The Atlanta Falcons have one of the most unique situations of any team entering the 2026 NFL Draft.
Atlanta was one of three teams to part ways with its general manager this offseason and one of two teams to fire both its general manager and head coach. To add to the intrigue, the Falcons' new regime does not have much to work with. The team has no first-round pick in this year's draft – they traded their 2026 first to the Los Angeles Rams last year when they moved up to draft edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
Entering their first NFL draft together as the top leaders of the Falcons, head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Ian Cunningham might have to get creative with Atlanta's five picks.
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The Falcons have some big questions to answer entering the 2026 season. Who will be their starting quarterback, third-year Michael Penix Jr. or veteran newcomer Tua Tagovailoa? Will Stefanski's offense find more success with what is, on paper, a more talented group of players? How close are the Falcons to contending for the NFC South title after the Saints and Panthers took leaps forward in 2025 while the Buccaneers regressed?
Atlanta's approach to the 2026 NFL Draft may not help answer any of those questions immediately, but it will add clarity to this new regime's vision for the future.
Here's a look at the Falcons' draft picks, team needs and a mock draft of potential fits:
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State