Falcons fans are adamant that Atlanta was wise to avoid trading into the first round

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft was an eventful one, particularly for trades. There was a run of trade-ups near the end of the night, which begged the question for those teams without a first-round pick: would it be wise to consider a trade-up?

It was a question I asked Falcons fans after the conclusion of the evening, as Atlanta ultimately decided to stand pat in the second round. With their first pick all the way down at 48, it would have taken significant draft compensation to be able to move back into Round 1. The best opportunity to get into the late first likely would have been a trade for tight end Kyle Pitts, but that type of compensation was on the very high end for him.

So, what did Falcons fans think about trying to trade back into the first round?

As expected, a mere 1% of Falcons fans believe the team should’ve traded into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Given the price that move would’ve demanded and the fact that Atlanta only has five picks to begin with, it was always going to be a risky proposition at best. Such a move would’ve been a bold start to the Ian Cunningham era, to be sure, but probably not a wise one.

I’m glad fans (and the team) kept their cool at the tail end of Round 1. Now the Falcons enter Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft with picks at 48 (2nd) and 79 (3rd). I wouldn’t be shocked if Atlanta does pull off a trade, but it’s most likely to be a trade down to acquire some additional draft capital. It would also be prudent to keep an eye on a potential Kyle Pitts trade, as I expect Atlanta to consider offers for the ascending tight end throughout the evening.

Speaking of Day 2, we’ll once again be live (starting at 7PM ET) on our Falcons NFL Draft Party. We hope you’ll join us! In the meantime, Tre’Shon Diaz put together an excellent list of the best available prospects going into tonight.

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