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Atlanta fans have not had much to cheer for in recent years, with eight consecutive losing seasons.
Sometimes this allows teams the benefit of an early round pick to turn the tide. But for the Falcons, there is no first-round pick at all. After a trade during last season's draft, the Falcons are unable to select in this year's first round.
The Falcons have seen gradual improvement, with last season being their second consecutive 8-9 campaign. This means that, while they didn't know at the time which pick number was moving, it is now revealed to be No. 13.
Here are the exact details on why the Falcons don't have a first-round pick and who they traded up for a year ago.
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026: QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs
Falcons draft picks 2026
The Falcons have five picks in the 2026 NFL Draft:
| Round | Pick |
| 2 | 48 |
| 3 | 79 |
| 4 | 122 (from PHI) |
| 6 | 215 (compensatory, from PHI) |
| 7 | 231 |
This draft is looking sparse for the Falcons, with only five picks to make across all seven rounds. The front office will have two chances to make a selection on Day 2, with plenty of high-upside options still on the board at that time.
After an up-and-down season in Atlanta, this is not the ideal draft positioning, but the Falcons are still capable of emerging with picks who can contribute.
MORE 2026 NFL MOCK DRAFTS:
- SN's complete 7-round projections
- NFL mock draft with trades
- Quarterback-only mock draft
- NFL player comparisons for Round 1 picks
- Expert mock drafts from Mel Kiper Jr. and more
Why don't the Falcons have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
During last year's draft, the Falcons traded up with the Rams to draft James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. In return, they gave up this year's first-round pick. The full trade details are:
- Atlanta Falcons received: 2025 No. 26 overall pick, 2025 No. 101 overall pick.
- Los Angeles Rams received: 2026 first-rounder (now No. 13), 2025 No. 46 pick, 2025 No. 242 pick
Because of this exchange, the Rams will take the Falcons' place on Thursday, with Atlanta left until Friday to make their first selection
MORE: What are the legal charges facing James Pearce Jr?
When is the Falcons' first draft pick?
The Falcons' first draft choice is in the second round, at No. 48 overall. Barring any last-minute trades up or down, this will be the Falcons' first opportunity to bolster their roster for next season.
With only five total picks in this year's draft, the Falcons will have a tall task in maximizing the value of each pick.
MORE NFL DRAFT NEWS:
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