Updated Feb. 7, 2026, 12:49 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons made sweeping changes to kick off the 2026 NFL offseason, hiring Kevin Stefanski as head coach, Ian Cunningham as general manager and Matt Ryan as the president of football. The team’s new brain trust has plenty to sort out, from free agency all the way to the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
Cunningham seems to place more value on draft picks than former GM Terry Fontenot. The Falcons traded away their 2026 first-round pick under Fontenot, which doesn’t really mesh with Cunningham’s philosophy.
“I love picks, man,” said Cunningham. “So you use those as currency. Either, you can use it as trading up. You can trade for proven players. It allows you more swings at the plate. So there’s different ways you can use them. But that’s why you value them. That’s why we will value them.”
The Falcons only have five picks at the moment, with their first selection coming in the middle of Round 2. In our first seven-round mock draft of the year, we attempt to balance value and need with all five of Atlanta’s picks.
Round 2, Pick 48: DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
While the defensive tackle position isn’t among the team’s biggest needs, veteran David Onyemata is a free agent and there’s no guarantee he will return in 2026. With the top wide receivers off the board, Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter was the best value here at pick No. 48. Hunter, a lengthy, space-eating defensive tackle, is good against the run and has improved as a pass rusher. Brandon Dorlus broke out with 8.5 sacks last season, but the team could still use more depth up front. Plus, Hunter would open things up for edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Round 3, Pick 79: WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
Atlanta’s offense has no clear slot receiver. Ray-Ray McCloud was released early in the 2025 season and the Falcons never found an adequate replacement. Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch had somewhat of a breakout season for the Bulldogs, finishing with 81 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns. Branch doesn’t have great size, but his speed and ability to get open would benefit quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Wide receiver depth is clearly an issue and the team must find a way to address it this offseason.
Round 4, Pick 114: TE Joe Royer, Cincinnati
The Falcons may need to replace Kyle Pitts, and even if he returns, adding more tight end depth has to be a priority. Pitts played in all 17 games last season, recording a career-high 88 receptions. Royer would be a good mid-round option as someone who can provide depth and eventually develop into a starting role. Royer’s best season came in 2024, when he finished with 50 catches for 522 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The Cincinnati standout’s numbers regressed slightly in 2025, but he averaged a career-best 14.3 yards per reception in his final college season.
Round 6, Pick 196: C Parker Brailsford, Alabama
The Falcons let Drew Dalman depart for Chicago in free agency last year. While Ryan Neuzil did a solid job replacing Dalman, the team should look to add a developmental center to eventually take over. Brailsford has plenty to improve on, but he has started the last three seasons for two of the elite programs in the country. Brailsford also has some experience at guard, giving him more versatility and potential value.
Round 7, Pick 231: WR Lewis Bond, Boston College
In this scenario, Boston College alum Matt Ryan puts a cap on his first draft as president of football by taking Eagles wide receiver Lewis Bond. Atlanta would be lucky to land a receiver of this caliber so late in the draft. Bond is contested-catch monster despite his lack of overall size. Last season, Bond posted 88 catches for 993 receiving yards and one touchdown. The former Boston College standout played primarily in the slot in 2025.
PFF’s mock draft grade: B+
