Atlanta Falcons Fill Critical Needs, Add Depth in ESPN's 7-Round Mock Draft

Even without a first-round pick, ESPN shows the Atlanta Falcons can add production in their latest seven-round mock draft.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:40pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an intense football game, with players, ball, and field rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of red, black, and white - the official colors of the Atlanta Falcons.A cubist interpretation of the Atlanta Falcons' 2026 NFL Draft strategy, blending new talent with existing strengths to build a well-rounded roster.Atlanta Today

New Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham did an admirable job of filling the team's biggest needs during free agency earlier this month. As the Falcons' focus turns towards April's NFL Draft, Atlanta has the luxury of knowing they can focus on getting their highest graded player and that he'll more than likely be a contributor in 2026. ESPN's latest seven-round mock draft has the Falcons addressing key positions like defensive tackle, edge rusher, wide receiver, and cornerback.

Why it matters

The Falcons had a busy offseason in free agency, but still have holes to fill on the roster. This mock draft shows how they can add quality depth and contributors across multiple positions of need without a first-round pick.

The details

ESPN's Matt Miller has the Falcons selecting former Georgia Bulldogs standout Christen Miller with their first pick (No. 48 overall) to address the defensive tackle position. They then add UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in the third round, wide receiver Deion Burks out of Oklahoma in the third, and cornerback Will Lee III from Texas A&M in the fourth. In the sixth round, the Falcons take offensive tackle Markel Bell out of Miami and tight end Dallen Bentley from Utah.

  • The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 23rd, but the Falcons won't be on the clock until the second round starts on Friday.

The players

Ian Cunningham

The new general manager of the Atlanta Falcons who did an admirable job of filling the team's biggest needs during free agency earlier this month.

Christen Miller

A former Georgia Bulldogs standout defensive tackle who the Falcons select with their first pick (No. 48 overall) in the mock draft.

Malachi Lawrence

A UCF edge rusher who the Falcons select in the third round of the mock draft.

Deion Burks

A wide receiver out of Oklahoma who the Falcons select in the third round of the mock draft.

Will Lee III

A cornerback from Texas A&M who the Falcons select in the fourth round of the mock draft.

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What they’re saying

“Atlanta boosted the edges of its defense last year by selecting Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in Round 1, but the middle still needs work. Miller is a rock at nose tackle and does the dirty work of keeping interior blockers busy so linebackers and edge rushers can run free.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN Writer

“The Falcons have big-bodied, jump-ball targets in Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr., but need a speed option and someone who can win with the ball. Burks is a slot receiver with 'make you miss' ability and 4.3 speed.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN Writer

“Lee has traits and scheme versatility, toggling between quality backup and eventual starter as a prospect.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Analyst

What’s next

The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 23rd, but the Falcons won't be on the clock until the second round starts on Friday.

The takeaway

This mock draft shows how the Falcons can effectively address multiple positions of need, including defensive tackle, edge rusher, wide receiver, and cornerback, without a first-round pick. The additions of players like Christen Miller, Malachi Lawrence, Deion Burks, and Will Lee III would provide immediate depth and competition for the Falcons in 2026.