It’s here. Tonight will bring the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, and while the Falcons don’t currently have any selections tonight, they do have five spread out over the next three days. After a surprisingly busy free agency period focused on bringing in short-term salves for the team’s many needs, this is the best chance for Atlanta to acquire players who can help them in 2027 and beyond. Expect them to take full advantage, whether that means carefully making these five picks or acquiring more.

And make no mistake: Getting contributors from all those picks is very important. Atlanta’s big draft swings in recent years landed them standout talents like Bijan Robinson and Drake London, but trades and lots of misses later in the draft resulted in a team with uneven talent and middling depth. Big free agency moves had the same impact, but the upshot is that the Falcons currently have a top-heavy roster again, and the new regime needs to build a more sustainable roster that can actually win through the cost-controlled, multi-year magic of the draft.

Here’s what you ought to know about the draft before it starts.

Undrafted free agents can negotiate deals following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Offensive tackle – The loss of Kaleb McGary to retirement drives home how much of a need this is over the long haul

Wide receiver – The team still doesn’t have a proven, high-end #2 receiver

Inside linebacker – Without Kaden Elliss, it’s Divine Deablo and a lot of question marks

Edge rusher – James Pearce Jr. may not play much, if at all, for the Falcons in 2026 after his arrest and with a trial looming

Defensive line – The Falcons have a ton of options, but how many of them are great players?

Cornerback – Mike Hughes just isn’t the long-term starter as the team’s #2 cornerback