ESPN points out Falcons' biggest roster hole in 2026

The Atlanta Falcons made a big investment in their wide receiver room in the 2026 NFL Draft, using their third-round pick on Georgia's Zachariah Branch. They also signed a couple of receivers in free agency, picking up Jahan Dotson and bringing back Olamide Zaccheaus.

That's a lot of action, but it would be a mistake to think that the Falcons are done building at this position. In fact, according to an analysis by Aaron Schatz at ESPN, outside receiver is Atlanta's biggest roster need right now.

"Sure, the Falcons could depend upon Jahan Dotson, who signed from the Eagles this offseason. But last year, Dotson had a 24 out of 100 score in ESPN's receiver scores, nearly at the bottom of the league. Dotson had fewer than 300 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. Atlanta's other free agent signing, Olamide Zaccheaus, is more of a slot receiver, while third-round pick Zachariah Branch is strictly a slot receiver..."

That means unless Dotson has a surprise major breakout season in 2026, the Falcons will likely need to use another early draft pick at this spot to find an appropriate "Z" receiver to pair with Drake London's "X" role.

That's doubly true if Atlanta ends up finding something resembling a franchise quarterback in either Michael Penix or Tuga Tagovailoa this season.

As is, the Falcons probably have enough talent to compete for the NFC South title if they get a decent season from either of them, but even winning the division would likely mean an early exit against a true playoff heavyweight. NFL teams need at least three respectable options at receiver to contend, and right now they're at one and a half at best.