The Atlanta Falcons have done some crazy stuff during my fandom, but coming back from how the first two weeks looked and lighting a spark underneath the fanbase like they did on Thursday may be some of the craziest.
The Falcons’ blowout win against the Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL world, as Bijan Robinson and Drake London combined for 407 yards of total offense in a commanding 35-14 win. However, among the impressive performances, three positional needs stood out for the loaded 2027 NFL Draft.
Offensive Tackle
Despite the objectively awesome job the Falcons offensive line did blocking for Robinson in the run game and Michael Penix Jr. in the passing game, moments arose where Jake Matthews showed his age. Lukas Van Ness, who is having an incredible start to 2026, for what it’s worth, had a few quick wins on Matthews and pressured Penix early on in the game.
Potential Answer: OT Jordan Seaton, LSU
Jordan Seaton had a rough go against the Ole Miss Rebels and defensive lineman Will Echoles. However, his movement skills, along with his strength and agility at his size, should still make him the most sought-after offensive tackle in this year’s draft.
Safety
Like Matthews, Jessie Bates has given the Falcons fanbase some great moments over the years, but last night was another game with great individual moments but some maddening inconsistencies in the secondary. Bates is set to be a free agent in 2027 and is entering his age-30 season, the usual warning signs for a cliff when talking about defensive backs. It may be time to start looking to get younger at the position.
Potential Answer: S Marcus Neal, Jr., Penn State
Marcus Neal Jr. transferred to Penn State from Iowa State for his first year of NFL Draft eligibility, and he has not disappointed. Through three games, Neal has already forced two fumbles and recovered one of them. Neal’s primary attribute is his ability to lay the wood in the run game, but he also has the coverage ability to hold his own against tight ends and receivers.
Cornerback
The Mike Hughes experience has run its course. It’s time to find a true outside corner to have on the other side of A.J. Terrell. According to Next Gen Stats, Mike Hughes has allowed 200 yards as the nearest defender, the third-most yards in the league, and the most of any outside cornerback.
Potential Answer: CB DJ McKinney, Notre Dame
In 2024, DJ McKinney was top-20 in targets on the other side of Travis Hunter, seeing 71 targets in his redshirt sophomore season at Colorado. After not playing much in 2025, McKinney transferred to Notre Dame to, again, be on the other side of the best prospect in his class, and he’s already shown he can play well enough to help the Fighting Irish to a title in 2026.
