The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, with several national mock drafts suggesting the team may prioritize defensive players when making their first selection at pick No. 48 in the second round, according to a March 5 report.
This draft marks the first under general manager Ian Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski. The Falcons’ approach is drawing attention because they do not have a first-round pick this year, which has led to fewer mock drafts projecting their choices than usual.
Recent predictions from analysts include Jordan Reid of ESPN selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald for Atlanta. “Nose tackle is a clear need for the Falcons. McDonald is a stout presence on the interior who led the country in run stop win rate last season (7.8%) while also possessing a pass-rushing punch,” Reid said. Dane Brugler of The Athletic and Josh Kendall, also from The Athletic, both project Georgia’s Christen Miller as a potential pick for Atlanta, with Kendall noting that Miller “is a run-first defender who needs to hone his pass-rush skills but ‘has the tools to add immediate value to an NFL front,’ [Dane] Brugler wrote.” Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated and Jaime Eisner of The Draft Network both suggest San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson could be selected by Atlanta. Melo said, “San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson was our selection for the Atlanta Falcons in our last mock and that hasn’t changed… He would improve the Falcons’ cornerback room opposite A.J. Terrell.” Eisner added, “Johnson is scheme-versatile and a difference-maker on the back end—he has five interceptions, four forced fumbles, and two touchdowns over his last two collegiate seasons. Johnson is still ascending as a prospect, leaving plenty of room for growth into being Terrell’s long-term complement.” Chad Reuter of NFL.com projects tight end Michael Trigg from Baylor as another possible choice.
The Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to their official website. They are based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official website and began as an expansion team in 1965 according to their official website. The franchise has advanced to the Super Bowl twice—in 1998 and again in 2016 according to their official website. Freddie the Falcon serves as their mascot according to their official website.
As draft day approaches, observers will continue monitoring how Cunningham and Stefanski shape their roster through these selections.
