Falcons' Draft Focus: Cornerbacks for Secondary

0:00For the NFL, it's March 5th. Here's what's happening. The Atlanta Falcons have a clear number one corner back in AJ. Tarell, but filling the number two spot, remains a big challenge as they head into the 2026 NFL draft. Last season, that position turned into a revolving door with injury sidelining Mike Hughes, who fits better as a depth player. The team needs a ready-to-play option to pair with Tarell and stabilize the secondary. Through the first 10 weeks, Atlanta led the league in fewest passing yards allowed, thanks largely to stand-out safeties, Jesse Bates III, and Rookie Xavier Watts, plus a franchise record 57-sex. Still, without a reliable second corner, the defense could slip, making the draft a priority for immediate help over raw athletic projects. Fans and analysts see this as a chance to target polished prospects who can compete right away. In rounds two and three, names like D'Angelo Ponds from Indiana stand out for his boundary play, and pre-snaps March, despite his smaller 5-foot-9 frame.

1:04While Chris Johnson from San Diego State brings top technique, four interceptions and conference defensive player honors. On day three and rounds four through seven, Charles Demings from Stephen F. Austin offers length and zone coverage skills with four picks last year. And Keith Abney II from Arizona State adds ball-hawking ability, tackling pride, and versatility from his playoff experience. These fits could push the room forward quickly, giving the Falcons a tougher secondary to build on their early success and chase deeper playoff runs. Keep an eye on draft buzz as evaluations heat up. This episode is supported by our sponsor. Podcasts hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense.