The Atlanta Falcons announced on April 26 that they selected six new players in the 2026 NFL Draft, with four picks used to strengthen their defense and two to boost their offense. This draft was the first under general manager Ian Cunningham.
The event holds significance for the team as it seeks to build a competitive roster following previous seasons. The Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division, according to the official website.
Cunningham said after the draft, “It felt like we got some good players. We got some good players that are going to be able to help our football team offensively and defensively. It was a great experience. We’ve got to give a lot of credit to the guys and the girls upstairs that helped get this thing organized, and it ran smooth. We’ve got a lot of support, a lot of people up there, put a lot of countless hours, not just in the scouts and the coaches, but the whole operation. So really, a lot of the credit goes to them.” The team’s selections included cornerback Avieon Terrell on Day 2 and wide receiver Zachariah Branch as one of two offensive additions.
Media outlets released their grades for Atlanta’s draft performance. Rob Maaddi from Associated Press gave a B grade: “They got a first-round talent in the second round in CB Avieon Terrell (48). He’ll join his brother, AJ Terrell, in the secondary. WR Zachariah Branch (79) is a playmaker in the slot. LB Kendal Daniels (134) should at least be a special teams contributor.” NFL.com assigned an overall B- grade with high marks for Day 2 picks: “In Round 2, the Falcons found value by adding…Terrell…along with Branch…Daniels is like Falcons LB Divine Deablo…Atlanta took another linebacker in Perkins…They had to find a run-stuffing DT…Thompson’s excellent pro day and flashes on tape made him a worthy Day 3 pick,” said Chad Reuter.
Other outlets provided varied feedback; Pro Football Focus rated Atlanta C+ while highlighting Terrell’s football IQ but noting concerns about length limitations: “Terrell’s lack of length may limit him…but his elite football IQ and playmaking instincts give him starting potential across multiple systems.” ESPN also graded C+, with Mel Kiper Jr. saying both Terrell and Branch were among his favorite players but expressing doubts about later picks: “No first-rounder and only a handful of selections hurt the Falcons, but their Day 3 haul wasn’t very impressive.” Sports Illustrated awarded Atlanta an overall B grade: “Terrell getting to play with his older brother…can certainly contribute as versatile cornerback who plays bigger than his frame….Branch can play from slot and stretch field with speed….Given that they didn’t have first-round pick, Falcons came out pretty well by adding talent,” wrote Matt Verderame and Gilberto Manzano.
CBS Sports gave one of highest marks at B+, calling Terrell’s selection ‘arguably best feel-good story’ due joining brother A.J., while Carter Bahns noted Daniels may begin career on special teams due uncertainty around position fit.
Warren Sharp ranked Atlanta ninth overall for value gained during this year’s draft after determining last year that they extracted most value league-wide from previous class—according to analysis referenced by team statements—and highlighted both Terrell as most valuable early pick plus Branch among top third-round values.
The Falcons are based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official website according to official website. The franchise began as an expansion team in 1965 according to official website and advanced twice each time reaching Super Bowl appearances—in both 1998 and again eighteen years later according to official website. Freddie serves as mascot for organization according to official website.
As national attention turns toward how these prospects will perform once training camp begins later this year, analysts suggest fans watch closely whether defensive upgrades or new offensive weapons will make immediate impact.