Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham said on Apr. 7 that his approach to the upcoming NFL Draft will be shaped by a focus on selecting the best player available, rather than targeting specific team needs.
Cunningham’s strategy is influenced by his experience with the Baltimore Ravens, where he learned from Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta. “Having been raised in the systems in Baltimore, I am a firm believer in best player available,” Cunningham said during Annual League Meetings.
To prepare for this approach, Cunningham and his staff have signed 17 new free agents to strengthen the roster. This move allows Atlanta more flexibility in their draft choices as there are no immediate gaps to fill. The Falcons currently hold pick No. 48 in the second round as their first selection, which means they must be ready for various scenarios since many players will be chosen before their turn.
Cunningham noted that certain positions such as cornerback, safety, and defensive end have depth in this year’s draft class. “The cool thing is each year there are always a few position groups that are deeper than others. As it sits right now, I don’t think the draft is particularly top-heavy. We are trying to find where that sweet spot may be in this upcoming draft,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of accumulating more picks: “This would be ‘the last year that we ever have five picks,'” reiterating his desire to increase Atlanta’s total selections if possible. ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Jordan Reid supported this view: “He’s going to take that Ozzie Newsome, Ryan Poles model of trading back and trying to accumulate picks… If they do want to move back, I think Atlanta is in a great spot if they want to move around a little bit.”
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to the official website. The team began as an expansion franchise in 1965 and has reached two Super Bowls—in 1998 and again in 2016—according to official records. The organization is based in Atlanta, Georgia according to its official site, with Freddie the Falcon serving as mascot as reported by team sources.
Looking ahead, Cunningham’s commitment signals potential movement during this year’s draft as he aims both for value and volume with future selections.
