March 29, 2026, 6:04 a.m. ET

The Atlanta Falcons have recently undergone some renovations, but they aren’t in full-rebuild mode. Despite the front office and coaching changes, this team remains a talented group on both sides of the ball. The roster just needs some tweaking.

Thus far in free agency, the Falcons have done a solid job of adding depth without overspending. The next test for general manager Ian Cunningham and president of football Matt Ryan is to tackle the 2026 NFL draft, which represents another big challenge due to the team not having a first-round pick.

Atlanta sent its 2026 first-rounder to the Los Angeles Rams in the James Pearce Jr. trade during last year’s draft, so the Falcons will have to wait until the middle of Round 2 to make their first pick (No. 48 overall). This has led to the team largely being left out of mock draft season.

Fortunately, PFSN analyst Ian Cummings released a new seven-round mock draft that has the Falcons addressing multiple needs. Here’s a look at each of Atlanta’s projected picks, starting with the team’s selection of Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood in Round 2.

Round 2 (pick 48): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

“Opposite A.J. Terrell, Colton Hood is an ideal fit with man-zone versatility, vertical speed, crisp fluidity, and corrective twitch, and a playmaking propensity at the catch point,” wrote Cummings.

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The Falcons did little to upgrade at cornerback aside from signing nickel Darnay Holmes, so adding a player of Hood’s caliber in the middle of the second round would be a nice win for the team on Day 2. Hood is ranked 34th overall on Pro Football Focus’ big board.

The Volunteers defensive back played primarily on the outside last season, although he played about 20 percent of his snaps in the slot in 2024. Hood could eventually take over as the No. 2 cornerback down the line.

Round 3 (pick 79) WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia

“Zachariah Branch fielded an ungodly amount of targets behind the line of scrimmage, but he quietly has the separation upside and catch-point composure to complete his WR profile,” Cummings explained.

Atlanta’s biggest remaining need is arguably at the wide receiver position. Branch, a Georgia standout, is already a fan favorite. Landing the former Bulldog at pick No. 79 would be a perfect mix of value and need for Cunningham and Co.

Last season, Branch recorded 81 catches for 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He impressed at the combine and if he’s available here in Round 3, it’s a no-brainer.

Falcons final 3 picks in PFSN’s mock draftPick No. 122: C Logan Jones, IowaPick No. 215: DT Albert Regis, Texas A&MPick No. 231: OL Gavin Ortega, Weber State

Cummings has the team taking Iowa center Logan Jones, Texas A&M defensive tackle Albert Regis and Weber State offensive lineman Gavin Ortega to close out his seven-round mock draft. All three picks would make sense for Atlanta.

Jones is a good developmental center option who could sit behind Ryan Neuzil and Corey Levin. Atlanta needs more depth at the defensive tackle and offensive tackle positions, and both Regis and Ortega are worth a look in the seventh round.

Fans can tune in for the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, however, the Falcons will have to wait until Day 2 to make their first pick.