As the dust settles from the whirlwind opening of free agency, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a crossroads. They've bolstered their wide receiver corps with two signings, but the defensive side of the ball remains largely untouched. Cornerback and defensive tackle stand out as glaring needs, yet neither has been addressed so far.
With the 2026 NFL Draft looming, Ian Cunningham might have to pivot his strategy to fill these defensive gaps. The Falcons face the challenge of entering the draft without a first-round pick and only five selections overall. This means Cunningham will need to uncover some late-round gems to make this draft a success.
Looking ahead, the Falcons should prioritize cornerback and defensive tackle, especially with their picks at No. 48 and No. 79. However, don’t be surprised if they also consider a receiver or linebacker early on.
The departure of Dee Alford to the Buffalo Bills has left a significant void opposite A.J. Terrell in the secondary. With Mike Hughes not fitting the bill as a boundary corner and Billy Bowman Jr. recovering from a torn Achilles, the Falcons need a versatile player who can cover both inside and out.
Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds could be an intriguing option, despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds. His impressive 43.5" vertical leap suggests potential as a slot corner, especially if Bowman transitions to safety or the outside.
Other potential targets include Miami's Keionte Scott, Tennessee's Colton Hood, and Ohio State's Davison Igbinosun. With the departure of Mike Rutenberg, any hope of acquiring Denzel Ward is off the table, making the draft the best avenue for addressing this need.
Defensive tackle also remains a priority. If Cunningham can land someone like Texas Tech's Lee Hunter, it could be a game-changer. However, the Falcons already boast a promising young trio in Brandon Dorlus, Ruke Orhorhoro, and Zach Harrison, with the possibility of LaCale London returning.
Run defense is another area requiring attention, especially after losing David Onyemata to the Jets. While shoring up the run defense is crucial, strengthening the secondary should take precedence, given its struggles in the latter half of last season and the lack of free agency moves in that area.