The Atlanta Falcons have several areas to address in the 2026 NFL offseason, but they don’t have much salary cap space or draft capital. With a lack of resources, general manager Ian Cunningham had to get creative to upgrade the roster.
Additionally, the Falcons need to maximize their current draft picks starting in the second round. Because of the needs at edge rusher, defensive tackle, wide receiver and other positions, teams can simply take the best overall player in the second round.
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ESPN’s new two-round NFL mock draft has the Falcons addressing their defensive line issues with the No. 48 pick in Ohio State nose tackle Kayden McDonald.
“The Falcons clearly need tackles,” ESPN’s Jordan Reed wrote . “McDonough has been great inside, leading the nation in run-block win rate last season (7.8 percent) while also possessing a pass-rushing punch.”
Selecting McDonald at No. 48 would be a valuable pick in Cunningham’s first draft as Atlanta’s new general manager. The Buckeyes defensive tackle is 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds. Pro Football Focus ranks McDonald as the No. 24 overall pick in the 2026 draft class.
Last season, he had 31 solo tackles, 3 sacks, and a run grade of 91.2. McDonald still needs to improve as a pass rusher, but he’s already a running back who can be immediately ready for the NFL.
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The Falcons could lose starting defensive tackle David Onyemata in free agency, and while Brandon Dorus and Rook Ohohoro had strong seasons last season, the team still needs to add depth inside.
The 2026 NFL Draft will begin on April 23 and end on April 25. The Falcons had to wait until the next day to make their No. 1 pick.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Falcons select Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald
