THE FIX: Why Ian Cunningham and Atlanta Falcons Will NEVER Repeat Terry Fontenot’s Draft MISTAKES

Atlanta Falcons shake up their draft strategy as GM Ian Cunningham promises more picks and a Ravens-inspired philosophy to boost roster depth. Could this data-driven approach finally stabilize the team around Michael Penix and Kevin Stefanski? Host Aaron Freeman contrasts Cunningham’s emphasis on “at-bats” and sustainable talent acquisition with Terry Fontenot’s conviction-based methods, highlighting how increased draft volume could protect the Falcons from depth-related pitfalls seen in recent seasons.

Cornerback prospects take center stage as Aaron ranks the top 11 CBs in tiers, spotlighting Mansoor Delane, Jermod McCoy, Aveion Terrell, and Devin Moore. With KhaDarel Hodge released and Malik Willis rumored to command $30 million-plus annually, roster questions loom large. Key insights cover draft targets for CB2 and nickel roles, the impact of combine testing on player tiers, and how revamping the wide receiver room may reshape Atlanta’s offensive outlook.

Eric DeCosta’s interview with Todd McShay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVJeFSWoNZY

#atlantafalcons #nfl #iancunningham #terryfontenot #ajterrell #aveionterrell #devinmoore #nfldraft #2026nfldraft #khadarelhodge #malikwillis #freeagency

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12 comments

  5. So making 5 bad picks instead of 1 or 2 bad puck is better? LOL, the unwarranted Kool-Aid serving is ridiculous. Falcons Fans don't be that guy that falls for this crappy hype every year. ATM The Falcons don't even have a QB & people are hyping Draft Strategies.

  7. Here's the problem with looking at consensus boards: those rankings aren't weighted for Ulbrich's scheme.

    My tier 3 for Atlanta would be:

    Keith Abney, ASU
    Chris Johnson, SDSU
    Julian Neal, Arkansas

    I would add Ponds but idk that we need any more undersized CBs. I think he's capable of playing boundary but we've got Hughes, Phillips, Bowman and maybe Allford — 4 small guys is enough!

    Also, I see Scott as more of a nickel safety than a nickel CB.

    Moore is not good in zone imo. Primarily a 'press man' guy — which I believe we ran more of that last year, but I dont think it was 50%+.

  8. OMG. Are you SERIOUSLY ASKING who's in on repeating TF's mistake??? We've lost $35m over the next two years on Cousins. MPJ is making like $10m thanks to being drafted #8. Only absolute insane people would add another $100m/3 for Willis to all of that! No wonder you think we have to use the draft to plug holes.

    Btw, only ONE report — from an ANONYMOUS GM — alleges ATL is trying to REPLACE MPJ. It's flipping click-bait!

    Build the roster depth. WR, defensive front 7. Heck, if Flacco or whatever bridge QB we bring in tanks the season before MPJ gets on the field have a fire sale at the trade deadline and go get a top 5 draft pick next year.

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