As the NFL calendar shifts into full draft mode, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a pivotal moment-one that’s about more than just picking players. It’s about setting the tone for a new era.
With Kevin Stefanski now calling the shots on the sideline and franchise legend Matt Ryan stepping into a front-office role, the 2026 NFL Draft isn’t just a roster-building exercise. It’s a statement of intent.
The central question hovering over Atlanta’s offseason strategy is clear: How committed are they to building around Michael Penix Jr.? Early signs suggest the Falcons are ready to go all-in. Mock drafts and league whispers point toward an aggressive push to surround their young quarterback with offensive firepower and bolster the trenches-moves that signal a shift in structure and urgency.
Let’s rewind for a moment. The 2025 season was a transitional one in Atlanta, and the final 8-9 record reflected that.
The team finished third in the NFC South, a familiar spot in recent years. But beneath the surface, major changes were brewing.
Most notably, Penix officially took over the starting job from veteran Kirk Cousins. The rookie showed flashes-moments of elite-level accuracy and poise-but consistency was hard to come by.
A late-season four-game win streak showed promise, but it wasn’t enough to dig out of the 4-9 hole they started in. The lack of postseason progress prompted owner Arthur Blank to clean house, parting ways with head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot.
That opened the door for Stefanski and Ryan to begin reshaping the franchise.
Now, with the draft fast approaching, the Falcons face a tricky puzzle. They don’t have a ton of premium draft capital, and there are holes to fill-especially at the skill positions.
Kyle Pitts is in a contract standoff, and Darnell Mooney is coming off a disappointing, injury-riddled year. That leaves Drake London as the only reliable pass-catcher under contract, and he needs help.
Finding a legitimate No. 2 option in the passing game is a top priority.
Defensively, the picture isn’t much clearer. The interior of the defensive line could take a hit if veterans like David Onyemata walk in free agency.
And on the offensive line, both starting tackles-Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary-are on the wrong side of 30. Atlanta needs to find long-term answers in the trenches, both to protect Penix and to stay competitive in the run game.
There’s also a need at cornerback, where someone will need to step up opposite A.J. Terrell.
With no first-round pick, the Falcons will need to make their hay starting on Day Two. One name that’s already drawing attention is Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton.
He fits the mold of what Atlanta seems to be building defensively-versatile, powerful, and relentless. At 6-foot-5 and over 280 pounds, Overton brings the kind of physicality that can anchor multiple fronts.
He’s got the motor to reset the line of scrimmage and the hand strength to win in the trenches. Think Zach Harrison, but with even more positional flexibility.
For defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, Overton would be more than just a depth piece-he’d be a tone-setter, especially against the run.
If the Falcons decide to go offense early, Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers is a name to watch. With Pitts’ future in limbo, targeting another dynamic pass-catching tight end makes a lot of sense.
Stowers, a former quarterback, brings a unique feel for space and timing. That background shows up in his route running and ability to find soft spots in coverage.
He’s not your traditional in-line blocker-Stowers is a true chess piece. He can line up in the slot, out wide, or move pre-snap to create mismatches.
That flexibility would be a dream for Stefanski, who loves to mix personnel and disguise intentions. For Penix, Stowers could become a go-to target in the middle of the field, especially in play-action looks.
Another tight end option who’s been linked to Atlanta is Baylor’s Michael Trigg. His name pops up in late Round 2 and early Round 3 projections, and he brings a different flavor than Stowers.
Where Stowers wins with finesse and separation, Trigg wins with size and physicality. His contested-catch ability is among the best in the class, and he thrives in tight spaces-particularly in the red zone.
That’s an area where Penix has shown a knack for high-point throws, and Trigg’s big frame could make him a dangerous weapon near the goal line.
Trigg’s college journey-from USC to Ole Miss to Baylor-raised some questions about consistency, but his final season showed growth in both effort and route discipline. In Stefanski’s system, he could be deployed as a specialized weapon, someone who doesn’t need to be on the field every down to make an impact.
The broader theme here is clear: Atlanta is gearing up to build around their young quarterback, and they’re not waiting around. Whether it’s a tight end who stretches the seam, a lineman who shores up the front, or a receiver who can take pressure off London, the Falcons are looking for pieces that fit the bigger picture. That picture is Stefanski’s offense-one built on layered formations, tight end versatility, and play-action efficiency.
This draft isn’t just about filling holes. It’s about setting the foundation for the Stefanski-Ryan era. And if they hit on the right pieces, the Falcons could move from NFC South also-rans to legitimate playoff contenders faster than most expect.