{"id":815622,"date":"2026-03-16T17:25:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T17:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/815622\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T17:25:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T17:25:13","slug":"falcons-take-alabama-wr-germie-bernard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/815622\/","title":{"rendered":"Falcons take Alabama WR Germie Bernard"},"content":{"rendered":"

March 16, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET<\/p>\n

The Atlanta Falcons<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

In a new mock draft from SI’s Justin Melo<\/a>, 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<\/a> WR Germie Bernard.<\/p>\n

Falcons add Alabama WR Germie Bernard with pick 48 in SI’s mock<\/p>\n

“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<\/a>. “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.”<\/p>\n

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. Bernard ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds at the scouting combine.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Follow along with each signing using our Falcons free agency live tracker<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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