Falcons Mock Draft Tracker: Experts Weigh In on Atlanta's Potential Picks

A weekly look at the latest national mock drafts and who experts believe the Falcons will select in the 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:30am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting various football elements and draft prospects in the Falcons' team colors of red, black, and white, conveying the complex and multifaceted nature of the team's draft preparations.A conceptual illustration capturing the strategic planning and analytical approach the Falcons are taking to the 2026 NFL Draft.Flowery Branch Today

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Atlanta Falcons are preparing to make their first selections under new general manager Ian Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski. Each week, the team is combing through national mock drafts to get a sense of who experts believe the Falcons will take in April. With the Falcons' first pick coming at No. 48 in the second round, there may not be as many mock drafts reflecting an Atlanta selection as usual.

Why it matters

The Falcons' draft strategy will be crucial as the team looks to build a roster that can compete in the NFC South under Cunningham and Stefanski's leadership. Analyzing the latest mock drafts provides insight into how national experts view Atlanta's needs and potential targets.

The details

The latest mock drafts have the Falcons potentially targeting a quarterback, defensive tackle, and edge rusher with their early picks. ESPN's Ben Solak has the Falcons selecting Illinois QB Luke Altmyer in the sixth round, noting his fit with the Falcons' open quarterback competition. The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner has the Falcons taking Georgia DT Christen Miller, while Bruce Feldman, also of The Athletic, projects the team will select Oklahoma EDGE R. Mason Thomas.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.
  • The Falcons' first selection will come at pick No. 48 in the second round.

The players

Ian Cunningham

The Falcons' general manager, hired in 2025 to help lead the team's rebuilding efforts.

Kevin Stefanski

The Falcons' head coach, who was hired in 2025 after previously serving as the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.

Luke Altmyer

A quarterback prospect from the University of Illinois who is projected to be a late-round draft pick.

Christen Miller

A defensive tackle prospect from the University of Georgia who is expected to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

R. Mason Thomas

An edge rusher prospect from the University of Oklahoma who is projected to be a mid-round draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“In a class like this, it's easy to talk oneself into a few Day 3 dart throws. Altmyer is one of those effortless sells. An ex-four-star recruit who initially committed to Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin, Altmyer isn't lacking for physical talent. He has a zippy release and highly reliable accuracy in the quick game and on RPOs. Throwing on the move doesn't impact his accuracy much, and he is an efficient scrambler (66.7% success rate last season).”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

“An undersized prospect at 6-2, 241 pounds with 31 5/8-inch arms, Thomas ran a 4.67 40 with a 1.63-10-yard split. The Sooners were really salty on defense last year and Thomas played a big role in that. He had 9.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks last season after producing 12.5 and nine in 2024.”

— Bruce Feldman, Analyst

What’s next

The Falcons will continue to evaluate prospects and monitor the latest mock drafts as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft in April.

The takeaway

The Falcons' draft strategy under Cunningham and Stefanski will be crucial as the team looks to build a roster capable of competing in the NFC South. Analyzing the latest mock drafts provides insight into how national experts view Atlanta's needs and potential targets, giving fans a glimpse into the team's draft plans.