NFL world reacts to Falcons' 2026 draft class

The Atlanta Falcons left the 2026 NFL Draft with six new players, including two potential starters, despite not having a first-round pick. After sitting out on Day 1, the team kicked off Day 2 by taking Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell in the second round. Not only was Terrell a projected first-round selection, but is the younger brother of Falcons CB A.

J. Terrell. However, this wasn't some nepotism pick, and the Terrell brothers should be a force in Atlanta for years to come.

Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham wasn't done yet, though. In the third round, the team drafted speedy Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch with the 79th overall pick. From there, Atlanta started to shift towards finding versatile, athletic prospects.

After pulling off a trade to acquire an additional sixth-round pick, the Falcons took Oklahoma linebacker Kendal Daniels, Washington defensive tackle Anterio Thompson, LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. , and Ohio State offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa. The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, especially to the team's Day 2 picks.