Atlanta was projected to take San Diego State CB Chris Johnson in Round 2.

Like the other 31 NFL teams, the Atlanta Falcons are ramping up their scouting ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. On Friday, the team hosted two local prospects on pre-draft visits. Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst and Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller met with the team in Flowery Branch.

Hurst and Miller are both potential targets for Atlanta due to their current draft projections and the team’s needs. The Falcons are reportedly focusing on the wide receiver and defensive tackle positions. However, pre-draft visits and insider intel have little bearing on what actually happens during the draft.

In fact, there’s a decent chance that the team will go in a completely different direction than most draft analysts anticipate. The Falcons have other needs at cornerback, offensive tackle and linebacker, which some could argue are equally as pressing.

PFSN analyst Alec Elijah released a new seven-round mock draft in which the Falcons make all five of their current picks without any trades. In Round 2, the team lands a new No. 2 cornerback in San Diego State’s Chris Johnson.

Round 2, Pick 48: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State

“Beyond A.J. Terrell, the Falcons have been searching for consistency at corner, particularly from defenders who can stay glued to receivers in coverage,” wrote Elijah. “With the way the board has played out, landing San Diego State’s Chris Johnson would be a strong boost to the secondary, giving Atlanta a reliable running mate opposite Terrell.”

Johnson would be an intriguing choice in Round 2 if he’s still on the board at pick No. 48. Last season, Johnson recorded four interceptions and a Pro Football Focus grade of 91.6 (92.4 coverage grade). He’s currently rated as the 46th overall prospect on PFF’s 2026 big board.

In the later rounds of PFSN’s mock draft, the Falcons added Boise State guard Kage Casey, Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson, Alabama defensive tackle Tim Keenan III and Ole Miss offensive tackle Diego Pounds.

Thompson is a wildly productive slot receiver who recorded 1,054 receiving yards on just 57 catches (18.5 yards per catch) last season. Atlanta needs more depth, particularly in the slot where Olamide Zaccheaus is the only established player.

As for Keenan and Pounds, both could fill depth/developmental roles in Atlanta next season. Check out all five Falcons picks in PFSN’s mock draft below.

Falcons’ picks in PFSN’s 7-round mock draft

• Round 2, Pick 48: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego St.
• Round 3, Pick 79: G Kage Casey, Boise St.
• Round 4, Pick 122: WR Brenen Thompson, Miss. St.
• Round 6, Pick 215: DT Tim Keenan III, Alabama
• Round 7, Pick 231: OT Diego Pounds, Ole Miss

The 2026 NFL Draft is just two weeks away, starting on April 23. The Falcons’ first pick won’t come until the second round (pick No. 48 overall).