Falcons take Ohio State DT with their first pick in 2026 mock draft

There's always a chance that the Atlanta Falcons and their new front office could surprise us all with their first pick in the 2026 NFL draft - which won't come until Round 2 at No. 48 overall. However, pretty much every single draft analyst on the planet and every beat writer is expecting them to go defensive tackle with that pick, filling their biggest roster hole right away.

Today we have a new entry in this saga, courtesy of Pro Football Network - where a new three-round mock draft has Atlanta taking Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald at that spot. "For Atlanta, McDonald provides a run-stopping, pocket-collapsing force that fits perfectly with the team’s emphasis on building a physical, disruptive front. His combination of size, strength, and football intelligence gives the Falcons an interior anchor they need to fortify the defensive line to elevate the unit as a whole.

" McDonald (6-foot-3, 326 pounds) had decent athletic numbers at the combine and is coming off a breakout season with the Buckeyes . In 14 games he put up three sacks, nine tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles. For his efforts, he won All-America honors.

Here's the highlight reel. While he slipped into Round 2 in this mock, that might not be the case come Thursday night. Projections have McDonald usually coming off the board at the bottom of the first round.