FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons selected University of Wisconsin offensive tackle Jack Nelson with the No. 218 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
This is the Falcons’ final selection of the tentpole event. They collected five rookies overall. Nelson is their first offensive player.
Nelson joins an offensive line group that’s starting lineup is essentially set for this season. The tackles, however, are veterans who need an heir apparent. Left tackle Jake Mattews is 33 years old, entering his 12th season, and right tackle Kaleb McGary is 30 heading into his seventh. Nelson provides the Falcons with a future option to possibly fill in long or short term.
Learn more about the Falcons’ new addition below.
School: University of Wisconsin
2024 Stats: All 12 starts at left tackle | All-Big Ten honorable mentions 2021-22 and 2024
How he fits with the Falcons: Nelson was a four-year starter, which indicates he is plug-and-play ready. Nelson is super durable, having played in all 51 of the Badgers’ games from 2021-24. He started 50 of those, too. While Nelson has the most experience at left tackle, he has taken reps across the offensive line. Nelson will be a key, young depth piece for the Falcons’ otherwise veteran offensive line.