Welcome to the middle of OTAs, where everything is magnified by 100, partly because we can only watch the Atlanta Braves hover around .500 for so long. While the Atlanta Falcons haven’t given us much more to celebrate as of late, if anything at all, there is optimism to be had surrounding quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. and this young offense. With OTAs in full swing, there is a lot of good feeling surrounding what the 2025 Falcons can look like.
Does that mean that it’s too early to look at what the 2026 Falcons could be looking for? Some may say that it’s way too early. That doesn’t mean that we can’t look at some of the names that Falcons fans could potentially hear called next April.
Due to Atlanta’s decision to deal their first-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers, the only names we could find were from three-round mock drafts from Pro Football & Sports Network and College Football Network.
While it’s not as extensive as the haul for other teams, it does give a succinct look at a few names the Falcons to target in the 2026 NFL draft. So, let’s get right to it.
42) Clemson DT DeMonte Capehart
The Falcons will need to completely overhaul their interior defensive line in 2026. DeMonte Capehart can be a nice central piece as an explosive, powerful linear nose tackle at 6’5″, 315 pounds. His motor runs hot, his power output blasts opponents off the line, and he can stack-and-shed.
74) Texas A&M OT Trey Zuhn
42) Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq
Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is a breakout candidate this year. Really smooth moving F tight end who caught 92.6% of his targets last season.
Sadiq also averaged a ridiculous 10.1 yards after catch per reception last season. pic.twitter.com/htgOPHFI2J
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) May 6, 2025
74) Texas A&M WR Kevin Concepcion
Joe DeLeone, Pro Football & Sports Network, May 10th
42) Cincinnati DT Dontay Corleone
Very impressed by how consistently disruptive Cincinnati DT Dontay Corleone is. Great power and quick hands make him a handful for Big 12 o-linemen pic.twitter.com/evhtIOFgHG
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) June 6, 2024
74) Michigan LB Jaishawn Barham
Another name in the LB class to be aware of is Michigan LB Jaishawn Barham. Has the athleticism and length to not only be an impactful off ball LB, but also a disruptive blizter pic.twitter.com/oYVYSSKCzX
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) May 8, 2025
42) Alabama LB Deontae Lawson
Deontae Lawson (No. 0) is going to be taking over the middle of the Alabama defense for Jihaad Campbell in 2025. Lots to like with him, such as:
– Quick, twitchy reaction time
– Good instincts and pursuit angles
– Underrated pass rush skills pic.twitter.com/UdmfKKJXsv— Andrew Harbaugh (@AndrewHarbaugh_) May 1, 2025
74) Alabama WR Germie Bernard
42) Alabama C Parker Brailsford
“The Perfect Scheme Fit” Fairy should find Alabama OC Parker Brailsford. He’s a light <300 pounds, but quick to hunt off the snap w/strong, technical hands, enjoying second level contact. Right Wide Zone O … would kill w/ the Atlanta Falcons for example.pic.twitter.com/SQVqJ0YPnh
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) May 26, 2025
74) Georgia WR Zachariah Branch
Transfer wide receiver Zachariah Branch (5’10, 185) will be one of the more intriguing players to watch this season at Georgia.
All-American as a true freshman. Has all the athleticism, twitch, and YAC ability you could hope for. Easy to work into a gameplan. pic.twitter.com/6IkLD6846v
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) May 7, 2025
