Atlanta Falcons significantly upgrade their defense, give Michael Penix Jr. a new weapon during latest 2026 NFL mock draft

The jury is still very much out on the Raheem Morris era with the Atlanta Falcons, and this regime has a long list of questions they are going to need to answer, and quickly. That includes whether quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is the quarterback of the future or not. It feels like this team is going to get one more chance to prove that this team is on a solid trajectory, or if change is needed. 

If that is the ideology, the Falcons would be best served to add as much talent this offseason as possible. It’ll give them a very good sample size to determine just how good this team can become, or whether they should move forward. That was the priority in this latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, adding as many difference makers even with a small amount of draft capital. 

Round 2, Pick 43: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Falcons need a true difference maker on the second level of their defense, and they got one with Allen. While some might overlook him due to his squatter frame and ordinary upside in pass coverage, you are looking at a rangier modern MIKE linebacker with worlds of potential. If he somehow makes it to this spot, sprint the card to the podium.