The Atlanta Falcons didn’t bring in a massive haul in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they’re counting on making it count. With only five total selections, the focus remains firmly on their two first-rounders.
Atlanta used its top picks on Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., hoping the duo will finally provide the pass-rushing firepower the team has been missing for years. While that’s the marquee storyline, there’s another defensive addition flying under the radar — and making noise.
Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman was the only other defensive back selected, taken at No. 118 overall in the third round. But it's an undrafted free agent cornerback who's turning more heads: Cobee Bryant out of Notre Dame. USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz believes Bryant is a strong bet to make the 53-man roster.
“Atlanta also added Bryant, a three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection who notched 13 career interceptions at Kansas,” Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote. “His 180-pound frame will need to be filled out for him to hold up against NFL receivers, particularly given his hyperphysical style that could leave him prone to plenty of penalties. But his consistently elevated aggressiveness serves him well in other phases of his game, and the Falcons' cornerback depth is relatively limited.”
That aggression showed up in more ways than one. Not long after the draft, Bryant posted a bizarre image on social media that appeared to show Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s body with NBA star James Harden’s face photoshopped on. The post had no caption or explanation, leaving fans scratching their heads.
Despite the off-field curiosity, Bryant’s game is earning real praise. Falcons secondary coach Justin Hood said he received five separate texts immediately after the draft — all hyping up Bryant.
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“You see the ball skills, and then he's an extremely heady, aware player in regard to how he covers and how he attacks the football,” Hood said. “Kind of that rare ability to get the ball out of the air and cover guys. So, he's good in man to man. He's good when the ball's in the air. You really like what he brings in the game, his mentality. So, yeah, he's going to be fun to coach.”
New defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will be looking for impact players anywhere he can find them. If Bryant’s early buzz is any indication, the Falcons may have landed a sleeper worth developing.