Falcons 2026 day 3 draft discussion: Today should bring Atlanta developmental depth
Unless they get a falling would-be starter, it’s time for the Falcons to think long-term upside.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 25: Former Atlanta Falcons player Keith Brooking announces a pick during the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 25, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Atlanta Falcons have talked about building the trenches and did quite a bit of that work in free agency, but their first draft picks did not address those needs. Instead, they went for players who could be viewed as the best players available at a pair of needs further away from the line of scrimmage.
Let’s back up and look at the why and who they got, and please use this as your open thread for today’s festivities. The team drafted a blend of best player available and need Avieon Terrell was anywhere from CB2 to CB8 for many analysts, settling in around CB3 and 21st overall among all prospects per Arif Hasan’s invaluable consensus big board . He ended up going later than that—Mansoor Delane, Chris Johnson, Colton Hood, and Treydan Stukes (announced as a safety) went ahead of him—and I think he had a credible case for best non-Jermod McCoy corner on the board.
McCoy, of course, has plummeted due to what have to be concerns with his medicals. The Falcons had a lot of trouble with CB2 opposite A. J.
Terrell last year, can use the inside-outside versatility Avieon brings to the table, and now have two really good cover corners atop the depth chart. It’s an understandable move, and one that fit with both team needs and the strength of the prospect. Zachariah Branch, meanwhile, was frequently linked to Atlanta and also fills a need.