Falcons 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits
Follow the Atlanta Falcons 2026 NFL Draft along with USA TODAY's NFL experts.
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Atlanta Falcons , the biggest need is an obvious one: Tackle. Falcons agreed to terms with tackle Jawaan Taylor on the same day tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement.
Taylor is a short-term answer at right tackle, a position tasked with protecting the blindside of either Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa, both of whom are left-handed. Atlanta also must consider an edge rusher.
James Pearce Jr. is facing three felony charges in Florida in relation to allegedly crashing his car into one driven by his ex-girlfriend. Pearce could be disciplined by the NFL pending the investigation.
MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft Here's everything you need to know about the Atlanta Falcons for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster: Atlanta Falcons NFL draft best prospect fit: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly: It'd be a surprise to see Johnson still available when the Falcons are finally on the clock in Round 2 but they'd jump at the opportunity. The San Deigo State star is a scheme-versatile cornerback who can take over on the outside opposite A. J.