Atlanta Falcons draft picks tracker: Updated list of 2026 selections, next pick predictions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Falcons are entering the 2026 NFL Draft looking thin. They enter the draft with the second-fewest picks of any team and don't have a first-round pick at all.
Combine this with another 8-9 campaign in Atlanta, and the Falcons' front office has several holes to fill without many chances to fill them. Entering this year's draft, Atlanta holds two Day 2 selections and three Day 3 picks.
With so little room for error, this could easily be a draft where Atlanta targets high-floor, safe picks who can contribute in a helpful capacity from the start of the season.
The Sporting News is tracking each of the Falcons' 2026 NFL Draft selections, from the first through the seventh round.
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026:QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs
The Falcons will select five players in the 2026 NFL Draft:
Falling QB: Atlanta has both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. as options under center. These aren't exactly head-turning options in most seasons. While they can be serviceable QBs on a playoff team, should someone like Garrett Nussmeier or Carson Beck fall into the Falcons' lap at the right time, they could be a solid option at the right time. The same can be said about Ty Simpson should he drop to No. 48, although that seems quite unlikely.
Another QB target: On the back of Bijan Robinson, the Falcons were one of the best rushing teams in the NFL, but there's a need to diversify their offense to be less reliant on the run game. With Atlanta ranking 19th in offensive passing yards last season, finding another option for whoever winds up winning the QB job would be a crucial step in allowing the Falcons' offense to take a step forward.
Defensive line: The Falcons were excellent at rushing last season, but they made their opponents look just as good, allowing the ninth-most rushing yards in the league. Adding a guard or center could be what the Falcons need to improve their defensive line ahead of the 2026 season.
Here's a look at who the Falcons may select, based on the seven-round mock draft from SN's Vinnie Iyer.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET.