Ranking 5 Falcons newcomers by their potential impact in 2026

Tim Weaver, Falcons WireMon, Jul 13, 2026·2 min read

It's not terribly difficult to figure out the strategy of Atlanta Falcons football boss Matt Ryan. Rather than splurge on outside free agents, Ryan focused on re-signing the team's best players that were soon to hit the market. With wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts taken care of, running back Bijan Robinson should be next up.

That's not to say that Atlanta has been totally idle when it comes to adding new talent. There are several incoming players on the roster who could make a big impact. Here are five we will be watching closely in 2026.

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1. CB Avieon Terrell

With no first-round draft pick this year the Falcons' top selection didn't come until the middle of Round 2, when they took A.J. Terrell's younger brother, Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell. An undersized but feisty ball-hawk, Terrell posted three interceptions, 25 passes defensed, nine tackles for a loss and eight forced fumbles in 39 college games. As a rookie he will compete with veteran Mike Hughes for the right to start at the boundary spot opposite his older brother. We may eventually see Terrell in the slot, too.

2. OT Jawaan Taylor

The biggest loss the Falcons suffered this offseason cam when right tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement. Since then Atlanta has signed two former Kansas City Chiefs linemen who may replace him: Wanya Morris and Jawaan Taylor, who projects to be their new starter at right tackle. Last year Taylor only earned a 43.8 run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, but had a respectable 67.3 mark in pass blocking.

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3. LB Christian Harris

After Divine Deablo, it's difficult to sort out the new pecking order at this spot. For now, former Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris projects as the team's second starter along with Deablo. Harris has only started in 27 of his 46 games as a pro so far, and much may depend on how well he adjusts to a bigger role.

4. WR Jahan Dotson

The biggest free agent acquisition the Falcons made this year was adding former Commanders and Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who signed a two-year, $15 million deal. Although his production has been disappointing since his second season in the NFL, Dotson should have every chance to earn the teams WR2 role after Drake London.

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5. WR Zachariah Branch

Don't go ahead and pencil in Dotson for that role just yet, though. Atlanta's second draft pick this year came in Round 3, which they used on Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch. A burner with elite speed and elusiveness, Branch is coming off a breakout 2025 season, totaling an SEC-high 81 catches, 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Branch also has extensive experience as a kickoff and punt returner.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Ranking 5 Falcons newcomers by their potential impact in 2026