The Atlanta Falcons announced on Apr. 25 that they have selected offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa from Ohio State with the 231st overall pick in the 2026 National Football League Draft.
Onianwa’s selection adds depth to the Falcons’ offensive line, a position group that saw change following Kaleb McGary’s retirement and Storm Norton’s injury last season. The team signed Jawaan Taylor in free agency on a one-year contract, but continues to look for long-term solutions at tackle.
Onianwa is listed at 6-foot-6 and weighs 333 pounds. He started his college career at Rice University, where he started in 34 games before transferring to Ohio State for his final season. According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic: “Onianwa is a massive human, with long arms, thickness in his quads and a tall, broad frame. He is an average athlete and has mediocre foot quickness to mirror speed in space, but his body control and bend help him get the job done. He is more consistent in the run game, where he can lean on defenders and create movement with sheer force. NFL scouts speak highly of his intelligence, work habits and character. Overall, Onianwa’s inability to win a starting job on an average Ohio State offensive line is an obvious red flag, but his size and raw ability are worth bringing to camp and potentially adding to the practice squad.”
The Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to their official website. The franchise began as an expansion team in 1965 according to their official website and is based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official website. They have reached the Super Bowl twice—in both 1998 and again in 2016—as reported by their official website. Freddie the Falcon serves as the team’s mascot according to their official website.
Onianwa brings notable physical attributes including being ranked high among peers for weight and wingspan at his position group coming out of college football. Although he did not secure a starting spot at Ohio State this past year, he brings significant experience from four years as a starter at Rice University.
The addition of Onianwa reflects ongoing efforts by Atlanta’s front office staff as they continue shaping their roster through both free agency signings and draft selections.