Updated Jan. 31, 2026, 3:35 p.m. ET
Now that the Atlanta Falcons have hired Kevin Stefanski as head coach and Ian Cunningham as general manager, the team can begin assembling its roster for the upcoming NFL season.
While the Falcons don’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft draft due to last year’s trade with the Los Angeles Rams, they have no regrets about moving up for James Pearce Jr. The former Tennessee standout led all rookies with 10.5 sacks.
Atlanta’s defense produced a franchise-record 57 sacks in 2025, prompting the team to keep defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in place despite the coaching change. The Falcons could still use a few pieces on offense, especially at the wide receiver position.
Ray-Ray McCloud was released during the year and Darnell Mooney never seemed to regain his 2025 form due to injuries. Even with a healthy Mooney returning, the team could use some more depth at the position.
In Pro Football Sports Network’s latest three-round mock draft, the Falcons took Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams in the second round (pick No. 48 overall).
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Falcons draft Clemson WR Antonio Williams (Pick No. 48)
“He may not have had the WR1-type season some expected from him, given his pre-draft hype, but Antonio Williams is still one of the best wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft,” wrote PFSN’s Jacob Infante. “He’s a crafty route runner with good explosion out of his breaks, consistently creating separation.”
As Infante explained, Williams didn’t have a wildly productive 2025 campaign. The Clemson standout finished the year with 55 catches for 611 receiving yards and four touchdowns. This is a slight drop from his 2024 season, in which he recorded 75 catches for 908 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
In Round 3 of PFSN’s mock draft, the Falcons addressed their defense by taking Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun with the 79th overall pick.
Falcons draft Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun (Pick No. 78)
“Davison Igbinosun entered Ohio State as a toolsy, raw prospect with high highs and low lows,” Infante wrote. “That’s still the case, though he’s evened out a bit. His instincts are showing progress in 2025, but it’s his length and athleticism that have him firmly on NFL radars.”
Igbinosun allowed just 22 catches on 46 targets for the Buckeyes this season, adding two interceptions and allowing a passer rating of 42.6. The 6-foot-2 defensive back has an NFL body and the skill set to eventually develop into a quality starter.
The Falcons have to be happy with the production of their top two cornerbacks in 2025. A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes did a solid job, but veteran defensive back Dee Alford is a free agent.
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on April 23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
