Falcons Prepare for 2026 Draft with Defensive Prospect Meetings

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round pick, but the team has been busy meeting with defensive prospects at key positions like linebacker, defensive tackle, and cornerback as they look to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The Falcons have several needs on the defensive side of the ball, so these pre-draft meetings will be crucial in helping the team identify the right players to target with their limited draft capital. Strong defensive additions could help the team improve on a disappointing 2025 season and compete in the NFC South.

The details

With just five total selections in the 2026 draft, the Falcons can't afford to reach for specific needs and will instead focus on taking the best player available regardless of position. The team's biggest defensive needs are at linebacker, defensive tackle and cornerback, and they've been meeting with prospects at those positions to evaluate their potential fit.

• The 2026 NFL Draft is less than a week away (April 25-27).
• The Falcons will make their first pick in the second round (pick No. 48 overall).

What’s next

The Falcons will continue to evaluate their draft options and finalize their board ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where they'll look to add defensive talent to improve their roster for the upcoming season.