ESPN highlights the Atlanta Falcons' fifth-round draft pick, Harold Perkins Jr., as a standout selection. Despite mixed reviews on their overall draft class, Perkins is praised for his versatility and potential impact in the NFL.
Key points
Atlanta Falcons selected Harold Perkins Jr. in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft
Perkins was praised by ESPN and Pro Football Focus for his potential
Falcons also drafted Kendal Daniels in the fourth round for linebacker depth
Perkins showcased versatility as both a linebacker and edge rusher in college
Overall assessment of the Falcons' draft class was mixed
Mentioned in this story
ESPNPro Football FocusLSU
Atlanta FalconsHarold Perkins Jr.Kendal Daniels
ESPN singles out Falcons' Day 3 draft pick as fifth-round favorite
Even though they didn't like Atlanta's class much overall, Daniels has been singled out as a solid pick by Pro Football Focus. Perkins is also getting some love from the media, with ESPN's Field Yates naming him one of his favorite picks from the sixth round of the draft.
"The hardest question to answer about Perkins throughout the predraft process was whether he would play off-ball linebacker or edge rusher in the NFL. Either way, this is strong value for Atlanta this late in the sixth round. Perkins played all over for LSU during his college career, showcasing electric speed and open-field movement skills. He has some pass rush and coverage ability that will travel to the NFL. At the very least, he can be a factor on special teams."
Perkins (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) put in 43 games at LSU, posting 17 sacks, 35.5 tackles for a loss, five interceptions and eight forced fumbles.
Atlanta needed depth at both spots, so deciding whether Perkins should be playing on the edge or off the ball is a good problem to have for new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Q&A
Who is Harold Perkins Jr. and why is he significant for the Falcons?
Harold Perkins Jr. is a sixth-round draft pick from LSU, recognized for his versatility and potential impact as a linebacker or edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons.
What position did the Falcons address in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Falcons focused on strengthening their linebacker position during the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr.
What did ESPN say about the Falcons' draft picks?
ESPN noted that while the overall assessment of the Falcons' draft class was not very favorable, Harold Perkins Jr. was highlighted as a solid pick with strong potential.
How did Harold Perkins Jr. perform in college at LSU?
At LSU, Harold Perkins Jr. showcased electric speed and versatility, playing multiple roles and demonstrating both pass rush and coverage abilities.
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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Avieon Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the second half of a football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Memorial Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after a pass defense during the fourth quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 28: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after intercepting the ball during the first half of a football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
Dec 29, 2023; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) tackles Kentucky receiver Tayvion Robinson (9) near safety Jalyn Phillips (1) during the third quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key (6) carries Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) exchange words after Key took a long pass to the 5-yard line while being defended by Terrell during the first quarter. The Kentucky Wildcats faced off against the Clemson Tigers Friday, December 29, 2023, in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. The Wildcats led 14 to 10 at the half. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during Clemson football practice at Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday August 7, 2024.
Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during the first practice at Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 4, 2023.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass as Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) defends during the second quarter of the CFP National Playoff first round game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Jaydon Blue #23 of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball against Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
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ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates with offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) after a touchdown catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 13: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with Oscar Delp #4 after the 44-41 OT win over the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball after a reception against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter of the game at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.
Zachariah Branch of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs returns a kickoff during the third quarter against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) gestures after a first down against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) carries the ball during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch (WO09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) reacts during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Kendal Daniels #5 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates sacking quarterback Beau Pribula #9 of the Missouri Tigers (not pictured) for a loss of three yards with defensive back Omarion Robinson #2 in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 17-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates a safety against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Sammy Omosigho (7) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (13) during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) muscles his way into the endzone for a touchdown past Western Michigan Broncos defensive lineman Anterio Thompson (11) and defensive lineman Corey Walker (93) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 06: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies takes the field against the UC Davis Aggies at Husky Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Washington Huskies senior defensive tackle Anterio Thompson celebrates after Washington's win over Purdue. Mandatory Credit: Scott Eklund- University of Washington Athletics/Red Box Pictures
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 02: Anterio Thompson #54 of Washington Huskies in action during the Second Annual Dawgs After Dark Spring Game at Husky Stadium on May 02, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images for ONIT)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 15: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies celebrates his sack against the Purdue Boilermakers at Husky Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 14: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on before taking the field to face the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 13: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on during the game against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa (78) blocks during the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025.
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Avieon Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play during the second half of a football game against the Florida State Seminoles at Memorial Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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What NFL draft experts said about Falcons CB Avieon Terrell
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after a pass defense during the fourth quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 28: Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after intercepting the ball during the first half of a football game against the Stanford Cardinal at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Dec 29, 2023; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) tackles Kentucky receiver Tayvion Robinson (9) near safety Jalyn Phillips (1) during the third quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key (6) carries Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) exchange words after Key took a long pass to the 5-yard line while being defended by Terrell during the first quarter. The Kentucky Wildcats faced off against the Clemson Tigers Friday, December 29, 2023, in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. The Wildcats led 14 to 10 at the half. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during Clemson football practice at Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C. Wednesday August 7, 2024.
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Clemson corner back Avieon Terrell (20) during the first practice at Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 4, 2023.
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass as Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (20) defends during the second quarter of the CFP National Playoff first round game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Jaydon Blue #23 of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball against Avieon Terrell #20 of the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
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What NFL draft experts said about Falcons WR Zachariah Branch
ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 6: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates with offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) after a touchdown catch against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 13: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with Oscar Delp #4 after the 44-41 OT win over the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball after a reception against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter of the game at Sanford Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Athens, Georgia.
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Zachariah Branch of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs returns a kickoff during the third quarter against the Austin Peay Governors at Sanford Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) gestures after a first down against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) carries the ball during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia wideout Zachariah Branch (WO09) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) reacts during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Kendal Daniels #5 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates sacking quarterback Beau Pribula #9 of the Missouri Tigers (not pictured) for a loss of three yards with defensive back Omarion Robinson #2 in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 17-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates a safety against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Sammy Omosigho (7) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (13) during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) muscles his way into the endzone for a touchdown past Western Michigan Broncos defensive lineman Anterio Thompson (11) and defensive lineman Corey Walker (93) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium.
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 06: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies takes the field against the UC Davis Aggies at Husky Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Washington Huskies senior defensive tackle Anterio Thompson celebrates after Washington's win over Purdue. Mandatory Credit: Scott Eklund- University of Washington Athletics/Red Box Pictures
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 02: Anterio Thompson #54 of Washington Huskies in action during the Second Annual Dawgs After Dark Spring Game at Husky Stadium on May 02, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images for ONIT)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 15: Anterio Thompson #54 of the Washington Huskies celebrates his sack against the Purdue Boilermakers at Husky Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 14: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on before taking the field to face the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 13: Harold Perkins Jr. #7 of the LSU Tigers looks on during the game against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
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Falcons 2026 NFL Draft class in photos
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa (78) blocks during the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025.
