Despite not having a first-round pick, the Atlanta Falcons made out fairly well in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team added six rookies, including two potential starters in cornerback Avieon Terrell and wide receiver Zachariah Branch.
Terrell, the little brother of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell, was arguably the biggest steal of Day 2. There are few things more exciting for NFL players than getting drafted, but finding out you get to work with your brother is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
The Clemson standout was alongside his big brother when he found out he was headed to Atlanta. The Falcons reportedly told A.J. Terrell they were going to draft Avieon a few spots before the pick was made.
Watch the moment below, as shared by the team's social media account.
"It's time for it" ๐ฅAvieon Terrell gets the call to be an Atlanta Falcon! pic.twitter.com/JcHHnwLlQH
The Falcons fan base was equally excited after learning the team drafted Branch in the third round. Branch, a standout at Georgia, should compete for a starting job alongside Drake London this season. The former Bulldogs wide receiver was thrilled to learn he was staying in the state of Georgia.
"You know what time it is" @zachariahbranch gets the call! pic.twitter.com/LdZcl6Bn8G
The Falcons later added Washington defensive tackle Anterior Thompson in the sixth round of the draft. Thompson was especially excited to talk to Falcons president of football Matt Ryan, as you can see below.
"Are you for real?!"We're for real, @ThompsonAnterio ๐ pic.twitter.com/U8OXc90iJ3
For Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham, selecting Terrell was a special moment since it was his first ever pick. Watch as a giddy Cunningham reacts to making the Terrell pick below.
First pick as a FalconHow cool is that?! pic.twitter.com/tgGOjKkzk6
The Falcons have already agreed to terms with over 10 undrafted free agents since the 2026 NFL Draft concluded.
USA TODAY Sports IMAGESUSA TODAY IMAGESUSA TODAY Sports ImagesUSA TODAY Sports ImagesUSA TODAY Sports ImagesUSA TODAY Sports Images1 / 6Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft classUSA TODAY Sports IMAGES1 / 6Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft classUSA TODAY Sports IMAGES2 / 6Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft classUSA TODAY IMAGES3 / 6Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft classUSA TODAY Sports Images4 / 6Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft classUSA TODAY Sports Images5 / 6Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft classUSA TODAY Sports Images6 / 6Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft classUSA TODAY Sports ImagesThis article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Falcons rookies react being drafted by Atlanta