Falcons’ Draft Priorities Center on Tackle and Secondary

Published on November 3, 2026, the outlook for Atlanta’s next draft comes after a missed chance to move alone atop the NFC South. The Falcons remain 3-5, behind Tampa Bay at 3-5 and Carolina at 3-4; both have head-to-head tiebreakers over Atlanta. The team is currently positioned to select 13th next spring.

Offensive tackle stands out as the most pressing early-round need. Jake Matthews, 34, has shown signs of age, while right tackle Jawaan Taylor is due to become a free agent after this season. Cornerback and nickel depth are also concerns, with injuries limiting Avieon Terrell and Billy Bowman Jr. Wide receiver is another potential target: Drake London leads the group, while the team’s other options leave a need for added size, speed and depth.

Two mock drafts point toward offensive tackles. One projects Kentucky’s Lance Heard to Atlanta as a potential successor to Matthews; another has Texas’ Trevor Goosby, whose season ended after surgery for a torn patellar tendon. Goosby had been viewed as a top-10 prospect earlier in the season.

Quarterback remains a major variable. Michael Penix Jr. is still being evaluated as a possible long-term starter after throwing four interceptions in Sunday’s game. If Atlanta chooses at No. 13, the team will have to weigh whether a quarterback available there is worth selecting, or whether to address another need. The best-case scenario described for the Falcons is improved play from Penix and a later draft position.