It was a quiet Day 1 of the NFL draft for your Atlanta Falcons. In case you’ve been in a coma, the Falcons did not have a first-round pick this year after trading it away to acquire James Pearce Jr. in the 2025 draft.
Ian Cunningham is now preparing to make his first pick–after team President Matt Ryan approves–and there are still talented players to be had. Atlanta could bolster the defense with a new interior defensive lineman, linebacker, or corner. They also need to inject more talent into their
receiving room and consider the future of their offensive line.
Here are the best available Day 2 prospects that could fill those requirements:
IDL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
A true force in the middle of the defense and an imposing figure, Hunter kept his linebackers clean all year and never let the offense get away with leaving him one-on-one. The Falcons still need interior help on the line, and Hunter could be a big boost for the run defense, while being able to push the pocket.
CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Younger brother of Falcons All-Pro A.J. Terrell, Avieon is poised to carve out his own respectable career, and what’s better than doing it with family? Despite some recent medical concerns, Terrell is arguably the best inside-out corner in this draft. His lineup versatility would solve multiple issues for the Falcons.
WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State
Hurst is a legit deep threat and prototypical X-receiver. He’s not a one-trick pony either; he has a knack for YAC, runs crisp routes, and can win vs man or zone. The deceleration and suddenness in his route running are uncommon for a receiver of his size. He’d be an ideal addition to the Falcons revamped receiving room.
C, Connor Lew Auburn
Lew is the most technically sound center in the draft. He has allowed only three sacks and 13 pressures over the last two seasons. He’s 6’3 302, which should be just big enough for Bill Callahan. Lew would push for the job immediately, but if he loses out in camp, the Falcons still have their succession plan in place for when Ryan Nuezil’s deal is up the following season.
EDGE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
While the Falcons may have gotten more clarity around Pearce, adding to the room wouldn’t be unwise. Atlanta has multiple pass rushers on one-year deals, and Thomas may prove to be too good a talent to pass up. He’s a pure pass rusher with an insane get-off.
LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri
A violent downhill player. Trotter is one of the best run game processors and will shore up the defense at the second level. He’s an effective blitzer and fits Ulbrich’s attacking defense like a glove.
CB Devin Moore, Florida
Moore has the prototypical build teams look for in boundary corners. He’s fluid, effortlessly changes direction for a player his size, and excels in zone. The only worry with Moore is health, but he’s worth the risk after round 2.
IDL, Darrell Jackson Jr, Florida State
Jackson is another physical freak, checking in at 6’5 330 with 35″ arms, but more importantly, Jackson knows how to use this size and excels at playing the A-gap. Jackson could slide into the rotation immediately with an early down role.
Other Notable Day 2 Prospects:
WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
WR Skyler Bell, UCONN
LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
C Jake Slaughter, Florida
