Ian Cunningham‘s first draft at the helm of the Falcons is approaching. Atlanta’s new general manager currently has only five picks to work with, but that could soon change.
“For us, it’s one of those things where we have to go into this thinking we only have five picks. That’s worst case,” Cunningham said (via the team’s website) when reflecting on his offseason moves so far. “If we come out of [the draft] with just five picks, we come out of it with just five picks. We are already looking at different ways to potentially manufacture some more. But if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.”
The Falcons do not have their first-rounder in 2026 thanks to the trade-up move executed by Terry Fontenot to acquire James Pearce Jr. last April. That has Cunningham and Co. in line for a lengthy wait at the beginning of this year’s event. Atlanta’s top selection as things stand is No. 48. The team also has picks 79, 122, 215 and 231.
Acquiring additional capital during rounds three through five would be a logical goal for the Falcons. The 2026 class has been noted more for its depth than its star power, and swinging a deal for a Day 1 pick would be challenging. Instead, focusing on depth acquisitions to supplement a large group of free agent additions would likely be more manageable. Cunningham noted his busy approach to free agency was partially informed by Atlanta’s lack of draft capital.
With the first few waves of open market activity in the books, attention around the league has increasingly turned toward the draft. The Falcons are coming off an eighth consecutive losing season, and Cunningham’s hire was part of a major housecleaning in the organization. Matt Ryan is in the fold as the team’s president of football, while Kevin Stefanski will lead a new-look coaching staff in 2026. Those new faces will shoulder the task of returning Atlanta to the playoffs.
A key factor in that effort will of course be the impact of the team’s draft picks over time. With Cunningham looking to increase the number of selections at his disposal, a trade down the board will be something to watch for once the draft begins.
That Pearce deal hasn’t aged well. Oww.
It was a great deal until he decided to be a moron.
I’d disagree. Giving up a first round pick for a guy with character issues, prior to this season, seems like a big gamble to me.
It was never a great deal. Even at the time I would have been happier to take Ezeiruaku than Pearce. Ezeiruaku went two picks before the second rounder Atlanta traded out of.
Was a bonehead trade up only dumb GM makes.
He was a moron when they picked him.
Cunningham shouldn’t be looking for picks. Matt Ryan should be the one looking for picks because that’s who the NFL says is the person in charge and why the Bears did not get any draft pick compensation
Lmao
Bingo!
If they’re desperate for picks I’m sure Howie would be willing to send a 5th rounder for Bates
The Falcons had 11 draft picks in 2007 and went on to have a 4-12 season… so more isn’t always better.
Draft picks don’t normally pay off significantly in year 1. In 2008 they won 11 games. And they won 9, 13, 10, and 13 games from 2009 to 2012.
Most guys will have better success on a second or third team. Most guys will be absolute busts. Some guys will have amazing rookie years. There’s so much luck and probability and circumstance that goes into every draft every single damn year
Exactly. And that’s why having 11 picks is lot better than having 5. More chances to hit.
Trade back from 48 lol.
Honestly they should be looking to trade that pick for a better pick in 27. This season looks kinda toast already.
I would like to believe that they could have gotten a 6th or 7th, possibly both for Kirk Cousins before marking him as excess ballast and releasing him. They ate $22.5M this year and $12.5M next year.
I’m sure they asked around if anyone wanted to take on that bad contract.
Falcons are paying $10M of his salary anyway following the cut. If they were going to pay, they could have gotten something in return. If you make it known he’s not part of your future, you kill your own trade market.
I agree with you. QB is such a desperate situation that they could have traded him, maybe eating more money. Geno Smith got traded as an example.
No one is trading for a player they know will be released.
Trade Kyle Pitts and/Drake London.
Bengals should give up a 3rd and 5th for Pitts. He hasn’t lived up to the hype yet. But I would love to see him play with Burrow, Chase and Higgins. I can see it now, Bengals beat the Ravens 75-71 🙃
Dang that game would be insane, probably 8 sacks and two interceptions as well.
You wonder what Penix’ market value is now that he’s an old regime guy
Hard to imagine it’s rock bottom because then what’s the hope you’re selling? Tua’s corpse? like a mediocre tank job, not Browns or Jets bad.
Seems taking a 5th in 26 and conditional 3rd in 27 (example) would pretty much mean they are wasting the next few years without the ammo or bad play for a 1 overall?
I don’t think the Browns and Jets intentionally tank, there appears to be some ineptitude at work.