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The Atlanta Falcons added two players on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell in the second round (48th overall) and Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch in the third round (79th overall). Thus far, Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham has done a nice job of balancing value and need.
The team's savvy selections have earned praise from around the league. CBS Sports, ESPN and NFL.com have all taken turns praising Atlanta's work on Day 2. NFL.com's Chad Reuter just dropped his Day 2 draft grades and the Falcons received another "A" grade.
"Atlanta picked Avieon Terrell to join his brother, A.J., in the Falcons secondary," wrote Reuter. "Avieon’s slight build and average long speed might have pushed him down boards, but he was a very good value as a nickel corner in the mid-second. Branch might have been undervalued by teams because he lacks ideal size, but he's a legit playmaker in the slot and could be a dangerous returner, as well. This was an excellent selection."
The Falcons could have reached for a wide receiver in the second round, but instead trusted their draft board and it resulted in the Terrell selection, arguably the biggest steal of Day 2.
Adding Branch in Round 3 was the icing on the cake. Not only is he a fan favorite from playing at Georgia, but Branch is a perfect speedy complement to Drake London in Atlanta. With Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus, this group already looks better on paper than last season.
Don't be surprised if the Falcons add another wide receiver in the draft. Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday. Atlanta has three picks left: Nos. 122, 215 and 231 overall. Use our Falcons Wire draft tracker to follow along with the action.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons draft grades: Atlanta gets an A for Day 2 selections
Continue reading...
The team's savvy selections have earned praise from around the league. CBS Sports, ESPN and NFL.com have all taken turns praising Atlanta's work on Day 2. NFL.com's Chad Reuter just dropped his Day 2 draft grades and the Falcons received another "A" grade.
NFL.com's Chad Reuter gives Falcons A grade
"Atlanta picked Avieon Terrell to join his brother, A.J., in the Falcons secondary," wrote Reuter. "Avieon’s slight build and average long speed might have pushed him down boards, but he was a very good value as a nickel corner in the mid-second. Branch might have been undervalued by teams because he lacks ideal size, but he's a legit playmaker in the slot and could be a dangerous returner, as well. This was an excellent selection."
The Falcons could have reached for a wide receiver in the second round, but instead trusted their draft board and it resulted in the Terrell selection, arguably the biggest steal of Day 2.
Adding Branch in Round 3 was the icing on the cake. Not only is he a fan favorite from playing at Georgia, but Branch is a perfect speedy complement to Drake London in Atlanta. With Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus, this group already looks better on paper than last season.
Don't be surprised if the Falcons add another wide receiver in the draft. Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday. Atlanta has three picks left: Nos. 122, 215 and 231 overall. Use our Falcons Wire draft tracker to follow along with the action.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons draft grades: Atlanta gets an A for Day 2 selections
Continue reading...
