The Atlanta Falcons are prioritizing youth on their defensive line for the upcoming 2025 NFL season, particularly with the departure of veteran Grady Jarrett, who joined the Chicago Bears after the team released him.

In the draft, the Falcons focused on bolstering their edge positions but left the interior largely untouched, opting instead to bring in veteran Morgan Fox and retain Ta'Quon Graham. The expectations are that David Onyemata will anchor the line, with Ruke Orhorhoro and Zach Harrison positioned to start alongside him, indicating a shift towards a younger roster. This strategy reflects head coach Jeff Ulbrich's vision of a revamped defensive line relying heavily on a rotation of players to adapt to various game situations.

The Clemson Tigers experienced a successful football season, concluding with ten wins and an ACC Championship, although their journey ended in the College Football Playoff. After a challenging 2023 season, the team rebounded, showcasing their talent and resilience. Looking ahead to 2025, the program is optimistic, especially with quarterback Cade Klubnik leading a talented offensive lineup.

One of the notable transitions from Clemson to the NFL was defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Despite facing injury setbacks in his rookie season, Orhorhoro has shown promise, with Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake praising his development and skills. Lake highlighted Orhorhoro's electric play style, intelligence, and intensity, which contributed to the team's decision to draft him.

Although he has not yet made a significant statistical impact, Orhorhoro's college performance indicated potential. The Falcons coaching staff remains optimistic about his future, emphasizing the importance of his health for continued growth. Clemson's pipeline to the NFL remains strong, with several players expected to enter the draft next year, aiming to follow Orhorhoro's path to professional football.

The Atlanta Falcons are projected to select Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus. Despite recent drafts focusing on defensive linemen, the Falcons still lack a true edge rusher with speed capabilities.

Pearce is seen as a potential game-changer, showcasing elite burst and improved run defense. However, the Falcons' recent draft history raises questions about their ability to develop edge rushers, with past selections failing to make a significant impact.

The Atlanta Falcons are facing critical changes as they hold a slim 1.5-game lead in the NFC South with just six games left in the season. Following a tough loss in Denver, the team must reassess their strategies to secure a playoff spot and potentially challenge elite teams.

Key adjustments include limiting defensive end Matt Judon's snaps, as his performance has not justified his playing time. Additionally, expanding the rotation for defensive lineman Zach Harrison could enhance the team's defensive strength.

With the Falcons currently struggling against the run and allowing high conversion rates on third downs, these changes are essential for maintaining their division lead and improving their overall performance.

The Atlanta Falcons have placed rookie defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro on injured reserve due to an ankle injury sustained during their recent victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This setback will sideline him for at least four games.

In response, the Falcons have signed linebacker Rashaan Evans to fill the vacant roster spot. Additionally, several players, including linebacker JD Bertrand and linebacker Troy Andersen, are dealing with injuries ahead of their upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys.