Falcons post-draft depth chart: Projecting rookie roles in 2026

The Atlanta Falcons attempted to do a lot with a little in the 2026 NFL Draft, even trading down in the fourth round to acquire an additional sixth-round pick. Falcons GM Ian Cunningham's best player available philosophy helped the team land cornerback Avieon Terrell in Round 2 followed by wide receiver Zachariah Branch in the third.

Terrell and Branch have long-term starter potential, regardless of whether or not they crack the starting lineup this season. Some of these decisions will likely come down to roster depth. Terrell has the ability to be a Day 1 contributor, but the Falcons have no reason to rush him into the starting lineup with Mike Hughes on the roster.

Branch, on the other hand, will likely battle Olamide Zacccheaus to be the starting slot receiver. The rookie's overall speed and special teams return ability should help him see the field sooner rather than later.

Look for fourth-round pick Kaden Daniels have a sub-package role on defense, although his biggest impact will likely come on special teams this season. The same can be said about Atlanta's sixth-round pick, linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. Both Daniels and Perkins could provide depth at inside linebacker behind Divine Deablo and Christian Harris.

As for sixth-round pick Anterio Thompson, we expect the former Washington standout to contribute as a rotational defensive lineman this year, providing depth behind starter Brandon Dorlus. Seventh-round pick Ethan Onianwa will serve as a backup guard/tackle, having played both positions in college.

Check out our post-draft Falcons depth chart projection below (rookies in bold).

Quarterback

1. Michael Penix Jr. (9)
2. Tua Tagovailoa (1)
3. Trevor Siemian (13)

Running Back

1. Bijan Robinson (7)
2. Brian Robinson Jr. (15)
3. Tyler Goodson (25)
4. Nathan Carter (38)
5. Carlos Washington Jr. (26)

Wide Receiver

1. Drake London (5)
2. Chris Blair (19)
3. Casey Washington (82)

Wide Receiver

1. Jahan Dotson (4)
2. Deven Thompkins (83)

Wide Receiver (slot)

1. Zachariah Branch (17)
2. Olamide Zaccheaus (14)
3. Dylan Drummond (80)

Tight End

1. Kyle Pitts (8)
2. Austin Hooper (81)
3. Charlie Woerner (89)
4. Joshua Simon (47)

Left Tackle

1. Jake Matthews (70)
2. Jack Nelson (69)

Left Guard

1. Matthew Bergeron (65)
2. Kyle Hinton (68)

Center

1. Ryan Neuzil (64)
2. Corey Levin (62)

Right Guard

1. Chris Lindstrom (63)
2. Ethan Onianwa (75)
3. Andrew Stueber (74)

Right Tackle

1. Jawaan Taylor (71)
2. Storm Norton (77)
3. Michael Jerrell (72)

Defensive Line

1. Zach Harrison (96)
2. Da'Shawn Hand (90)

Defensive Tackle/NT

1. Maason Smith (92)
2. Chris Williams (93)
3. Elijah Garcia (91)

Defensive Line

1. Brandon Dorlus (54)
2. LaCale London (94)
3. Anterio Thompson (98)
4. Ben Stille (95)

EDGE/OLB

1. Jalon Walker (11)
2. Azeez Ojulari (51)
3. Cameron Thomas (99)

Linebacker

1. Divine Deablo (0)
2. Troy Andersen (44)
3. Harold Perkins Jr. (56)
4. JD Bertrand (40)
5. Channing Tindall (55)

Linebacker

1. Christian Harris (45)
2. Kendal Daniels (53)
3. Malik Verdon (43)

EDGE/OLB

1. James Pearce Jr. (27)
2. Samson Ebukam (52)
3. Bralen Trice (48)

Cornerback

1. A.J. Terrell (24)
2. Cobee Bryant (37)
3. Clark Phillips III (22)

Cornerback

1. Mike Hughes (21)
2. Avieon Terrell (12)
3. Natrone Brooks (35)
4. C.J. Henderson (39)

Nickel CB

1. Billy Bowman Jr. (33)
2. Darnay Holmes (30)
3. Mike Ford Jr. (28)
4. A.J. Woods (20)

Safety

1. Jessie Bates III (3)
2. DeMarcco Hellams (23)
3. Jammie Robinson (34)

Safety

1. Xavier Watts (31)
2. Sydney Brown (29)
3. Tysheem Johnson (41)

Special Teams

• LS: Liam McCullough (49)
• K: Nick Folk (6)
• P: Jake Bailey (16)

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons post-draft depth chart: Branch to start?