The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a defining moment in the Atlanta Falcons’ offseason - not just because of what they have, but because of what they don’t. Without a first-round pick in hand, Atlanta’s margin for error is razor-thin. That means new head coach Kevin Stefanski and whoever steps in as general manager will need to hit on the middle rounds like they’re picking in the top 10.
Last season, Atlanta looked like a team that was close. Not quite playoff-ready, but not far off either.
A few more consistent performances, a few better decisions on the sideline - and maybe we’re talking about a different ending to 2025. But that inconsistency ultimately cost jobs, and now Stefanski is at the helm, tasked with getting this team over the hump.
Of course, there’s still a lot of uncertainty. The Falcons haven’t named a general manager yet, and that hire will play a massive role in shaping the team’s draft board.
Free agency will also shift priorities. But one thing is clear: Stefanski’s recent draft success in Cleveland gives Falcons fans a reason to be optimistic.
Stefanski’s Draft Track Record: A Mixed Bag, but Trending Up
Stefanski’s time in Cleveland saw its share of draft misses - especially in the years without a first-round pick. Sound familiar?
From 2022 to 2024, the Browns struggled to find impact players in the middle rounds. One example: defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr., a second-round pick in 2024, suited up for 15 games over two seasons but posted a disappointing 41.3 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025.
Not ideal.
Third-round pick Zak Zinter didn’t fare much better. The guard played just five games in 2025, earning a 49.1 PFF grade and spending most of the year as a backup. That three-year stretch was largely a swing and a miss.
But 2025 was a different story - and that’s where the excitement begins for Atlanta.
The Browns crushed the 2025 draft, landing players who immediately changed the trajectory of the team. Defensive linemen Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger became game-wreckers, while offensive additions Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. brought a much-needed spark. Schwesinger, in particular, was a revelation and is the frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Fannin, selected 67th overall, delivered a standout rookie campaign with 72 catches for 731 yards. That’s the kind of mid-round production Atlanta desperately needs this year.
What the Falcons Need in 2026
The top priority? Offensive firepower.
If Kyle Pitts isn’t re-signed, the Falcons’ pass-catching group is down to Bijan Robinson and Drake London - two talented players, but not nearly enough. Stefanski knows how to find value at tight end and running back, but wide receiver is where Atlanta could really make a splash.
Names like Germie Bernard and Zachariah Branch are worth watching. Both bring the kind of speed and versatility Stefanski’s offense thrives on. And with the right scheme fit, either could become a go-to weapon early in their careers.
Quarterback is its own conversation. With Kirk Cousins likely heading out and Michael Penix Jr. not inspiring long-term confidence, the Falcons are very much in the market for a new signal-caller. Whether it’s Trinidad Chambliss or former Georgia standout Carson Beck, the new regime will be looking for someone to take the reins - and fast.
Interestingly, Stefanski’s Browns took a similar approach last year, drafting two quarterbacks. Neither has broken out yet, but Shedeur Sanders has shown flashes of real upside. That’s enough to buy him time - and it’s a reminder that Stefanski isn’t afraid to take a shot on a QB he believes in.
The Bottom Line
No first-round pick? No problem - if Stefanski can replicate the magic from his 2025 draft class.
He’s been here before, operating without early selections and still finding ways to build a competitive roster. The key now is staying aggressive, identifying playmakers, and trusting the process that worked so well in Cleveland just a year ago.
If the Falcons can walk away from this draft with a few instant contributors - especially on offense - they’ll be in a much better spot heading into 2026. And if Stefanski’s recent track record is any indication, Atlanta might just be ready to turn the corner.