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The Atlanta Falcons are coming off of an underwhelming 2025 season, finishing with an 8-9 record and falling just short of the playoffs. The Falcons and their new coaching staff looked to address holes and lack of depth at many positions including receiver, cornerback, and linebacker. Atlanta had six selections in this year's draft and although did not have a first round pick due to a trade with the Rams during the 2025 draft, selected three players that I believe could have an immediate impact.
Avieon Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson
The Atlanta Falcons' first selection of the 2026 draft came in the second round at pick 48, where they selected Clemson cornerback and younger brother of current Falcons' star cornerback Aj Terrell, Avieon Terrell. Terrell is a fluid, physical, and technically sound press corner that was projected by many to go as early as the first round, but dropped due to a hamstring injury during the pre-draft process and less than ideal testing numbers. Terrell's ability to play above his size, his fluidity, quickness in coverage, and his above-average ability to knock the ball out both pre- and post-catch, should allow him to slot in as Atlanta's number two boundary corner beside his brother Aj.
Zachariah Branch, Receiver, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons selected Georgia playmaker Zachariah Branch with their second selection of the 2026 draft. The Georgia standout was selected in the third round with the 79th overall pick after being projected to go as early as pick 50. Branch was one of the most explosive playmakers in the 2026 draft showcasing blazing speed, impressive athleticism, and a fantastic run after catch ability. Branch's versatility and athleticism allow him to contribute in a multitude of ways, including playing in the slot, on the outside, and as a punt/kick returner. The former 5-star stands at just 5-foot-8, 177-pounds leading to doubts about his longevity and ability to line up on the outside, but with his track speed, versatility, and lining up opposite of Drake London, Branch should be able to play to his strengths and be successful at the next level.
Harold Perkins Jr., Linebacker, LSU
The Falcons selected LSU linebacker and former five-star recruit, Harold Perkins Jr. in the 6th round with the 215th overall pick in the 2026 draft. Perkins is an elite athlete for the position scoring an 8.63 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) and running an impressive 4.38-second 40-yard dash at his LSU Pro Day. Perkins is a little undersized for the position standing at just 6-foot-one, 223-pounds, but showed elite versatility playing Edge, slot, and off-ball linebacker for the LSU Tigers. The former LSU standout excelled as a pass rusher in college but due to his lack of size will probably be forced to play off-ball linebacker at the next level. Perkins combination of elite athleticism, versatility, and instincts should allow him to find a role on the Falcons special teams and defense early on in his career.
