Atlanta, GA

Important things to watch in Atlanta United’s preseason

Published

2 weeks ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

Atlanta United

Challenges await the soccer team’s new players and manager Gerardo Martino.

Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almirón misses a chance in the box against DC United on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Previous manager Ronny Deila had difficulty figuring out Almirón’s best position. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2025)

Atlanta United’s presumed path back to MLS relevance will start with a new manager, a few new players and a few players gone and, at some point, a new president.

Manager Gerardo Martino, back at the club after leading it to the playoffs in 2017 and MLS Cup in 2018, will lead the first training session of the pending season Monday.

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Manager Gerardo Martino, back at Atlanta United after leading the club to the playoffs in 2017 and MLS Cup in 2018, will lead the first training session of the pending season Monday. (Jason Getz/AJC 2025)

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Doug Roberson covers the Atlanta United and Major League Soccer.

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Atlanta, GA

Falcons mock draft 2026: Restocking Atlanta’s offense

Published

8 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Press Room

Falcons mock draft 2026: Restocking Atlanta’s offense

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.

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!

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Atlanta, GA

‘Let’s get through it’: Atlanta officials outline city’s final preparations ahead of ice storm

Published

20 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Press Room

‘Let’s get through it’: Atlanta officials outline city’s final preparations ahead of ice storm

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — On Friday, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens drew a stark contrast from the snow event of January 2025 and the ice storm expected in Atlanta this weekend.

“This is ice, though. This is different. There’s not too much fun you’re going to have in this. You’re not going to build a snowman. You won’t see people at our parks sledding and all that stuff. This is going to be just, ‘Let’s get through it,’” said Dickens in an interview with Atlanta News First on Friday.

Dickens said the city will launch its joint operation center on Saturday with leaders from 25 departments watching as the weather moves into the region.

Atlanta’s police chief said they began having the city’s E-911 staff shelter in place Friday.

Chief Darin Schierbaum said sworn officers will begin sheltering in place Saturday to expedite their response times during the winter event.

“Keep in mind the roads are going to be slick, so it may take us a little bit longer to arrive, but your police department is going to be working,” Schierbaum said. “We’re going to be staffed, and we’re going to be coming to you, whatever the emergency may be.”

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Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation will assist with tree removals across city streets.

Dickens pointed to Buckhead, southwest Atlanta, the Cascade corridor, and the Adamsville neighborhood as potentially problematic areas given their heavy tree canopy.

“Freezing rain doesn’t look dramatic when you look at it, but it is freezing on the ground and black ice is dangerous,” Dickens said. “You may think that we’re exaggerating, like, ‘Ah, this isn’t that bad.’ And you’re going to go out there in your car and you may cause an accident or harm yourself, so please just stay off the bridges and overpasses.”

Watch our interview with Mayor Dickens below:

Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens urges residents to be prepared ahead of the winter ice storm.

Dickens said city crews will conduct a final pre-treatment run on main arterioles and the city’s 162 bridges on Saturday before the weather shifts.

Schierbaum urged residents to only call 911 in an emergency where people or property are in danger. For slick roads or downed trees, you can call 311 for a non-emergency response, he advised.

“Ice is a completely different animal. Ice is going to make how we move around the city completely different than a snow emergency,” said Schierbaum.

Dickens asked residents to avoid driving on roads and consider canceling in-person church services on Sunday.

He said the city will operate warming centers through the course of the weather event.

“My concern is for citizens to be out and about when they don’t have to be,” Schierbaum said.

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta content groups finds 'Dirty Luxury' in giving a voice to the voiceless

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2026

Press Room

Atlanta content groups finds 'Dirty Luxury' in giving a voice to the voiceless

When artists and content creators Demetrius Worthy, Kino Lewis, Jahquez McKenzie and Cedric Brown of “Dirty Luxury” head into the streets of downtown Atlanta, their mission is simple: use music to spotlight stories that are way too often overlooked.

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