May 3, 2026, 12:30 p.m. ET

The Atlanta Falcons landed arguably one of the biggest steals in the 2026 NFL Draft by taking Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell in the second round. However, just because Terrell was a projected first-round pick — and A.J. Terrell’s little brother — doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed a starting job this season.

In 2025, fourth-round pick Billy Bowman Jr. won the team’s starting nickel job out of training camp. The Falcons secondary has come a long way since then, and they won’t have to rely on Terrell until he’s ready. Aside from Atlanta’s newest cornerback, the team had a new starting nose tackle in Maason Smith.

The Falcons also said goodbye to starting inside linebacker Kaden Elliss. We expect free-agent addition Christian Harris to replace Elliss this season, although Troy Anderson and rookie Kendal Daniels should be in the mix as well.

As for James Pearce Jr., he’s expected to avoid legal troubles, although the NFL could still suspend the Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist. Other than that, we don’t expect any major changes on defense.

Check out our starting lineup projection for the Falcons defense, including Pro Football Focus grades for each player.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Falcons starting defense with PFF gradesDL Zach Harrison: 63.8DT Maason Smith: 49.1DL Brandon Dorlus: 63.4EDGE Jalon Walker: 71.6LB Divine Deablo: 77.7LB Christian Harris: 54.8EDGE James Pearce Jr.: 56.2CB A.J. Terrell: 57.7CB Mike Hughes: 58.6NB Billy Bowman Jr: 49.8S Jessie Bates III: 64.5S Xavier Watts: 72.4

Defensively, the team traded Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars, acquiring Maason Smith in a rare player-for-player trade of two former second-round picks. Since the Falcons didn’t add any potential Day 1 starters in the draft. Sixth-round pick Anterio Thompson should provide depth behind Brandon Dorlus this season.

While rookie Avieon Terrell should be in the mix for Atlanta’s starting nickel job, we think he’ll begin on the outside as the backup for Mike Hughes. However, Bowman’s recovery from his Achilles injury could be a factor.

Falcons special teams with PFF gradesK Nick Folk: 91.3P Jake Bailey: 75.1LS Liam McCullough: 68.3

As you can see, the Falcons have two new starters, including the NFL’s most accurate kicker in Nick Folk. Atlanta also signed veteran punter Jake Bailey. Meanwhile, long snapper Liam McCullough returns for another season.