The Atlanta Falcons' 2026 NFL Draft class has received mixed reviews from around the league, with many analysts praising the team's Day 2 selections but feeling uncertain about the four picks made on Day 3. Those unfamiliar with the Falcons' defensive scheme questioned some of those late-round additions.
The lack of positional clarity on certain picks, including Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr., scared some away, but defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich likes ultra-versatile players at that linebacker spot. And when you're replacing a guy like Kaden Elliss, it takes more than your typical off-ball linebacker.
Atlanta also added to the trenches to close out the draft, taking athletic defensive lineman Anterio Thompkins and offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa.
The Falcons may have gotten better, but that change was not reflected in NFL.com's post-draft power rankings. Atlanta stayed at No. 22 overall, still behind the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"I loved the feel-good story with Avieon Terrell, who joined his brother on the Falcons, but I also think he can play a little and upgrade that secondary," wrote NFL.com's Eric Edholm. "The Zachariah Branch selection comes with risk, but the playmaker can carve out an early role on offense. Keep an eye on sixth-rounders Anterio Thompson and Harold Perkins Jr., too, as subpackage weapons for the D. The focus now shifts back to the new coaching staff and the fascinating QB situation with Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, and whether either can prevent another late-season meltdown. This team has some talent."
First-year Falcons GM Ian Cunningham was already in a tough spot due to not having a first-round pick, so coming away with Terrell and Branch on Day 2 was clearly a win. The team desperately needed another wide receiver and Branch should serve as a speedy complement to Drake London.
The Falcons have reportedly signed five wide receivers as undrafted free agents, although they have yet to be officially confirmed by the team. Check out the team's updated roster, including rookie uniform numbers.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons ranked 22 in NFL post-draft power rankings