REVEALED: Atlanta Falcons 2026 Draft Prediction | Who Will They Select at 48?

Locked On Falcons - Daily Podcast On The Atlanta Falcons34mApril 23, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of Locked On Falcons, hosts Aaron Freeman and Jarvis Davis dive into the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on the Atlanta Falcons' pick at 48. They debate the top defensive tackle prospects—Christian Miller, Caleb Banks, and Lee Hunter—weighing run-stopping ability, pass-rushing potential, and medical concerns. While both agree a D-tackle is likely, they diverge on preference: Jarvis leans toward Miller for his Georgia toughness and fit with the Falcons' defensive identity, while Aaron favors Banks for his ceiling despite injury concerns. The hosts also explore dark horse candidates like linebacker CJ Allen and cornerback Jermod McCoy, who could fall due to medical red flags. They express skepticism about the hype around quarterback Ty Simpson, criticizing the 'overdraft' phenomenon and advocating for building team depth before committing to a high-risk QB. The episode ends with a preview of Thursday night’s first round, where they’ll watch for team strategies, quarterback trends, and potential surprises that could influence the Falcons’ final pick. Key takeaways include: 1) The Falcons are likely to target a high-floor, run-stuffing defensive tackle at 48; 2) Medical concerns could push teams toward players like Caleb Banks despite their upside; 3) Dark horse prospects like CJ Allen and Jermod McCoy may be available if teams pass on them; 4) Avoiding 'marriage' to a high-risk quarterback like Ty Simpson is wise—build the team first; 5) Draft strategy should prioritize team-building over chasing a single star; 6) The Falcons’ front office will be under scrutiny in their first draft under new leadership; 7) Teams like the Jets and Cardinals may trade up for Simpson, but it’s a risky move; 8) The draft is a test of patience and strategy, not just hype.

Key Takeaways
1

The Falcons are likely to select a defensive tackle at pick 48, prioritizing run-stopping ability and high floor over pure pass rush upside.

2

Christian Miller is a top target due to his Georgia toughness and fit with the Falcons' defensive identity, though injury concerns remain.

3

Caleb Banks is Aaron Freeman’s preferred pick due to his ceiling and potential, despite medical red flags.

4

Dark horse candidates like CJ Allen and Jermod McCoy could be available if teams pass on them due to injury concerns.

5

The overhype around quarterback Ty Simpson is criticized as a recurring 'overdraft' trap; teams should avoid committing to high-risk QBs early.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Welcome & Club Intro

Introduction to the Locked On Falcons podcast and promotion of the Everydayer Club, offering ad-free content, Discord access, and exclusive merch.

1:40
3 min

Draft Preview & Pick 48 Focus

Hosts Aaron Freeman and Jarvis Davis set the stage for their 2026 NFL Draft analysis, focusing on the Falcons’ pick at 48 and the defensive tackle market.

5:00
5 min

Christian Miller vs. Caleb Banks

For me, if I'm choosing on who I want the Falcons pick to be at 48, it would be Caleb Banks. But Christian Miller would be right behind him.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

Lee Hunter & The Run-Stop Focus

I just don't understand how he was able to do that. When you're talking about a guy who's just super strong and just a massive human being, yeah, that's who Lee Hunter is.

Highlight
15:00
5 min

Dark Horse Candidates: Allen & McCoy

If you are knocking a guy or trying to bring him down as far as from a grading standpoint because he's not as fluid in going through those linebacker drills, but he looked like a first-round pick, for sure a first-round pick on tape. Come on, man.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
It's okay to build out your team as you figure out the whole quarterback situation. Because guess what? The better your team is that's around him, the less talented he has to be.
Aaron Freeman31:20
Viral: 91.0
It's like, why would you be married to this guy? Especially when your teams like the Cardinals and Jets who are probably not going to be very good this year.
Aaron Freeman29:07
Viral: 90.0
I'm going to let you fail. I'm going to watch. I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to have my popcorn sitting back waiting.
Jarvis Davis25:14
Viral: 89.0
Speakers

Hosts

Aaron FreemanRoss Jackson

Guest

Jarvis Davis
Topics Discussed
2026 NFL Draft95%Defensive Tackle Selection90%Quarterback Hype & Overdrafts88%Dark Horse Draft Candidates85%Team Building Strategy82%Medical Concerns in Draft78%Draft Night Storylines75%Front Office Evaluation70%
People & Brands

Atlanta Falcons

other

25xPositive

Jarvis Davis

person

20xPositive

Aaron Freeman

person

15xNeutral

Ty Simpson

person

12xNegative

Christian Miller

person

8xPositive

Caleb Banks

person

7xPositive

Lee Hunter

person

6xPositive

CJ Allen

person

5xPositive

New York Jets

other

5xNeutral

Fernando Mendoza

person

4xPositive

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