March 16, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons used the first wave of NFL free agency to add depth at multiple positions, including wide receiver, quarterback and tight end. The team also signed a handful of veteran defensive linemen and two new special teams starters.
So, what’s next for the Falcons? The team still has more work to do in NFL free agency, especially after freeing up $9 million in cap space on Monday, but the 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner. Even though Atlanta has no first-round pick this year, the team has five other selections it can use to add depth.
In a new mock draft from SI’s Justin Melo, the Falcons landed a potential replacement for wide receiver Darnell Mooney. With pick No. 48 overall in SI’s mock, the team was projected to take Alabama WR Germie Bernard.
Falcons add Alabama WR Germie Bernard with pick 48 in SI’s mock
“The Atlanta Falcons need more weapons for Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. Germie Bernard is a high-football IQ wide receiver who consistently uncovers by exploiting open spaces in zone coverage,” wrote SI’s Justin Melo. “Bernard is among the more technically advanced receivers in the draft. The Falcons released Darnell Mooney this offseason. There’s also a connection to Penix, as they were teammates at Washington in 2023.”
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While the Falcons did sign wide receivers Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency, there’s still a need for a clear No. 2 receiver behind Drake London.
In 2025, Bernard posted career-highs in receptions (64), receiving yards (862) and touchdowns (seven). The former Crimson Tide standout is currently ranked as the 49th overall prospect on Pro Football Focus’ 2026 big board. Bernard ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds at the scouting combine.
The 6-foot-1, 204-pound wideout would give the team a high-end No. 2 option in 2026. Atlanta has had prior success taking Alabama wide receivers, drafting Julio Jones in 2011 and Calvin Ridley in 2018.
The Falcons’ first selection, pick No. 48 overall, won’t come until Day 2 of the draft. However, the team found two gems in the middle rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Third-round pick Xavier Watts and fourth-rounder Billy Bowman Jr. both secured starting roles in Atlanta’s secondary last season. We’ll see if the team can do it again with a new front office and coaching staff in place.
Follow along with each signing using our Falcons free agency live tracker!
