Jack Nelson, an offensive tackle from the University of Wisconsin, has been selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the No. 218 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The announcement came Saturday evening, while Nelson sat in a bar in Madison, Wisconsin, with friends, family, and fellow linemen. Upon seeing the Atlanta area code on his phone, Nelson’s friend signaled for quiet, marking the news everyone awaited.
Nelson expressed relief, stating, “It was a big relief to get that call and find out it was Atlanta. I was fired up. My girlfriend was fired up. She loved the colors, she said. So, everything’s good.” With this selection, Nelson becomes the Falcons’ fifth and final draftee, and the first chosen from the offensive lineup.
Currently, the Falcons’ starting line includes Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, Ryan Neuzil, Chris Lindstrom, and Kaleb McGary. Both tackles have exceeded 30 years of age, with no direct successors in place. Falcons general manager, Terry Fontenot remarked, “Excited about Jack Nelson. We wanted to add some youth to the offensive line room. Four-year starter at Wisconsin. Big man. All the intangibles. He’s played all over that line.”
Nelson has played various roles on the line, predominantly excelling at left tackle from 2022-2024 for the Badgers, though he feels most at home at right tackle. He noted, “I’d say regardless of whatever kind of offense or OC we’ve got, I’m going to be an explosive, twitchy and aggressive player.”
Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 318 pounds, the 23-year-old Nelson is now one of the tallest players in the Falcons’ locker room. His 81 3/8-inch wingspan was a talking point during his meeting with the Falcons at the 2025 NFL Combine. Falcons head coach, Raheem Morris commented on Nelson’s traits, stating, “You like the trait, you like the cover, your ability when you pass pro.”
While enthusiastic, Nelson also admitted to some nerves about joining the team, particularly about adjusting to the southern climate. “I’m a little nervous,” he said. “I’ve never been down south really. I’m definitely your stereotypical Wisconsin kid. Do y’all practice in the heat like that?”
Nelson is scheduled to report to Atlanta by May 9 to participate in the Falcons’ three-day rookie minicamp, followed by other team activities in late May and early June. Meanwhile, celebrating in Madison remains on his agenda. He also extended an invitation to visit Jay’s Bar, saying, “If you guys ever come to Madison, you should really check it out.”
