In Indianapolis on Tuesday, Ian Cunningham appeared at the NFL Scouting Combine for the first time as the Atlanta Falcons general manager, outlining his vision for the team’s draft approach. Cunningham emphasized the importance of increasing the Falcons’ number of NFL Draft picks to better build the roster.
Plans to Increase Draft Capital for Future Success
The Falcons currently hold only five selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, but Cunningham made it clear this limited quantity will not become standard. He revealed during a recent draft meeting with Atlanta’s scouting department that
the last time we will ever have five picks,
signaling a shift in policy to secure more opportunities in the draft.
Cunningham explained,
That’s going to be a part of our philosophy in order to have as many swings at the plate as we can,
underscoring his commitment to maximizing draft chances.
Learning from Previous Experience to Build a More Robust Roster
Reflecting on his past role as assistant general manager with the Chicago Bears, where draft capital was limited, Cunningham shared the critical lesson he gained:
use every method as humanly possible in order to manufacture picks.
This strategy is now set to guide Atlanta’s approach as they aim to strengthen their team via the draft.
He acknowledged the current risk, saying,
There’s a chance that we may end up with just five,
but quickly added,
but I hope that’s not the case.
This reinforces his goal to adjust the Falcons’ draft strategy proactively.
Implications for the Falcons’ Future Roster Development
Cunningham’s plan to revise the Falcons’ NFL Draft picks strategy highlights the organization’s focus on long-term roster building. By seeking to increase draft selections, Atlanta aims to improve their talent pipeline, affording them more flexibility in assembling a competitive team. How effectively the Falcons execute this approach will be critical as they prepare for upcoming seasons and strive for sustained success.
