As the Atlanta Falcons roster takes shape, visions for both player roles and performances are coming into focus. That certainly applies to young names and new faces looking to establish themselves in Flowery Branch.
Who fits the bill for the 2026 team? Below are some worthy options ready to take that leap.
OG, Matthew Bergeron
The Falcons exchanged picks 44 and 110 in the 2023 draft to move up to 38 and select the offensive lineman from Syracuse. While he has been steady, he hasn’t quite lived up to that price, but that could
all change with a new offensive line coach and scheme in 2026.
The Falcons have been waiting for Bergeron to take that next step, and a scheme that implements more gap and duo concepts could help the player reach new heights. More power football leans into Bergeron’s strengths as a player, allowing him to put his mass to good use. Bill Callahan is known for getting the best out of his players, and a new voice in the film room often brings a fresh perspective. There could be a major reshuffling to the line after the 2026 season, and the hope is that Bergeron will prove that he’s too valuable to let go.
OLB Jalon Walker
Walker’s solid debut season got overshadowed by his fellow rookie James Pearce Jr.’s sack numbers, but you could argue that Walker was the more well-rounded player between the two. He was a force in the run game, routinely punishing pullers that dared to cross his path. While the pass rush numbers weren’t gaudy, we saw steady growth and improvement as the season progressed.
Walker was billed as a project who would need to learn how to play on the edge full-time, and he showed he’s got the goods. With Pearce likely to miss some time and a reshuffled EDGE room, Walker is set up nicely to lead the group in 2026 in most meaningful statistics. We know Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich wants to tap into his versatility more this year, and all signs point to Walker being the X-factor he was drafted to be.
WR Jahan Dotson
Dotson has been pegged as a prime breakout candidate for years. Unfortunately, he’s often been lost in the shuffle of his former offenses, but he’s gonna be toward the top of the deck here in Atlanta. The Falcons prioritized reworking their receiving room this offseason, and Dotson got the Matty Ice stamp of approval.
The tools have always been there. Dotson has the speed to be a legit deep threat and has a diverse route tree to pair with it. He’ll have a defined role as Drake London’s running mate and be given ample opportunity to prove his doubters wrong. Without the pressure of being the guy in an offense loaded with guys, the former first-round pick is primed for a season reminiscent of 2024 Darnell Mooney.
DL Zach Harrison
Last year looked like it was going to be the breakout year for Harrison. When healthy, he was the best player on the defensive line, but unfortunately, his season was cut short. When he went down, he was tied for the team lead in sacks (4.5) and was the most consistent run defender between the tackles.
Harrison’s versatility has me bullish on his 2026 season. The young lineman was featured in eight different alignments, with over 24 snaps in at least six of them. Ulbrich did a fantastic job of utilizing the player’s vast skill set, and if he can stay healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised if fans unanimously viewed the former Buckeye as one of the best defenders on the roster.
LB Christian Harris
Last year’s breakout free-agent signing was linebacker Divine Deablo, and Harris could certainly be that guy in 2026. No position group got a bigger overhaul this offseason than the linebacker room, and for good reason. Kaden Elliss is gone, and the players who were behind him and Deablo in 2025 disappointed. Insert Harris.
The former linebacker has missed time throughout his career due to lingering soft-tissue injuries, which contributed to him losing his starting spot on the vaunted Texans defense. When healthy, you can see the movement abilities in coverage and reaction time in the run game that make him an appealing player for Jeff Ulbrich. Perhaps with a robust yoga routine and the best doctors Emory has to offer, those soft tissue injuries can be curbed, and Ulbrich can once again unlock the best version of a linebacker waiting for the right environment and opportunity.
What other players do you believe are primed for a breakout in 2026?
