The 2025 NFL season wasn’t kind to the Atlanta Falcons, who missed the playoffs for the eighth-straight year, saw their starting quarterback tear his ACL, and wound up firing their head coach and general manager. It’s been tumultuous, to say the least. But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, as the Falcons have hired a new head coach—Kevin Stefanski—and are in the midst of a thorough search for their next general manager with former star quarterback Matt Ryan now leading the show as president of football.
Atlanta, GA
Falcons mock draft 2026: Restocking Atlanta’s offense
With the Senior Bowl officially kicking off draft season next week, now is the perfect time to jump into the 2026 NFL Draft. The Falcons are not working with a full complement of picks this season, which certainly complicates things. That doesn’t mean the team can’t make some significant additions, and there may be opportunities for Atlanta to increase their pick count through creative trades.
For my initial 2026 mock draft, we’re going to keep things simple. So no trades considered today—but that’ll change soon enough, don’t worry.
Before we jump in to the mock, let’s take a look at the Falcons’ current haul of draft picks.
What are the Falcons current draft picks?
- Round 2, Pick 48
- Round 3, Pick 79
- Round 4, Pick 114
- Round 6, Pick 195
- Round 7, Pick 231
This is the written version, but you can also find the mock draft in two alternate forms as well. On our YouTube channel:
The mock is also available on all your favorite podcast platforms! You can listen to it directly here:
Round 2, Pick 48: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
The Falcons were depending on Darnell Mooney to carry the load as their dynamic counterpart across from Drake London again in 2025 after an electric 2024 season. That didn’t materialize, as Mooney suffered a broken collarbone early in training camp and never looked like himself throughout the year. Given Mooney’s exorbitant cost and realizable cap savings (over nearly $12M as a post-June 1st cut), it’s pretty clear Atlanta will need to look elsewhere for wide receiver help in 2026.
Without a first round pick, the Falcons will have more limited options. Luckily, there are several Day 2 prospects who can come in an make an immediate impact in Atlanta. Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. is a dynamic athlete with a solid frame (6’0, 200) that allows him to play a versatile role in the offense. While he’s been most effective as a slot receiver, Cooper has had success as an outside Z as well. Cooper put up an impressive 69 receptions for 937 yards (13.6 YPR) and 13 TDs during Indiana’s championship run, and also 3 carries for 74 yards (24.7 yards per carry!) and a TD. His hands are elite and his yards after catch ability is special. The Falcons have an elite WR1 in Drake London and solid possession-type receivers across the depth chart, but they’re seriously lacking in what Cooper brings to the table.
Round 3, Pick 79: C Jake Slaughter, Florida
With the Falcons transitioning to a more diverse run game, they may be looking for a bit more run blocking prowess from their center. Ryan Neuzil performed admirably this season given his price tag, but is entering the final year of his deal. Florida’s Jake Slaughter (amazing name) is one of the best center prospects in the class, bringing excellent run blocking and pass blocking to the table along with good size (6’4, 305).
Slaughter allowed just 1 sack, 1 hit, and 2 hurries in over 400 pass blocking snaps for the Gators in 2025. He was an elite zone blocker and a well above-average power blocker, and there’s room to put even more good weight on his frame. The Falcons would be fine with Neuzil for the 2026 season, but they’d be wise to invest in competition and quality depth (at the very least) for this year and beyond.
Round 4, Pick 114: OT Austin Barber, Florida
Speaking of the offensive line, the Falcons are also reaching a critical point with their offensive tackle situation. The team got a heavy dose of injuries at the position in 2025, losing starter Kaleb McGary and swing tackle Storm Norton for the entire season before Week 1. Atlanta weathered the storm with Elijah Wilkinson, but more depth and potential future starters are needed. Jake Matthews is entering the downswing of his career, and the team would be wise to start taking shots on developmental tackle prospects.
The Falcons keep together two players from the same college line by grabbing Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber. Barber played left tackle for three seasons, where he was one of the best run blockers in college football but struggled as a pass protector. He’s one of the most well-rounded run blockers in the class, with elite zone and gap scheme traits. However, he needs a lot of work in the passing game. While 2025 was a step forward for him, Barber allowed 3 sacks, 1 hit, and 13 (!!) hurries in 422 pass blocking snaps. There are no perfect tackle prospects on Day 3, and Barber’s floor as a road grader makes him a clear fit in what is likely to be a run-heavy offense in Atlanta.
Round 6, Pick 195: TE Carsen Ryan, BYU
One thing we know about Kevin Stefanski is that the man loves his multiple tight end sets. With the Falcons top two TEs both potentially leaving—Kyle Pitts in free agency, and Charlie Woerner as a cap casualty ($4.75M savings)—there’s a massive gap to be filled. Atlanta won’t be able to replace Pitts late in the draft, but they can probably find a serviceable replacement for Woerner.
That’s where BYU’s Carsen Ryan comes in. One of the best run blocking tight ends in college football, Ryan turned in an outstanding 2025 season. At 6’4, 250, he’s got ideal size for the position and showcased strong hand usage, physicality, and ability to move defenders at the point of attack. Ryan isn’t an overly dynamic athlete, but carved out a significant role in the BYU passing game with 45 receptions for 620 yards (13.8 YPR) and 3 TDs this season. He’s got soft hands and can find the open spot in zones, providing a QB-friendly target, and also showcased some downfield ability. The Falcons need to start hitting on some later picks, and going after a proven blocking tight end is a great way to start.
Round 7, Pick 231: WR Caullin Lacy, Louisville
One of the most disappointing areas of the 2024 and 2025 Falcons teams was special teams. While there were issues at all levels, the return game was absolutely lethargic. Atlanta went out and signed Jamal Agnew, who struggled with injury early and ended up benched to end the season. This team needs an injection of dynamic ability to the return game, and they need it badly.
Louisville’s Caullin Lacy is a return specialist with a lot of experience as both a punt and kick returner. He turned in his best performance in 2025, leading the ACC by averaging 18.2 yards per punt return and notching two punt return TDs. He also managed an impressive 38.2 yards per kick return (along with a kick return TD) back in the 2024 season. Lacy has also been an effective gadget player and slot receiver for Louisville, with 60 receptions for 635 yards (10.6 YPR) and 2 TDs this season. His size (5’10, 180) probably limits his offensive role in the NFL, but his special teams acumen and athleticism should help him earn an immediate roster spot.
What do you think about this potential draft class for the Falcons? Leave your draft takes in the comments below!
Food & Dining
Nearly a dozen restaurants closed during the month, including the Alden.
The waakye served at Ike’s Cafe and Grill shown on Monday, March 24, 2025. The bean and rice mixture is served with spaghetti, plantains, a tomato stew, fish, beef, a boiled egg, dried cassava and a chili sauce. (Natrice Miller/AJC)
May was another strong month for restaurant openings in metro Atlanta, with at least 19 new food businesses setting up shop.
But nearly a dozen restaurants closed during the month, as well — including the Alden, which was unexpectedly shut down when the Chamblee apartment building where it occupied a ground-floor space was destroyed by a fire.
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Joupe Jeht’s fresh spring rolls. (Courtesy of Jude Downs)
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A rendering of the Ledger Bar and Lounge at the recently renovated JW Marriott Downtown Atlanta hotel. (Courtesy of Marriott)
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PopUp Bagels offers five kinds: plain, salt, sesame, poppy and everything. They are sold whole and meant to be ripped and dipped into schmears. (Courtesy of PopUp Bagels)
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Showdown Social opens this May in Alpharetta with host-led card games. (Courtesy of Showdown Social)
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Waffle with Chicken Tenders made and styled by Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles in Atlanta, Ga., Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Aaliyah Man for the AJC)
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Metro Atlanta restaurant openings
Metro Atlanta restaurant closings
Henri Hollis is a restaurant critic and food reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he covers Atlanta’s restaurants, chefs and dining culture. As part of the AJC’s Food & Dining team, he reviews new restaurants, reports on industry trends and explores metro Atlanta’s culinary scene through the neighborhoods and people that shape it.
One of the most inevitable moves of the summer is complete. The Atlanta Falcons have given Drake London a lucrative four year deal worth up to $150 million, locking up their top receiver for the foreseeable future.
It’s a deserved extension for a physical, sure-handed talent who has been consistently excellent in Atlanta despite a constantly rotating cast of quarterbacks. London, who has averaged 1,086 yards over four NFL seasons and has 22 touchdowns over that span, has also emerged as one of the locker room’s most vocal and accountable players.
The 2022 first round pick came into the NFL catching passes from Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder and flourished immediately, with 806 yards and four touchdowns in year one and 905 yards and two touchdowns in year two. When the coaching staff turned over and Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. entered the picture, London exploded for 100 catches, 1,271 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2024, following that up with 919 yards and seven touchdowns in just 12 games a year ago. Through just four seasons, London is already 10th in team history in receiving yards, eighth in receptions, and 13th in touchdowns, and mixes that with solid blocking. He’s been the ideal receiver for the last two iterations of this Falcons offense, and I have no doubt that will continue here.
The contract’s guaranteed money would be tops in the NFL if the $100 million figure is accurate, but by overall money it’s just the third most lucrative contract in the league, and will likely be hovering near the bottom of the top ten in a couple of seasons. The Falcons were never going to risk losing their top receiving option, and if all goes well, London will continue to thrive in Atlanta and set his sights on surpassing some franchise legends in the years to come. I’m glad the deal is done, and we’ll see the exact terms soon enough.
How do you feel about this extension?
Many good things have contributed to the amazing start to the season for the Braves. One of the biggest factors is how well many of the depth position player signings and acquisitions have worked out for Atlanta, such as Dominic Smith and Jorge Mateo. But the best of all was the trade for Mauricio Dubon, whose versatility has been extremely valuable for the Braves. Alex Anthopoulos has always made good moves on the margins, and this year is no different.
Andrelton Simmons plies his trade in Mexico
The Athletic caught up with former Braves shortstop – and one of the most gifted defenders at the position in the history of the game – Andrelton Simmons who, at 36, returned to organized baseball in Mexico last season.
Link below.
Rec 0ReplyRead 4 replies
In a fun “Where are they now” segment, here is an update on Andrelton Simmons.
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