Looking at all six of Atlanta’s picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Atlanta Falcons have finished assembling their 2026 NFL Draft class, adding ? new players in Rounds 2-7. First-year Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham operated the draft like a veteran GM, adding value and filling needs without reaching.
After selecting Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell and Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch on Day 2, the team added traded down in the fourth round before selecting Oklahoma linebacker Kendal Daniels, defensive tackle Anterio Thompson, linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. and offensive tackle Nolan Onianwa.
So now that the 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, let’s check out each of the Falcons’ selections. Here’s a look at the team’s 2026 draft class, including analysis and pick grades below.
Round 2, Pick 48: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
The Atlanta Falcons selected Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell with the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday evening. Terrell is the little brother of Falcons star cornerback A.J. Terrell. The Tigers standout joins a talented secondary with a chance to eventually start alongside his brother.
Round 3, Pick 79: WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons selected Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, filling arguably the team’s biggest need with a local prospect. Branch recorded 81 catches for 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season.
Round 4, Pick 134: LB Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma
After trading back 12 spots with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Atlanta Falcons selected Oklahoma linebacker Kendal Daniels in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft (pick No. 134 overall). The Sooners standout originally played safety but is expected to move to a full-time linebacker role in Atlanta.
Round 6, Pick 208: DT Anterio Thompson, Washington
The Atlanta Falcons selected Washington defensive tackle Anterio Thompson with the first of two sixth-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. This was the pick that Atlanta acquired in their Day 3 trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. Thompson gives the Falcons a quality depth piece who can play nose tackle and the 3-tech. Last season, Thompson recorded 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks for the Huskies.
Round 6, Pick 215: LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
With the second of their two sixth-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. at No. 208 overall. Perkins is another athletic linebacker prospect with a ton of versatility. Some scouts aren’t sure where the Tigers standout will play in the NFL, but the Falcons have done well with these type of hybrid linebacker prospects under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
Round 7, Pick 231: OT Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State
The Atlanta Falcons finally added an offensive lineman, using the 231st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to take Ohio State offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa. The 6-foot-7 former Buckeye played sparingly at both guard spots in 2025, but he started at left tackle in 2024. He can provide depth at both offensive tackle spots in 2026.
Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class:
- Round 2, Pick 48: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
- Round 3, Pick 79: WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
- Round 4, Pick 134: LB Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma
- Round 6, Pick 208: DT Anterio Thompson, Washington
- Round 6, Pick 215: LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
- Round 7, Pick 231: OT Nolan Onianwa, Ohio State
The Falcons have already started signing undrafted free agents, so check back soon for an updated list of UDFA signings.
