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ATL
Atlanta Falcons
Draft Needs
| Priority | Position | Level | Target Round | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WR | HIGH | Round 1 | Acquired Jahan Dotson from PHI but Drake London remains the only proven receiver; Kirk Cousins cut, Tua Tagovailoa signed on minimum; QB uncertainty makes WR depth critical for supporting Penix/Tua |
| 2 | DT | HIGH | Round 2 | Falcons ranked 25th in EPA on rush attempts and struggled mightily to stop the run all season; released Kirk Cousins and have no 1st-round pick (traded to LAR); DT is the most pressing defensive need |
| 3 | EDGE | HIGH | Round 2 | Pass rush has been a chronic weakness; lack a dominant edge rusher off the bench despite Penix coming off third torn ACL; need a high-motor EDGE to generate pressure |
| 4 | CB | HIGH | Round 3 | Secondary needs a starter-caliber cornerback; no first-round pick complicates the ability to grab a premium CB early; will need to find value in rounds 2-3 |
| 5 | TE | MEDIUM | Round 3 | Need pass-catching depth at tight end for rookie QB development; Tua Tagovailoa prefers underneath routes and a quality TE in the seam would complement the receiving corps |
| 6 | LB | MEDIUM | Round 4 | Interior linebacker depth needed after losing Tremaine Edmunds to NYG; run defense weaknesses compound the need for a strong second-level defender |
Draft Strategy
Balanced Approach
This team takes a balanced approach, weighing both player value and team needs. They will take the best player available when the value is clear, but will also factor in positional need when players are similarly rated.
Team Info
Atlanta
City
Falcons
Nickname
NFC
Conference
South
Division
2026 Draft Picks
5
Total Picks
0
Round 1
2
Top 3 Rounds
0
Compensatory
| Round | Pick | Overall | Type | Original Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rd 2 | 48 | #48 | OWN | - |
| Rd 3 | 79 | #79 | OWN | - |
| Rd 4 | 114 | #114 | OWN | - |
| Rd 6 | 197 | #197 | OWN | - |
| Rd 7 | 231 | #231 | OWN | - |
Needs Summary
1
WR
HIGH
2
DT
HIGH
3
EDGE
HIGH
4
CB
HIGH
5
TE
MEDIUM
6
LB
MEDIUM
2026 Offseason Moves
+ Additions
Austin Hooper
TE
FREE AGENCY
from ATL
$3.2M/yr
1yr
Azeez Ojulari
DE
FREE AGENCY
from PHI
Signed from Philadelphia Eagles; pass rush addition
Cameron Thomas
DE
FREE AGENCY
from FA
Signed as defensive end depth
Channing Tindall
LB
FREE AGENCY
from FA
Signed for linebacker depth
Christian Harris
LB
FREE AGENCY
from HOU
$3.0M/yr
1yr
Jahan Dotson
WR
TRADE
from PHI
$7.5M/yr
2yr
Kyle Pitts
TE
FREE AGENCY
from ATL
$15.0M/yr
1yr
Nick Folk
K
FREE AGENCY
from FA
Signed on 2-year deal
Olamide Zaccheaus
WR
FREE AGENCY
from CHI
Re-signed; returns to original NFL team after one year in Chicago
Tua Tagovailoa
QB
FREE AGENCY
from MIA
$1.3M/yr
1yr
− Losses
Darnell Mooney
WR
RELEASE
Cut; cap space move
David Onyemata
DT
FREE AGENCY
to NYJ
Signed with New York Jets
Kaden Elliss
LB
FREE AGENCY
to NO
$11.0M/yr
3yr
Kirk Cousins
QB
RELEASE
Released after two seasons; Falcons took $35M dead cap hit; Las Vegas Raiders showing interest
Ryan Hayes
OT
FREE AGENCY
to TEN
Signed with Tennessee Titans
Tyler Allgeier
RB
FREE AGENCY
to ARI
$6.1M/yr
2yr