The Atlanta Falcons are loading up on defense after the 2026 NFL Draft. The team announced the signing of Cornerback Darren Hall.
Atlanta drafted Hall with the No. 108 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. This will be Hall’s second stint with the Atlanta Falcons.
“Hall made his professional debut in Week 3 of that season. He appeared in 14 games as a rookie, finishing the season with one sack, 27 tackles and three passes defended.” An Atlanta Falcons article says. “In his second season, Hall made nine starts and appeared in all 17 games. He totaled 45 tackles, had three passes defended, forced one fumble and had a fumble recovery.”
Darren Hall was Waived in 2023
The Atlanta Falcons waived Hall in August 2023. He spent the last few years with the Indianapolis Colts and the Arizona Cardinals.
Hall attended San Diego State University where he tied the FBS lead for pass breakups with 16 in 2019.
“He appeared in 34 games (22 starts) over his three seasons (2018-20) with San Diego State, recording 134 tackles (101 solo), 31 passes defensed, eight tackles for loss, six interceptions, three forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. He was a first-team All-Mountain West selection following the 2020 season.” Garrett Chapman wrote in a Sports Illustrated article.
The Atlanta Falcons’ Defensive Draft Picks
The NFL Draft occurred last month in April, and the team loaded up on defensive draft picks. The Falcons first pick in the draft was cornerback Avieon Terrell out of Clemson in the second round. Avieon will join his brother A.J. Terrell in competing for the Atlanta Falcons.
“The Falcons might now have one of the best secondary groups in the NFL by adding the brother of top cornerback AJ Terrell. Avieon Terrell is a ballhawk with speed and a nose for turnovers.” Marc Raimondi wrote in an ESPN article.
“AJ Terrell has been a mentor to his younger brother Avieon and now the two will be teammates for the first time. Avieon has followed in AJ’s footsteps every step of the way. They played at the same high school — Westlake in Atlanta — and both played at Clemson.”
Bringing Darren Hall back along with the Terrell Brothers could make the Atlanta Falcons one of the best secondaries in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons also drafted Defensive Tackle Anterio Thompson out of the University of Washington.
“Thompson is nearly 6-foot-2 and 306 pounds and ran a 4.75-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He’s the kind of prospect with huge upside to take a flier on at this stage late in the draft. A defensive tackle, who can play 1- or 3-technique, he also happens to represent a player at position of need for the Falcons.” Raimondi wrote.
The Atlanta Falcons taking these draft picks to address their defense is just what they needed. With a loaded offense, Atlanta is primed to compete in the NFC South division and potentially the NFC as a whole. If the Atlanta Falcons can get the quarterback position figured out by Week 1 of the 2026 season, look out.
Atlanta Falcons fans should have something to cheer for this upcoming season.
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