2026 NFL Draft Grades: Falcons get high marks for Day 2

Key Points:

• The Atlanta Falcons focused heavily on defense in the draft, selecting top cornerback Avieon Terrell in the second round, who will join his brother A.J. Terrell in the secondary, along with several athletic defenders in later rounds.
• On offense, the Falcons added wide receiver Zachariah Branch in the third round, a speedy and versatile player expected to bolster a thin receiving corps and complement star receiver Drake London.
• Analysts generally praised the Falcons' Day 2 selections, highlighting Terrell's football IQ and Branch's athleticism, while opinions on Day 3 picks were more mixed, noting some players may have positional uncertainties or limited immediate impact.
• The Falcons' draft class was seen as valuable given their lack of a first-round pick, with particular credit to the new braintrust of GM Ian Cunningham, coach Kevin Stefanski, and president Matt Ryan for addressing key needs despite limited draft capital.
• Some experts expressed concerns about the overall depth and impact of the later-round picks, with critiques focusing on positional fits and the need for further development, but acknowledged the potential of the top selections to contribute early.