In his tenure as the Atlanta Falcons' general manager, Ian Cunningham has made it clear that draft picks are his treasure trove. From day one, he’s treated them like gold, promising that 2026 will mark the last year the Falcons find themselves short on draft capital. It’s a bold strategy, and one that stands in stark contrast to his predecessor, Terry Fontenot, who wasn’t shy about spending big to bring in talent.
This offseason, the Falcons have seen the departure of key players like Tyler Allgeier, David Onyemata, Dee Alford, and Kaden Elliss. While these losses might make some fans nervous, Cunningham’s playing the long game.
His strategy? Let them walk, and in return, scoop up those coveted compensatory draft picks.
It’s all about maximizing opportunities to replace talent, and Cunningham’s betting on the future.
With Elliss heading to New Orleans, Atlanta is set to snag three compensatory picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. They’re projected to receive a fifth-round pick and two sixth-rounders to make up for the exits of Allgeier and Alford.
While these aren’t first-rounders, having extra shots at finding the next big thing is always a plus. Currently, the Falcons are looking at nine picks in 2027, thanks to these compensatory selections, despite losing a seventh-rounder in the Michael Jerrell trade.
Cunningham’s approach has shades of Howie Roseman’s playbook in Philadelphia, where he honed his craft. The Eagles have long been masters at letting talent walk and using compensatory picks to reload, a strategy that’s paid dividends over the years.
Sure, there’s an argument to be made for keeping proven players like Elliss and Onyemata instead of gambling on rookies. But in today’s NFL, having multiple players on rookie contracts can be a game-changer. The more picks you have, the better your chances of hitting a home run, and that’s exactly what Cunningham is banking on.
If Cunningham’s forward-thinking approach pans out, the Falcons could find themselves following in the successful footsteps of Roseman’s Eagles, building a contender through savvy draft maneuvers. It’s a strategy that, if executed well, could set Atlanta up for long-term success.