Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft Tracker 2.0: Step One, Scouting Combine
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 1: Zachariah Branch #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs the ball against the Ole Miss Rebels during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Caesars Superdome on January 1, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe All-Star games have come and gone, but the Atlanta Falcons weren't a full-fledged front office by that time. Now, with the official hiring of former Chicago Bears Assistant GM and Roswell, GA native Ian Cunningham as Atlanta's GM, the first step of the Ryan-Cunningham-Stefanski throuple is in Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Before we get into our 2.0 of the Mock Draft Tracker, we need to do some housekeeping from Mock Draft Tracker 1.0.
First of all, if you look at the selections from the first tracker, there were 26 unique prospects with six of them being selected in two different instances (listed below):
If you didn't notice, three of them are wide receivers, all three with different skillsets. Whether that's indicative of the glaring need at wide receiver, a symptom of a full organizational reset, or a mixture of the two, I'll leave up to you.
Secondly, the number of receivers selected between the 13 mock drafts almost doubles the next two positions that, in my estimation, are the biggest needs that can be filled with Atlanta's day-two picks in cornerback and defensive tackle.
I'm a bit surprised there weren't more offensive tackles in this draft, given Stefanski's propensity to run the football and the fact that Jake Matthews will be 34 years old at the start of the season.
Okay, enough talk.
There are 19 more mock drafts to analyze and 23 more prospects to add to the tracker, which I will list at the end of this article. All 49 prospects listed should be available to go at the Scouting Combine.
Let's get into the 2nd version of this 2026 Atlanta Falcons mock draft tracker.
Also, please let us know in the comments who you would snag in this year's draft with the limited amount of picks the Falcons have this April.
Kevin Knight's Post-Ian Cunningham hire 7-Round Mock Draft - February 13, 2026Ian Cunningham may not be the highest in command in Atlanta, but there's no doubt that his fingerprints will be all over Atlanta's drafts. So, our Kevin Knight took a quick look to see what Cunningham's influence could look like in this year's draft.
Saivion Mixson's Mock Draft 1.0 - February 11, 2026I put up my best guess as to what this regime's first draft may look like under the new trio at the top. Please let me know what you think!
FanSided's Cody Williams' Pre-Combine 3-Round Mock Draft - February 21, 20262.48 - Keionte Scott, CB, MiamiWhile A.J. Terrell remains a top-tier cornerback in the NFL, the rest of the Falcons secondary leaves a bit to be desired. So after making such heavy investments in the outside linebacker spot and front seven over the past couple of years, they turn their attention back to the secondary with Keionte Scott. An elite run defender at the position, he was sixth in college football in coverage stops this season while also recording two interceptions. He's likely a slot in the NFL, but he can fill that role for the Falcons, no doubt about it.
Height: 6'0"Weight: 195Year: Redshirt SeniorYes, the Falcons have Dee Alford (for now). Yes, the Falcons have Billy Bowman. But, with the way that Xavier Watts burst onto the scene, does that put Jessie Bates on the trading block? Does that open up the pathway to a Bowman and Watts safety tandem with a new opening at nickel?
If that's in the cards, you won't get much better than Scott. A very good blitzer, a solid tackler, and an all-around weapon for your defense. The Seahawks showed what a versatile nickel can do for your defense, if Ulbrich wants to follow that meta, bringing in Scott could do the same for the Falcons defense.
3.79 - Max Klare, TE, Ohio StateHeight: 6'5"Weight: 243Year: JuniorKeionte Scott is a fun nickel to study.
- Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 22, 2025
Extremely disruptive at the LOS due to his speed, balance and competitive toughness. Has been playing at this level all season for Miami. pic.twitter.com/W2ac3OBYSi
Kyle Pitts' franchise tag would be $16 million. Would you get what you pay for with Pitts' $16 million, especially with a question mark at quarterback?
That's the thing, we have no idea. Pitts' career has been up-and-down, some of it by no fault of his own, but betting on Pitts' upside could be a worthwhile bet.
However, if the Falcons pick Ohio State's Max Klare here at pick 79, they would pay Klare $1.27 million. And while you may not get the explosiveness of Pitts, you will get a versatile receiving threat that can continually attack both vertically and make himself available underneath. He won't give you the improved blocking that Pitts has shown, but that's the payoff for having almost $15 million to play with for the rest of the roster.
A to Z Sports' Travis May's 7-Round Mock Draft - February 21, 20262.48 - Blake Miller, OT, ClemsonHeight: 6'6"Weight: 315Year: SeniorFinally watching Ohio State TE Max Klare and I like what I see. Good mover and really solid hands.
- big ounce (@_bigounce) February 17, 2026
Strengths: Explosive route runner, strong catch-to-attack mentality, and ability to create.
He is noted for his vertical speed and fluid athleticism. pic.twitter.com/5EmS1Te76g
If you want Blake Miller, this is going to be the spot to grab him. I could easily see Miller and his overall solid to good traits and production shoot him up in this draft that has a few questions at the tackle position. But, as I always say, now that the Falcons have Bill Callahan on staff, that opens you up to bring any offensive lineman you may want into the building and have confidence they will be developed into the more idealized version of themselves. For Miller, that's a very similar trajectory to Jake Matthews, where they are a reliable tackle for a very long time.
3.79 - Malik Muhammad, CB, TexasHeight: 6'0"Weight: 183Year: JuniorFinally a 2026 tackle that I like. Blake Miller is balllling this year.
- James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 6, 2025
- 6064/315/35-inch arms
- elite++ athlete, no pull is off the table
- ends dreams at the 2nd/3rd level
- violent block finisher
- skilled hands
- B+ anchor
- strike power/grip strength shuts down reps on... pic.twitter.com/VxcmmKsu3A
For years, Muhammad has been one of my favorite CB prospects, not only because of his versatility as a defensive back, but his ability to click and close on routes. He is a twitched-up defensive back that can play outside corner, nickel, anywhere. He would be a plug-and-play guy on the other side of A.J. Terrell, or another candidate to play nickel if you had other plans for Billy Bowman or Dee Alford.
4.114 - Skyler Bell, WR, UConnHeight: 6'0"Weight: 185Year: SeniorMalik Muhammad has allowed a 30.8 passer rating in coverage this season pic.twitter.com/M8pqBj7uxA
- NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 23, 2025
If you want a vertical threat, you can call UConn's Skyler Bell. If you need a physical blocker, you can call UConn's Skyler Bell. If you need a route-runner who understands how to tempo and beat a defensive back one-on-one...you get the idea.
His size will have him drop, but make no mistake, Bell is a playmaker who can make an immediate difference in the passing game, especially in Atlanta, where verticality is much needed.
6.196 - Dae'Quan Wright, TE, Ole MissHeight: 6'4"Weight: 255Year: SeniorTrying to watch Buffalo LB Red Murdock but UConn WR Skyler Bell (#1) is doing cool stuff pic.twitter.com/COM8EcObro
- JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) February 13, 2026
One of the underrated aspects of this draft class is the depth of the tight ends. Dae'Quan Wright may be one of the better all-around tight ends in this class, and he falls to the sixth round in this mock.
Wright has some nice moments as a blocker, where he shows much-needed violence and good pop. He can immediately become a plus on special teams, and if he continues to develop as a receiver, which he's already not too shabby at the moment, he could be a nice TE3 or even a TE2.
7.231 - Vincent Anthony Jr., EDGE, DukeHeight: 6'5"Weight: 246Year: SeniorEvery time I watch a new TE prospect, I'm amazed at how deep this class is. Most recent watch... Dae'Quan Wright pic.twitter.com/mGYinot8aN
- Panthers Pulse (@PanthersPulze) February 17, 2026
Another special teams ace that can moonlight as a developmental EDGE prospect: Vincent Anthony, Jr. has fantastic bend and a superb motor that will make it tough to keep him off the field, especially if he's producing.
PFF's Gordon McGuinness' 3-Round Mock Draft - February 16, 20262.48 - R Mason Thomas, EDGE, OklahomaHeight: 6'2"Weight: 249Year: SeniorDuke EDGE Vincent Anthony Jr. is a problem.
- NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) September 10, 2025
Displays WILD bend for a 6'6, 260lb defensive end. 3 sacks against Illinois and cooked NFL-caliber LT JC Davis on two of them.
Major candidate to be a 2026 NFL Draft riser pic.twitter.com/zOtE5mIS1D
One of the things the Falcons defense will (potentially) miss from James Pearce, Jr. is his explosiveness getting to the quarterback. Well, if they bring R Mason Thomas into the fold, that will take the edge off a bit. (pun intended)
Oklahoma's defense was a top 10 unit in the country, and one of the reasons was R Mason Thomas' ability to get to the quarterback, as well as his willingness in the run game. While there are more needs the Falcons could snag at 48, keeping the floor high on that talented defensive unit from last year could be a good investment.
3.79 - Michael Trigg, TE, BaylorHeight: 6'4"Weight: 240Year: Redshirt Senior#Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas is one of the most explosive pass rushers in the draft.
- Andy (@AndyyNFL) February 12, 2026
Great first-step with the ability to convert speed to power, relentless in pursuit, very good bend, and overall just a pressure machine. Top-50 on my Big Board. pic.twitter.com/OftFmg3meJ
As we approach the scouting combine, expect a ton of buzz around Baylor's Michael Trigg. A mismatch waiting to happen with his size, strength, route-running ability, and quickness. Trigg looks like what most people think about when they think of a tight end.
Has work to do as a blocker, but there is no doubt that you should take a flyer on Trigg if you have a chance.
ESPN's Matt Miller's Post-Senior Bowl 2-Round Mock Draft - February 2, 20262.48 - Eli StowersWould love to see Jags select Baylor TE Michael Trigg in the draft
- SleeperJaguars (@SleeperJaguars) February 20, 2026
Elite ball skills
Fluid route runner with slot credentials
Mackey finalist
Contested catch monster
Trigg X Strange in 12-personnel would feed families
pic.twitter.com/GTtXgTnT9D
With Kyle Pitts Sr. set to hit free agency, the Falcons could be looking for a new starting tight end. Stowers is a true F-tight end prospect with a game very similar to Harold Fannin Jr. from last year's class.
Height: 6'4"Weight: 235Year: Redshirt SeniorOne of the better parts of this draft class is their tight end class, and the most recent Mackey Award Winner, Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers, is a quarterback's dream. He knows how to work and find space underneath, he is a vertical threat up the seams, he has a phenomenal catch radius, and he eats up space after the catch.
PFF's Dalton Wasserman's 3-Round Mock Draft - February 23, 20262.48 - D'Angelo Ponds, CB, IndianaHeight: 5'9"Weight: 170Year: JuniorThe short area quickness, ball skills, and body control of Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers makes him one of the best F tight ends in the class. One-on-one nightmare.
- Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) February 16, 2026
Stowers was No. 2 in the country among TEs in yards per route run (2.55) and 1st down receptions (40). pic.twitter.com/8DMqYdNUyO
The definition of a dawg, D'Angelo Ponds, may be the most talked-about non-QB prospect in this year's draft. His size is an obvious red flag, but when you see him play, there's no doubt he deserves for someone to take a shot on him.
Instinctual, athletic, confident, all of the things that you would want out of your defensive back, if Ponds finds his way to Atlanta, Ulbrich will have fun figuring out where best to deploy him. Whether that's outside or at nickel, it would be electric to have this sort of attitude and electricity in the defensive secondary.
3.79 - Zachariah Branch, WR, GeorgiaHeight: 5'10"Weight: 180Year: JuniorIndiana CB D'Angelo Ponds is so damn good
- Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) January 20, 2026
No need to mention the size. You can't put a collar on that DAWG.
pic.twitter.com/0avQPrflmg
With the lack of firepower from the passing game last season, the Falcons will need to find all the hidden yardage they can. One of the best at finding those nooks and crannies to gain extra yardage was Georgia's Zachariah Branch.
Nimble, fast, and a certified weapon with the ball in the hands, Branch can turn five into 25 at the drop of a hat.
NFL.com's Chad Reuter's 3-Round Mock Draft - February 9, 20262.48 - Michael Trigg, TE, BaylorMy Guy" WR Zachariah Branch is what the Falcons need...burner speed, raw athleticism, lose your ass in a phone booth elusiveness....demon returning punts.
- Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) January 5, 2026
2025:
81 catches, 811 yds, 6 TD
15 PR, 180 yds
10 KR, 205 yds https://t.co/51qafwxubGpic.twitter.com/iP3QMSWZkt
3.79 - Chris Bell, WR, LouisvilleHeight: 6'2"Weight: 220Year: Redshirt SeniorThis 2-Catch Sequence from Baylor TE Michael Trigg is absurd pic.twitter.com/HJcWxVbfiX
- Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) October 4, 2025
A late-season ACL tear will give a team a chance at Bell that may not have had a shot at him if the injury wasn't there, since Bell was almost penciled into the back end of the first round. But make no mistake, he won't be there for long. Bell has game-breaking speed and a remarkable ability to find yards after the catch using that speed.
The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman's 2-Round Mock Draft - January 29, 20262.48 - Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego StateHeight: 6'0"Weight: 185Year: SeniorChris Bell Jr. (6'2 227) Louisville
- Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 22, 2026
+ Elite straight-line speed
+ Just a 5.3% drop rate in 2025
+ Career 56.1% contested catch rate
+ Adjusting to back shoulder throws
+ Breaking through arm tackles
+ 2.55 yards per route ran in 2025
+ Career 67.7% completion rate when targeted... pic.twitter.com/1jmc2e6NkP
He's a good man-to-man corner, but when Chris Johnson gets his eyes on the quarterback and reads the field, there may not be a better cornerback on the field. Matching him up with another really good zone cornerback in A.J. Terrell, and watch how different the secondary feels when two guys take away massive amounts of the field with their coverage ability.
Saturday Blitz's Nicholas Rome's Post Senior Bowl 2-Round Mock Draft - February 3, 20262.48 - Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego StateSan Diego State CB Chris Johnson was one of the NCAA's cheat code guys in off coverage last season. Seven catches on 19 targets for 4.6 yards per attempt, and nearly more picks than catches. pic.twitter.com/LEOYhUPEj3
- Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 20, 2026
Kevin Stefanski has a few major holes to fill for the Falcons, with one of the biggest lying in the secondary as the team needs a solid cornerback opposite AJ Terrell. Chris Johnson is on the smaller side, but he's impressive in off-man coverage and in zone, giving him a chance to excel in any defensive scheme.
The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner's Post Super Bowl 3-Round Mock Draft - February 9, 20262.48 - Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa StateReally liking Chris Johnson out of SDSU. Long intelligent corner who can be a very solid starter in the league. Show: @nfldraftfanatcpic.twitter.com/OBbiQfIUN3
- Tyler Hill (@tyler_hill5) February 17, 2026
The Falcons gave up a lot for James Pearce Jr. last spring, and Pearce then led all rookies with 10.5 sacks. Big Citrus" could be the perfect addition to Atlanta's emerging defensive front.
Height: 6'4"Weight: 325Year: SeniorI can't believe it took this long for Big Citrus to find his hypothetical way to Atlanta, but I'm so glad he did. Beyond an incredible name, Orange's sheer strength and cat-like quickness along the line is one of the main reasons why the defensive line may be the most fun position to scout in this year's draft. If the Falcons want someone to immediately improve their run defense, break out the oranges.
Rotowire's Mario Puig's 2-Round Mock Draft - February 20, 20262.48 - Zachariah Branch, WR, GeorgiaIowa State DT Domonique Orange 6'4 325
- Yuri (@Yuri_Ravens) February 15, 2026
In his last two seasons at Iowa state he recorded 23 pressures, 29 stops and 4 qb hits
Strong at the point of attack and engaging blockers one on one, good pop in his hands and maintains pad level pic.twitter.com/UTL7XhCJFy
The Falcons wide receiver personnel has been mismanaged to an almost immoral extent. After Drake London and Darnell Mooney it has been practice squad-types for years, so Atlanta would be lucky to get Branch here.
Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling's Pre-Super Bowl 3-Round Mock Draft - February 4, 20262.48 - Chris Brazzell II, WR, TennesseeHeight: 6'5"Weight: 200Year: SeniorGive me Zachariah Branch @Lions please Perfect WR and Kr/Pr replacement pic.twitter.com/bZoMMP6E1Z
- MotorCityDraft (@MotorCityDraft) February 22, 2026
Drake London can win at all three levels, but he is mostly a master of the short to intermediate. To truly unlock all the weapons in this offense, there has to be someone who can continuously take the top off the defense. Especially if Penix is supposed to be the QB of the future. Chris Brazzell II not only takes the top off the defense with his speed, but he is a threat to win down the field due to his size.
3.79 - Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio StateHeight: 6'2"Weight: 195Year: SeniorFilm Breakdown
- Chris Cooper (@ChrisCooper_NFL) February 13, 2026
Chris Brazzell II, WR - Tennessee
- 6'5 | 200
- 1st Team All-SEC
- 62 Rec | 1017 Yds | 9 TDs pic.twitter.com/Y1OhxRvTkc
The only thing better than having one physical lockdown corner is having two of them. Igbinosun's 2024 season was forgettable, mired with penalties and overly aggressive play. 2025, Igbinosun flipped the narrative surrounding him, showing to be more than just a ball of traits.
He was able to show that he can cover without getting too handsy and was able to show off his impressive length and long speed to stay attached to receivers.
A to Z Sports' Travis May, Ryan Roberts, and Kyle Crabbs' 3-Round Mock Draft - February 18, 20262.48 - Germie Bernard, WR, AlabamaHeight: 6'1"Weight: 204Year: SeniorBeautiful pass breakup by Davison Igbinosun CB Ohio State! #SeniorBowl@AtoZSportsNFLpic.twitter.com/YhW2PmEdGj
- Travis May (@FF_TravisM) January 27, 2026
This is the first time I've seen Germie Bernard given to Atlanta, and I believe that's simply because he is too talented to fall to the end of the first 50 picks. Bernard is a deceptively smooth route-runner; he wins from virtually everywhere on the field, all three levels of the field, not to mention his ability to find hidden yardage after the catch.
A receiver room headlined by Bernard and London would be a consistent headache for a lot of secondaries in the NFL.
3.79 - Darrell Jackson, Jr., DT, Florida StateHeight: 6'5"Weight: 337Year: Senior101 Film Review W/Corky@GameTapeGods
- Leagues 1.01 (@Leagues_101) February 19, 2026
- Germie Bernard is a player I think can sky rocket his value with good testing at the combine, his skill set could make him a fringe 1st rounder. Let's see why.
1. Versatility- Germie is the most versatile player in this draft, he can win... pic.twitter.com/DiLXJZG2AP
If Ulbrich wants a big body in the middle of the defense, look no further than Florida State's Darell Jackson, Jr. The definition of a space eater in the middle, Jackson, Jr., shows off enormous size and strength, along with a mean streak that can make any run defense better. Being able to develop a pass-rush bag and forcing defenses to account for him on third down could further open up the Falcons' young, rejuvenated pass rush.
FanSided's Sayre Bedinger's 3-Round Mock Draft - February 22, 20262.48 - Germie Bernard, WR, AlabamaFSU DT Darrell Jackson Jr. just arrived at the @seniorbowl and made a POWERFUL impact.
- The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) January 28, 2026
He's gonna be special pic.twitter.com/LX0IWisU5O
3.79 - Keionte Scott, CB, MiamiGermie Bernard has the profile of a high-end WR2 who plays for a decade or more
- NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 18, 2026
Broad route tree, nuanced separator, strong after the catch, alignment versatile, reliable hands. Robert Woods type of player: pic.twitter.com/xvmoHcxIXO
FanSided's Sayre Bedinger's 2-Round Mock Draft - February 3, 20262.48 - Chris Bell, WR, LouisvilleGermie Bernard has the profile of a high-end WR2 who plays for a decade or more
- NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 18, 2026
Broad route tree, nuanced separator, strong after the catch, alignment versatile, reliable hands. Robert Woods type of player: pic.twitter.com/xvmoHcxIXO
Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling's 2-Round Mock Draft - February 2, 20262.48 - Omar Cooper, Jr., WR, IndianaHeight: 6'0"Weight: 204Year: Redshirt JuniorChris Bell is worth the wait. He should come off the board in round 2. The injury just provides some team a discount. #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/G6Q4Z4esA5
- Ray G (@RayGQue) February 22, 2026
If you're looking for some explosion out of the wide receiver position, then Omar Cooper, Jr. is your guy. He eats up space on DBs very quickly and attacks every route as if he's getting the football. His ability after the catch, breaking tackles, and using his unique blend of speed and strength to gain that extra yardage may be a huge asset next to Drake London.
A to Z Sports' Ryan Roberts' 3-Round Mock Draft - February 11, 20262.48 - Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa StateOmar Cooper Jr.
- Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) February 23, 2026
Indiana really maximizes CFB spacing to attack coverages - often you'll see Cooper Jr. on the field side with so much room to work with
or you'll see him in the slot, like on this snap. Breaks three tackles with 27 yards of YAC here on the slant/glance pic.twitter.com/2TUBuEvC53
3.79 - Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn StateHeight: 6'5"Weight: 265Year: Senior#IowaState DT Domonique Orange deciding to end this run rep by using the C to tackle the LT and RB. Orange's pass rush upside is very limited, but he provides a lot of value on early downs as a run defender pic.twitter.com/Q3IVfApmLy
- JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) February 17, 2026
Dennis-Sutton truly has no business moving as fluently and as smoothly as he does at almost 270 pounds. While he may not be the most skilled of pass-rushers, his combination of size, speed, and strength is an asset that any defensive line rotation would love.
It would be very easy to see his size partnered up with the explosiveness of Jalon Walker and continue to build out this EDGE room for the future.
The Draft Network's Jaime Eisner's 7-Round Mock Draft for the Falcons - February 16, 20262.48 - Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego StatePenn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton is a great pass-rusher, but it's his open-field speed and agility that could have him standing out in a big way at the scouting combine. No. 33 can move! pic.twitter.com/ETuQ67QwCw
- Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 19, 2026
The Falcons found some major safety help in the 2025 NFL Draft; now it's time to start stocking the cornerback cupboard for the future as well. Only A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes are under contract beyond the 2026 season, with the latter being an easy cut to save cap space before 2027 if the Falcons need it. San Diego State's Chris Johnson has had back-to-back strong seasons with the Aztecs and will be just 21 years old when the NFL season starts. Johnson is scheme-versatile and a difference-maker on the back end-he has five interceptions, four forced fumbles, and two touchdowns over his last two collegiate seasons. Johnson is still ascending as a prospect, leaving plenty of room for growth into being Terrell's long-term complement.
3.79 - Omar Cooper, Jr., WR, IndianaVikings prospect spotlight:
- Mc (@3mc10) February 3, 2026
Chris Johnson
Position: Cornerback
College: San Diego State
Height/Weight: 6-0, 190 lbs pic.twitter.com/hYgePLBT60
Omar Cooper Jr. may end up going a round higher than this when the pre-draft process is all said and done, but I like his fit with the Falcons. Cooper isn't going to be a major vertical threat, but he has excellent contact balance with the ability to consistently break tackles in the middle of the field. He has really good hands, is quick out of his breaks, and is a YAC machine. He'll be a reliable option for whoever is under center for Atlanta next season. Also, Darnell Mooney could be a cap casualty this offseason, leaving a weak Falcons receiving corps even weaker.
4.114 - Darrell Jackson, Jr., DT, Florida StateOmar Cooper Jr. (6'0 201) Indiana
- Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 24, 2026
+ Shifty with the ball in his hands with excellent contact balance
+ 2.55 yards per route ran in 2025
+ 4.2% drop rate in 2025
+ 54.3% career contested catch rate
+ Ball security with 0 career fumbles
+ 20 receiving touchdowns combined in the... pic.twitter.com/zHjyIgLMVP
The Falcons need to continue investing in the interior of their defensive line, and I like the idea of them starting day three with a Senior Bowl standout. Darrell Jackson Jr. stands at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds. He has the requisite size for the position with good athleticism to boot. He should be an impact run defender right away. The potential lack of pass-rushing upside is what may keep him out of the top 100, but don't be surprised if he's an instant contributor on early downs as a rookie.
6.196 - Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&MDarrell Jackson Jr. is the rare NT with pass rush juice
- Jordan Pun (@Texans_Thoughts) February 13, 2026
At 6'5, 328lbs, 35" arms, he's definitely a run stuffer first, but he can harass pockets too
I think the Texans defense would benefit from a bigger DT like DJJ
pic.twitter.com/vVYJvLoXfphttps://t.co/X1NkMVAOvs
Will Kyle Pitts return to the Falcons in 2026? If so, will it be on the franchise tag or a multi-year deal? While a sixth-round pick won't be a like-for-like Pitts replacement, Nate Boerkircher turned some heads with a strong Senior Bowl performance that gave scouts a peek into his potential upside. Boerkircher is an intelligent, high-effort player who can provide some nice depth for the Falcons. His football IQ and solid hands make him a reliable target, even if he's not much of a YAC threat. He's probably more of a help or chip blocker at this stage of his career, but there may be more upside there as well. He projects as a solid TE2 who can wear multiple hats on offense and special teams.
Height: 6'4"Weight: 250Year: Redshirt SeniorNow we know, Kyle Pitts is in fact coming back (or so it seems), but adding a guy like Boerkircher to add to your special teams depth, and those beautifully chaotic three-tight-end sets, seems like a win for everybody. Especially given Atlanta's inept special teams performance last season.
7.232 - Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western MichiganThe tight end class is very crowded but I won't be surprised if a team really likes Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher (87). One of the best blocking tight ends in the class and flashed nice ball production in an offense not built to highlight him #GigEm@NBoerkircherpic.twitter.com/N552nwGZy8
- Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) February 18, 2026
Nadame Tucker is a very interesting name to monitor through this pre-draft process. He was a monster on the statsheet in 2025, recording a nation-leading 14.5 sacks and 21 TFLs at Western Michigan. However, he's an older prospect (he'll be 26 when the season begins) with only one year of production. He's also undersized for an NFL edge rusher. He may be worth a gamble for a team that believes Tucker is simply a late bloomer. He could go anywhere from the fifth to the seventh round.
Height: 6'3"Weight: 250Year: Redshirt SeniorOne of the best bets a team is going to make on day three is bringing Nadame Tucker to lift the floor of your EDGE room. Tucker finds his way to the quarterback and brings guys down into the backfield.
It will be fun to see if he can bring that same production from last season into this season, despite him playing lesser competition, not to mention he will be 26 at the start of his rookie season.
SummaryWestern Michigan's Nadame Tucker tied for second in the FBS last season with 14 sacks.
- Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 19, 2026
This is why. He also rag-dolled two different Michigan State left tackles for sacks, so strength of competition isn't really an issue. pic.twitter.com/q1my1UaEam