FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round pick, a reality that puts immense pressure on GM Ian Cunningham to find gems in the middle rounds. After losing Tyler Allgeier to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency and finishing last season ranked 24th in rushing yards allowed, the Falcons cannot afford to miss on Day 2 or Day 3. While the team signed veterans Brian Robinson Jr. and Tyler Goodson, the roster still lacks the youthful, high-ceiling depth needed to support Tua Tagovailoa and Bijan Robinson.
Nicholas Singleton: The Power Complement
Replacing Tyler Allgeier’s production is the top priority for the Falcons’ backfield. Brian Robinson Jr. brings veteran toughness, but Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton is the true explosive “battering ram” this offense lacks. Singleton ended his Nittany Lions career with a school-record 55 total touchdowns and over 5,500 all-purpose yards. He is a massive 6-foot, 224-pound back who doesn’t just run through defenders; he outruns them.
Scouts expect Singleton to clock a sub-4.4 forty, a terrifying number for a man his size. He spent much of his college career splitting carries with Kaytron Allen, meaning his legs are fresh and his “mileage” is low compared to other bell-cow prospects. Beyond his rushing ability, Singleton is a lethal kick returner, racking up over 1,100 return yards in college. For a Falcons team looking to maximize every roster spot, Singleton’s three-down versatility makes him a potential “Allgeier 2.0” with a higher speed ceiling.
Dominique Orange: The Middle-Man Fix
Atlanta’s run defense was a sieve last season. While the front office added Da’Shawn Hand and Chris Williams, they still lack a pure, space-eating nose tackle to anchor the 3-4 looks. Iowa State’s Dominique Orange is exactly the “beef” the Falcons need. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 325 pounds, Orange was a First-Team All-Big 12 selection in 2025 and a constant resident on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” list.
Orange doesn’t put up eye-popping sack numbers, but his value lies in his ability to demand double teams. He is explosive off the snap for a man of his stature, often knifing through gaps to blow up run plays before they develop. If he slides to the late third or early fourth round, Cunningham should sprint to the podium. He is the missing piece to keep Atlanta’s linebackers clean and improve that dismal rushing defense ranking.
Ted Hurst: The Hometown Vertical Threat
The wide receiver room remains a puzzle. Drake London is the undisputed alpha, and while Jahan Dotson provides a reliable secondary option, the departure of Darnell Mooney left a void for a true vertical threat. Enter Ted Hurst. The Georgia State standout doesn’t have to travel far to reach Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and his tape suggests he belongs on the big stage.
Hurst is a physical specimen at 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds with a confirmed 4.42-second 40-yard dash. He dominated the Sun Belt with 1,965 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over the last two seasons. His ability to high-point the ball makes him a dangerous red-zone target for Tua. While he needs to sharpen his route tree to beat NFL-level press coverage, his raw athletic traits and local connection make him one of the most intriguing sleepers in the 2026 class.
“We know we have to be smarter with our picks this year. Without that Thursday night selection, our scouting department has been living in the mid-major tape. We need guys who can play special teams on Sunday and starting reps by October.”
— Anonymous Falcons Scouting Source
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
The Falcons finished 8-9 last season, narrowly missing the postseason in a top-heavy NFC South. To jump the Saints and Buccaneers in 2026, they must hit on these mid-round picks to provide cheap, productive depth. The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on April 23, and with only five picks currently in the arsenal, expect Ian Cunningham to be aggressive in moving around the board to secure these specific high-floor targets.
