Falcons tread water in NFL.com's post-draft power rankings

The Atlanta Falcons' 2026 NFL Draft class has received mixed reviews from around the league, with many analysts praising the team's Day 2 selections but feeling uncertain about the four picks made on Day 3. Those unfamiliar with the Falcons' defensive scheme questioned some of those late-round additions.

The lack of positional clarity on certain picks, including Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr., scared some away, but defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich likes ultra-versatile players at that linebacker spot. And when you're replacing a guy like Kaden Elliss, it takes more than your typical off-ball linebacker.

Atlanta also added to the trenches to close out the draft, taking athletic defensive lineman Anterio Thompkins and offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa.

The Falcons may have gotten better, but that change was not reflected in NFL.com's post-draft power rankings. Atlanta stayed at No. 22 overall, still behind the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I loved the feel-good story with Avieon Terrell, who joined his brother on the Falcons, but I also think he can play a little and upgrade that secondary," wrote NFL.com's Eric Edholm. "The Zachariah Branch selection comes with risk, but the playmaker can carve out an early role on offense. Keep an eye on sixth-rounders Anterio Thompson and Harold Perkins Jr., too, as subpackage weapons for the D. The focus now shifts back to the new coaching staff and the fascinating QB situation with Michael Penix Jr. and , and whether either can prevent another late-season meltdown. This team has some talent."