ESPN lists Falcons among biggest winners from 2026 NFL Draft

The Atlanta Falcons had an explosive start to the 2026 NFL Draft under general manager Ian Cunningham, even if they had to wait until Day 2 to make their first selection. Cunningham landed Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, the little brother of A.J. Terrell, in one of the best value picks of the night.

This caught the attention of ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., who was equally impressed by the team's third-round selection of Georgia's Zachariah Branch. The speedy wide receiver fills and has a chance to make an impact right away.

Kiper listed the Falcons among his biggest winners from Day 2 of the draft in a new feature for ESPN.

Falcons listed among Day 2 winners by Mel Kiper Jr.

"Not only did they get one of my favorite players in the class, they united him with his brother. Avieon Terrell is the brother of A.J. Terrell Jr., and now these two will share a cornerback room in Atlanta," wrote Kiper. "Avieon Terrell flips his hips and runs with receivers well, and although he didn't have any interceptions in 2025, he had five forced fumbles and nine pass breakups. At 5-11 and 186 pounds, he will be a slot guy at the next level."

As for Branch, Kiper said the Bulldogs wide receiver was one of his favorite players in the class and that he thought he was a second-round talent.

"Branch is also one of my favorites, and I might have been higher on him than most, grading him as an early Round 2 pick," added Kiper. "Getting him late on Day 2 is tremendous. He's 5-9 and 177 pounds, but he's also lightning quick with 4.35 speed and explosive traits. Branch can take a quick-game pass for a big play with his elusiveness in space."

The Falcons aren't done yet. They will close out the 2026 NFL Draft today with three more picks, starting with No. 122 overall in Round 4. Atlanta has no fifth-round pick, but the team has one each in the sixth and seventh rounds (picks 215 and 231).

Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft starts at 12 p.m. ET with Rounds 4-7.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons ranked among winners on Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft