Falcons take Texas Tech DL Lee Hunter in ESPN mock draft
Falcons take a chance on top-5 DL prospect Lee Hunter in Mel Kiper's final mock draft of 2026
If the Atlanta Falcons don't take a defensive lineman at No. 48 overall next week , it will come as a big surprise to most of the mock draft community. While there have been occasional exceptions, the vast majority of mocks throughout draft season have connected Atlanta with an iDL pick at that spot - and with one week to go that trend isn't slowing down.
In his final mock draft for 2026 , ESPN's original NFL draft guru Mel Kiper has the Falcons taking Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter. Here's Kiper making his case for why Hunter fits. "Atlanta might use the first of its five selections at receiver, perhaps with Georgia's Zachariah Branch It could also bring in Avieon Terrell to not only shore up the cornerback room but also team him up with his older brother, A.
J. Terrell Jr. But Atlanta gave up 4.
6 yards per rush last season, 25th in the league, so the interior defensive line is an issue worth examining. Hunter had a ridiculous 52 run stops and 33. 5 tackles for loss over the past three seasons and could be an answer.