The Atlanta Falcons face significant challenges heading into the 2026 NFL draft, with only five picks and their first at No. 48 overall. ESPN identifies linebacker as one of the team's biggest needs, highlighting an imbalanced roster compared to rivals in the NFC South.
The new front office regime for the Atlanta Falcons has their work cut out for them going into the 2026 NFL draft. While they have some serious talents here and there, overall their roster is imbalanced and is arguably only the third-best in the NFC South behind Tampa and Carolina.
To make matters worse, the Falcons only have five picks to make, with their first not coming until No. 48 overall. That means they either have to trade down for more capital, or really make those picks count.
At least it isn't difficult to figure out where Atlanta's biggest holes are. ESPN has come out with a list of each team's three biggest needs, and they hit the nail on the head for the Falcons. Here's a quick review.
The first item on ESPN's list for Atlanta is the off-ball linebacker spot. The Falcons did not re-sign Kaden Elliss in free agency, and while Divine Deablo had a breakout season, there is no clear replacement for Elliss on the roster. Christian Harris would likely be starting. New GM Ian Cunningham should be not only looking to use an early pick on this spot, he should also seriously consider signing a proven vet like Bobby Wagner.
Offensively, Atlanta's biggest hole is at wide receiver, where they have a potential superstar in Drake London and exactly nothing else to be excited about. No other receiver managed more than 443 yards or two touchdowns last season, making this a massive need. The Falcons should definitely be looking to use one of their Day 2 picks (No. 48 or No. 79 overall) on the best wide receiver available to get London some help.
Atlanta also has a pretty sizable hole in the middle of their defensive line, where Zach Harrison, Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus are currently projected to start. David Onyemata signed with the New York Jets in free agency. Dorlus is coming off a breakout year in which he recorded 8.5 sacks, but the Falcons need to find more firepower for this unit. Most of all, they need a capable nose tackle who can help stop the run, where they ranked 24th last season.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN lists Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL draft needs
The biggest needs for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2026 NFL draft include linebacker, among other positions, due to an imbalanced roster.
The Atlanta Falcons have five draft picks for the 2026 NFL draft, with their first pick at No. 48 overall.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers are considered better than the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South.
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