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Last year, the Atlanta Falcons made the biggest splash of any team on Day 1 of the draft by adding two first-round edge rushers. However, former Falcons GM Terry Fontenot's aggressive move has left the team with limited draft capital ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Atlanta's new regime, composed of president of football Matt Ryan, general manager Ian Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski, has just five total picks to make an impact in this year's draft.
The Falcons have some obvious needs on both sides of the ball, but they can only do so much. Those around the league expect the team to upgrade at wide receiver, linebacker and defensive tackle, in no particular order.
ESPN analyst Jordan Reid put out a new seven-round mock draft in which the Falcons fill arguably their biggest need in Round 2. The team was projected to take Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst at Pick No. 48 overall.
"Hurst has skyrocketed up boards during the predraft process and would provide a vertical dimension that the Falcons lack," wrote Reid. "Multiple teams I have spoken with view him as a prospect who will be gone in the top 50 picks."
Reid's pick is an interesting one, as the Falcons could realistically take Hurst on Day 2. The Georgia State product met with the team ahead of the draft and has the kind of size and production to eventually start at the WR2 spot. Last season, Hurst recorded 999 receiving yards on 71 catches (14.1 yards per reception) with six touchdowns.
"Igbinosun is a toolsy corner who needs to limit his physicality levels in route stems," Reid explained. "He has starter-level upside if he's able to reduce his penalties."
As Reid pointed out, Igbinosun is a physical corner with decent size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds). Last season at Ohio State, he recorded two interceptions while improving as a run-stopper. The Falcons don't have a need for a Day 1 starter at cornerback, but they could certainly groom Igbinosun to eventually take over for Mike Hughes.
As you can see, the Falcons filled their needs with the final three picks in Reid's mock draft. In Round 4, the team added Michigan defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny. The Wolverines standout is big enough to play nose tackle and can provide depth while competing for a role behind Maason Smith and Brandon Dorlus.
In the sixth round, the Falcons were projected to take Maryland offensive tackle Alan Herron, who played primarily at right tackle in college. He could be a developmental option to sit behind Jawaan Taylor in 2026. And finally, the team closed out Reid's mock with Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson in Round 7.
Lawson is currently ranked No. 110 on Pro Football Focus' 2026 big board. "Lawson is undersized but experienced and quick. He projects as a rotational linebacker with some starting potential," PFF wrote in the Crimson Tide linebacker's scouting report.
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23. This year, the draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons land WR Ted Hurst in ESPN 7-round NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
Atlanta's new regime, composed of president of football Matt Ryan, general manager Ian Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski, has just five total picks to make an impact in this year's draft.
The Falcons have some obvious needs on both sides of the ball, but they can only do so much. Those around the league expect the team to upgrade at wide receiver, linebacker and defensive tackle, in no particular order.
ESPN analyst Jordan Reid put out a new seven-round mock draft in which the Falcons fill arguably their biggest need in Round 2. The team was projected to take Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst at Pick No. 48 overall.
Pick No. 48: WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State
"Hurst has skyrocketed up boards during the predraft process and would provide a vertical dimension that the Falcons lack," wrote Reid. "Multiple teams I have spoken with view him as a prospect who will be gone in the top 50 picks."
Reid's pick is an interesting one, as the Falcons could realistically take Hurst on Day 2. The Georgia State product met with the team ahead of the draft and has the kind of size and production to eventually start at the WR2 spot. Last season, Hurst recorded 999 receiving yards on 71 catches (14.1 yards per reception) with six touchdowns.
Pick No. 79: CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
"Igbinosun is a toolsy corner who needs to limit his physicality levels in route stems," Reid explained. "He has starter-level upside if he's able to reduce his penalties."
As Reid pointed out, Igbinosun is a physical corner with decent size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds). Last season at Ohio State, he recorded two interceptions while improving as a run-stopper. The Falcons don't have a need for a Day 1 starter at cornerback, but they could certainly groom Igbinosun to eventually take over for Mike Hughes.
Falcons' final 3 picks in ESPN's mock draft
- Pick 122: DT Rayshaun Benny, Michigan:
- Pick 215: OT Alan Herron, Maryland
- Pick 231: LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
As you can see, the Falcons filled their needs with the final three picks in Reid's mock draft. In Round 4, the team added Michigan defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny. The Wolverines standout is big enough to play nose tackle and can provide depth while competing for a role behind Maason Smith and Brandon Dorlus.
In the sixth round, the Falcons were projected to take Maryland offensive tackle Alan Herron, who played primarily at right tackle in college. He could be a developmental option to sit behind Jawaan Taylor in 2026. And finally, the team closed out Reid's mock with Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson in Round 7.
Lawson is currently ranked No. 110 on Pro Football Focus' 2026 big board. "Lawson is undersized but experienced and quick. He projects as a rotational linebacker with some starting potential," PFF wrote in the Crimson Tide linebacker's scouting report.
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23. This year, the draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons land WR Ted Hurst in ESPN 7-round NFL mock draft
Continue reading...
