock if they draft an offensive lineman instead.
During his discussion with Steak Shapiro and Sandra Golden, Johnson shared his thoughts on a few players which have visited with the Falcons. Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly may be one of the highest-rated prospects the Falcons have visited with. Offensive tackle Charles Grant, out of William and Mary, and Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks also have been reported to have had conversations with Atlanta.
“Guys, these are first-round offensive tackles,” Johnson said, emphasizing why he believes they are all prospects who will not be available in later rounds of the draft. “I am not counting out the fact that one of these guys comes in to play left tackle.”
Johnson told Shapiro and Golden he believes the Falcons are high on Michael Penix Jr. and keeping him upright will be important.
“I’m about a four out of 10 with the shock I would be in if an offensive tackle comes here in the first round," Johnson said. "It just seems to me they are very much kicking the tires on that as an option."