Falcons complete virtual meeting with versatile Louisiana LB

The Atlanta Falcons have a hole in the middle of their defense after losing linebacker Kaden Elliss to the Saints in free agency. The former seventh-round pick began his NFL career in New Orleans and now returns on a three-year, $33 million contract.

As Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich explained back in February, it would take more than one player to replace the ultra-versatile Elliss. Atlanta signed Christian Harris in free agency and will likely add another linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft.

One possible option for the Falcons is Louisiana linebacker Jaden Dugger. The Ragin' Cajuns standout recorded 125 tackles (64 solo), four sacks, one forced fumble and one interception last season. Dugger's raw talent and versatility will help him carve a role in the NFL.

And it seems Atlanta is at least mildly interested in the projected Day 3 pick. Dugger said he recently had virtual meetings with a handful of teams, including the Falcons.

"I’ve had a ton of Zoom meetings as well with the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, and others," Dugger told SI draft analyst Justin Melo.

Since the Falcons don't have a first-round pick in this year's draft, they will have to find talent on Days 2-3. Dugger's game needs some polish, but he's confident he can make big strides once he gets to the NFL.

"I think I have the most upside of any player in this draft," Dugger told SI. "This is the worst I’m ever going to be and I’m still making plays compared to guys who are supposed to be the top players in this class. I’m only going to get better."

That's the kind of attitude this Falcons team could use when replacing a stud like Elliss.

Follow every pre-draft meeting with our **Falcons draft visits tracker**as we close in on the 2026 NFL Draft.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Falcons met with Louisiana LB Jaden Dugger