The Atlanta Falcons are set to feature a young defensive front this season, balanced with a few veterans. That combination demands quick learning and strong leadership — something the Falcons are fortunate to have in All-Pro safety Jesse Bates, who’s ready to guide the next wave.
“Bates' mentorship is crucial for the Falcons, who will likely field a very young defense in 2025. Walker and fellow pass rusher James Pearce Jr. were both first-round picks in April and will likely see a lot of playing time as rookies. The Falcons also drafted Watts and Billy Bowman Jr., a fourth-round pick who played safety in college and will play nickel corner in Atlanta,” ESPN’s Marc Raimondi wrote.
While the core of the defense is mostly set, Atlanta has continued searching for depth at cornerback. One notable target they missed on was Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander earlier this summer.
“Falcons, he was considering,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. “Miami Dolphins, he was also considering. But Baltimore had the clear edge throughout that process."
On Thursday morning, however, the Falcons found their man opposite A.J. Terrell: former top-10 pick C.J. Henderson.
“Once the deal is done, it will mark a return to the NFC South for Henderson. He joined the Panthers in a midseason trade in 2021 and had 128 tackles, two interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 39 games for the team,” Pro Football Talk’s Joseph Alper wrote.
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Atlanta wasn’t the only team pursuing Henderson, but he ultimately chose the Falcons over multiple other suitors.
“After Pittsburgh last year and the Panthers before that, Henderson gets another shot in 2025. He picked ATL over several suitors,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport posted.
Now back in the NFC South, Henderson has a chance to reboot his career with a team aiming to contend. His arrival not only bolsters Atlanta’s depth, but also adds another experienced voice in a young locker room. Once a division rival, Henderson is now part of a Falcons squad with big aspirations.