The Atlanta Falcons are in dire straits heading into the first week of the 2026 NFL season, as both projected starters at the quarterback position are out for the first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But that’s not why we’re here. Draft season is year-round nowadays, and the Falcons need multiple players throughout the roster if they’re going to build a sturdy foundation to start competing for the division/conference sooner rather than later. Atlanta has done a great job not overextending
in the short term, owning the most cap space in 2027, despite extending Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Matthew Bergeron this offseason. However, even with the potential depth that money can bring, general manager Ian Cunningham and President Matt Ryan have to hit on the draft. So, we’re going to get a jump on next year’s draft by pinpointing seven picks in this way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 6: Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
https://x.com/NFLPerformances/status/2098258722707407212
I’m buying into the hype early. The former Duke transfer has come out of the gate firing, albeit against Stanford and Florida A&M. Mensah’s 91.1% completion percentage is the second-best start to a college football season for any quarterback with 40+ attempts in the first two games, while his 271.7 Passer Efficiency Rating is the best. 41-of-45 for 653 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Miami is looking to run through the ACC with ease, and hopefully, that means we see plenty of NFL-caliber throws from Mensah that will make him the next transfer quarterback who impresses scouts this season.
Round 2, Pick 38: Samson Okunlola, OT, Miami
To build the future, you have to fortify the foundation, and that means Atlanta has to acquire a left tackle, so Jake Matthews can be the family man he deserves to be. Samson Okunlola’s movement skills, especially his absurdly quick feet, are just one of his impressive traits that scouts will bet on if he comes out after this season. Okunlola’s 6’6”, 330-pound frame gives him such impressive size and he has experience playing inside as well.
Round 3, Pick 70: Tavion Gadson, DT, Kentucky
With Brandon Dorlus heading to the edge, the Falcons lose the interior pressure that Dorlus and, to a lesser extent, Ruke Orhorhoro brought on opposing quarterbacks. Tavion Gadson immediately brings that pass-rush juice back to the Falcons’ line along with a knack for using his athleticism and size (6’4”, 302 pounds) to stuff up the A-gaps.
Round 4, Pick 105: Niki Prongos, OT, Stanford
I couldn’t help myself, and if Cunningham and Stefanski were met with the same choice, I don’t think they would help themselves either. Niki Prongos hadn’t started playing football until his senior year of high school, choosing to play baseball and basketball instead. Even in high school, he played tight end and defensive tackle alongside his duties at tackle. Prongos is such a fun athlete and would be a stellar pickup for Bill Callahan.
Round 5, Pick 179: Bruce Mitchell, C, BYU
#63 in white and blue has a case to be the best center in college football, and it would not surprise me if he finds a way into day two when it’s all said and done. Mitchell has a stout anchor in pass protection alongside some strong hands in the run game. With this move, the Falcons would solve all three of their “problems” along the offensive line in one draft.
Round 6, Pick 216: Fluff Bothwell, RB, Mississippi State
Brian Robinson Jr. feels like a rental for this season, but the future of backing up Bijan Robinson can look like a running back like Fluff Bothwell. Don’t let the name fool you; there is absolutely nothing soft about his game. Bothwell is 5’10”, 230 pounds and, for a man of that size, he has impressive agility.
Round 7, Pick 220: Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State
KJ Duff is one of those players in the 2027 draft you wish had transferred to another team so he could get more eyes on his performance with a quarterback who can get him the ball. The same goes for Florida State receiver Duce Robinson. Robinson is 6’6”, 230 pounds and has an incredibly large catch radius, while allowing Drake London to work more in the slot and Kyle Pitts over the middle of the field.
