The Atlanta Falcons are currently 3-7 and 3rd in the NFC South ahead of their Week 12 game against division rival, the New Orleans Saints. Some say that their season is over and they need to look forward to the team’s future. With that being said, the NFL Draft is where teams can improve and address the issues that need to be fixed. In this story, the Falcons’ 2026 NFL Draft will be broken down using the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator.
Round 2, Pick 42: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Julian Neal is a stout cornerback, listed at 6’2″, 208 pounds. Neal is athletic, and his explosiveness assists him on the field as he can make plays on the ball but also excels in press coverage. Atlanta plays a good bit of zone coverage, so he’d be able to adapt to their defensive play style.
He’s not the fastest, but his athleticism and playmaking ability outshine his slower speed. The Falcons need depth at cornerback as their secondary has dealt with a lot of injuries and struggled throughout the season in coverage.
Round 3, Pick 73: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
The Falcons select Oscar Delp in the 3rd round from UGA. Georgia is known for having great tight ends that succeed in the NFL, such as Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, as he was named an AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Finalist for his historic rookie season in 2024.
Delp, listed at 6’5″, 245 pounds, does well in the run game as a blocker but can also catch the ball downfield. Delp thrives against zone coverage and knows where to be so the quarterback can find him. With enough time, the Falcons can make him a tight end who excels in all phases of the game.
Rumors have circulated about the possibility of Atlanta trading Kyle Pitts Sr., so that may open the door for Delp to contribute right away. But if the Falcons keep Pitts Sr., they can run more two tight end sets and even use Pitts Sr. at receiver more.
Round 4, Pick 108: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Zachariah Branch started out his college career at USC in 2023 and 2024, catching a total of 78 passes for 823 yards and three touchdowns before transferring to UGA in 2025. Branch is a versatile receiver who can catch, run, and return kicks and punts.
Branch is a quick-twitch receiver whose feet help him get off his press and get open downfield. Atlanta can use Branch’s ambidexterity and pair him with Drake London as a one-two punch. The Falcons need playmakers, and Branch is one of them.
Round 6, Pick 187: Eli Stowers, TE Vanderbilt
The Falcons already have a tight end in Kyle Pitts Sr., but they could open the offensive playbook with more tight end depth, and Stowers could bring that. Stowers is tough to guard for linebackers and can outmatch a safety. He’s played wide receiver and tight end, so offensive coordinator Zac Robinson can scheme up plays to get him the ball. Stowers has a high catch radius and just needs an opportunity to make a play on the ball.
While he’s fast, blocking and injuries are a concern as he isn’t the strongest, which can be a deterrent in the run game, and he tore his labrum while at Texas A&M, which prompted him to change from quarterback to tight end. If Stowers can stay healthy and gain strength, he should be fine in the NFL.
Round 7 Pick 222, Bryce Foster, Center, Kansas
Kansas center Bryce Foster, listed at 6′, 325 pounds, is a force to be reckoned with. Foster started his college football career at Texas A&M and immediately made an impact, starting all 12 games his freshman and junior year as he was out most of 2022 with an injury. Foster is an athletic lineman who can fare well in the NFL. Foster uses his strength and athleticism to his advantage, which can give him the upper hand vs. opposing defensive linemen.
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His arms are fairly short, but there have been linemen in the NFL with “short arms” who’ve done well, such as New England Patriots Offensive Tackle Will Campbell. Defenders tend to knock Foster off his base if they get hands first, but if he improves in his technique, he’ll play for quite some time.
The Falcons have had a lot of injuries to their offensive line this season, so Foster can add depth to the group and potentially be a starter next year. With his style of play, the Falcons could have him at guard as well if necessary.
