Let’s talk about the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft for the Atlanta Falcons, because clearly there just isn’t enough insight, analysis and speculation out there available to the average Falcons’ fan.
The Falcons should have a potentially exciting situation with a new head coach in Kevin Stefanski and new general manager with Ian Cunningham. My guess is they won’t be status quo, because that has landed the Falcons absolutely nowhere in recent years. The Falcons were 10-6 the year following their embarrassing Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots and they haven’t had a winning season since.
Think about that; that’s horrible.
Well, following the disastrous (those legal charges don’t sound like fun) trade last year to get James Pearce, Jr., the Falcons don’t have a first-round pick (the would have picked 13th). Former head coach Mike Smith sat down with Betway Insider recently and said that the lack of picks will really hinder them in this draft.
“Things can change, but right now, the Atlanta Falcons only have five picks, and they don’t have a first-rounder,” Smith said. “They don’t have a lot of capital. That’s an issue. It’s not down to them, as it was the previous administration that put them in this situation. And it’s a tough situation.”
Mike Smith compares Ian Cunningham to Ozzie Newsome
Ozzie Newsome is known as one of the best general managers in the history of the NFL, and Smith says Cunningham’s time with Newsome could be a big asset to the Falcons.
“Cunningham knows how to do it as well,” Smith said. “He has worked with some great people. He worked with Ozzie Newsome at the Baltimore Ravens, who I think is one of the best general managers the NFL has ever seen. I will put Ozzie’s track record up against anybody.
“When I worked with Ozzie, we were never just focused on positions when we were looking at the draft. We were taking the best player available approach. I’m sure that’s something Ian has taken from Ozzie and his time in Baltimore. So, expect the Falcons to implement that strategy going forward.
“I’m excited to see where Ryan, Cunningham, and new head coach Kevin Stefanski can lead this team.”
Mike Smith says despite limited flexibility, the NFL Draft should be exciting for new Matt Ryan regime
In January 2026, the Falcons hired former quarterback Matt Ryan to be their president. Between him, the new coach and new general manager, this draft could end up being exciting, according to Smith.
“Despite the tough situation, I’m fired up about the new administration led by Matt Ryan,” Smith continued. “I’m excited to see how new general manager Ian Cunningham will play this draft. Word around the league is that he’s one of the most data-driven personnel men in all of football. So, he’ll use the data to make decisions, and he won’t go off gut feelings.
“There’s so much data out there that if you use it correctly, then you’re probably going to get it right more often than not. They need to be spot on this year because of their situation. They are going to need to hit on all of their picks. They can’t miss. If they miss on one pick, that’s 20% of their total picks.
“Because Ian is so data-driven and value-oriented in his approach, he might prioritize accumulating more draft picks in the future. There could be some trades and surprises. Even with the limitations they’re working with, they’re going to do everything in their power to solidify Atlanta’s foundation moving forward.”
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