Falcons' 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup After NFL Combine

Atlanta has to wait until pick No. 48, but here's what draft experts predict for the Falcons

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:39pm

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The Atlanta Falcons have several needs to address in the 2026 NFL Draft, including at wide receiver, defensive line, and potentially edge rusher depending on the legal situation of standout player James Pearce Jr. Draft experts have the Falcons targeting players like defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, defensive tackle Christen Miller, cornerback Chris Johnson, tight end Michael Trigg, and edge rushers Derrick Moore and Gabe Jacas in their latest mock drafts.

Why it matters

The Falcons are looking to build on a playoff appearance in 2025 and need to find impact players in the draft to bolster their roster. Their first pick doesn't come until No. 48 overall, so they'll have to be strategic in addressing their key needs through the middle rounds.

The details

The Falcons have needs at wide receiver and along the defensive line, and their edge rusher position could also be impacted depending on the legal situation surrounding James Pearce Jr. Draft experts have the Falcons targeting several players who could step in and contribute right away, including Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller, San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, Baylor tight end Michael Trigg, and edge rushers Derrick Moore from Michigan and Gabe Jacas from Illinois.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Kayden McDonald

A defensive tackle from Ohio State who led the country in run stop win rate last season.

Christen Miller

A defensive tackle from Georgia who has good size and could step into an NFL lineup quickly.

Chris Johnson

A cornerback from San Diego State who had a strong NFL Combine performance and could be a long-term complement to A.J. Terrell in the Falcons' secondary.

Michael Trigg

A tight end from Baylor who offers rare arm length, good speed, and the potential to be a field-stretching target in the red zone.

Derrick Moore

An edge rusher from Michigan who could help replace the production of James Pearce Jr. if he is unable to play.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN

“If the Falcons use a second straight first pick on a Bulldog — after nabbing Jalon Walker at No. 15 last spring — we can finally retire the idea that the state's pro team has some sort of disdain for the local university. That's not the biggest reason to pick Miller, though. The biggest reason is that he's big himself, and the Falcons need interior defensive linemen.”

— Josh Kendall, The Athletic

“San Diego State's Chris Johnson has had back-to-back strong seasons with the Aztecs and will be just 21 years old when the NFL season starts. 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.”

— Jaime Eisner, The Draft Network

What’s next

The Falcons will have to wait until pick No. 48 to make their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, so they'll need to be strategic in addressing their key needs through the middle rounds.

The takeaway

The Falcons have several holes to fill on both sides of the ball, and their draft strategy will be crucial in building a roster capable of returning to the playoffs in 2026. With their first pick not coming until the middle of the second round, the Falcons will need to do their homework and identify players who can step in and contribute immediately.