The Atlanta Falcons are putting the finishing touches on their draft strategy, and while fans will have to wait until Day 2 to see their first pick, the team is adding a special touch of nostalgia to the moment. With their initial selection at 48th overall, they're calling on a franchise icon to step up to the podium.

Former Falcons powerhouse running back Michael Turner has been chosen to announce the team's second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This tradition, where each NFL team selects a former legend to announce a Day 2 selection, is a fantastic nod to the players who helped build a team's identity.

For Falcons fans, Turner's name brings back memories of a dominant ground game. He spent five formidable seasons in Atlanta (2008-2012), amassing 6,081 rushing yards and a staggering 60 touchdowns in just 75 games. His arrival coincided with Matt Ryan's rookie year, and he immediately made his presence felt, exploding for a career-high 1,699 yards that season. His bruising running style defined an era of Falcons football.

The 2026 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 23rd and concludes on Saturday, April 25th. The Falcons currently hold five picks, starting with that pivotal 48th overall selection that Turner will reveal, and ending with pick No. 231. It's a moment that connects the Falcons' hard-hitting past with the promise of their future.