As of now, the Falcons only have five selections in next week’s NFL Draft, with their first coming at No. 48 in the second round — a result of the trade involving James Pearce Jr.

The previous regime didn’t leave new GM Ian Cunningham and the front office in a great spot. Throughout the offseason, Cunningham has emphasized the need to build up draft capital — something the Bears did consistently while he served as assistant GM under Ryan Poles. That hasn’t materialized yet, but a lot can change in the days leading up to — and during — the draft.

Expect the Falcons to be active in moving down the board in exchange for additional picks, particularly later in the draft. For now, though, here’s who The Athletic’s draft expert Dane Brugler has Atlanta selecting with their current five picks.

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Brugler’s 2026 Falcons Draft Class

2 (48). Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
3 (79). Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
4 (122). Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
6 (215). Carver Willis, OL, Washington
7 (231). Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana

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Christen Miller

Under Terry Fontenot, the Falcons passed on countless star players out of Athens before finally selecting Jalon Walker in last year’s draft. Shockingly, it turned out to be a pretty good idea to draft a defensive player from Georgia — a program that has produced more NFL defensive stars over the last decade than any other.

Hopefully, it doesn’t take the new regime half a decade to fully buy into that, and if their massive presence at UGA’s Pro Day was any indication, they’re paying close attention to Kirby Smart’s group.

Miller is a 6-foot-4, 320-pound interior defensive lineman who would immediately fill one of Atlanta’s biggest needs. For all the improvements the defense showed last season, it still lacked impactful bodies on the interior and, as a result, struggled mightily against the run. With David Onyemata departing for greener pastures, defensive tackle may very well be the Falcons’ top priority heading into the draft.

Bryce Lance

If defensive tackle is the Falcons’ biggest need heading into the draft, wide receiver isn’t far behind. Atlanta did add Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency, but neither profiles as a true No. 2 option or a long-term answer at the position. With Kyle Pitts’ future also uncertain, adding another pass catcher in this year’s draft feels like a non-negotiable.

Lance posted back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons at North Dakota State, but don’t let the small-school label fool you — he is one of the most athletic players in this draft class. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.98 ranks in the 99th percentile among wide receivers tested since 1987. Pair that with a 4.34 40-yard dash, strong ball-tracking ability, and a 6-foot-3 frame that allows him to go up and win contested catches, and you’ve got one of the more intriguing mid-round receiver prospects in the draft.

Jimmy Rolder

Rolder spent four years at Michigan, patiently waiting his turn to become a starter. That opportunity finally came during his senior season, and he made the most of it — earning Second-Team All-Conference honors after recording 73 tackles, 11 for loss, along with two sacks and a couple of pass breakups.

The Falcons’ linebacker play was elite last season when Kaden Elliss and Divine Deablo were on the field, but Elliss is now back in New Orleans and Deablo is entering the final year of his contract. Troy Andersen is still in the mix, but injuries have continued to hold him back, and Atlanta also added veteran Christian Harris on a one-year deal this offseason.

It’s not a glaring need in the short term, but it’s definitely a position the Falcons need to start thinking about long term.

Carver Willis

Once you get into the final rounds, teams are really just looking for guys they believe can carve out a role and potentially stick as reserves.

Willis spent the last three seasons starting at both right and left tackle for the Washington Huskies. Ironically enough, the last tackle the Falcons drafted out of Washington just retired, so it’s another long-term need for the organization.

That said, Willis is undersized for a tackle at the pro level and could very well have to kick inside to the interior if he’s going to carve out a role in the NFL.

Riley Nowakowski

Nowakowski spent the first five years of his collegiate career at Wisconsin, but he’s best known for his final season at Indiana, where he played a pivotal role in the Hoosiers’ National Championship run.

He’s not some dynamic receiving threat at the tight end position — though he’s capable enough — but that’s not why teams will be interested. He’s the kind of player who will hear his name called in the later rounds because he’s tough, physical, and willing to do whatever is asked to help his team win.

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