The Atlanta Falcons are prepping for free agency, but some are questioning who they should draft in 2026.
There’s no denying that the Atlanta Falcons need a number two wide receiver to go along with Drake London. According to Sports Illustrated, there are 5 wide receivers Atlanta should consider drafting this year.
“Last season, the Atlanta Falcons ranked among the league’s bottom half in receiving yards and touchdowns. Outside of rising star Drake London, the team’s receiver room lacks consistency and a true complementary threat.” Tyler Carmona wrote in a Sports Illustrated article.
“In an NFL Draft loaded with intriguing wide receiver prospects, Atlanta could take advantage of the abundance of talent and inject some new life into their offense.”
Falcons Likely Drafting in 2nd or 3rd Round
In 2026, the Falcons will not have a first-round draft pick. As a result, the team has to consider carefully drafting the right assets for the organization. Nonetheless, wide receiver will remain a priority in the draft.
The first wide receiver named on the list is Omar Cooper Jr. out of the University of Indiana.
“While lining up in the slot for 83.3% of his snaps last year, the Second Team All-American became former Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza’s primary target throughout Indiana’s National Championship run.” Carmona wrote. “The 6-foot, 196-pound receiver caught 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. In the Hoosiers’ title win over Miami, he finished with five receptions for 71 yards.”
The second wide receiver listed is a familiar name in Zachariah Branch out of the University of Georgia.
“Last season, Branch broke Georgia’s single-season reception record while leading the SEC with 81 catches, 811 yards and six touchdowns.” Carmona wrote.
A name that could go unnoticed in the 3rd round is WR Ted Hurst out of Georgia State. Hurst caught 71 passes for 1,004 yards (12th-most in FBS) and six touchdowns.
“His route running won’t wow you, but Hurst gets from Point A to Point B by using his size and speed to press vertically and keep defenders on their heels before snapping into a sudden break.” Carmona wrote.
More Receivers Atlanta Could Target
The Atlanta Falcons could very well draft someone that’s already playing football in the state of Georgia. Targeting Eric Rivers out of Georgia Tech could be an explosive option for Atlanta.
“Rivers served as Georgia Tech’s leading receiver last year, catching 46 passes for 658 yards and two touchdowns, but the senior speedster’s most impressive work came during his first two collegiate seasons at Florida International University.” Carmona wrote. “In 2024, the 5-foot-11, 176-pound receiver caught 62 passes for 1,172 yards, the 11th-most in the FBS, and 12 touchdowns, the fifth-most in the country.
The last name listed is Trebor Pena out of Penn State. His numbers dropped in 2025, but the potential of being a good WR2 for Atlanta is still on the table.
“After leading the ACC with 84 catches and finishing among the FBS’ top 20 in both receptions and receiving touchdowns (nine), Pena entered the spring transfer portal window widely regarded as the nation’s top available receiver.” Carmona wrote. “Last season, the 5-foot-10, 186-pound receiver caught 49 passes for 552 yards and two touchdowns. His top performance came against Clemson, earning Pinstripe Bowl MVP honors after finishing with five receptions for 100 yards and a 73-yard score.”
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