ESPN lists Falcons among biggest winners from 2026 NFL Draft

Yahoo Sports2h ago23 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

The Atlanta Falcons are recognized as one of the biggest winners from the 2026 NFL Draft by ESPN. They made notable selections, including cornerback Avieon Terrell and wide receiver Zachariah Branch.

Key points

Atlanta Falcons recognized as 2026 NFL Draft winners
General manager Ian Cunningham made strategic selections
Avieon Terrell is the younger brother of A.J. Terrell
Zachariah Branch expected to make an immediate impact
Mel Kiper Jr. praised the Falcons' draft performance

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ESPN

Atlanta FalconsAvieon TerrellZachariah Branch

ESPN lists Falcons among biggest winners from 2026 NFL Draft

The Atlanta Falcons had an explosive start to the 2026 NFL Draft under general manager Ian Cunningham, even if they had to wait until Day 2 to make their first selection. Cunningham landed Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, the little brother of A.J. Terrell, in one of the best value picks of the night.

This caught the attention of ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., who was equally impressed by the team's third-round selection of Georgia's Zachariah Branch. The speedy wide receiver fills and has a chance to make an impact right away.

Kiper listed the Falcons among his biggest winners from Day 2 of the draft in a new feature for ESPN.

Falcons listed among Day 2 winners by Mel Kiper Jr.

"Not only did they get one of my favorite players in the class, they united him with his brother. Avieon Terrell is the brother of A.J. Terrell Jr., and now these two will share a cornerback room in Atlanta," wrote Kiper. "Avieon Terrell flips his hips and runs with receivers well, and although he didn't have any interceptions in 2025, he had five forced fumbles and nine pass breakups. At 5-11 and 186 pounds, he will be a slot guy at the next level."

As for Branch, Kiper said the Bulldogs wide receiver was one of his favorite players in the class and that he thought he was a second-round talent.

"Branch is also one of my favorites, and I might have been higher on him than most, grading him as an early Round 2 pick," added Kiper. "Getting him late on Day 2 is tremendous. He's 5-9 and 177 pounds, but he's also lightning quick with 4.35 speed and explosive traits. Branch can take a quick-game pass for a big play with his elusiveness in space."

The Falcons aren't done yet. They will close out the 2026 NFL Draft today with three more picks, starting with No. 122 overall in Round 4. Atlanta has no fifth-round pick, but the team has one each in the sixth and seventh rounds (picks 215 and 231).

Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft starts at 12 p.m. ET with Rounds 4-7.

Q&A

Why are the Atlanta Falcons considered winners of the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Falcons are considered winners due to their strategic selections, including cornerback Avieon Terrell and wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who are expected to make an immediate impact.

Who is Avieon Terrell and why is he significant for the Falcons?

Avieon Terrell is a cornerback from Clemson and the younger brother of A.J. Terrell, making his selection significant as it adds depth to the Falcons' defense.

What position does Zachariah Branch play and where did he come from?

Zachariah Branch is a wide receiver from the University of Georgia, and he is expected to contribute quickly to the Falcons' offense.

Who is Mel Kiper Jr. and what did he say about the Falcons' draft performance?

Mel Kiper Jr. is an ESPN draft expert who praised the Falcons' draft performance, highlighting their selections as among the best value picks of the night.