ATLANTA — The 2026 NFL draft wrapped up on Saturday after three days in Pittsburgh.
With their first pick, the Atlanta Falcons selected cornerback Avieon Terrell at No. 48 overall.
Here’s a look at the Falcons’ selections and what you need to know about them:
Round 2, No. 48 overall: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
My take: The Falcons might now have one of the best secondary groups in the NFL by adding the brother of top cornerback AJ Terrell. Avieon Terrell is a ballhawk with speed and a nose for turnovers — he had Clemson career-record eight forced fumbles. He’s also capable of playing outside, opposite his brother, or in the slot. Falcons nickel corner Billy Bowman Jr. is recovering from a torn Achilles. Factor in safeties Jessie Bates III, a three-time All-Pro, and Xavier Watts, one of the best rookie defenders in the league in 2025, and the Atlanta secondary looks rather formidable.
Ties to the team to know: AJ Terrell has been a mentor to his younger brother Avieon and now the two will be teammates for the first time. Avieon has followed in AJ’s footsteps every step of the way. They played at the same high school — Westlake in Atlanta — and both played at Clemson. But due to the age difference — AJ is six years older at 27 — the two have never worn the same jersey. Until now. To add to the story, the Terrells live in Atlanta, so their parents Aundell and Aliya won’t have to go far to see both sons.
Read more about the Terrell brothers.
My take: The Falcons wide receivers room was a major issue last season, and they signed Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency to help out star Drake London. But it was clear more help was needed, especially when it comes to speed. Enter Branch, who has the ability to separate and make plays after the catch while playing in the slot. He’s small — 5-foot-9 and 179 pounds — but fearless over the middle and adds another skill the Falcons need: return ability.
Will he start as a rookie? It seems very likely. London and Dotson figure to play on the outside and Branch can slide right into the slot. New offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will surely move all those receivers around — London is also adept out of the slot — and Branch gives an additional dimension with his speed to allow him to do just that. Branch is also likely to be the team’s top kick and punt returner from Day 1. The Falcons also have tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. The new-look Atlanta passing offense could be difficult to defend with the right scheme (and the right quarterback play).
Round 4, No. 134: Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma
My take: Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich had so much success with linebacker Divine Deablo last season, Atlanta got a similar player here to potentially play alongside him. Daniels is 6-5 with incredible length for an inside linebacker. He’s also a former safety. That sounds an awful lot like Deablo — and a lot like the prototypical player Ulbrich likes at this position.
Daniels might not start right away, even with Kaden Elliss leaving for the New Orleans Saints, after the Falcons signed Christian Harris and Channing Tindall. But he is likely to be given a shot to compete for the job.
Round 6, No. 208: Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington
My take: Thompson is nearly 6-foot-2 and 306 pounds and ran a 4.75-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He’s the kind of prospect with huge upside to take a flier on at this stage late in the draft. A defensive tackle, who can play 1- or 3-technique, he also happens to represent a player at position of need for the Falcons.
Thompson wasn’t overly productive in college, but he had a relative athletic score (RAS) of 9.36. He’s certainly someone worth attempting to develop at this level.
My take: The Falcons are banking on Perkins regaining his early-career form at LSU when he was considered a top prospect. Perkins suffered a torn ACL in 2024 and did not have the same explosiveness last season.
He could potentially play either off-ball linebacker or on the edge. Perkins had 17 sacks in four college seasons. He’s only 21 years old and has flashed as a potentially high-level talent previously.
Round 7, No. 231: Ethan Onianwa, OT, Ohio State
My take: Longtime Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary retired this offseason, and left tackle Jake Matthews is going into this 13th season. The Falcons need to begin preparing for the future for an offensive line that has been together for a while. They signed former Kansas City Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor to replace McGary, but it was only a one-year contract. Maybe Onianwa can compete for a role in the future. He’s a developmental prospect, but Atlanta is gambling on his 6-foot-6, 330-pound size and raw ability.
