Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Falcons Get ‘Next Micah Parsons’ in ESPN 7-Round Mock Draft
The NFL Draft is four weeks away with the first round starting on Thursday April 24th. It’s widely expected that the Atlanta Falcons address their defense after pouring heavy resources into the other side of the ball in general manager Terry Fontenot’s four-year tenure.
The Falcons’ have needs at every level of their defense where a top-draft pick could come in and contribute early, but it’s the historically-anemic pass rush that has been a glaringly-obvious hole for years.
The NFL Draft Class of 2025 is littered with potential pass rushers, and ESPN’s Matt Miller took the gloves off with his latest mock draft. No simple first-round mock for Miller; he goes a full seven rounds, and has the Falcons finally addressing the pass rush in the first round at No. 15… sort of.
The Falcons Podcast: Spotify | Apple Pods | iHeart
Miller has Atlanta choosing Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell at No. 15, an interesting decision considering the only true edge rusher off the board when the Falcons pick is Penn State’s Abdul Carter at No. 2 to the Cleveland Browns.
The Falcons shored up their linebacker room with the signing of Divine Deablo in free agency. However, Miller makes a compelling case that it’s not the inside linebacker spot that makes Campbell so tantalizing. It’s the thought of him transitioning mostly to edge the same way Micah Parsons did in the NFL.
“With only five picks, the Falcons are under pressure to find defensive playmakers in this draft,” wrote Miller on ESPN+. “Campbell is exactly that, a versatile player who has scouts torn when discussing his ultimate position. He is a top-tier linebacker but has untapped pass-rush potential (five sacks in 2024) that could define his NFL career.
“Every NFL team is trying to find the next Micah Parsons, and there’s hope Campbell could be that as a 3-4 outside linebacker.”
One of the reasons Parsons fell to the Cowboys at No. 12 in 2021, was he was seen more as an inside linebacker with elite traits. Dallas moved him primarily to edge, and the rest his history. In a re-draft, the Parsons might go No. 1 overall ahead of Ja’Marr Chase and Trevor Lawrence (yes, the league is still quarterback crazy).
Mock drafts are most interesting to see who might be available when your team is on the clock. Miller has the Falcons bypassing edge rushers Mike Green (No. 16 Cardinals), Shemar Stewart (No. 29 Commanders), Mykel Williams (No. 31 Chiefs) as well as safeties Nick Emmanwori (No. 17 Bengals) and Malaki Starks (No. 19) among others.
The Falcons had a large contingent of personnel at Green’s pro day this week, and Green didn’t disappoint. Fontenot would love to have the problem of making a difficult choice among several-good options.
He has publicly expressed a desire to trade back and secure more picks for the Falcons, and with so many players available at No. 15, that might be the best option if the right deal presents itself.
But if the Falcons strike gold with Campbell the same way at No. 15 as the Cowboys did in 2021, it would go a long way towards a long-term fix for a pass rush that has been lacking consistency since John Abraham last wore a Falcons uniform in 2012.
It’s not just about getting to the quarterback though. The Falcons are short-handed at defensive tackle and in the secondary as well. Miller has the Falcons addressing the former with massive Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins at No. 46.
“Don’t be surprised if the Falcons use all of their picks on defense,” Miller forshadows on ESPN+. Atlanta could address the front here with Collins, who broke out in 2024 after patiently waiting behind Byron Murphy II and T’Vondre Sweat at Texas.
“The 6-foot-6, 332-pounder can play all over the defensive front and has room to grow. His quickness off the snap and backfield chase ability indicate pass-rush upside. But he’s stout enough against the run to see snaps at 1-technique and could even start in Year 1.”
Even with Grady Jarrett, who was cut by the Falcons at the start of free agency, the Falcons lack size and physicality. There’s high hopes for second-year man Ruke Orhorhoro, but he’s a gap-splitting pressure player at 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds rather than a lane clogger.
Miller gets an edge for the Falcons in the fourth round, double dipping in Texas with Longhorns standout Barryn Sorrell. He had 44 tackles and six sacks last season.
With two picks in the seventh round, Miller has the Falcons adding depth to their offensive line in Kentucky center Eli Cox at No. 218 and Clemson guard Marcus Tate at 242.
It’s hard to be critical of any picks in the seventh round. Just making the roster isn’t guaranteed at this point, but safety Dan Jackson (No 225) and linebacker Shemar James (No. 228) of Georgia and Florida respectively, are just two players that could be available when the Falcons’ number comes up on Day 3.
In Miller’s seven-round mock draft, the Falcons are able to get three-probable contributors, all in their front seven. There’s no help in the secondary at cornerback, which remains a big need, or safety, which became less dire after signing Jordan Fuller in free agency.
With no third-round pick and a lack of available salary cap space, the Falcons weren’t going to fill every hole this offseason, but Miller does a good job of addressing two crucial needs in the first-two rounds with the potential to hit the jackpot in Campbell.
Caitlin Clark talks her signature shoe, Indiana Fever player of the week, more
Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has had social media buzz about her signature shoe, and she spoke about the technology, being a role model and more.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever continued their 2026 WNBA regular season with a 113-96 loss against the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, June 20.
Clark, a former Iowa women’s basketball star, and the Fever are 9-7 after the first 16 games of the regular season.
Here’s a look at how Clark fared in Saturday’s game in Atlanta:
Caitlin Clark stats today in Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream
- Minutes: 34
- Points: 26
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 7
- Blocks: 0
- Steals: 1
- Turnovers: 7
- Fouls: 3
- FG shooting: 11-18
- 3-point shooting: 3-7
- Free throws: 1-2
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever upcoming games
- June 22: vs Phoenix Mercury, 7 p.m. CT, USA Network
- June 24: vs Phoenix Mercury, 6:30 p.m. CT, USA Network
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Ballet Returns to the Fox Theatre to Present Cinderella for One Weekend Only This Fall
Photo above: Glass slipper scene from a past Atlanta Ballet production of Cinderella, provided by the Atlanta Ballet
Tickets on sale for Atlanta Ballet 2’s limited three-performance run of the beloved fairytale at the city’s iconic theatre
ATLANTA (June 19, 2026) – Atlanta Ballet is set to return to the Fox Theatre for the first time since 2019 as Atlanta Ballet 2 presents three performances of Cinderella. For one weekend only, Oct. 16-17, dancers from Atlanta Ballet 2 and the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education will perform one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales on the city’s iconic stage, marking an exclusive homecoming for the company.
Cinderella tells the timeless story of kindness, perseverance and the search for true love. Part of Atlanta Ballet’s family ballet series, the one-hour, family-friendly production is designed to introduce young audiences to the art of ballet, transporting them into a world of enchantment through immersive storytelling, vibrant costumes, imaginative sets and beloved characters.
“Having the opportunity to perform at The Fox is very meaningful for our Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers,” said Gennadi Nedvigin, artistic director of Atlanta Ballet. “The theatre with its whimsical decor is deeply rooted in Atlanta’s cultural history and returning there with Cinderella allows us to share a timeless story with new generations in the magical environment.”
Choreographed by Bruce Wells, this version of Cinderella blends classical choreography with narration to suit audiences of all ages. Wells is internationally acclaimed for his role as a former soloist with New York City Ballet, where he performed works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Frederick Ashton and Anthony Tudor. Audiences may also recognize Wells’ previous Atlanta Ballet 2 works, including Beauty and the Beast, Swan Princess and Snow White.
While the Fox Theatre engagement offers audiences an opportunity to see Atlanta Ballet perform on one of the city’s most iconic stages, the company’s primary performance home will remain the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Following the October performances, all Atlanta Ballet productions, including the annual Nutcracker, will continue to be presented at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
For more information and to purchase Fox Theatre pre-sale tickets, visit www.atlantaballet.com
Public ticket sales begin June 19.
About Atlanta Ballet:
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 96 seasons, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education, which is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. Atlanta Ballet’s roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Instagram @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.
About the Fox Theatre:
The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premier venues for live entertainment, welcoming more than 200 performances a year in its 4,665-seat theatre. From concerts to ballets, comedy, and movies, the historic venue attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The theatre also hosts over 100 annual private events such as wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and association functions in two stunning ballrooms. The Fox’s premium Marquee Club presented by Lexus is a 10,000 sq. ft, three-story luxury lounge accessible to all Club Level ticket holders or annual members of the Fox Theatre.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, the Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected landmark and a nationally acclaimed theatre. In alignment with its guiding principles, the Fox Theatre is committed to fostering an environment rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion—onstage, backstage, and throughout the staff and guest experience.
The Fox Theatre proudly acknowledges its partners’ generous support: Coca-Cola, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgian Terrace Hotel & Livingston Restaurant, Humana, Lexus, Northside Hospital, Regions Bank, and Casamigos Tequila. Tickets for all events are available at FoxTheatre.org, or toll-free at 855-285-8499. Stay connected by following the Fox Theatre on social via @theFoxTheatre on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters prior to tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers that center fielder Michael Harris II could go on the IL with lower back issues if it doesn’t improve in the coming days.
The team is hopeful an IL-stint can be avoided as he is semmingly doing better and he is receiving treatment and could be available tonight, but Mauricio Dubón is starting in place of Harris II in center field.
Harris II left the June 16 game and also missed time earlier this month with lower back tightness. With monsoon season hitting the Atlanta-area, the wet conditions have wrecked the team’s schedule, but also created non-ideal conditions on the field, including on the 16th when Harris II left the contest.
It’s not good news – but it isn’t bad news either.
-
Los Angeles, Ca56 minutes agoArmed home invasion in L.A.’s Fairfax District leaves resident assaulted
-
Detroit, MI1 hour agoTigers top Chicago White Sox 4-1; Detroit pitcher Troy Melton allows 1 hit in 6 innings
-
San Francisco, CA1 hour agoMLB Rumors: Latest Intel on Potential Matt Chapman Trade for San Francisco Giants
-
Dallas, TX1 hour agoDallas’ Fair Park to Get $2.5M Boost From McKesson – Dallas Weekly
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoAir quality alert in effect in Miami-Dade and Broward counties: National Weather Service
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoBoston Signs Big Blueliner Rylind MacKinnon To One-Year Extension
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoFire destroys home under construction in northwest Denver
-
Seattle, WA2 hours agoWe can stop pretending that a suburban stadium would be better for soccer in Seattle
