Perfect Picks 2026: Atlanta Falcons
By Jack Brentnall
The 2026 Atlanta Falcons enter the Matt Ryan/Kevin Stefanski/Ian Cunningham era after dismissing Raheem Morris & Terry Fontenot and missing the NFL playoffs yet again. Intending to bring in a cheap, veteran QB while easing QB Michael Penix Jr. back from a knee injury, Ryan/Stefanski/Cunningham have their work cut out with the rest of the young, talented roster as well.
This Perfect Picks article explores what an ideal draft could look like if the board breaks the right way. Rather than predicting draft weekend outcomes, the focus is on fit, value, and long-term roster construction, identifying prospects who align with the team’s needs at each stage of the draft.
The selections below account for scheme, roster holes, and realistic draft ranges, moving from early-round building blocks to mid-round value and late-round upside.
Round 2 - Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
Chris Johnson turned heads at the NFL Combine, posting a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at 6 foot and 193 lbs. Beyond the speed, the small-school prospect flashed elite explosiveness with a 38-inch vertical and a 10’6″ broad jump on his way to a 97th percentile Relative Athletic Score at the position. He would be a high-upside addition to the Falcons’ secondary, providing a strong pairing for A.J. Terrell.
While WR, NT, and OT are on the radar, the board suggests waiting on those needs. Johnson is the pick here; his off-zone body control and agility are high-end, and his 4.8% missed tackle rate highlights a level of reliability that’s hard to find.
Round 3 - Domonique Orange (IDL, Iowa State)
To solidify the interior defense, the Falcons should target a pure Nose Tackle to maximize the talent of their hybrid DL group, especially Ruke Orhorhoro (current interior in the 3-4 base, better suited elsewhere at 294 pounds).
Iowa State’s Domonique Orange (6-4, 325) fits the mold perfectly, offering raw power (450 bench/650 squat) and a 73% career snap percentage at nose tackle—significantly higher than counterparts Kayden McDonald (60%) and Tim Keenan III (42%). With 945 A-Gap snaps over his final three seasons (411 elsewhere), Orange represents the immediate, specialized run-stuffer the front needs.
Mid Round Gem - De'Zhaun Stribling (WR, Ole Miss)
With Darnell Mooney not matching his 2024 season post-collarbone injury and entering the final year of his deal, and Drake London approaching a pricey extension, the Falcons’ wide receiver room is in dire need of young talent and depth.
With a 6-foot-2, 207-pound frame, 4.37 speed, and 56 starts, Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling projects as an immediate contributor due to his physical blocking ability and great hands (elite 4% drop rate). Adding him to a team with Drake London, arguably the best blocking receiver in football, would provide Bijan Robinson with a dominant, high-end perimeter blocking duo.
Late Round Sleeper - Roman Hemby (RB, Indiana)
Falcons fan-favorite running back Tyler Allgeier is poised for a well-deserved payday as a featured back in NFL Free Agency. With a 1,000-yard rookie rushing season, zero career fumbles, and elite red-zone efficiency, he leaves Atlanta beloved.
Indiana RB Roman Hemby (6-0, 207), like Bears RB Kyle Monangai last year, can be the Day Three RB steal of the 2026 NFL Draft. With elite outside zone vision and sudden stop-start agility, Hemby projects as the ideal backup for Bijan Robinson in Atlanta. His experience—spanning 50+ starts and a 5.0 career YPC—is bolstered by a sophisticated route tree that offers the Falcons a versatile secondary receiving threat.
Draft in full
48 (R2) – Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
79 (R3) – Domonique Orange, NT, Iowa State
114 (R4) – De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
196 (R6) – Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana
231 (R7) – Jack Kelly, LB, BYU
Clint Goss
Guest Contributor
Clint Goss is an NFL writer and Draft Analyst at Stadium Rant & DraftProfessors. With past experience covering at The Sporting News, Falcons on SI, & 99.1 WDJY, find Clint at Mercedes-Benz Stadium every Sunday covering the Atlanta Falcons. You can follow Clint actively on Twitter/X @NFLDraftDome