Falcons' Draft Grades Mixed, Fans Praise Cunningham

0:00On April 26th, the Atlanta Falcons just wrapped their 2026 draft under new general manager Ian Cunningham, who came over from Stance with. The Ravens, Eagles, and Bears. Without a first-round pick traded last year for Rookie-Sat King James per junior, they focused on Day 2 gyms, like Cornerback Avion Terrell, and... Speedy-wide receiver-return man Zachariah Branch. Day 3 brought athletic linebackers and a defensive tackle, but opinions split there. Grades rolled in mixed from the Big Networks. NFL Network hit them with a B-minus, calling it the weakest class league-wide. ESPN went C-plus, knocking the low pick count. Sports illustrated landed on a solid B, while CBS Sports topped it at B-plus for smart value grabs. Fans and analysts buzzed about the double standards, especially since the Broncos pulled an A-minus without a first or third after trading for J-Lin, Wato. Purse's Rookie dominance got overlooked in some takes, even as his future stays up in the air post-legal stuff.

1:01Falcons fans mostly love how Cunningham filled Corner, receiver, and depth needs patiently. Deeper looks show praise for Terrell's coverage skills and branch stretching the field at 4.35 speed. Day 3 athletes, like 6-foot-5 linebacker Kendall Daniels, could boost special teams and run defense right away, alongside Harold Perkins Jr. And others, bottom line, Cunningham stayed cool, traded back smartly and built a foundation without forcing in. These rookies got real upside, and Falcons faithful are already handing out A's, time will tell if the league catches up. NFL News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on Game Day.