Ian Cunningham, the recently appointed general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, has emphasized his focus on increasing the team’s draft picks for the 2026 NFL Draft. Speaking at his introductory press conference and again during media sessions at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Cunningham stated, “I love [draft] picks, man.”
Cunningham referenced his experience with the Chicago Bears in 2022 as a model for how quickly a team’s draft position can change. That year, the Bears entered the draft with six picks but finished with 11 after making four trades. He said that time taught him “to use every method as humanly possible in order to manufacture picks.”
Currently, Atlanta holds five selections for the upcoming draft. The team does not have a first-round pick for 2026. However, Cunningham noted that lacking a first-round selection did not stop Chicago from adding more picks in 2022.
The Falcons have seen progress from their recent drafts, particularly on defense. Former first-round choices Bijan Robinson and Drake London have become key players at their positions. On Tuesday, Cunningham also announced that tight end Kyle Pitts will receive the franchise tag.
Cunningham explained that one of his goals is to “create more depth” despite limited resources and sees opportunities to do so on Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft. He told reporters, “I said with our scouting staff last week, this is going to be the last year that we ever have five picks. Like I’ve said before, I love picks. That’s going to be a part of our philosophy, and we’re going to have as many swings at the plate that we can.”
Since joining less than two months ago along with new head coach Kevin Stefanski and new president Matt Ryan, Cunningham has overseen hiring new coaches and staff members and participated in player evaluations and scouting meetings.
He acknowledged there is still a possibility Atlanta may only have five picks but added: “There’s a chance that we may end up with just five (picks), but I hope that’s not the case.”
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the NFC South division of the NFL according to their official website. The franchise began as an expansion team in 1965 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official site. The Falcons reached the Super Bowl twice—in 1998 and again in 2016—as noted by team records.
