If NFL Draft season hasn’t hit you yet, don’t worry - it’s coming. And in Atlanta, it’s arriving with a fresh dose of energy. The Falcons are set to begin their draft meetings this Monday, and all eyes will be on new general manager Ian Cunningham as he steps into the spotlight for his first draft process with the team.
Cunningham, 40, made his philosophy clear during his introductory press conference: he loves the draft. That’s not just lip service - it’s a mindset shaped by years of learning under two of the most respected personnel minds in the league, Howie Roseman in Philadelphia and Ozzie Newsome in Baltimore.
That lineage matters. Those are two franchises that have built consistent contenders through smart, value-driven drafting.
Cunningham is aiming to bring that same approach to Atlanta.
Now, the Falcons only have five picks in the 2026 NFL Draft - at least for now. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from GMs who come from the Roseman-Newsome school of thought, it’s that draft capital is fluid.
Don’t be surprised if Cunningham looks to maneuver his way into more selections. He wants swings at the plate - and not just for the sake of swinging, but to find players who fit a long-term vision.
In a recent sit-down interview with Fox Sports Atlanta’s Justin Felder, Cunningham doubled down on his draft strategy. When asked whether he leans toward drafting for need or simply taking the best player available, his answer was quick and decisive:
“Best player available. You’re chasing your tail if you go for need.”
That’s not just a catchy quote - it’s a guiding principle. And there’s a track record to back it up.
Take Cunningham’s time in Chicago. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick, even though they already had a solid starter in Cole Kmet.
Tight end wasn’t a glaring need, but Loveland was too talented to pass up. One round later, they doubled down on that philosophy, grabbing Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III with the 39th pick - despite already having Rome Odunze and DJ Moore in the receiver room.
That’s not a fluke. It’s a pattern.
The Bears had done the same thing just a year earlier, selecting Odunze in 2024 even though Keenan Allen and Moore were already on the roster. Each of those picks was rooted in value, not need - and each has paid off.
Loveland and Burden are now key contributors in Ben Johnson’s offense, and Odunze has become a foundational piece.
The takeaway? When you draft the best player on your board - regardless of position - you increase your odds of landing impact talent.
That’s what Cunningham is bringing to Atlanta. It’s a shift from the previous regime, where former GM Terry Fontenot often drafted with a more needs-based mindset.
That approach can work in the short term, but it leaves you vulnerable when the board doesn’t fall your way.
Cunningham’s background with the Eagles and Ravens is no coincidence. Both of those franchises have consistently turned out strong draft classes by sticking to a disciplined, value-first approach.
They don’t chase need - they stack their board, trust their evaluations, and let the draft come to them. That’s the blueprint Cunningham is bringing to Flowery Branch.
Of course, drafting the right players is only half the battle. The other half?
Developing them. Cunningham knows that too.
He’s not just looking for talent - he’s looking for players who fit the Falcons’ culture, who can be molded into long-term contributors. That’s where the real work begins after the picks are made.
Falcons fans have every reason to feel optimistic. This isn’t just a change in leadership - it’s a change in philosophy.
And while nothing is guaranteed in the draft (there will always be hits and misses), building a sustainable contender starts with a clear, consistent strategy. Cunningham’s already laid his cards on the table: he’s going to keep every option open, trust the board, and swing for value.
The draft may still be a few months away, but the foundation is already being laid in Atlanta. And if Cunningham sticks to his roots, the Falcons might finally be building something that lasts.