Ian Cunningham, who recently became the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, emphasized his focus on acquiring more draft picks for the team during his appearance at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Cunningham said during his introductory press conference, “I love [draft] picks, man,” and he reiterated this approach while meeting with the media.
The Falcons currently hold five selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Cunningham’s experience suggests that number could change. In 2022, during his first draft with the Chicago Bears, he helped increase their total from six to eleven picks through multiple trades.
Cunningham stated that his time in Chicago taught him “to use every method as humanly possible in order to manufacture picks.” He explained that discussions among teams intensify during events like the combine and confirmed that draft capital is a priority for Atlanta’s front office. The Falcons do not have a first-round pick in 2026 but Cunningham pointed out that lacking an early selection did not stop Chicago from accumulating more choices previously.
The Falcons saw improvement from their 2025 draft class, particularly on defense. Former first-rounders Bijan Robinson and Drake London have become key contributors at their positions. On Tuesday, Cunningham also announced tight end Kyle Pitts will receive the franchise tag.
Cunningham noted that with limited resources this year, building roster depth is important and achievable later in the draft: “I said with our scouting staff last week, this is going to be the last year that we ever have five picks,” he said. “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.”
Alongside new head coach Kevin Stefanski and new president Matt Ryan—both hired within two months—Cunningham has been involved in hiring staff and evaluating players as they prepare for free agency and the draft.
“There’s a chance that we may end up with just five (picks), but I hope that’s not the case,” Cunningham added.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the NFL’s NFC South division according to their official website. The team began as an expansion franchise in 1965 and plays its home games in Atlanta, Georgia [source]. The franchise has reached the Super Bowl twice—in 1998 and again in 2016 [source].
