Falcons throw multiple curve-balls in 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft

This late in the NFL draft season, you'll see the same prospects and the same positions getting mocked to the same teams in the same spots over and over and over again. That makes surprises like the new three-round CBS Sports mock draft that much more compelling.

In the case of the Atlanta Falcons, Mike Renner has them taking two prospects rarely linked with the team at No. 48 overall and No. 79 overall on Day 2.

First, Renner has Atlanta picking Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker in the second round, which has normally been reserved for defensive tackles in most mock drafts. Parker (6-foot-4, 263 pounds) put in 39 productive games with the Tigers, totaling 21.5 sacks, 41.5 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles. Here are the highlights.

Edge may not seem like a big need on paper, but considering the up-in-the-air status of James Pearce Jr., the Falcons might be wise to add to this rotation next week - and the earlier the better.

With their next pick, Renner has Atlanta picking Ohio State tight end Max Klare.

Klare (6-foot-5, 243 pounds) spent three seasons at Purdue before transferring to Ohio State, all together putting up 116 catches, 1,329 yards and six touchdowns in 33 career college games.

This is an underrated need for the Falcons, as well - especially if they are able to find a trade partner for former top-five overall pick Kyle Pitts.

It's an interesting pair of picks, which hit needs outside of the typical DT/WR combos that we have seen prioritized throughout draft season for the Falcons. Hopefully we will see more surprises as the big day approaches. If Atlanta can put together a strong draft class it should put them in the running with the Panthers and Bucs for the division lead.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons pick T.J. Parker, Max Klare in CBS three-round mock draft