The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23 to April 25. The event will begin on Thursday, April 23, at 8 PM ET. For weeks and months, numerous analysts and experts have been pairing college football players with NFL teams. To refresh on some of the predictions, here are a few examples.
Quarterbacks Linked to the Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have been associated with three quarterbacks: QB Athan Kaliakmanis from the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, QB Haynes King from the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and QB Jack Strand from the Minnesota State-Moorhead Dragons.
Players Linked to the Carolina Panthers
As for the Panthers, they are linked to Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman and tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
Expert Picks for the Falcons
USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly selected San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson for the Falcons. The predictor notes that Atlanta does not have a first-round pick, but if they see Johnson available in Round 2, they may jump at the opportunity to acquire him. He is a scheme-versatile cornerback who can be paired with A.J. Terrell. His athleticism is ideal for defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's zone coverages.
Expert Picks for the Panthers
WXII 12 News selected Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. for the Panthers. Carolina general manager Dan Morgan has chosen a receiver in the first round for the past two years: Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette. Legette did not turn out to be the kind of wide receiver the team had hoped for. As for 2024 undrafted Jalen Coker, he emerged as a reliable receiver for Bryce Young, but the team will not fully commit to him. Enter Omar Cooper Jr. He recorded 1,000 yards with 13 touchdowns and even won a national championship. He has proven himself and has sure hands. He has true star potential and would be a great addition to Carolina.
Expert Picks for the Lions
NFL insider Tim Twentyman projects Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling for the Lions. Freeling has a relative athletic score of 9.99 out of 10.0; he ranks No. 2 out of 1,519 offensive tackles dating back to 1987. Detroit loves athletic traits. Alongside Penei Sewell, the Lions would have two of the most athletic bookend tackles in the league, and they could be very dangerous on the edges in the run game.
Expert Picks for the Packers
Packers Wire's Brennen Rupp chose Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Lee Hunter for Green Bay. The 6-foot-3, 318-pounder has the natural girth to block running lanes, and he clocked 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 26 pressures, and 25 stops last season. Hunter visited the Packers, so there could be something brewing between them.
Other Players Rooted for the Atlanta Falcons
- Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (Falcons Wire)
- South Carolina Gamecocks cornerback Brandon Cisse (FanSided)
Other Players Picked for the Carolina Panthers
- Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (FOX Sports)
- Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Kevin "KC" Concepcion (The Athletic)
Other Players Lined Up for the Detroit Lions
- Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Jermod McCoy (CBS Sports)
- Penn State Nittany Lions guard Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane (The Athletic)
Other Players Selected for the Green Bay Packers
- Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (SB Nation)
- Illinois Fighting Illini outside linebacker Gabe Jacas (Packers Wire)
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