Falcons Rookie Mini Camp Recap: Winners, Losers & Why Terry Fontenot is Grinning

Written By Jaye Rochell

The Atlanta Falcons just wrapped up their 2025 rookie mini camp, and let’s just say—it’s looking like Terry Fontenot cooked. The draft class is locked in, the field was buzzing with energy, and we’ve already got some clear standouts (and a couple of red flags). So let’s jump right in and break down the biggest winners and losers coming out of rookie mini camp.

Biggest Winner(s): Terry Fontenot & the Falcons Front Office

Let’s not overthink this. The biggest winner is Terry Fontenot and the Falcons front office. Why?

  • All five draft picks are signed. No holdouts, no drama. While teams like Cincinnati are watching first-rounders sit out (cough Jamar Stewart cough), the Falcons had their rookies suited up and ready to roll.

  • Two pass-rushing monsters. Jalon Walker and James Pierce Jr. already look the part. Fast, twitchy, aggressive—exactly what Atlanta needed to revive their defense.

Terry Fontenot can walk into his office with his chest out. He got help for the worst part of the team—and he got it fast.

1B Winner: The Falcons Organization

Atlanta hasn’t had this kind of momentum on defense in years. They didn’t just grab one edge rusher. They got two potential starters and secondary help with Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. Rookie mini camp showed that this class has the talent—and the swagger.

This rookie haul might be the one we look back on as a franchise-turning moment.

UDFA Winners: Nick Nash & Cobee Bryant

Let’s hear it for the underdogs. Two undrafted free agents who came in and immediately made noise:

  • Cobee Bryant (CB, Kansas): A three-time All-Big 12 player who somehow went undrafted? He’s got a chip on his shoulder, and Atlanta’s thin cornerback room gives him a real shot to contribute.

  • Nick Nash (WR, San Jose State): A Biletnikoff finalist with big-play ability and great hands. With question marks behind Ray-Ray McCloud, Nash is in prime position to steal that WR3/4 spot.

Both players have the chance to go from UDFA to 53-man roster if they keep this momentum rolling.

Biggest Loser: Grady Jarrett (And It Hurts to Say)

This one isn’t fair, but it’s real. Grady Jarrett gave everything to this franchise—and just when the Falcons finally load up the defense with talent, he’s in Chicago.

Imagine how nasty that defensive line would’ve looked with Grady next to Walker and Pierce. But sometimes timing is cruel, and he just missed out on the reinforcements he waited years for.

Runner-Up Loser: Casey Washington

The 6th-round WR pick from last year was already on the fringe. Now?

  • The Falcons added multiple UDFAs at receiver.

  • Washington’s been hurt and hasn’t made his mark on special teams.

It’s not looking good. Unless something major changes in camp, he might not make it out of the preseason.

Honorable Mention Winner: Jeff Ulbrich

The new DC walks into a room with:

  • Two dynamic pass rushers

  • Two athletic safeties

  • A fired-up young core

Ulbrich finally has the toys to play with. He can shape this defense into something aggressive, fast, and fun—and it all starts now.

Final Thoughts

Falcons fans, you should be fired up. Rookie mini camp showed exactly why this class is different:

  • They're signed

  • They're competing

  • And they’ve already got people talking

Let us know in the comments—who’s your biggest winner or loser from mini camp? And if you're hyped about this draft class, hit that like button and get ready for what’s next.

As always—Rise Up!

Jaye Rochell
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