Falcons’ bold predictions in 2026 NFL Draft

There’s less wiggle room for the Atlanta Falcons in the draft. So maybe they must think outside the box. But here are the 2026 NFL Draft bold predictions for the Falcons.

Without a first-round pick, the Falcons will begin the event as spectators. And because of their playoff flirtation in 2025, they’re 16 picks deep into the second round before Roger Goodell puts them on the clock.

So being bold looks different for the Falcons, who have only five picks. And that makes the first pick absolutely crucial for new head coach Kevin Stefanski and the organization.

Falcons will address edge rusher position

It doesn’t take a lawyer to look at the legal situation of James Pearce Jr. and think his chances of a full 2026 season are slim. The charges are multiple, according to Sports Illustrated.

“Pearce, 22, has been charged with three felonies, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person,” Garrett Chapman wrote. “The fourth arrest charge of felony aggravated stalking was changed to a misdemeanor back in March, while the aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer charge was dropped – this charge, had he been convicted, would carry a minimum sentence of five years.”

If the Falcons are going to be a playoff contender, they need to solidify that edge. And that means being aggressive at No. 48.

Here’s what aggressive can look like. If two quality edge rushers remain on the board, the Falcons can wait. But if it drops to one and the picks are near the 40s, the Falcons need to trade up. That will hurt their overall draft depth. But this is the bold move they must make.

So who might be available for the Falcons in Round 2? The players who could slide into the 40s include the following, according to Pro Football Focus.

“Zion Young, Missouri
Young is a well-built, high-effort edge defender who brings consistent energy and strength in run defense.

R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Thomas brings explosive traits from his track background, giving him pass-rush upside despite size limitations.

Gabe Jacas, Illinois Fighting
Jacas can be reactionary at times, but when he diagnoses plays correctly, he shows NFL-level playmaking ability.

Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Lawrence has the tools to be a rotational 3-4 outside linebacker.”

Of those guys, Jacas may be the guy the Falcons could realistically target.

Falcons will trade down in third round

After that first pick, volume becomes important. And the Falcons have a GM who believes more is better, according to ESPN.

“Do not be surprised if the Falcons find a way to trade down or even trade a player for more picks,” Marc Raimondi wrote. “New general manager Ian Cunningham has been very clear about his affinity for more selections, noting that the Bears went from five picks to 10 in his first year working for Chicago.

“Atlanta’s offseason has not been meat and potatoes, as it has built depth and elevated the team’s floor with an eye toward future flexibility. Expect more of that strategy in the draft.”

What this would mean in practicality is basically getting three picks for one. The Falcons give up their third-round spot and get two fourths and a sixth. They could use their throwaway Round 7 pick to sweeten the deal.

With this move, the Falcons get two fourth-round players who could contribute this year. That’s usually the last round to get players who still have desirable NFL traits. Then it becomes a bunch of true sleeper picks.

But where does the draft need to go overall? The Falcons must address linebacker, wide receiver, and defensive tackle. If they get the extra fourth-round picks, they will have a shot to hit two of those.

It’s not impossible to find a starting linebacker in the fourth round. That position tends to be undervalued in many draft years. And that could hold in 2026.

A good case in point is Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham. He can stop the run, according to NFL Draft Buzz, and that would be a big benefit for the Falcons.

“Run defense is the calling card here, full stop,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “The way Barham attacks down blocks, stacks offensive linemen at the point, and triggers downhill is NFL-ready work, and the tape at Michigan in 2025 is the best evidence of it.

“He is at his best when a defense can move him around and let him play aggressively, lining him up as a rush linebacker one snap and a hand-down edge the next. Add in real closing burst from the backside and testing numbers that confirm the speed you see on tape, and there is a foundation here to build on.”

This type of player is why the trade down could work.

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