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The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Atlanta Falcons, the biggest need is an obvious one: Tackle.
Falcons agreed to terms with tackle Jawaan Taylor on the same day tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement. Taylor is a short-term answer at right tackle, a position tasked with protecting the blindside of either Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa, both of whom are left-handed. Atlanta also must consider an edge rusher. James Pearce Jr. is facing three felony charges in Florida in relation to allegedly crashing his car into one driven by his ex-girlfriend. Pearce could be disciplined by the NFL pending the investigation.
MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft
Here's everything you need to know about the Atlanta Falcons for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster:
Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:
It'd be a surprise to see Johnson still available when the Falcons are finally on the clock in Round 2 but they'd jump at the opportunity. The San Deigo State star is a scheme-versatile cornerback who can take over on the outside opposite A.J. Terrell with the athleticism to fit in coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's zone coverages.
NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every team
Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy:
The Falcons managed to hold on to Pitts with a franchise tag this offseason, but that doesn't mean they can't still trade him away. Atlanta, like Arizona, also seems poised for a rebuild. The Falcons' gamble on first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr. seemingly has not paid off, and they just brought in head coach Kevin Stefanski as a fresh face and offensive-minded head coach. Wide receiver Drake London seems ready to cash in on a massive pay day, as does running back Bijan Robinson, leaving Pitts as something of an odd man out in Atlanta's offense despite his breakout 2025. Rather than extending Pitts on an over-value deal or letting him walk in 2027, Atlanta can recoup draft capital in a sell-high trade.
MORE: One player for all 32 teams who could be traded during the NFL draft
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, team needs, trade candidates
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Falcons agreed to terms with tackle Jawaan Taylor on the same day tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement. Taylor is a short-term answer at right tackle, a position tasked with protecting the blindside of either Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa, both of whom are left-handed. Atlanta also must consider an edge rusher. James Pearce Jr. is facing three felony charges in Florida in relation to allegedly crashing his car into one driven by his ex-girlfriend. Pearce could be disciplined by the NFL pending the investigation.
MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft
Here's everything you need to know about the Atlanta Falcons for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster:
Atlanta Falcons NFL draft best prospect fit: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:
It'd be a surprise to see Johnson still available when the Falcons are finally on the clock in Round 2 but they'd jump at the opportunity. The San Deigo State star is a scheme-versatile cornerback who can take over on the outside opposite A.J. Terrell with the athleticism to fit in coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's zone coverages.
NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every team
Atlanta Falcons NFL draft trade candidate: TE Kyle Pitts
Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy:
The Falcons managed to hold on to Pitts with a franchise tag this offseason, but that doesn't mean they can't still trade him away. Atlanta, like Arizona, also seems poised for a rebuild. The Falcons' gamble on first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr. seemingly has not paid off, and they just brought in head coach Kevin Stefanski as a fresh face and offensive-minded head coach. Wide receiver Drake London seems ready to cash in on a massive pay day, as does running back Bijan Robinson, leaving Pitts as something of an odd man out in Atlanta's offense despite his breakout 2025. Rather than extending Pitts on an over-value deal or letting him walk in 2027, Atlanta can recoup draft capital in a sell-high trade.
MORE: One player for all 32 teams who could be traded during the NFL draft
Atlanta Falcons NFL draft picks by round
Round 1
- None
Round 2
- No. 48 (2.16)
Round 3
- No. 79 (3.15)
Round 4
- No. 122 (4.22) via Philadelphia Eagles
Round 5
- None
Round 6
- No. 215 (6.34) via Philadelphia Eagles; Compensatory pick
Round 7
- No. 231 (7.15)
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, team needs, trade candidates
Continue reading...
